F2022
Semester (Term, Year)
CMN 432
Course Code
4
Course Section
Course Title
Communication in the Engineering Profession
Guang Ying Mo
Course Instructor
4
Assignment No.
11/30/2022
Submission Due Date
Assignment 4 - Executive Summary
Title
11/30/2022
Submission Date
Submission by (Name):
Student ID (XXXX1234)
Signature
Robert Stangaciu
501095883
R .S.
Sami Matar
501115216
S.M
Aagash Mayoorapriyan
501105426
A.M
Jawad Rizwan
501124033
J.R.
Christian Mandarino
501110135
C.M.
By signing the above you attest that you have contributed to this submission and confirm that all work
you contributed to this submission is your own work. Any suspicion of copying or plagiarism in this work
will result in an investigation of Academic Misconduct and may result in a ”0” on the work, and “F” in the
course, or possibly more severe penalties, as well as a Disciplinary Notice on your academic record
under the Academic Integrity Policy 60, which can be found at www.torontomu.ca/senate/policies/
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
2
TECHNICAL ASPECTS | THE ROUTE
3
TECHNICAL ASPECTS | THE QUADRICYCLE DESIGN
5
TECHNICAL ASPECTS | PROJECT TIMELINE
6
CURRENT SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES AND POTENTIAL COMMUNITIES AFFECTED
7
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION
9
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDED OPTIONS FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS
10
REFERENCES
12
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1
3
Figure 2
3
Figure 3
4
Figure 4
5
Figure 5
6
Figure 6
7
2
INTRODUCTION
Due to city traffic and its various problems in Toronto, our engineering team at Pappus
Guldinus Industries has decided to propose a quadricycle as public transportation. Along with
certain requirements that can be considered one of the most reliable and easy-to-use
transportation systems in the world.
Heavily based on already existing bike routes along the lakeshore and park regions of
Toronto, the quadricycle will use this unoccupied stretch of roads to drive on. Bike trails are
viable places the quadricycle can be easily implemented without spending considerably more
money on new roads.
The design was prudently chosen to resolve the traffic problems which is considered one
of the biggest problems in an infrastructure city much comparable to Toronto. The quadricycle
structured from an automobile-like design is very efficient and will overall be very energy
efficient. Some components and materials include rubber tires, a regenerative braking system, an
electronic pedal, and a small motor. This will allow commuters to travel comfortably but more
importantly, safely. Safety and security of the public and employees are important and the
number one priority for Pappus Guldinus and is taken very much into consideration.
Our main focus for this project was on the profitability of the project and its employment
opportunities that will arise along by providing positive outcomes to the city and its people. As
tourism is considered one of the biggest industries in the city, this project will help optimize the
tourist and local experience of commuting by making it faster, easier, more entertaining and
more efficient. The sale of quadricycles along with advertisements would generate revenue for
the local economy and Pappus Guldinus. It will also help in creating more various jobs for locals.
This will help with the unemployment rate and help raise minimally the GDP of the city. The
“electric golf cart” design developed for this project ensures that it displays ethical and moral
concerns. As well as the safety of the design for riders and the general public, being
environmentally friendly and sustainable. It would also finally ensure that the integration of a
privately based transportation system into urban society is an ethical one.
This report will include researching and analyzing different aspects of the quadricycle.
From technical knowledge to political considerations, social considerations, implementations
and regulations in order to explain how our proposal for a quadricycle on the lakeshore will
help and improve Toronto’s public transit.
3
TECHNICAL ASPECTS |
THE ROUTE
The following two figures display the proposed routes along with the proposed maps for station
stops and charging stations. The route is assembled into three main routes. The main route is the
Martin Goodman trail (20 km), the Toronto Islands (8km), and Tommy Thompson park (10km).
Figure #1 - Proposed Route
Figure #2 - Proposed Stops
4
This route map is heavily based on already existing bike routes along the lakeshore and
park regions of Toronto. Already existing bike roads (Martin Goodman majority) are very
important because they are the only viable places the quadricycle can be easily implemented
without spending more money on roads. This chain of roads stretched from end to end would be
about 40 km in length, and it would connect all the separate regions together (except Toronto
islands). The park roads are also chosen because the quadricycle will be for recreational use.
