Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2006.Includes bibliographical references.This research involved the design and manufacture of a prototype for a hybrid bicycle system. The design called for a vehicle capable of being used in a mode where normal bicycle operation is possible while being reconfigurable into a cargo carrying configuration where both wheels are coaxial. The simplification of the process by which the device could change from one mode to the other and the robustness of the system as a whole were set as primary design criteria. This design would allow for the transportation of individuals and cargo under varying situations, including the evacuation of a wounded individual when in cargo mode. The success of the prototype proved the value of the concept and its possible applications in military, urban, and outdoor environments. Testing also showed that further research into refining the cargo transports driving dynamics and the manufacturing of the most critical components is merited.by Andreas Pino ; in collaboration with Orlando Soto.S.B
