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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Torqway Hybrid (Safe personal transportation that makes you healthier.)

Teaser

Summary

The Torqway Hybrid project is the result of many years of observation of the vehicle market development enabling and facilitating mobility, recreation and rehabilitation for mature people. Market analysis made it possible to capture and identify the gap regarding the offer for seniors. The Torqway Hybrid can become an ideal alternative and complement the market offer. The Torqway Hybrid is a vehicle that combines the ability to move along with the need to make some effort, which depends on the user\'s preferences and choice. The first research carried out in 2015. on the Torqway Sport vehicle showed that even a small movement of the arms and riding in a standing position greatly affects the activation of the chest muscles, spine, improving coordination and general well-being of the user, and most importantly does not burden the joints like in, for example, cycling. Such activity also allows you to take care of the condition of our body and burn body fat. In addition to the health aspect, the project responds to one of the most important issues of modern life: Active Aging.
Demographic changes pose a challenge to our generation with a very broad social character. The public\'s attention must be guided by issues related to the aging society and providing it with the best socio-economic organization, medical care and reducing the costs of functioning of seniors at a decent level. One of the many main issues is to keep our physical activity as long as possible. Only in such a way we will ensure independence for as long as possible in the coming future, limiting the need to organize care around us, through the next generation. The Torqway Hybrid vehicle will fulfill one more important task in the social aspect - it will allow for group activity!
The Torqway Hybrid vehicle can be an alternative for users who cannot or do not want to use other vehicles. The Torqway Hybrid does not stigmatize disabilities and limitations of movement associated with age or health condition and in a safe way allows to fulfill the need or necessity of daily activity. The place of use of the vehicle are all kinds of organizations and institutions dealing with the organization of time for seniors with various levels of activity, hotels, merinos, sanatoria, campuses and individual clients.

Work performed

In the first year, in accordance with the assumptions, a vehicle prototype was developed in the V2 lab version.
1. The design of the vehicle has been developed by experienced designer, who specializes in vehicles design. During our market research in the area of sport and wellness equipment for mature users we noticed, that most of products, which are available on the market are functional and easy to use, but not so attractive from the visual site. We came to the conclusion, that mature people, who are becoming to be main consuming group deserve for products which are not only solid and functional, but also attractive and desired. Thatâ€™s why we create the design of Torqway Hybrid in line with actual design trends and with special attention to all details.
2. The essence of the project is the combination of our patented manual drive with the electric drives support. Thanks to this combination of manual and electric drives Torqway Hybrid is still a device, which help to keep good physical condition, but in an individual way, depending on personal preferences. In the first year of the project we selected motors, batteries and strain gauges.Electric drive control and vehicle communication with the mobile device were also prepared.
3. We will produce crucial parts of our Torqway Hybrid in an injection method. It will allow us to create solid and durable product. Basic tools for the production of injection parts were already prepared.
4. We know, that such innovation like Torqway Hybrid, which has no direct competition and has a potential to create a new market niche in a personal mobility sector has to be a high class device. Thatâ€™s why the highest quality of product details and components is one of our objectives. The production and purchase of other metal and confectionary elements for the production of the vehicle in the prototype version V3 has been started.
5. Total novelty, like Torqway Hybrid needs to be present and communicate in a thoughtful way. We created our communication strategy, which include our brand identity and promote product features and advantages. We are constantly building our brand and product awareness and communicate the need of taking care ourselves to our target group â€“ people in the age 55+. We are also active in promoting Active Ageing philosophy, because Torqway Hybrid is a product that fits perfectly to main assumptions of this new way of thinking about maturity.
6. Parallely with the product development we explore the different variants of the product commercialization. A commercialization plan was prepared in line with the assumptions and the scope was expanded to include opportunities that emerged during the first year. After first year of the project we selected the most efficient options of product commercialization and we will continue to implement them.
7. In the commercialization area we are focus on business networking and a series of meetings were held, constituting a prelude to commercialization activities.

Final results

The Torqway Hybrid project is characterized by a high level of innovation, awarded with many global awards. The solution for the mechanical drive used in the vehicle has been patented in several countries: Poland, USA, China, Japan, Germany, France and Spain. The Torqway Hybrid project involves the implementation of another level of innovation in the drive mechanism, i.e. the retrofitting of the mechanical drive with electrical support. The complexity of the issue and the level of possible complications are associated with the need to select the appropriate elements of electric drive: motors, batteries, BMS, lighting, display, etc., the design of the vehicle and intended use. We want the Torqway Hybrid to be safe and combine the ability to move with light physical exercise. Our goal is to launch a modern vehicle that will complement the defined market gap and respond to the needs of people who want to ensure their activity and health in a modern way. The advantage of the Torqway Hybrid vehicle is its functionality responding to the needs of the identified user. From the global market perspective Torqway Hybrid may be an answer to ageing society challenge and we are sure, that our product will be very helpful in helping mature people to keep good condition and life independence as long as possible.