The Toronto lakeshore and skyline connect almost all recreation and tourist locations in
Toronto, along with a great view. Riding a bike is mostly done when travelling a good route in
good weather, not when it is raining on downtown streets. Therefore, at Pappus-Guldinus
Industries, we believe the design of the quadricycle will not be suitable for downtown streets as
there is no space or motivation to make kilometres of enlarged bike lanes. This is especially true
when considering the 17 km/h speed cap of the legislation, rendering the quadricycle too slow
for city street traffic. There may be many other forms of transportation within the city which are
bigger and faster alternatives such as buses and subway trains, but not on the lakeshore. With
the quadricycle, it will enable a non-rushed experience on the trail with the same magnitude of
stops that a bus would have. With 33 stops, including 10 charging stops, they are conveniently
placed around every 2 km to pick up, and drop off and have a small resting period for the
passengers. Charging stations are every 10-15 km and are prioritized at larger stations such as
Toronto's Billy Bishop port, Humber Bay, and Balmy Beach.
The most appealing factor about this proposed route is the timing to get across the
lakeshore. According to Google Maps, via the Martin Goodman Trail, it takes roughly one hour
to get from one end of the Martin Goodman to the other (considering travelling at top speed)
(Figure #3). This case implies the idea to our riders that although the Toronto lakeshore along
with our proposed map is big, achieving completion in just an hour encourages participation.
Some studies also suggest that individuals may deviate from their shortest travel path in
exchange for a pleasant journey (Diez, 2019). Furthermore, the Toronto lakeshore is also a
relatively flat terrain which becomes a huge advantage for the journey in the quadricycle. Flat
terrain signifies much less work that has to be done to cycle the vehicle, which results in a more
enjoyable journey.
5
TECHNICAL ASPECTS |
THE QUADRICYCLE DESIGN
Our proposition for the implementation of quadricycles as a means of public
transportation is by using a minivan/golf cart cycle design for the lakeshore and parks of
Toronto. This 12-seater electrically aided cycle will function as the chosen “bus transportation”
system for the region as can be seen in Figure #4. Designed in collaboration with Yamaha Motor
Company.
This idea was selected because
making the quadricycle stand out as a “bus”
is the most convenient for the public view
and the purpose of the quadricycle. When the
public sees the quadricycle, they know it is
part of a pilot program due to its unique
automobile design. A good “bus” is always a
reliable one, and the quadricycle is very
reliable in terms that it is built well,
affordable, safe, efficient, and worth using it.
Therefore it makes a great addition to the
lakeshore horizon.
The best design in terms of quality construction is the golf cart. Twelve persons can fit
inside a small, compact vehicle. Aluminum and composite materials make up the majority of the
truss structure. Aluminum is well known to have a high amount of reaction force resistance.
(Koch, 2021). It has sufficient strength to support the structure and also lessens impact force
(Pang, 2019). Being among the lightest metals utilized in manufacturing, aluminum reduces
weight, lowers manufacturing costs, and boosts the output efficiency of the quadricycle (Lee,
n.d.). The outer body of the quadricycle is built of composites. The quadricycle will also include
small motors and a driving mechanism. In the case of a solo driver, the small motor will allow
them to operate the vehicle effortlessly if need be or for any other necessary situations such as an
emergency. Due to the size and weight of the quadricycle, the driver will need an efficient and
effective way to steer and control the car. The power steering and steering mechanism will
effortlessly let the driver have that control with ease. In terms of safety, the design features
headlights, brake lights, a roof, a trunk, and other safety features similar to those seen on a bus.
These characteristics not only make the quadricycle more appealing as a street-visible
transportation but also shield the occupants from bumps and minor debris. Additionally, the
electric quadricycle's batteries are kept inside its truck bed, just as in a Tesla automobile
(Lambert, 2021). This places the centre of gravity close to the vehicle and creates a stable ride
profile, which increases resistance to external forces and output efficiency.
6
Elaborating on efficiency, the quadricycle will use a 10 kWh battery to power its twelve
sets of 70% electric-aided pedals along with the small motors. As not all passengers will provide
the same amount of energy, relying only on the biomechanical energy from the occupants to
power the vehicle is not efficient. The decision to use a 10 kWh source was based on a TRCA
(Toronto Region and Conservation
Agency) report which concluded the
average golf cart uses 3.3 kWh of
energy per day (Seters, 2010) along
with the fact the quadricycle is
subjected to long hours on the routes.
Charging the batteries will be used
100% from the grid. Energy from the
grid is the best source due to its
low-cost rates
and reusability.
According to the same TRCA report,
the daily fuel costs of an electric cart
are approximately 16.5 cents per day
as seen in Figure #5, a very cheap rate.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS |
PROJECT TIMELINE
Manufacturing
Towards building, prototyping, and testing the quadricycles, Pappus-Guldinus will
communicate and reach out to automotive and CNC manufacturing firms, including Yamaha. to
reach a deal for the best cost, rate, and production. The firm with the best investment offers and
rebates will be selected as the exclusive manufacturer of the quadricycle.
