Bart de Vries successfully defended his MSc thesis titled Low-Speed Cargo Bicycle Balance: Design, Implementation, and Validation of an Active Kickstand Stabilization Mechanism for Low-Speed Cargo Bicycle Balance on July 15, 2025. Two-wheeled cargo bicycles with heavy loads can be hard to handle at low speeds or when loading and unloading the vehicle. Bart developed an active kickstand system with two independently operated robotic legs. The legs deploy and support the bike when the speed approaches to zero and the system will level the bicycle even if on uneven ground. When starting the legs retract as you gain sufficient speed for balancing the bicycle. Bart proved that the design can manage large loads, significant uneven surfaces, and that the system does not detract too much from the e-bike battery life.

Bart was supervised by Jason K. Moore. Everyone at the bicycle lab is very proud of Bart and wishes him the best in his next adventures.