DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A BATTERY-POWERED TRICYCLE FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN TRANSPORT IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has intensified pressure on existing transport systems, exposing persistent challenges related to accessibility, safety, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Informal mobility modes such as motorcycles and internal combustion engine (ICE) tricycles have expanded rapidly to meet transport demand, but they are associated with high emissions, noise pollution, safety risks, and increasing operational costs. In response to these challenges, this study presents the design, fabrication, analytical evaluation, and experimental testing of a battery-powered electric tricycle developed specifically for urban transport conditions in SSA.A structured engineering design methodology was adopted, encompassing material selection, component fabrication, system assembly, and performance validation. Mild steel was selected as the primary frame material based on a weighted decision matrix considering strength, cost, durability, and manufacturability using locally available fabrication techniques. Analytical design calculations were conducted to estimate power requirements, energy consumption, battery capacity, load distribution, frame bending moments, suspension characteristics, and stability-related parameters. A prototype electric tricycle powered by a 48 V lithium-ion battery and dual 500 W rear hub motors was fabricated and subjected to controlled load, endurance, speed, handling, and braking tests under realistic operating conditions. Experimental results demonstrated that the tricycle safely supported a 100 kg payload without structural deformation, achieved a maximum speed of 60 km/h, and operated continuously for approximately 80 minutes under full-load conditions, exceeding the initial design targets. The findings confirm that the proposed design meets essential performance, safety, and efficiency requirements for short-range urban mobility. This study contributes practical engineering evidence toward the development of affordable, locally manufacturable electric tricycles and supports their potential role in advancing sustainable intermediate transport solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.