German TV station reports on trainee project “Sustainable bike storage facility for e-bikes”
In cooperation with the District Office of the Rems-Murr-Kreis, MBO Postpress Solutions GmbH took part in the Sustainability Days of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, which took place from 17 to 20 September 2021. The event is part of the annual European Sustainability Week, the aim of which is to raise awareness of the topics climate and health.

MBO’s participation took the form of an information event on the project “Sustainable bike storage facility”. MBO trainees informed external visitors about the current status of the project. The German TV channel SWR reported on the event afterwards in the show “Landesschau”. The report can be found in the SWR media library (starting from minute 1:00): https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/swr-aktuell-baden-wuerttemberg/swr-baden-wuerttemberg/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS9hZXgvbzE1MzM5ODk/

From initial idea to concept
MBO has offered its employees the option of leasing bikes since 2019. Until now, however, the company lacked suitable storage and charging facilities for the e-bikes. MBO set its trainees the complex task of developing a corresponding facility.

The trainee product designers developed two possible design concepts. Both concepts provide a covered, modular storage facility for six bicycles each. When designing the parking unit, the apprentices took into account various standards including stipulations such as ensuring that the bicycles are protected against being scratched and from rolling out and that standard tyre sizes can be accommodated. In addition, lockers are provided that offer sufficient space for a bicycle helmet, drinking bottle and charger. The compartments incorporate a socket for charging the bicycles. They are secured with an electric lock and equipped with ventilation slots. Three LED lights are installed on the ceiling, which are coupled to a motion detector. There are four photovoltaic modules on the roof.

This is where the apprentice MBO electronics technicians come into play. They analysed a detailed operating concept for charging the bicycles as well as for supplying power to the LED lights. Their designs were based on an assumed primary usage time of 7 am to 4 pm. The bicycle stand with the photovoltaic modules on it is optimised in terms of its orientation for the primary usage time. The built-in control optimises the operational management to ensure the ideal distribution of the available energy.

Speedy project implementation this year
The project is already in the implementation phase and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The next step is therefore in the hands of apprentices in the technical product design area. They are tasked with finalising the design based on the conceptual plans, taking into account the statics and various production processes, before the project can be handed over to the business administration apprentices for parts procurement.

At the Oppenweiler site, MBO is currently training 17 apprentices in six different professions. It is very important that young people are trained across disciplines, network with each other and learn to organise themselves independently. The company has learned a lot in recent months and is particularly proud of the work carried out by its apprentices.