Student Developed Folding Roof for Cargo Bike

The reflective folding roof is a popular accessory among users of the SUB cargo bike from the Viennese manufacturer VELLO. This product was largely developed by a student in the Human Factors and Sports Engineering bachelor’s degree program (from 2025: Sports Engineering and Ergonomics). Erik Spindler was doing his internship at VELLO when the new SUB cargo bike was just released. A rain cover was one of the key criteria for many cargo bike riders when buying. After all, it is often their own children who ride in the back and want to stay dry all year round.

“It was an iterative process, as it usually is in development,” says Spindler. ‘Sometimes we created prototypes simultaneously on the computer and with materials such as cardboard and aluminum. I also learned how to create sewing patterns using special simulation software.’ Spindler experienced a wide range of activities, from software-supported design to sewing.

His bachelor’s thesis then comprised a concept for rods made of bent aluminum that can be attached to a protective rail around the seat area in a user-friendly way using Velcro. This was followed by further developments with fiberglass rods, similar to those used in a tent. Spindler continued to work ten hours a week alongside his studies. “I received a lot of feedback from the development department for my bachelor’s thesis,” says Spindler. “Many in the company have an industrial design background, which complements the skills I brought with me from my studies well.”

One of the last open points was a design question, namely that of color. Reflective over its entire surface and inspired by spacesuits, the finished product is an eye-catcher that matches any wheel color. The product is now available, was presented at the Eurobike trade fair, and Spindler is excited to see the first photos of VELLO riders using “his” product.

Spindler, who is now a master’s student in Sports Technology, is keeping his options open when it comes to his career. He will be completing his exchange semester in Iceland by Christmas.

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Das fertige Produkt­­