Search Results (31)

Cycling-induced vibration significantly affects riding comfort, with road surface conditions and vehicle type identified as primary contributing factors. This study developed a vibration measurement system based on ISO 2631-1, and proposed a method for generating cycling comfort maps grounded in vibration severity levels. Field measurements on 30 campus roads in Nanchang, China, used a Mountain Bike, Shared E-bike, and Shared Bicycle. Triaxial acceleration data were collected to evaluate vibration exposure, and comfort levels were classified to produce spatially resolved maps. Results show the proposed system has strong stability and adaptability across urban environments. The maps effectively captured vibration intensity variations along road segments. Among the three vehicle types, Mountain Bikes showed the lowest vibration exposure, with approximately 90% of segments rated as comfortable. Shared E-bike exhibited moderate vibration levels, with 42% of segments deemed uncomfortable, while Shared Bicycles experienced the highest vibration, with 80% of routes potentially inducing discomfort and only 1% meeting comfort standards. This study offers a framework for objective acquisition and visualization of cycling vibration data. The developed system and mapping method provide tools for assessing vehicle vibration, guiding route selection, and offer potential value for road quality monitoring. Full article

In recent years, the evolution of competitive road cycling has included the use of larger tires inflated at lower pressure compared to the thin, high-pressure tires used previously. This trend is also emerging in non-competitive cycling, where comfort is more important. An issue often reported by cyclist concerns discomfort in the hands and upper limbs due to handlebar vibrations. To evaluate the effect of certain tire characteristics on vibrations in the handlebar and the bicycle seat-post, a small, portable, wireless connected, measurement system has been developed and tested on the road. Experimental conditions included tire-related factors, such as pressure, width, and the presence of an internal air chamber, as well as two speed conditions, while keeping all the other factors constant and under strict control. Results confirm that lower pressure reduces vibration levels, and tire width is also an important factor. Full article

Riding comfort and safety are essential requirements for any form of transportation but particularly for electric bicycles (e-bikes), which are highly affected by varying road conditions. These factors largely depend on the effectiveness of the e-bike’s control strategy. While several studies have proposed control approaches that address comfort and safety, vibration—an influential factor in both structural integrity and rider experience—has received limited attention during the design phase. Moreover, many commercially available e-bikes provide manual assistance-level settings, leaving comfort and safety management to the rider’s experience. This study proposes a Road-Adaptive Vibration Reduction System (RAVRS) that can be deployed on an e-bike rider’s smartphone to automatically maintain riding comfort and safety using manual assistance control. A fuzzy-based control algorithm is adopted to dynamically select the appropriate assistance level, aiming to minimize vibration while maintaining velocity and acceleration within thresholds associated with comfort and safety. This study presents a vibration analysis to highlight the significance of vibration control in improving electronic reliability, reducing mechanical fatigue, and enhancing user experience. A functional prototype of the RAVRS was implemented and evaluated using real-world data collected from experimental trips. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed system achieves effective control of speed and acceleration, with success rates of 83.97% and 99.79%, respectively, outperforming existing control strategies. In addition, the proposed RAVRS significantly enhances the riding experience by improving both comfort and safety. Full article

Ensuring comfort in light mobility is a crucial aspect for supporting individuals’ well-being and safety while driving scooters, riding bicycles, etc. In fact, factors such as the hand grip on the handlebar, positions of the wrist and arm, overall body posture, and affecting vibrations play key roles. Wearable systems offer the ability to noninvasively monitor physiological parameters, such as body temperature and heart rate, aiding in personalized comfort assessment. In this context, user positions while driving or riding are, on the other hand, more challenging to monitor ecologically. Developing effective smart gloves as a support for comfort and movement monitoring introduces technical complexities, particularly in sensor selection and integration. Light and flexible sensors can help in this regard by ensuring reliable sensing and thus addressing the optimization of the comfort for the driver. In this work, a novel wireless smart glove is proposed, integrating four bend sensors, four force-sensitive sensors, and one inertial measurement unit for measuring the finger movements, hand orientation, and the contact force exerted by the hand while grasping the handlebar during driving or riding. The smart glove has been proven to be repeatable (1.7%) and effective, distinguishing between different grasped objects, such as a flask, a handlebar, a tennis ball, and a small box. Additionally, it proved to be a valuable tool for monitoring specific actions while riding bicycles, such as braking, and for optimizing the posture during the ride. Full article

