Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWSThe Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale), in collaboration with regional partners, has developed a particularly ergonomic, lightweight, and sustainable light electric vehicle. The “SilverCruiser” is designed primarily to support the mobility of older adults in rural areas. The prototype is already being used by test groups.
Older adults in rural areas face multiple challenges when it comes to mobility. In most cases, there are fewer options available, such as a very sparse public transportation network. Often, the distances for daily errands are longer than in the city – from grocery shopping to doctor’s visits, stops at the post office, or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy. Age-related limitations further complicate the use of existing services, as about one-fifth of seniors have limited mobility. In addition, older adults are less likely to have a driver’s license and use car-sharing services less frequently than younger people.
Yet individual mobility is a key factor in quality of life, in shaping daily routines, and in maintaining social connections. Older adults want to live in their own homes for as long as possible, even when they require care. Age-appropriate mobility solutions are therefore a growth market, and the need is particularly significant in rural areas, where demographic change is especially pronounced and brings about major structural shifts: For one-third of people over 65 in Germany, the nearest supermarket is more than one kilometer away; approximately 6.5 million people in this age group live in rural or very rural areas.
LEVs are affordable, ergonomic, and sustainable
Light electric vehicles (LEVs) could be a promising solution here. LEVs are more affordable, more ergonomic, and more sustainable than other mobility options; furthermore, they can be operated without a driver’s license and incur virtually no maintenance costs. The Fraunhofer IMWS, FVK Dessau GmbH, and the Health Services Research Group from the Department of Internal Medicine at the University Medical Center Halle have pursued this approach in a joint research project. They have further developed a flexible light vehicle platform – which was developed in a previous project and has already been successfully tested in the logistics sector – for age-friendly personal mobility.
The vehicle concept incorporates the specific needs of older adults in rural areas, such as mobility patterns and typical usage scenarios. Based on this, the project partners developed a senior-friendly LEV prototype with the working title “SilverCruiser.” Its practicality and acceptance were analyzed in scientific field tests. Users were also surveyed and involved in a co-creative process to ensure that the new mobility solutions meet their needs. To this end, the project partners collaborated with the Nauendorf Senior Citizens’ Association (Wettin-Löbejün). The next step is to produce the vehicle in small-scale series production.
“Being able to get from A to B spontaneously when needed, handling everyday errands independently, and actively exploring one’s surroundings are central to social participation in old age. With the LEV, we can provide important support in this area, including for improved home care,” says Sven Wüstenhagen, who leads the project at Fraunhofer IMWS.
Vehicle allows for boarding with walking aids and with a wheelchair
The “SilverCruiser” seats three people and, in addition to its electric drive, can also be operated with pedals, which can improve fitness. The vehicle focuses on age-appropriate ergonomics: Boarding is possible both while standing upright with walking aids and via a flat ramp with a wheelchair. The height of the vehicle’s body provides great freedom of movement and enough space, for example, to stow groceries. It features a flat floor, high seating options, and a continuous handrail.
“Improving mobility options also contributes to shaping structural change in Saxony-Anhalt in a positive way, as does manufacturing the vehicle in the region,” says Wüstenhagen. The Fraunhofer IMWS is providing support both in the development of the electric vehicle using fiber-reinforced composite construction and in its field testing.
The results will be used to develop solution strategies that can also be applied to other rural areas, according to Wüstenhagen: “For example, we want to find out how high the demand and acceptance are. In doing so, we’re also already focusing on issues such as assistance systems and aspects specific to muscle-powered electric vehicles. For instance, within the context of nursing research, an approach is being discussed to further develop muscle-powered electric vehicles as therapeutic aids for post-stroke rehabilitation. The integration of LEVs into senior-friendly sharing services or public transportation networks is also being investigated. This can lead to the emergence of new business models while simultaneously supporting older adults in their daily lives.”
(July 21, 2026)