The “Darmstadt Vehicle”, which otherwise goes by the name of DaVe, is an innovative type of all-weather vehicle for commuters. It is intended as a fast and comfortable alternative to the car and should also contribute to the mobility transition, as well as alleviating local public transport. Its development is part of a research project at h_da’s Faculty of Design in collaboration with Ca Go Bike, an industrial partner from Koblenz. The team has now presented a roadworthy prototype for the first time on Mathildenhöhe, where the Faculty of Design is located.

By Simon Colin, 14.11.2024 

DaVe is especially intended for commuters who live within a radius of up to 15 kilometres from their workplace. Instead of jumping into the car, they could in future hop onto the “Darmstadt Vehicle” and arrive quick and dry at a speed of up to 45 km/h – whatever the weather. DaVe is suitable for sun, wind and rain, whether as an s-pedelec with the appeal of a convertible in the sunshine or with a rain and wind cover spanned over the top that adapts to the rider’s height and can be quickly stowed away again in a rucksack behind their seat.

DaVe is something between an s-pedelec, a motorbike and a car. Like an e-bike, it has a supporting battery. The fairing resembles that of a motorbike and serves as a splash guard and storage space, among other things. The upright, ergonomic seating position is more like we know from a car. “DaVe is very comfortable and enjoyable to ride. You feel safe and steady even at speed,” explains Tom Philipps, Professor for Industrial Design at h_da’s Faculty of Design, who masterminded DaVe and is the research project’s scientific director.

The idea for the “Darmstadt Vehicle” was born in 2020 as part of the “s:ne” sustainability research project at h_da. The same applies now as it did back then: public transport is hopelessly overstretched, and alternatives are needed that decongest the roads and are also environmentally friendly. DaVe should conserve resources, be robust and repairable, low in emissions and recyclable – and in this way contribute to sustainable development.

The team of developers, which also includes graduates from h_da, is working on DaVe in collaboration with Ca Go Bike, cargo bike specialists based in Koblenz, who want to launch the innovative bike onto the market. The latest DaVe design study, which won the German Design Award, is the source of inspiration for the bike’s further development from prototype to market-ready vehicle.