E-sup
An inflatable electric paddleboard
The Inflatable E-sup with a removable electric engine combines the advantages of the classic paddleboard and the convenience of using an electric engine. It's main advantage is a attachable electric engine, which allows you to significantly increase the speed and distance of travel.
Client Togoboat
Services Industrial Design (Ergonomic Design, CMF Design)
Link https://togoboat.com/pages/e-sup
Year 2022
Brief
The goal of the project was to create a joy-inducing paddleboard with a user-friendly engine attachment and paddle controller. Ensure comfort in both powered and unpowered use. Prioritize a vibrant, distinctive appearance based on customer-provided references and catamarans, developed previously .
Process
Research
Sup board is a inflatable paddleboard used for leisure time on open water. They are often used for tourist trips on water routes.
Riding on the sup board is fun and exciting, it is suitable for all ages and training levels. It positively affects health and fitness. Sup boards allow you to explore new water places and enjoy the beauties of nature.
There are several types of paddleboards. Tourist - for walking on the water, racing - for speed sports, wave - for riding on the waves and universal - for intermediate all-round experience.
We select the universal form, which is very stable and suitable for smooth movement on water and for riding on small waves.
Research information about the features and details of sup-boards. Key feature is its inflatable design, facilitating convenient transportation and storage by easily deflating after use. Stabilization elements are integral for water stability. Some models may include extra features like load anchorage systems or expandable seats.
Visit to the store of sup boards gave insights into details and materials of the board.
Concept Design
E-sup consists of two main components: engine and inflatable board. It is necessary It was crucial that the board looks good and stays functional regardless of whether the engine is attached to it or not.
Create two concept designs differing in engine attachment to the SUP board. Variant one involves an engine inserted into a hole, which can be plugged with a transparent window or inflatable head pillow when not in use. Variant two incorporates the engine as a tail component. Client chooses the second concept.
Propose trim and colour solutions, based on sup board design trends and customer wishes. Client is not sure about the general CMF direction, as they are gravitated towards 3 directions: wooden textures; minimal, but colourful and absolutely minimal. We propose and develop a universal trim, that can be executed in various CMF solutions.
Design Development
Define the dimensions of the sup-board and distribution of all the details.
Refine the design of the engine. Cover the top surface of the engine with a soft pad, like on the E-sup, as the user needs it to comfortably step on it. Add the charge level indication.
Client returns, this time ready to abort using a ODM motor and enclose the rotor inside the body. We develop a design solution and add a compartment on top of the enclosure for storing small important things.
Video by Togoboat
Controller Design
Develop a concept design of an engine controller, that can be attached to most of paddles.
CMF Design & Graphics
E-sup is the second project, developed for Togoboat, as previously we worked on E-boat together.
We refine CMF variations that are in the same style, but also unique and unforgettable.
E-sup is divided into modules for which several color combinations are selected. Thanks to the modular system, it isn't necessary to change the cutting of soft pads to add a new CMF solution.
Production
The project is currently in the prototype stage. Soon it will move to crowdfunding.
Follow the updates on Togoboat and USAEVDESIGN.
Video by Togoboat
Testimonial
"In 2022, we collaborated with Rodion Usaev on a project to develop conceptual design and ergonomics of an innovative electric paddleboard. As before, Rodion helped us to come to the perfect result, defining not only the overall shape and color, but also the details, materials and finishing of the board, paddle and engine block. We are satisfied with both the quality of the results and how quickly and flexibly the process was built."
- Viktor Storozhenko, CEO of Togoboat
