Innovative Solutions for Urban Commuting: The Development and Feasibility of the Stormrider Longboard Fender
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Date
2023-05
Authors
Farrell, Riley
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Problem:
During discussions with longboarders, two common pain points emerged: getting splashed by water on wet roads and feeling unsafe when riding at night. Stormrider attempts to solve these issues through a universal longboard board fender that fits on any wheel between 68mm and 96mm.
Solution:
The Stormrider fender is designed to solve this problem. Stormrider is made from a durable Nylon 6/12 (PA) material which deflects the water and mud from contacting the longboarder. There is also a built-in light feature with three brightness settings: 50, 150, and 300 lumens, providing a battery life of 2-20 hours, depending on brightness. The accessory can be easily installed on the longboard using a standard skate tool, a common tool familiar to most longboarders.
Traction:
Currently, Stormrider has raised $12,500 from collegiate pitch competitions and grants. Throughout the past year, Stormrider has used these funds to create multiple iterations of the fender; the most functional prototype being created in collaboration with the Knight Campus Additive Manufacturing Lab at the University of Oregon. This thesis presents the extensive research conducted to develop Stormrider's business model and Kickstarter campaign and insights from interviews with longboarders and industry professionals.
Opportunity:
Stormrider is uniquely positioned to gain traction in the longboard accessories market due to the lack of direct competitors in the US offering a similar product. We believe that Stormrider's success will enable the company to expand its product line and become a well-known brand in the industry. The global longboard market is projected to reach USD 5.9 billion by 2025, providing a significant opportunity for Stormrider to capture a share of the market (Grand View Research, 2019). With its practical and stylish design, including a rechargeable light feature for improved visibility at night, Stormrider is set to become a leader in the longboard accessories market.
Description
56 pages