Structural design of a lightweight microvehicle deck

The H2020 LEONARDO project (VehicLE fOr staNd-Alone and shaReD mObility) aims at generating a microvehicle from hybridization of an e-kick scooter and a monowheel, targeting a mass lower than 10 kg. Mass reduction entails exclusion of bulky suspension elements, providing the deck with features of comfort and, most importantly, resistance to both static and dynamic loads. Assuming the use of a composite, the Finite Element Model (FEM) of a deck to be implemented on the LEONARDO vehicle has been generated, with a fully redesigned shape compared to tested ones. A safety condition has been set considering the peak load of the step test (2000 N with an 80 kg-user) on one side of the deck. Considering the actual shape of the deck and more realistic load conditions results in an increase for the stress of 5 times (30 MPa vs 6 MPa).