Rapid urbanization and the growing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly transportation have driven the development of various innovations in mobility. One solution that is increasingly gaining attention is electric bicycles, which are considered capable of addressing urban mobility challenges in a practical and sustainable way.

Based on 2022 data, nearly 10,000 bicycle units were sold in Indonesia, with more than 1,000 of them being electric bicycles. This indicates a growing public interest in eco-friendly vehicles. Economic analysts even predict that the electric bicycle market will continue to grow rapidly in the future, in line with increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need for efficient transportation.

In response to this opportunity, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), through its research and development activities, has introduced an innovation called SPLIT EV (Sepeda Lipat ITK Electric Vehicle). This innovation is a foldable electric bicycle designed as a modern mobility solution, particularly to address last-mile connectivity challenges.

SPLIT EV is developed by integrating various aspects of technology and design. The use of lightweight materials, a compact folding mechanism, and an efficient electric propulsion system provides advantages in terms of portability, comfort, and energy efficiency. With its practical design, SPLIT EV can be easily carried and stored, making it highly suitable for use in dynamic urban environments.

More than just a means of transportation, SPLIT EV also offers a real contribution to reducing carbon emissions. This innovation represents a concrete step in supporting the development of green compact vehicles, a field that still has relatively limited research and development in Indonesia.

In its development process, the SPLIT EV research focuses not only on design but also on performance evaluation and user experience. Several aspects studied include chassis design, battery efficiency, weight optimization, and vehicle durability. In addition, ergonomic analysis using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was conducted to ensure user comfort and safety. All these aspects were tested through engineering approaches and functional testing to produce an optimal product.

This research involves collaboration between lecturers and students of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan, as well as external partners. The lecturer research team consists of Faisal Syamsuddin, S.Pd., M.Sn. (Visual Communication Design), Kholiq Deliasgarin R., S.T., M.T. (Mechanical Engineering), Ir. Hadhimas Dwi H., S.T., M.Eng. (Mechanical Engineering), and Ahmad Anas Arifin, S.T., M.Sc. as a research collaboration partner from Institut Teknologi Adhitama Surabaya.

The student team involved comes from the Mechanical Engineering Study Program, namely Ega Febyna Kan, Surya Saputra, Aria Zesar D., Achmad Dicky, and Fadhlih Wafin A., who contributed to the design, simulation, fabrication, and documentation processes of the research.

Through the SPLIT EV innovation, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan demonstrates its commitment to developing technology that adapts to the needs of the times while contributing to sustainable development. It is hoped that this innovation can become one of the future transportation solutions that is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly and relevant to the needs of Indonesian society.