Dynamic Analysis of Micromobility In-Wheel Suspension System – Enhancing Safety in Urban Environments

Micromobility has emerged as a major global trend in urban transportation. However, it has also led to a rise in accidents, largely attributed to improper usage and inadequate safety precautions. This paper presents a model developed for the dynamic analysis of an in-wheel suspension system for micromobility vehicles, along with proposals for its improvement. The model accounts for challenges related to urban infrastructure, particularly variation in various obstacle types and heights on cycle road pavement, using the city of Vilnius (Lithuania) as a case study. The research paper additionally evaluates factors affecting rider safety and risk, with a primary focus on in-plane dynamics. The dynamic analysis demonstrates that the in-wheel suspension system enhances riding safety across simulated variations. These findings help identify critical vertical dynamic risks for micromobility in urban area and offer insights for future city’s road infrastructure planning.