More information
Description
The project “Development of a new sustainable tourism and mobility solution “BeTRITON DIY” envisages the development of a new type of DIY tourism and mobility solution that combines the features of a small camper, a tricycle, and a boat in one product. When purchasing a product, the customer ultimately receives a KIT or set of parts and source materials together with the manual and performs product manufacturing + assembly himself in a DIY (do-it-yourself) process. The aim of this project is to create a new product “BeTRITON DIY”, which will allow even more people to interact with the world, especially nature, and travel in an environmentally friendly, and sustainable way and create conditions in which people engage, and promote the basic principles of the circular economy, and the use of local materials, resources and competencies.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to develop a DIY (Do It Yourself) or rather self-assembly version of our product that combines the functions of an electric boat, a tiny camper and an e-bike. There was an expectation for such a model from the side of our investors and the community. We also believed that this would make the product more accessible in terms of the price and would make it easier to ship worldwide.
We developed 3 completely functional prototypes as part of this project. They have been demonstrated in various parts of Europe (Amsterdam, Riga, Tallinn, Berlin, etc.) during various exhibitions and demo events.
We started off with the first prototype (now called BeTriton MINI) and bravely made it very different to our main and existing FULL product version because we thought we could improve on functionality. This was somewhat a mistake but a necessary one. We brought the first prototype to Amsterdam and a couple of demo events, but it didn’t create a similar hype to what we had built so far. We have received only a couple of pre-orders for this model. We also realized that it would be very difficult to get it right in terms of usability and proper function, especially on water.
The second prototype was a breakthrough and a major pivot for the company. We realized that the FULL version can be turned into a TRAILER version, thus simplifying the product and making it possible to self-assemble because the most complicated part – the bike is no longer there. We also experimented with the cabin and made a simple PVC cover instead of a full-size cabin to make it more affordable and simpler to build. This version is towable by a standard e-bike. Our community and investors responded very well to this model, and we think it will have a very lasting impact on our range of products. Our focus is to rent these vehicles, so having a standard bike towing the trailer, which is also an e-boat and camper, makes it much more functional and better. We also showed how all bike and cabin parts can be fitted into the hull and shipped worldwide. Both the business and individual clients will be able to assemble this product using a simple set of keys – much like an IKEA kit.
The third prototype takes the trailer version to the next level, and it’s a major improvement as it’s an eTRAILER with an integrated bike motor to assist a standard bicycle, which can be taken along. This version also has a hard top pop-up roof with a large solar panel, making the range unlimited and making the product incredibly sustainable and autonomous. We just showcased this last prototype in Riga, Berlin, Amsterdam and Tallinn – people are in awe about the new functions and build quality. Also the new lime green colour makes it stand out from our previous products.
The R&D work that we conducted as part of this project has been with utmost importance for the company’s range of products and development. We have decided to focus our business on the last 2 models / prototypes and believe it’s a breakthrough for us. This makes us more investable, commercially viable, improves our business model and go-to-market strategy and most importantly – makes our product more sustainable leaving a very lasting impact.
Summary of bilateral results
We believe this wasn’t crucial but very beneficial to us. The partner had to consult and advise us on the project''s sustainability and our products. We have developed extensive knowledge ourselves, plus during the project, we were also part of a New European Bauhaus accelerator with a focus on sustainability, so there was a lot of input in this field. The partner conducted good work preparing reports and engaging in various video calls to discuss things in detail. We also met here in Latvia and in Norway as we travelled to film one of our marketing clips (VIDEO) in Norway, and we also attended Oslo Innovation Week at the end of 2022. It was good to have an ‘insider’ in Norway and to better understand the market, not only from a sustainability point but also from a commercial point of view, as we believe this will be one of our key markets in the future.The partner provided feedback and suggestions for best sustainability practices, studied our product materials and suggestions, thoroughly studied suppliers, and gave suggestions on potential ones. A brief product lifetime assessment was conducted with an indication of how sustainable the product is. We developed a very good professional and friendly relationship. We will certainly stay in touch, but there are no current plans to continue working in the future. We will surely reach out when we’re in Norway next time and will look for opportunities to help both ways.