The team is always striving to improve on the previous year’s performance. We have outlined the following goals for our new design to improve our scores at the competition: faster top speed, stable riding, lighter total weight, higher aerodynamics, and more responsive steering. In order to meet these goals the vehicle will be fully faired with a carbon fiber mold and have a deployable “landing gear” to help the rider balance at low speeds. The vehicle will also feature brake light, mirrors, and a trunk to make it more practical for daily tasks.
After an impressive showing at the 2013 competition, the team’s focus this year is streamlining last year’s design to create a faster and lighter vehicle that will be easier to operate. Goals for this year’s bike include reaching 45 mph on flat ground, total weight of 65 lbs, 25% more aerodynamic than last year’s fairing by reducing frontal area, and making the bike adjustable to fit team members ranging in height from 5’3” to 6’4”.
We plan to start fabrication in October, compared to February as in previous years. This means we are designing all summer long.