CarryMeHome

"CarryMeHome" project - a sustainable mobility solution for the future

2023 - 2026

The innovative "CarryMeHome" project is divided into two parts and comprises sub-project I and sub-project II. Sub-project I involves the further development of a comprehensive mobility concept for the model regions of Weiz and Feldkirchen. This concept is based on the findings of the FFG-funded project "FLADEMO" (Area-wide Mobility Service Guarantee) and aims to promote"active mobility". The main features of the mobility concept (sub-project I) are as follows:

1. Requirement-oriented: The sharing offer covers all needs in the area of private and commercial transportation of people and goods. Various vehicle categories are provided for this purpose, including trolleys ("CarryMeHome"), bicycles, e-cargo bikes, e-transporters and e-light vehicles. The focus is on soft and active mobility, with preference given to vehicles with an optimal payload-to-weight ratio.

2. Regional: Most of the vehicles should be manufactured in Austria or Europe in order to strengthen the regional economy.

3. Flexible and digital: The mobility services in the model regions will be integrated, including public transport, on-demand transport, bike sharing, car sharing and delivery services. This system builds on the existing "Scotty" and "Wayfinder" platforms.

4. Social ("airDrive"): Anyone can act as a deliverer:in, and a "delivery exchange" enables rewards to be given in the form of a hybrid regional currency. This promotes regional value creation and supports the community.

5. Push initiatives: Bicycle paths and pedestrian areas are being expanded, and traffic calming measures are planned in the core zones. Supermarket and shopping center parking spaces are to be converted into "CarryMeHome"/bike/car sharing hubs.

The second sub-project of "CarryMeHome" focuses on the development of a universal transportation trolley, called "CarryMeHome". This trolley is designed to transport purchased goods conveniently and consistently to the front door while minimizing the barriers to using public transport. "CarryMeHome" is designed for versatility in order to meet the different requirements of different means of transportation. Whether as a shopping cart in supermarkets and shopping centers, as a bike trailer for bicycles or for use on public transport.

The vehicle is to be equipped with an electric auxiliary motor that enables it to effortlessly negotiate inclines. This innovative function ensures that the "CarryMeHome" trolley can be used efficiently not only on flat routes, but also in hilly areas. A unique feature here is the virtual drawbar, also known as "VirtDow". This technology allows the trolley to follow pedestrians or bicycles up to a speed of 20 km/h without requiring a mechanical coupling. This flexibility facilitates the use of the trolley in different environments and promotes seamless integration into urban spaces. Production is regional and uses sustainable materials. The project also relies on a local, decentralized energy supply for the vehicle charging infrastructure. The surplus electrical energy produced by company solar panels is used to charge the vehicles and at the same time offer a sensible alternative to feeding electricity into the grid.

Overall, "CarryMeHome" addresses mobility and vehicle concepts for short distances of up to 10 km or 30 minutes driving time, with the focus on offering easy access to as many users as possible and facilitating the transportation of shopping goods.

The research leading to these results has received funding from the Mobility of the Future programme. Mobility of the Future is a research, technology and innovation funding programme of the Republic of Austria, Ministry of Climate Action. The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) has been authorised for the programme management.

This project (activity) has received funding from the Mobility of the Future programme. Mobility of the Future is a research, technology and innovation funding programme of the Republic of Austria, Ministry for Climate Action. The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) has been authorised for the programme management.