Innovative, safe and sustainable personal transport promotes active ageing
By 2050, there will be more than 149 million people in Europe over 65 years old. This ageing population will present major challenges to national health care systems. One of the best ways for these individuals to maintain good physical and mental health is through physical exercise. The EU-funded Torqway Hybrid project created a highly innovative outdoor vehicle that also acts as a piece of exercise equipment to help mature users stay active. This device, consistent with the EU’s Transport and Smart Cities framework and the Electric Mobility Europe initiative, can be used in several ways. It serves as an active mobility and transportation device, an outdoor gym combining several exercises in one, and a tool for light physical rehabilitation.
Powered by arm movement
Medical studies showed that even a small movement of the arms and riding in a standing position greatly affects the activation of the chest muscles and spine, improving coordination and general well-being. But most importantly, it does not burden the joints, like cycling does, for example. Such activity also burns body fat and promotes active ageing to maintain physical and mental well-being. The four-wheel platform vehicle introduces ‘Nordic riding’: powered by arm movement on levers, it converts each movement into forward motion through an innovative gear system that is under patent in nine countries. “The result is that the vehicle can travel at up to twice the speed of normal walking,” notes Beata Paszke-Sobolewska, project coordinator and CEO of Torqway. All components installed in the mechanisms are interlocked in such a way that two cogwheels attached to the central axis always rotate in opposite directions. When one of the cogwheels using the operating principle of the unidirectional clutch transmits the drive from the manually moved lever to the central axis and then further to the drive wheel, the other cogwheel can rotate freely.
Consumers approve
In addition, the electric motor and steering system includes several innovative solutions that ensure a smooth ride. Paszke-Sobolewska notes: “The idea behind the Torqway Hybrid is highly original, because there is no similar product on the market that combines the most desirable features of Nordic walking, cardio fitness equipment, electric scooters and e-bikes.” Based on this core technology, Torqway Hybrid offers additional electric motor assistance like an e-bike for senior users and those with reduced lower body mobility. “It’s a totally new kind of physical exercise that protects users’ joints thanks to a standing position; it also helps to burn fat and maintain strength and a sense of balance, and offers a new kind of cardio activity,” observes Paszke-Sobolewska. The key result for the project was the creation of a well-designed and fully functional ‘ready to market’ product. “Researchers have developed a totally new concept. We tested it internally and externally with users and received very promising feedback. They liked this new way of exercising and the smoothness of the ride and said that they would like to own something like the Torqway Hybrid,” Paszke-Sobolewska concludes.
Keywords
Torqway Hybrid, transport, exercise, vehicle, unidirectional clutch, active ageing, exercise equipment, mature users, Nordic walking, ageing population
