E-cargo bike with foldable cargo bed for flexible use

Narrow vehicle concepts quickly reach their limits when it comes to transport. Classic cargo bikes solve this problem with permanently wide superstructures, but these can be impractical in everyday life.

An alternative approach favours a reduced basic width and only expands the transport area when it is actually needed. At the centre of this is a foldable loading area, which is created from a narrow structure and can be folded out as required. This significantly changes the basic principle of a cargo bike.

Avnson prototype with foldable loading area

The Avnson body shown here is currently a prototype. The starting point is a deliberately narrow design that requires little space in normal operation. The loading area is only extended when larger or bulky items need to be transported. The extension takes place via integrated elements that can be folded out. This creates additional space without having to make the vehicle permanently wider. This approach is clearly focussed on flexibility in everyday use.

Loading area mechanics and stability

The foldable cargo bed is designed to form a stable structure when unfolded. The decisive factor here is not only the unfolding itself, but also the load-bearing capacity under load. The individual components interlock and ensure that the cargo bed remains sufficiently stable even when carrying larger objects. The aim is a functional solution that goes beyond a mere extension and can actually be used as a transport surface. At the same time, the design remains compact when folded. The loading area disappears into the basic structure and hardly affects the width of the vehicle.

Boundary bracket with quick release

The cargo bed is supplemented by a boundary bracket that is attached using quick-release clamps. This bracket is used to secure the transported objects and functionally extend the cargo bed. In combination with the folded-out surface, a kind of basket structure is created. The holder is not rigid, but can be mounted flexibly. It can also be used like a door, which makes it easier to access the cargo area. However, one restriction remains: The holder is not designed for quick removal during the folding process. The focus here is clearly on stability and integration.

Functional principle at a glance

• Slim basic design for normal operation
• Foldable load surface for additional transport capacity
• stable structure when unfolded
• Limiter bracket with quick release
• Use as a basket and access element

Classification of the concept in everyday life

Compared to classic cargo bikes, the focus shifts from permanent capacity to situational expansion. The vehicle remains compact in everyday use and only becomes a transport solution when required. This can offer advantages in urban environments in particular. Narrow routes, limited parking space and changing requirements make flexible concepts interesting. Users who are not constantly transporting large loads benefit from a solution that adapts. Avnson is therefore pursuing an approach that is designed less for maximum transport performance and more for variable use in everyday life. The prototype shows how the loading area and vehicle width can be decoupled from each other.