Urban Planning
Because most of the proposed route is already on pre-existing bike trails, any other required
extensions will have to be done through the Toronto park service to construct and build the trail
out of asphalt. The park service will also be contacted to install and plot any road marks/lanes.
Pappus-Guldinus Industries will give out the mapped plan of the stops to the city planners for
approval. Once approval is gained, construction will begin. For the charging stations, electric
lines will have to be available to install in order to park and charge the quadricycle.
Licensing
Any company that is interested in operating our quadricycles will need to apply for pedicab
licences. No more than four such licenses can be approved for any single company. Each
pedicab owner’s licence is issued for one year, and can not be leased, transferred or sold.
Pedicab drivers must also hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence. Pappus-Guldinus Industries will
comply with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation in order to uphold these regulations.
7
Delivery and Implementation
Once a quadricycle is out of the assembly line, it is shipped via FedEx Freight to its registered
company. Once arrived, it will be inspected for a final time before use. Upon approval of the
final inspection, the quadricycle will be put into public use for the city of Toronto’s lakeshore.
CURRENT SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES AND POTENTIAL
COMMUNITIES AFFECTED
In Ontario, Joanna Kyriazis, manager of Clean Energy Canada's clean transportation
initiative, stated that Ontario residents are currently “unsatisfied with their provinces' subpar in
EV performance for good reason” (Clean Energy Canada, 2022). This is due to Ontario having
many more rules and regulations compared to other provinces and territories in Canada. Last
year, Yukon sold more electric vehicles than the country's most populous province. Similarly,
the EV market is being shifted to British Columbia and Quebec per Joanna’s claim (Clean
Energy Canada, 2022). Ontarians want EVs in their neighbourhoods. They save on fuel costs
and maintenance, have zero carbon emissions and many more benefits, factors societies favour.
These restrictions just make it even more difficult for EV manufacturers to push out their
products to the Ontario market. The provincial government needs to take additional steps to
assist Ontarians in making the switch. Environmentalists are more than ever pushing for
eco-friendly solutions due to all-time climate change records.
Some other social implications include simply riding a bike to get around the city or
using it for a healthy lifestyle and recreation as biking is one of the leading physical activities
done in the city of Toronto. Based on a city of Toronto report done by Nanos Research, the
number of Toronto residents riding a bike for the last 20 years (1999-2019) has increased by
8
almost 25% (Nanos, 2019). That is just about double the number of bike riders since 1999 as
seen in Figure #6. This clearly indicates that socially, biking has become a more pertinent part
of travelling, and will become more inclusive in the daily lives of Toronto residents. To
accommodate for that increase, Torontonians would like to see the city and the Ministry of
Ontario provide and get involved in the new trends that greatly affect city infrastructure.
The fitness culture is also always looking for new methods to get the community
involved and stay in healthy shape. Rather than using a car on a beautiful day or spending
money on a bicycle, fitness groups can vision the quadricycle as a cost-effective solution to
travel. It is scientifically proven and a clear fact bicycling is a healthy routine to exercise your
cardiovascular system. It increases blood pressure and circulation in the body, relieves stress,
builds muscles and eases joints (Underferth, 2016). There is absolutely no harm in giving the
quadricycle a try for a new way of physical exercise.
The addition of quadricycles to Toronto is highly beneficial to many people and
communities. Having quadricycles implemented in the Toronto parks systems will positively
impact many families with young children, providing a fun outdoor experience that families can
enjoy together. Families living in close proximity to any quadricycle stops along the parks
system will be more encouraged to engage with nature and get some outdoor time by using this
kid-friendly and highly interactive transportation system. Furthermore, quadricycles are also
highly beneficial to avid parkgoers. For those trying to see as much of the beauty of the Toronto
parks as possible, while also trying to get some physical activity into their days, the quadricycle
offers a great solution. The pedal features on the quadricycle facilitate a healthy lifestyle, and
the set paths of each of the three quadricycle routes allow the rider to see the entirety of each
park system. These set paths are based on pre-existing park trails and biking routes.
