MUTUS

Heavy-duty cargo bike for tradespeople

Design study 2024

MUTUS was developed for tradespeople seeking efficiency and reliability in their daily work.

Its familiar, robust design, inspired by classic commercial vehicles, lowers the barrier to electric mobility. Practical features like a roof rack and extended cargo space provide room for tools and materials, while an adjustable seating system ensures a raised position and clear visibility for all users. As a pedelec, it requires no parking search, bypasses environmental zones, and needs no driver’s license.

This turns sustainable mobility into a real productivity gain for modern craft businesses.

DESIGN

Familiar aesthetics meet novel vehicle

In the fast-paced routine of skilled trades, reliability, efficiency, and practicality are essential. To meet these demands, the concept was developed in close collaboration with craft businesses, using direct feedback to refine it according to real-world needs.

Alongside limited storage space, industry acceptance was a key challenge. To address this, the design adopts a familiar and approachable aesthetic. Elements inspired by conventional utility vans create recognition and trust, while the external tubular frame adds both structural stability and a visual sense of robustness and reliability.

ERGONOMICS

Innovative seat adjustment concept

In addition to its distinctive exterior design, seating comfort is essential for supporting craftsmen in their demanding daily work. Based on an ergonomic study, an innovative seat adjustment system was developed to meet users’ needs.

At its core is the driver’s head as the ergonomic reference point. From this position, all key components—crank, steering wheel, and seat—are aligned and adjustable. The user first sets the seat height using a scale. Once seated, a visible loop unlocks the crank and steering wheel for simultaneous adjustment. A clear scale and intuitive color coding ensure easy and quick operation. The result is a comfortable, ergonomic seating position, even during long working days.