Vello Sub Smart Utility Keke

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The VELLO SUB (Smart Utility Bike) is one of the lightest longtail e-cargo bikes on the market. The powerful electric motor and large battery capacity allows to perform everyday tasks with ease: the SUB is lightweight and can be lifted effortlessly, and equipment can be adjusted without tools making it multifunctional to accomplish daily tasks, such as transporting children or shopping.

Dimensions & Packaging

Frame: unisex, CroMo or Titanium
Size: one size (fits riders 150 cm to 200 cm)
Permissible total weight: 210 kg
Weight of SUB: from 24 kg (Titanium Singlespeed) to 28 kg (Chromoly with gears)
Dimensions folded: H:85 cm x L:180 cm x W:29 cm

Tags

e-cargo bike, lightweight e-bike, compact cargo bike, family bike, Smart Utility Bike

Production Technology

We at VELLO use recyclable and environmentally friendly materials for the production of our VELLO Bikes. We also place great emphasis on the ease of repair and reusability of our components. We also upcycle many VELLO accessories.
Local manufacturing revitalises urban spaces, shortens distances, saves resources and offers our customers a unique shopping experience. We show that in an industry characterised by long supply chains, green alternatives can also be successfully implemented.
Local manufacturing revitalises urban spaces, shortens distances, saves resources and offers our customers a unique shopping experience. We show that in an industry characterised by long supply chains, green alternatives can also be successfully implemented.

Design Challenge

In the category of cargo bikes, the standard norms of the bicycle world are suspended. On the one hand, there are no landmarks to follow. On the other hand, it opens up creative scope and room for innovation. The SUB is the pioneer model of a new category of bicycle - the compact and lightweight e-cargo bike.
The biggest challenge in the development of the SUB was to design the frame in such a way that it is as light and compact as possible, but at the same time so strong that the SUB is not inferior to larger cargo bikes in carrying capacity. Conventional cargo bikes are usually very heavy and large and especially in the city, where space is very limited. For this reason, they are often not suitable for people of smaller stature and those who are unable to lift the bike up stairs. The goal in developing the SUB was to make the cargo bike accessible to almost anyone and also adaptable so that the whole family can use it.

Research

Designer Valentin Vodev was already working on the concept of the perfect mobility solution for urban spaces as part of his diploma thesis in London. One of the main results was that the bicycle as a light, maneuverable and climate-friendly means of transportation is best suited for urban areas. From this idea, VELLO Bike was founded and the initial focus was on building the lightest urban bikes, although work was also done in parallel on cargo bike solutions.
After several years in the bike industry and with feedback from VELLO riders and dealers, it became clear that there was a strong need in the urban space for a bike model that is capable of carrying heavy loads and at the same time is light, maneuverable and compact.
The development of the SUB was based on the IDE (Integrated Design Engineering) approach and the prototype development was divided into several phases (sketch, visualization, simulation and prototyping). The target group analysis was based on the Sinus Milieu Model and focused on the life behavior of the users. This approach resulted in the VELLO SUB (Smart Utility Bike), the alternative to the SUV. The SUB is available in two models, one in chromoly frame and stepless gears from Enviolo and the ultralight titanium frame model, which weighs only 24 kg in the singlespeed version, making it the lightest cargo bike in the world.

Inspiration

Creating innovative, stylish and at the same time sustainable forms of mobility for the city - with this in mind, Valentin Vodev, industrial designer and VELLO Founder, developed the VELLO SUB, the family van among the sustainable means of transport. VELLO positions itself as a driving force behind the megatrend between connectivity and micromobility, with the goal of revolutionizing the
bicycle industry and offering people an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-based vehicles.

Project Duration

01.2022-10.2022 in Vienna

Operation Flow

The SUB is just as powerful as much larger and heavier cargo bikes and offers space for up to two people as well as a front carrier. Even heavy loads can be transported easily with the cargo bike. Permissible total weight: 210kg.
Thanks to the height-adjustable handlebars and the different seat posts, the bike fits everyone between 150 cm and 200 cm. The VELLO SUB can also be easily adjusted to the perfect riding position (more upright or sportier).

Image Credits

Studio Photos: Stephan Doleschal
Outdoor Photos: Leonardo Ramirez
Video: Roland Schafek