The MINT-AG of the Integrated Comprehensive School Contwig developed two different two-wheelers with e-mobility in the past two years: a running bike and a running scooter.

But what does STEM mean and what makes the two-wheelers so special? Mr. Panther, retired mechanical engineer and project supervisor, reports with two of his students on 16.02.2022 at the handover of the two two-wheelers.

As a MINT school - MINT stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology - the IGS Contwig promotes innovative and enthusiastic learning in these four subjects and not only exchanges ideas constructively at regular network meetings, but also sets an example for other schools.

Driving things forward together and realizing great ideas

The MINT-AG of the IGS was supervised by Mr. Panther, who shared his knowledge and experience as a former mechanical engineer with the students. "Young and old have to work together, the old need the young and the young need us old. That way we can move things forward together and realize great ideas. I'm retired and have been interested in two-wheelers for a long time, so I offered to work with the students in the STEM club to tackle this project," Panther said. "We started developing our wheel in 2019. I used to travel a lot to trade shows when I was working - on foot. That's how my original idea of a knife wheel came about. I also knew MiniTec from my days as a mechanical engineer. At school, we needed a system that we could assemble without machining or welding and that we could also flexibly adapt again and again in the course of the development process. The MiniTec profile system is perfect for this."

The students and Mr. Panther worked out hand sketches, sawed, filed, screwed and assembled together until the first wheel with an electric motor was created.

"After all, we were there from the planning to the final implementation, and the feeling of having your own product in front of you at the end and starting the test drive was the greatest thing," the students describe. "When we did the first test drive, more and more students joined and everyone wanted to try it too."

Simple locomotion and good for the environment thanks to the electric motor

For people who cannot use such a running wheel, a second variant should now emerge: the running scooter. You can sit comfortably while being supported by the scooter in your walking motion. On even distances one can advance completely simply with its running movement and for upward gradients one can operate the electric motor by hand throttle and drive with up to 7 km/h supported. At this speed, even a road permit is not required.

The situation is different for the running bike: with speeds of up to 15 km/h - a hybrid of muscle power and electric motor - there are still some questions to be answered: How can the running bike now be approved for road use? If this approval is achieved, the electrics can be finally installed - including a step pattern sensor that only starts the auxiliary motor via hand throttle when steps are taken. Panther is now facing these regulatory challenges and keeping the students informed.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed for Mr. Panther that he'll be able to get the registration done and that our wheel will be allowed on the road," say the students. "We hope to be able to make it all happen and are happy about every tip we get regarding the official procedures and the registration," Panther tells us in conclusion.
Two grade 11 classes have been able to work on this project since 2019. We are pleased to be able to sponsor such a project, along with other companies, and of course hope that the goals set will all still be achieved.