Who doesn’t enjoy a pleasant surprise? We all know that special feeling when we stumble upon an unexpected discovery or experience something entirely new. It’s especially impressive when we encounter an innovative product that exceeds all our expectations.
This was likely the case for many visitors wandering through the halls of RETTmobil in Fulda this past May. Searching for innovations in emergency vehicles, public authority equipment, and rescue services, they found something extraordinary in Hall 11. Tucked away in an unassuming corner was not a large, flashing emergency vehicle with massive off-road wheels, but a compact, charming little vehicle that caught everyone’s attention. Sometimes, less truly is more—the small speedster brought smiles to countless faces and earned compliments like, “How brilliant is that?”
For many emergency responders and public safety organizations, swift, uncomplicated help is essential in those critical first moments. Often, first responders rush to the scene individually to minimize the “treatment-free interval” before main forces arrive. Yet, this is frequently done in large vehicles that can become entangled in heavy traffic, losing valuable time.
Could there be a simpler solution? The developers at Project urban 2|3 GmbH focused intently on this question and have created a vehicle designed to enable quick, unhindered arrival at emergency scenes.
This unique solution, named the 3W CELL, has a name that reflects its special features: “3” for its three wheels—two in front and one in back—and “CELL” for its safety cell that allows additional innovations. The safety cell and three-wheel design mean that the vehicle can be operated without a helmet or motorcycle license; a regular driver’s license is sufficient, making it easy for emergency personnel to use. It even has a reverse gear for easy maneuvering.
As for safety while driving, the two-wheel front suspension enhances active safety. Moreover, the vehicle’s design team, with expertise in motorcycle and vehicle development, crafted a safety cell that meets rigorous safety standards to ensure passive safety. In doing so, they have pioneered a new vehicle class that bridges the gap between traditional two-wheelers and cars.
