UK Disability History Month which asks the question, ‘Access – How far have we come and how far do we need to go?’ and Electric Assisted Vehicles, the Oxfordshire-based micro-mobility manufacturer, in response has revealed its adaptable vehicle design which focuses on disabled access in their new EAVGo! range of ultra-lightweight, zero emissions, urban passenger vehicles produced to ease congestion as well as improve efficiency within towns and cities worldwide.
Using the recently launched ‘EAVGo!’, which itself is a development of the recently launched ‘EAV2cubed’ eCargo vehicle, the new taxi concept has been designed to provide simple and uncomplicated access for disabled wheelchair users via a ramp at the rear of the vehicle which then folds up to form the rear bulkhead.
“It was critical for us to be able to offer everyone the ability to access and use an EAVGo! as a passenger.” stated Adam Barmby, Founder and CEO of EAV. “EAV’s founding team came from a world leading composite design and automotive engineering business so we’re experts in extremely strong but lightweight materials and structures. We’re also highly focused on problem solving, offering EAV’s in-house R&D capabilities to fix a variety of blue-chip engineering and product development company problems. This skill set has enabled us to design a unique vehicle where the rear bulkhead can fold down into a ramp for easy wheelchair access.”
The rear ramp is easily and quickly deployed and, once back in place, seals to offer the same levels of comfort, warmth or cooling and weather protection in the rear compartment expected of a normal taxi but more efficient, cleaner and healthier and at a much lower cost.
“Taxi demand has decreased by almost 30% in many towns and cities worldwide since the COVID pandemic struck.” continued Barmby. “The EAVGo! is a much lower operator cost option for short journeys in an urban environment where 65% of all Taxi and PHV journeys are single occupancy and usually between 1 and 5 miles”.
EAV believes that half of all current taxi journeys could be replaced with the EAVGo! and the inclusion of easy and simple access to disabled and wheelchair users was a critical part of developing this solution.
“The value of the global e-hailing market for Taxis and PHVs is forecast to hit £150bn by 2025,” said Barmby, “which is a lot of journeys meaning a lot of emissions, weight and congestion in cities worldwide. The EAV Taxi will help to significantly reduce those issues while safely, efficiently and comfortably delivering the passenger, disabled or fully able, to their desired location.”
Production EAVGo! deliveries will start taking place in the Spring 2021.
