A Radlader is usually designed to transport gravel—at the University of Stuttgart, it charges bikes. Staff from the Institute for Lightweight Structures, Design, and Construction (ILEK) have worked with students to build a solar-powered charging station for e-bikes that can accommodate up to four bikes. Owners can park their bikes there, lock them up, and charge them using their own power adapter at a power outlet. The prototype is now located on the Vaihingen campus.
A flexible solution for urban traffic
The RadLader is completely self-sufficient. It requires no connection to the power grid, as solar panels charge its battery within six to eight hours under good sunlight conditions. Its dimensions correspond to a standard parking space of 2.50 x 5 meters, and the foundation does not need to be anchored in the ground—so the RadLader can be easily transported and set up anywhere. “We wanted to keep the barriers to implementing the RadLader in urban areas as low as possible,” says Hannah Schürmann, research assistant at ILEK.
Students and staff worked together
The team didn’t stop at implementing sustainability in the transportation sector with this project: The RadLader is made from recycled components, including both the steel in the foundation and the wooden structure. Students were also involved in the design process, working in groups to create designs for the RadLader that fit within a parking space. It quickly became clear that storing the wheels upright saves a lot of space. “It was very interesting to work with the students,” says former ILEK employee Jonathan Hernandez-Lopez. “We are very grateful because they supported us a lot, and we were able to learn a great deal from them.”
About the "Glow up our Campus!“ ideas competition
The project was funded by the “Glow up our Campus!” ideas competition. In early 2025, the University of Stuttgart sought concepts from students and staff to revitalize the campus through creativity and initiative and to make it more attractive together. A total of 80 ideas were submitted to the jury, which selected 18 projects for funding—a mix of events, learning and recreational activities, and sustainable improvements.