As cities increasingly transition to car-free and low-emission zones, cargo bicycles have become a popular alternative for both companies and families. They allow for the efficient transport of goods and children while navigating busy urban areas without emissions. However, single-track cargo bicycles still have some limitations. Stability issues, especially at low and zero speeds, and the effort required to lift a heavy cargo bicycle onto its kickstand, reduce usability and safety. These problems are amplified by uneven load distribution and heavy cargo.

A prototype for an active kickstand stabilization mechanism was developed. A model was made where a simple spring-damper feedback system was placed on the roll degree of freedom of the cargo bicycle. After formulating design criteria, a design was created and manufactured, and the system was assembled on a cargo bicycle. The prototype was then tested to validate the design specifications.

The results show a measurable improvement in stability, especially when cycling off from a standstill. The system also stabilized the bicycle with a cargo of 50 kilograms on the luggage rack in addition to an 80-kilogram rider. These results show that an active kickstand stabilization mechanism is suitable for everyday use on cargo bicycles and can increase the safety and usability of the cargo bicycle.