The decision to implement our quadricycles on pre-existing trails located in the Toronto
parks system serves many different benefits. Aside from the lowered implementation costs, the
addition of quadricycles to parks instead of the busy Toronto streets factors out any potential
disruptions to traffic. The additional congestion to these Toronto streets is taken out of the
equation entirely when having the quadricycles run primarily in parks. However, the foot traffic
present in the Toronto parks would be much greater. With more and more citizens, tourists,
families and parkgoers visiting the parks to ride the quadricycles, there may be more
congestion. Given the capacity of the quadricycles as well, each one of the stops along its
planned route may be particularly busy as well, not being able to transport everyone that is
waiting. However, by attracting more people to the parks to use this alternative mode of public
transportation, transit systems located on the main streets of Toronto may become less densely
populated during the day.
Bikers in Toronto parks may also be disrupted by the addition of quadricycles. Many
cyclists use these trails throughout the day, whether it be for exercise, or to get from place to
place. For many cyclists that use these trails to get to work each day, the additional congestion
to the park pathways and trails may cause some issues. Furthermore, the addition of
quadricycle-specific lanes may disrupt cyclists, interfering with routes taken in their commute.
9
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS AFFECTING
IMPLEMENTATION
There are several different regulations that will affect the overall implementation of
quadricycles as public transportation in Toronto. Most of these regulations come from the
Province of Ontario’s pilot project for large quadricycles. This regulation was filed on April 21,
2022, under the Highway Traffic Act (Government of Ontario, 2022). This legal document
allows for large quadricycles to be used in certain municipalities and outlines a large list of
requirements for large quadricycles that must be obeyed regardless of the municipality.
The regulation also outlines the required specifications of the quadricycle. According to
the regulation, the quadricycle must have a minimum of 12 seats, no structure that fully
encloses the occupant area, a weight that does not exceed 1150 kilograms, a width that does not
exceed 2.3 metres, a length that does not exceed 5.7 metres, a height that does not exceed 2.9
metres and it must have a single seat where the vehicle can be operated from (Government of
Ontario, 2022). Furthermore, in compliance with the regulation, the quadricycle must be
equipped with a steering wheel or handlebar (for steering), headlights, tail lights, turn signals,
brake lights, hazard lights, rear-view mirrors, reflectors, service brakes and parking brakes, a
horn or bell, four tires that meet the requirements of Regulation 625 of the Highway Traffic Act
and a slow moving vehicle sign on the back.
According to this regulation, large quadricycles must also not be able to exceed a speed
of 17 km/h on level terrain and their driver must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License
(Government of Ontario, 2022). The quadricycle must also only be operated if the vehicle is in
good working order. It also states that quadricycles will follow the requirements for cyclists
outlined in Regulation 610 of the Highway Traffic Act in regard to safety helmets. This means
that passengers of the quadricycle who are 18 years of age or older will not be required to wear
a helmet.
This regulation also specifies where and how the quadricycles may be legally operated.
As stated in the regulation, quadricycles may only operate on a roadway or the shoulder of a
highway (Government of Ontario, 2022). However, quadricycles may not legally operate on
highways or areas which are prohibited under any government action. The quadricycle must not
also be driven in the right-hand lane of the roadway and as close as possible to the right-hand
curb or edge of the roadway. Furthermore, the quadricycle is prohibited from being driven if the
number of occupants exceeds the number of available seats or more than twenty. It is also
prohibited from being operated if combustible fuels are present in the vehicle. In addition, no
alcohol is allowed to be consumed on board by the occupants (Niece, 2022). Quadricycles must
also obey the same road rules as other vehicles.
For the pilot program in Toronto, operators of quadricycles will need to apply for a
pedicab owner’s license for each vehicle they wish to operate (Niece, 2022). In addition to a
valid Ontario Driver’s License, each quadricycle driver must apply for a pedicab driver’s
license. Companies hosting quadricycles as public transportation are required to hold at least $2
10
million dollars in insurance and must have their proposed routes approved by Transportation
Services. Moreover, the Toronto City Council has allowed for the issuing of eight pedicab
owner’s licenses for Quadricycles in total with no more than four being given out per each
company. Furthermore, each pedicab owner’s license is only issued for a time period of one
year. Therefore, it could be concluded that a monopoly on quadricycle transportation cannot be
created due to one company not being able to operate all eight of the issued pedicab licenses as
per regulation.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDED OPTIONS FOR
FURTHER ANALYSIS
Pappus Guldinus Industries has decided to propose a quadricycle as public transportation.
The design was prudently chosen to resolve the traffic problems which is considered one of the
biggest problems in an infrastructure city much comparable to Toronto. As well as the safety of
the design for riders and the general public, being environmentally friendly, and sustainable,
ensuring the integration of our project into urban society in which we assure that the proposed
design is an ethical system.
