RG METALS – The Metals Research Group (RG) from the Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), took part in the historic soft opening of the Tahir Solo Museum of Culture, Science, and Technology. During the launch event, which was attended by VIPs including the Mayor of Surakarta, Mr. Respati Adi, the RG Metals team was present to fulfill a special invitation from the museum. The team’s presence aimed to showcase the nation’s manufacturing technology innovations that are highly relevant to current developments and the mobility needs of modern society.
On this special occasion, RG Metals exhibited its first electric bicycle prototype named Metals EV-01, which is a part of their flagship research roadmap called METALLIVES (Metals for Lightweight Vehicles). This electric bicycle is not merely an assembled bike; rather, it is the result of independent design and engineering by the research team. The bicycle frame was designed and manufactured in-house using AA6061 aluminum alloy. This specific material was chosen for its lightweight characteristics combined with high structural strength, making it highly ideal to support the foundation of future efficient vehicles.
Photo caption: The physical appearance of the Metals EV-01 electric bicycle prototype by RG Metals, exhibited at the soft opening of Tahir Solo Museum.
In terms of mechanics and performance, the Metals EV-01 is driven by a Brushless DC (BLDC) electric motor embedded in the rear wheel hub. Interestingly, the RG Metals research team maintained a strong priority on physical functionality by incorporating a variable multi-speed groupset transmission system. This configuration is carefully designed so that users can still pedal the bicycle lightly and comfortably, similar to a conventional bicycle, particularly if the battery is depleted in the middle of a journey. Furthermore, safety and practicality aspects are well-addressed through a plug-and-play modular battery design that is easy to attach and detach.
The presence of the Metals EV-01 electric bicycle innovation received a remarkably positive response from the exhibition visitors. Mayor Respati Adi personally expressed his appreciation for the advancement of lightweight vehicle research developed by the UNS team. Moreover, the RG Metals exhibition booth was consistently crowded with other invited guests, predominantly students from various schools across Surakarta. It is hoped that the enthusiasm shown by these students will serve as an inspiration to bring them closer to the world of science and technology, while simultaneously providing a surge of positive energy for RG Metals to continuously innovate and perfect lightweight vehicle technology in the future.
