LeiFlex – Easy and flexible mobility in rural areas

Background

Demographic change is leading to an ageing society. Due to physical and cognitive limitations, older people are often no longer able to drive their own car. In addition, public transport is only available to a limited extent, especially in rural areas, and is no longer an alternative option for individual mobility. The “LeiFlex – Light and flexible in rural areas” project, funded by the BMBF as part of the WIR! funding program, is investigating the use of light electric vehicles (LEVs) for the mobility of older people in rural areas.

Project description

The project is developing and testing a mobility solution (“Silver Cruiser”) suitable for senior citizens for rural areas on the basis of a flexible light vehicle platform that has been tested in the logistics sector. Field tests are used to analyze usage behavior, target group-specific needs and acceptance of the vehicle. Application scenarios for rural senior mobility are being investigated and economically evaluated. For the construction of the “Silver Cruiser”, a small series production will be designed and its economic potential examined. The aim is a regionally manufactured product that accompanies structural change.

Services

The work of Fraunhofer IKTS focuses on the empirical identification and validation of performance requirements for LEVs in the context of the mobility of senior citizens in rural areas. In addition, possible business models based on the results are evaluated using qualitative and quantitative instruments, including literature studies, primary data collection by means of field studies, acceptance studies through post-test surveys and market environment analyses.

Survey and analysis of mobility patterns and needs

• Derivation of possible LEV usage scenarios
• Design, implementation and evaluation of a field study on the mobility of senior citizens using the LEV “Silver Cruiser”
• Analysis of business models and scalability of LEV use

Project partners: Fraunhofer IMWS, FVK GmbH, Universitätsmedizin Halle, AG Versorgungsforschung

Project duration: 1.3.2024 – 31.12.2025

Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF