This project started as the first ground-up electric scooter for Jetson. Starting with tear downs of existing scooters and extensive research we were able to identify unique opportunities to make this product great.
The project brief was to design a scooter for the “Last Miler”, someone who has a routine journey with a part that is just too far to walk. In almost every case when owning a scooter, there are times when it has to be carried, sometimes for some distance. Our goal was to make a scooter for this person.
User Interviews
Over a dozen in-depth user interviews were conducted, over Zoom, to learn what e-mobility riders’ goals were and how they used their products. From these interviews we discovered pain points and important user journeys.
User Journey Maps
Following the User Journeys Ourselves
From the interviews, we created and carried out several journeys which included which included user experiences. We identified more specific problems and frustrations and how they might be solved.
Priorities from Research
Concepting
From this research, rough ideas were sketched to determine how to meet the user goals of compactness and ease of carrying. The purpose of this phase of the process was to generate a large volume of concepts and features that could be further flushed out in development.
Sketching can only bring an idea so far when it involves moving parts. Early on in the development process, we started creating rough scale models to study the different ways the stem and deck of the scooter can be folded to create a more compact shape. From this we discovered two solutions: one, to add pivot points and two, to move the pivot point down and to the front.
Volumetric Mockups
From rough sketching and scale folding models we moved on to full size volumetric models designed in Solidworks and cut with a laser cutter. These gave us a solid understanding of the true size, handle positions, wheel base, and vertical standing storage.
Three Directions
Three directions were established based around the two methods that were discovered. The first concept uses the front pivot method, while the second two use a multi pivot method. Additionally, each direction took a different approach to the important features such as strap position, handle implementation, handlebar folding and info display.
Prototypes
Three full size 3D prints were created for ergonomic, mechanical and weight validation. The 3D prints were specially designed for testing by being articulating, having key ergonomic touch points, and cavities for proper weight.
User Testing
Down Selection and Refinement
From the user testing, a refined concept was developed with the most desirable features of the 3 initial directions. However, it was also concluded from the test that the product needed to be much lighter. At this time the concept was further refined and material was eliminated, the deck was shortened. Next advanced manufacturing was explored.
After weight was reduced for carrying ease, the details of the scooter were further refined based on testing, engineering constraints and styling creating a sleek, user friendly mode of transportation.
