Methodology

In order to achieve the desired objectives, our team has developed a methodology that ranges from the study of the actual reality of the trici drivers, creation of prototypes, impact evaluation to the final construction of up to 20 ecoTricis. The project steps are as follows:

1. Determination of the actual state of the cab trici

In order to better understand the reality of the trici drivers, we have created a questionnaire with questions about their daily work, the routes, the average load carried and the daily income. With this information we can better assess what their needs are in terms of engine power and battery size. In addition, the information about the daily distance travelled and daily income will be important KPIs to analyze the effects of the Tricis' e-motorization.

It is also important to study the current situation of all 20 non-motorized Tricis in Pedro Carbo in order to develop a technical solution that fits all existing frameworks for adaptation to e-Tricis. For this analysis we need the support of a technically skilled volunteer in Pedro Carbo, who will take photos of all existing Tricis and obtain the measurements of the different frames. In fact, this project aims to create a global and easy-to-use solution that can be used in all Tricis with little or no need for adaptation.

2. Technical solution development and prototyping in Vienna and Pedro Carbo

As already mentioned, based on the analysis of the existing Tricis in Pedro Carbo, a technical solution will be developed in Vienna with the support of the volunteer in Pedro Carbo to select the appropriate electric motor, battery size and photovoltaic panel. The group will consider not only the performance-related aspects of the electrical conversion for the Trici riders, but also the availability of the components in Ecuador. Our goal is to select materials that are easy to find and buy in Ecuador and that, at best, come from environmentally responsible companies.

To prove that the developed solution is correct and works well with existing Trici frames, the team in Vienna will manufacture the components of the conversion kit as well as the frame construction. After successful implementation in Vienna, the project partners in Pedro Carbo will buy the same materials and, at best, build further prototypes on site independently. It is expected that challenges will arise during the construction of the EcoTrici, and here the aim is to exchange experiences and best practices between the project team in Vienna and Pedro Carbo. In the last project team meetings, we have moved away from rebuilding the existing wheels of the Trici riders. As the construction of the wheels is too different and each conversion kit has to be adapted specifically. This carries the risk that during the conversion process, unrecoverable problems may arise and the wheels may be damaged or become unusable. Furthermore, the existing bikes are still available to the Trici riders for the duration of the conversion phase and there is no loss of income. Furthermore, it is not a limited number of riders who will benefit from the E-Tricies, but the community of riders as a whole through a shared concept.

3. Fundraising

The project team is seeking to raise the necessary funding through crowdfunding platforms to build both prototypes.

Test phase and design adjustments

After the construction of both prototypes, the teams will test the EcoTricis in Vienna and in Pedro Carbo. Initially, the e-Tricis will be tested by the construction teams in each city to verify their functionality. During this phase, critical changes and design adjustments will be made.

As soon as the EcoTricis work as expected, a shared concept for the first e-Trici will be implemented in Pedro Carbo: every trici rider will be able to test the EcoTrici for up to one week. The project participants in the community will have to book the EcoTrici for the period in which they want to test it: 1 to 5 days. The first 3 days are free of charge as a test phase for every Trici driver. After that they will have to pay a symbolic amount of 1 USD per day for each additional day.

The need to pay 1 USD per additional day is aimed at determining whether the EcoTrici makes such a difference to the riders that they are willing to pay for continued use of the e-Trici. It is also intended to motivate Trici drivers to give their honest feedback on their experience with the EcoTrici during this test phase.

4. Analysis of the effects of the first EcoTrici

During the test phase of the EcoTrici, indicators such as the distance driven per day and the average daily income are measured for each driver. The main objective is to compare these values with the previous KPIs in order to analyze the effects of the electric motorized Tricis in their daily work.

At the end of the test phase, a number of subjective factors are also questioned for each driver: how tired he/she feels after a full day of work, how he/she felt while driving the EcoTrici (driving comfort), whether there is a difference compared to using a Tricis powered only by humans, etc.

It is expected to receive an overall positive feedback regarding the use of the EcoTrici. Should this be the case, the project team is willing to build all 20 EcoTricis for the project participants with the support of the project partners in Pedro Carbo.

5. Funding model on 20 Tricis

In principle the Tricis are to be acquired together over an association/cooperative. The expansion of the fleet will be largely financed by sponsors and donors, but a deductible will be jointly financed by the Tricis drivers themselves. For this purpose, the Tricis drivers community can take up a microcredit, which will be paid off later on by the membership fees for the use of the fleet. The amount of the self-financing has to be considered as it should not be an additional financial burden for the drivers, who are already living on the minimum subsistence level.

Likewise the membership fee should not reduce the additional income of the drivers excessively, since otherwise the Tricinutzung loses at attraction. The bicycles should not become the property of the users in the sense of the non-profit character but should be available to the members of the association.