Having quadricycles implemented in the Toronto parks systems will positively impact
many families with young children, providing a fun outdoor experience that families can enjoy
together. The pedal features on the quadricycle facilitate a healthy lifestyle, and the set paths of
each of the three quadricycle routes allow the rider to see the entirety of each park system. Aside
from the lowered implementation costs, the addition of quadricycles to parks instead of the busy
Toronto streets factors out any potential disruptions to traffic.
The routes planned for the quadricycles are going to be in parks and trails such as the
Martin Goodman trail. These places were selected due to their existing bicycle infrastructure
such as bike roads. From the beginning of Martin Goodman to the end takes about 1 hour
considering it travels at top speed.
According to the regulation, the quadricycle must have a minimum of 12 seats, no
structure that fully encloses the occupant area, a weight that does not exceed 1150 kilograms and
width, length and height dimensions that cannot exceed 2.3, 5.7 and 2.9 metres respectively. It
must have a single seat which the vehicle can be operated from. Furthermore, in compliance with
the regulation, the quadricycle must be equipped with a steering wheel or handlebar (for
steering), headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights, rear-view mirrors,
reflectors, service brakes and parking brakes, a horn or bell, four tires that meet the requirements
of Regulation 625 of the Highway Traffic Act and a slow moving vehicle sign on the back.
According to this regulation, large quadricycles must also not be able to exceed a speed of 17
km/h on level terrain and their driver must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License (Government of
Ontario, 2022).
The idea of a minivan golf cart design was selected because making the quadricycle stand
out as a “bus” is the most convenient for the public view and the purpose of the quadricycle. Due
11
to the size and weight of the quadricycle, the driver will need an efficient and effective way to
steer and control the car. Elaborating on efficiency, the quadricycle will use a 10 kWh battery to
power its twelve sets of electric-aided pedals along with the small motors.
One recommendation that was previously discussed but not incorporated into our design
was a quadricycle with the ability to generate its own power using biomechanical energy from
the pedals. Having a quadricycle which is able to generate its own source of power would be
beneficial as it would eliminate the need for frequent stops at charging stations along the
vehicle’s route. Theoretically, this idea would be very efficient. However, we believe that it is not
logical to self-power the quadricycle only by relying on biomechanical energy as said in the
report. Our automobile-like quadricycle would most likely be way too heavy to efficiently
regenerate that power. However, if we redesign the quadricycle to be lighter, it might be possible
to implement the regenerative system, but that would require further analysis and technological
development.
12
REFERENCES
Diez, C., Palanca, J., Sanchez-Anguix, V., Heras, S., Giret, A., & Vicente Julián. (2019).
Towards a Persuasive Recommender for Bike Sharing Systems: A Defeasible
Argumentation Approach. Energies, 12(4), 662. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12040662
Ekapun, P., & Pang, T. Y. (2015). Design and performance analysis of an electromagnetic
tricycle operated in an airport. Procedia Engineering, 99, 1330-1338.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.12.667
Government of Ontario. (2022, April). O. Reg. 411/22: PILOT PROJECT - LARGE
QUADRICYCLES. Government of Ontario. Retrieved from
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r22411
Koch, S. (2021, June). What aluminum alloys are best for bicycle frames? Shapes by Hydro.
Retrieved from
https://www.shapesbyhydro.com/en/material-properties/what-aluminium-alloys-are-best-f
or-bicycle-frames/
Lambert, F. (2021, January). Tesla explains how it achieves top safety rating on Model Y and
'lowest rollover risk of any SUV'. Electrek. Retrieved from
https://electrek.co/2021/01/14/tesla-explains-top-safety-rating-model-y-lowest-rollover-ri
sk/
Lee, M. (n.d.). The Advantages of an Aluminum Bike Frame. Livestrong.com. Retrieved from
https://www.livestrong.com/article/439363-the-advantages-of-an-aluminum-bike-frame/
Nanos Research. (2019). City of Toronto Cycling Study. City of Toronto.
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.toronto.ca/wp-conte
nt/uploads/2021/04/8f76-2019-Cycling-Public-Option-Survey-City-of-Toronto-Cycling.p
df
Niece, J. (2022). Large Multi-Passenger Pedalled Vehicles Pilot. City of Toronto. Retrieved from
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/transportation-pr
ojects/pedicabs/
Seters, T. (2010). Evaluation of Solar Assisted, Electric and Gas Golf Carts . Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority.
https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2013/01/SAEGC-FINAL-2010.pdf
Underferth, D. (2020, May). 5 health benefits of cycling. MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Retrieved from
13
https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/health-benefits-cycling.h26
Z1590624.html