SMHyle is a proposed demonstration project for an innovative clean hydrogen-based sustainable mobility system, along with a toolkit designed to support public administrations and fleet operators in the adoption of new medium-range sustainable transport solutions, such as hydrogen-powered bicycles.

SMHyle combines two “green” elements:

– Bicycles and tricycles, as non-polluting, low-cost, and low-maintenance vehicles, particularly well-suited for use in Seville (Spain) and the Campania region (Italy), where the terrain and climate are favorable for year-round cycling.

– Hydrogen, which is a clean energy carrier when produced from renewable energy sources.

SMHyle also includes a remote diagnostics system: through the implementation of a web-based platform, users would be able to access all bike-sharing services—such as geolocation of the nearest available vehicle, reservation, usage, and return—via their smartphones, along with information on the nearest hydrogen refueling points. In this way, once a bicycle is returned, it immediately becomes available for another user, who can then move around the city and drop it off at any free docking station.

The metal hydride cartridge has an autonomy of approximately 8 hours and allows for a range of about 200 km under full operation. Warning sensors will monitor the remaining autonomy and inform the user, who, through an app on their smartphone, will be able to locate the nearest station to replace the cartridge.