An anthropometric measurement for developing an electric scooter

An electric scooter is one type of light motorcycle driven by an electric motor and used with small wheels, a low seat, and a fixed shield protecting the driver's legs. Since it can be considered as a constrained workstation for users of different sizes to fit on the same workstation, some ergonomic problems should be taken into consideration when designing an electric scooter. This article presents a case study for illustrating how to apply the anthropometric measurement to develop a new product. In this paper, we propose a two-dimensional anthropometric data collection approach and conduct an anthropometric experiment for scooter riders in Taiwan. Based on the obtained anthropometric data concerning scooter-riding postures, an electric scooter was developed which was the result of a collaborative project for new product development. The developed electric scooter was satisfactory, and resulted in a significant improvement in its appearance and ergonomic performance. Relevance to industry Anthropometric data should be appropriately used in ergonomic design to specify the physical dimensions of workstations, as well as should be applied to new product development. The integrated applications of aesthetic techniques and anthropometric data are critical factors for industrial designers to develop a satisfying product. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.