Promoting alternative modes of transportation such as cycling represents a valuable strategy to minimize environmental impacts, as confirmed in the main targets set out by the European Commission. In this regard, in cities throughout the world, there has been a significant increase in the construction of bicycle paths in recent years, requiring effective maintenance strategies to preserve their service levels. The continuous monitoring of road networks is required to ensure the timely scheduling of optimal maintenance activities. This involves regular inspections of the road surface, but there are currently no automated systems for monitoring cycle paths. In this study, an integrated monitoring and assessment system for cycle paths was developed exploiting Raspberry Pi technologies. In more detail, a low-cost Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, a magnetic Hall Effect sensor, a camera module, and an ultrasonic distance sensor were connected to a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. The novel system was mounted on a e-bike as a test vehicle to monitor the road conditions of various sections of cycle paths in Rome, characterized by different pavement types and decay levels as detected using the whole-body vibration $a_{wz}$ index (ISO 2631 standard). Repeated testing confirmed the system’s reliability by assigning the same vibration comfort class in 74% of the cases and an adjacent one in 26%, with an average difference of 0.25 m/s², underscoring its stability and reproducibility. Data post-processing was also focused on integrating user comfort perception with image data, and it revealed anomaly detections represented by numerical acceleration spikes. Additionally, data positioning was successfully implemented. Finally, $a_{wz}$ measurements with GPS coordinates and images were incorporated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to develop a database that supports the efficient and comprehensive management of surface conditions. The proposed system can be considered as a valuable tool to assess the pavement conditions of cycle paths in order to implement preventive maintenance strategies within budget constraints. Full article

The quality of bicycle path surfaces significantly influences the comfort of cyclists. This study evaluates the effectiveness of smartphone sensor data and smart bicycle lights data in assessing the roughness of bicycle paths. The research was conducted in Hasselt, Belgium, where various bicycle path pavement types, such as asphalt, cobblestone, concrete, and paving tiles, were analyzed across selected streets. A smartphone application (Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite) and SEE.SENSE smart bicycle lights were used to collect GPS and vertical acceleration data on the bicycle paths. The Dynamic Comfort Index (DCI) and Root Mean Square (RMS) values from the data collected through the Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite were calculated to quantify the vibrational comfort experienced by cyclists. In addition, the data collected from the SEE.SENSE smart bicycle light, DCI, and RMS computed results were categorized for a statistical comparison. The findings of the statistical tests revealed no significant difference in the comfort assessment among DCI, RMS, and SEE.SENSE. The study highlights the potential of integrating smartphone sensors and smart bicycle lights for efficient, large-scale assessments of bicycle infrastructure, contributing to more informed urban planning and improved cycling conditions. It also provides a low-cost solution for the city authorities to continuously assess and monitor the quality of their cycling paths. Full article

Trail pavement roughness significantly impacts user experience and safety. Measuring roughness over large areas using traditional equipment is challenging and expensive. The utilization of smartphones and bicycles offers a more feasible approach to measuring trail roughness, but the current methods to capture data using these have accuracy limitations. While machine learning has the potential to improve accuracy, there have been few applications of real-time roughness evaluation. This study proposes a hybrid ensemble machine learning model that combines sequence-based modeling with support vector regression (SVR) to estimate trail roughness using smartphone sensor data mounted on bicycles. The hybrid model outperformed traditional methods like double integration and whole-body vibration in roughness estimation. For the 0.031 mi (50 m) segments, it reduced RMSE by 54–74% for asphalt concrete (AC) trails and 50–59% for Portland cement concrete (PCC) trails. For the 0.31 mi (499 m) segments, RMSE reductions of 37–60% and 49–56% for AC and PCC trails were achieved, respectively. Additionally, the hybrid model outperformed the base random forest model by 17%, highlighting the effectiveness of combining ensemble learning with sequence modeling and SVR. These results demonstrate that the hybrid model provides a cost-effective, scalable, and highly accurate alternative for large-scale trail roughness monitoring and assessment. Full article

