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Attiadesign QRack: Smarter bike rack charges e-bikes

Why do bicycle stands always have to look so dreary and possibly scratch the expensive company pedelec? This is what Munich designer Maruan Attia thought and presented a sophisticated bracket at the start-up unit of the Technical University of Munich during the IAA Mobility that also charges the e-bike battery.

Proud tinkerer: Maruan Attia developed a clever bike stand with an integrated e-bike connection. | Photo: J. Reichel
Proud tinkerer: Maruan Attia developed a clever bike stand with an integrated e-bike connection. | Photo: J. Reichel
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Johannes Reichel

Necessity often spurs creativity. Okay, it’s not a real emergency if a bike gets scratched. But for a passionate biker, it is indeed a serious annoyance. Especially since bicycles are becoming increasingly expensive, and in the wake of the Jobrad boom, high-quality bikes also demand a secure and damage-free hold at the company premises. After all, lease bikes are supposed to enter a second life in as good condition as possible. "Experience also shows that public bike racks tend to see quite rough treatment of the neighboring bikes. No one really takes care," explains Munich designer Maruan Attia.

He built on this experience and wanted to devise a solution that, firstly, naturally meets high aesthetic standards expected of a designer, secondly, is scratch-resistant and robust, and thirdly, accounts for the trend towards e-bikes. The result of years of somewhat costly tinkering at Munich Urban Colab under the umbrella of the start-up division called UnternehmerTUM, which has also helped companies like Evum Motors get on their feet, was exclusively presented by Attia at the IAA for VISION mobility. It goes by the meaningful name QRack and should be available for order soon.

i-Phone form and modular construction

The powder-coated stainless steel bracket with a robust plastic base, which can even be driven over by a car, resembles the shape of the first i-Phone and could thus already become a classic in appearance. What is clever about it, even though the form looks simple, is the inserted and all-around rubber lip that safely protects the bicycle frame from scratches. It can also be replaced if worn. In fact, all parts of the "bike stand" are replaceable, meaning a modular system. "It is also a matter of sustainability that everyday objects not only have a timeless design but also last a long time," says Attia. 

The third highlight, aside from the form that conveniently suits all possible bicycle sizes and types, is that Attia combines a simple-to-connect power outlet optionally with a battery box on the base. Here, not only can the expensive power supply of the e-bike be safely stored and locked, but there is also a direct power connection for the bike. Additionally, an advertising display could be integrated into the rectangular field, which could help offset the cost of the fairly expensive bracket.

The young entrepreneur is now looking for an industrial partner for his idea. But the IAA Mobility provided an opportunity for this: At designit's inventors of the "Velohub" positioned at Königsplatz, there was so much interest that Attia's intelligent bicycle bracket was immediately set up in front of it. And this is exactly what a trade fair is for, making such connections.

Translated automatically from German.
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