Operator Challenge Response

Electric bicycles have the opportunity to add numerous capabilities to airborne operations as they offer their operator extended range, carrying capacity, and added mobility as a whole. With modern combat loads often exceeding 100lbs for extended field operation, the ability to silently travel long distances quickly by bicycle has the potential to not only increase operator efficiency but also decrease operator fatigue as well. Building off of a proven bicycle design, the Montague Paratrooper bicycle, and enhancing its already proven capabilities with electric motors will allow for a lightweight, reliable, and jumpable system that can address the needs of its users in the field.

In the age of Modern Warfare, the battlefield is ever changing. Innovation drives the fight and dictates who has the advantage. Today operators need to be able to keep pace with this complex warfare, and one way to do that is to improve their individual maneuverability. Today operators in the field rely on motorized transportation to get around, although this method is great for its protective capabilities and long range, however, vehicles like HMMWVs are not the best for small element operations in which sound discipline and surpassing rough terrain is critical. To combat this, operators are looking to increase their mobility with an electric bike concept. This bike needs to allow operators to move quickly while carrying heavy loads, limit the physical strain of moving within an AO, and conquer unruly terrain. As an individual movement tool, this bike needs to be lightweight, deployable in Airborne operations, durable, and operate with a hybrid drivetrain (manually powered along with electrically powered).

Rather than building a bicycle from scratch, our intention is to modify an already proven concept. This bike needs to be lightweight, foldable, durable, have all terrain capabilities, have an electric and manual drivetrain, and be overall field operable.

Our intention is to take the Montague Paratrooper Bicycle and convert it into an electric concept. Choosing the Montague Paratrooper was a result of Montague Bicycles extensive history with the US Military. Since 1997, Montague has developed folding bicycles in coordination with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). From this collaboration, Montague developed the Tactical Electric No Signature (TENS) Mountain Bike, which saw extensive use from Marines in the field. Montague’s work with DARPA has led to the creation of some of the most robust mountain bikes.

The Montague Paratrooper is a civilian accessible version of Montague’s military projects. It incorporates their X-Series frame design, developed with DARPA. This design also allows the Paratrooper to remain sturdy under load while also being able fold compactly. It offers up to 500 pounds of load hauling capability, folds in and out without the need of tools, can be rigged and jumped in airborne operations, and traverses rugged terrain quickly and silently. With the Paratrooper as the platform for this project, we are guaranteed a field tested and DoD approved tactical mountain bike platform.

With the Paratrooper as our platform, we intend to convert it to an electric bike using one of two possible concepts:

Our first concept is the use of a Rear Hub Mounted Electric Motor. Rear hub mounted motors have been used extensively in electric bicycles. These hubs integrate directly with the real wheel as a one piece system. These hubs drive directly from the rear with a single speed motor that works separate to the manual gear system on a bicycle. This drivetrain would provide the bike with a redundant electric system; it is reliable as it does not stress key components of the bike and is less prone to wear.

Our second concept is the use of a Mid Drive Mounted Electric Motor. Mid drive motors are mounted directly to the crank of a bicycle, integrating it with the manual gear system. As this electric drivetrain works in tandem with the manual gear system, the electric capabilities of the bike are not limited to a single gear ratio. Because of this, the bike would be able to achieve greater speeds. Also mid drive motors are light, as they are small and streamline with the bike’s center of mass.

In powering our electric bike concept, we intend to use a mounted system in the region above the crank or a system mounted on the rear. This system will look to maximize range within reasonable speeds. The intention is to make this system separable from the bike as a whole with a connector system. The battery will be removable for independent charging with the bike still able to be used standalone. This bike will also be equipped with a regenerative pedaling feature, comparable to regenerative braking in electric cars. As the user pedals they will be converting mechanical energy into electrical to be stored in the battery. This battery system will also have a simple user interface with coverable indicator lights to show the charge and range of the system.

Montague Paratrooper Platform:

• With motors and a battery system, the bike could exceed 40lbs. Adding more weight to an already large combat load. 

Hub Mounted Motor:

• System is heavy and adds unbalanced weight on the rear.  
• Is locked in at single speed which comes with challenges on rough terrain, if only using the electric drive.

Mid Drive Motor:

• System can put stress on the manual components of the bike, which could result in failures that would make the bike unusable.
• An aftermarket driving chain would be needed, as these systems tend to be larger than the original manual components.

Battery System:

• Batteries are expensive!
• Balancing power consumption while maximizing range will be key.