Leisure activities are known to be especially important for the health of people with disabilities. In Belém, PA, an Amazonian city in Brazil, a nonprofitable organization has promoted leisure ridings in bicycles for those people in Utinga State Park, a large green area for physical and leisure activities. The handcrafted bikes have a sidecar attached for users with disabilities which are ridden by trained volunteers. Since such bikes have been empirically manufactured, they require some minor improvements in safety, comfort, and handling, and verification of structural strength. Therefore, ergonomic, modal, and forced vibration analyses assessed the user’s comfort and safety and a structural analysis with the use of strain gauges evaluated the bicycle’s structural strength. Initially, a numerical modal analysis was performed using the finite element method, and the modal model obtained was validated by an experimental modal analysis employing shaker excitation. ISO-2631-based evaluations of forced vibration and human body comfort were conducted regarding whole-body vibration in vehicles and mechanical equipment. Vibration measurements at the position of the rider and sidecar occupant were obtained during rides on the bicycle and, according to the results, in general, when subjected to loads, the bicycle showed low stress levels far from the yield stress of the material, promoting an excellent safety factor in relation to its structural integrity. The modal, comfort, and forced vibration analyses revealed a mode of vibration in the sidecar that caused discomfort to the back of the users. Ergonomics analysis pointed out changes in the handlebars, the bicycle seat, the coupling between the sidecar and the bike, and the dimensions of the sidecar will provide greater comfort and safety. This paper presents and discusses the proposed modifications to both bicycle and sidecar. Full article

The comfort and safety of a cyclist are directly influenced by the vibrational behavior of the handlebar. Hence, the objective of this article is to comparatively assess the vibrational characteristics of two bicycle handlebars: one made of steel and the other made of braided composite material. The transmissibility function represents the relationship between the excitation applied to both handlebars through their stems and the corresponding response in the handle area, which was experimentally obtained by applying a random vibrating signal (constant amplitude of 0.01 g²/Hz) using a shaker. This signal was applied in a frequency range between 100 Hz and 1200 Hz, and the response was measured at one of the two cantilevered ends of the handlebar. Different sensors, including a laser vibrometer and a control accelerometer in the shaker, were utilized. The transmissibility, natural frequencies and damping functions were obtained. Subsequently, another experimental analysis was carried out with the instrumented handlebars mounted on a bicycle, placing three accelerometers and a GPS meter and traveling through a real test circuit, with a rough surface, speed bumps and areas with shaped warning bands. Power Spectral Density (PSD) curves were obtained for the steel and carbon-fiber-composite handlebars in order to quantify the signal intensity. Finally, a fatigue analysis was carried out in order to evaluate the expected life of both handlebars under the experimentally applied load, which is considered the reference cycle. This study offers a comparative analysis of the vibration behavior exhibited by steel and carbon-fiber-composite bicycle handlebars under experimentally applied load. In conclusion, data on natural frequencies, damping functions and fatigue life expectancy for both handlebar materials were obtained. Our study provides valuable insights into the vibrational behavior and performance characteristics of steel and carbon-fiber-composite bicycle handlebars, contributing to the understanding of their comfort and safety implications for cyclists. Full article

This study introduces a groundbreaking slap-type Vibration Energy Harvesting (VEH) system, leveraging a rotating shaft with magnets to induce vibrations in an adjacent elastic steel sheet through magnetic repulsion. This unique design causes the elastic sheet to vibrate, initiating the oscillation of a seesaw-type rigid plate lever. The lever then slaps a piezoelectric patch (PZT) at the elastic steel sheet’s root, converting vibrations into electrical energy. Notably, the design enables the PZT to withstand deformation and flapping forces simultaneously, enhancing power conversion efficiency. The driving force for the rotating shaft is harnessed from the downstream flow field generated by moving objects like rotorcraft, fixed-wing aircraft, motorcycles, and bicycles. Beyond conventional vibration energy harvesting, this design taps into additional electric energy generated by the PZT’s slapping force. This study includes mathematical modeling of nonlinear elastic beams, utilizing the Method of Multiple Scales (MOMS) for in-depth vibration mode analysis. Experimental validation ensures the convergence of theory and practice, confirming the feasibility and superior voltage generation efficiency of this slap-type VEH concept compared to traditional VEH systems. Full article

To enhance cycling comfort, a critical investigation of vibration effects in non-motorized bicycle riding is essential, focusing on road characteristics and traffic features. The analysis of how these elements influence cycling vibrations identified 13 key factors. This study utilized non-motorized bicycle lanes in Wuhan City for empirical research. Three-axis accelerometers were attached to riders’ torsos to measure vibration comfort levels. The observed road segments ranged from slightly to relatively uncomfortable. This study employed the random forest algorithm and logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors further. Six factors emerged as significant in affecting cycling comfort: the existence of dedicated non-motorized bicycle lanes, the lack of a physical barrier between non-motorized and motorized traffic, cycling speed, road surface irregularities, parking areas within non-motorized lanes, and bicycle type. This research offers valuable insights into non-motorized bicycle lane usage and contributes to the development of urban non-motorized bicycle infrastructure, supporting sustainable urban transportation. Full article

This paper presents a novel approach to address noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues in electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) caused by the drive unit. By investigating and optimising the structural dynamics during early product development, NVH can decisively be improved and valuable resources can be saved, emphasising its significance for enhancing riding performance. The paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the e-bike drive unit’s mechanical interactions among relevant components, culminating—to the best of our knowledge—in the development of the first high-fidelity model of an entire e-bike drive unit. The proposed model uses the principles of elastic multi body dynamics (eMBD) to elucidate the structural dynamics in dynamic-transient calculations. Comparing power spectra between measured and simulated motion variables validates the chosen model assumptions. The measurements of physical samples utilise accelerometers, contactless laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) and various test arrangements, which are replicated in simulations and provide accessibility to measure vibrations onto rotating shafts and stationary structures. In summary, this integrated system-level approach can serve as a viable starting point for comprehending and managing the NVH behaviour of e-bikes. Full article

Major cities in Europe have seen a significant increase in micromobility infrastructure, including cycling infrastructure, with 42 European Metropolitan cities implementing 1421.54 km of cycling infrastructure in a year. However, the design principles for bikeways primarily rely on conventional road design for bicycles and lack consistency in accommodating emerging powered micromobility devices like e-scooters. To address this research gap, this paper conducts a systematic review and scientometric analysis to explore safe bikeway infrastructure design. It identifies three overlooked topics (marking and signing, grading, and mode choice) and nine understudied areas (vibration, distress, skidding, alignment features, clearance, lateral control, connectivity, traffic composition, and intersection presence) that significantly impact micromobility safety. The study’s comprehensive understanding and use of scientometric tools reveal patterns and relationships within the literature. It also highlights criteria influencing micromobility safety and the need for research on pavement and user behavior. The findings contribute to evidence-based decision-making for practitioners and researchers, emphasizing the importance of tailored infrastructure design to enhance micromobility safety and achieve cost-effective improvements. Full article

Vibration from bicycle infrastructure affects the cyclists’ comfort and the choice of this transportation mode. This study uses smart portable bicycle lights to measure the vibration and quantify the level of cycling comfort on cycling infrastructure. A total of 28 bicycle streets and paths were selected in the city of Hasselt, Belgium, as the case study area. Six volunteer cyclists were recruited for the vibration sensitivity test of the device before the actual data collection. The results showed no considerable difference in the vibration recorded separately on each tested bicycle surface. The average vibration values vary from 1 to 17.78, indicating that riding comfort varies significantly across different surfaces. Asphalt and concrete roads had the lowest vibration and were the most comfortable in the study area. In contrast, cobblestone-paved bike paths were the least comfortable because of higher vibration. A comfort level map was developed based on the relationship between cycle vibration and subjective perception of comfort level. Twenty cyclists participated in the perception of vibration test. The comfort level is inversely correlated with the vibration. This methodology is adaptable to any other setting. Additionally, practitioners can use it to check and track the quality of the surface of the bicycle infrastructure over time. Full article

In recent years, cities are experiencing changes in the ways of moving around, increasing the use of micromobility vehicles. Bicycles are the most widespread transport mode and, therefore, cyclists’ behaviour, safety, and comfort have been widely studied. However, the use of other personal mobility vehicles is increasing, especially e-scooters, and related studies are scarce. This paper proposes a low-cost open-source data acquisition system to be installed on an e-scooter. This system is based on Raspberry Pi and allows collecting speed, acceleration, and position of the e-scooter, the lateral clearance during meeting and overtaking manoeuvres, and the vibrations experienced by the micromobility users when riding on a bike lane. The system has been evaluated and tested on a bike lane segment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the collected data. As a result, the use of the proposed system allows highway engineers and urban mobility planners to analyse the behaviour, safety, and comfort of the users of e-scooters. Additionally, the system can be easily adapted to another micromobility vehicle and used to assess pavement condition and micromobility users’ riding comfort on a cycling network when the budget is limited. Full article