Urban Living Lab Workshop: Designing an Off-Grid PV E-Bike Charging Station from Recycled Materials

On December 3, 2025, the SMILE CITY Urban Living Lab will host a hands-on workshop in Rome, Italy (CNR, Piazzale Aldo Moro 7), dedicated to designing and prototyping an off-grid photovoltaic (PV) e-bike charging station. The event will take place from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is organised by the European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA) and SMILE CITY partners.

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Image by SMILE CITY.

The workshop marks the official launch of the SMILE CITY Urban Living Lab activities, a collaborative initiative exploring circular design, renewable energy, and sustainable urban innovation. Participants will take part in the conceptualisation and construction of a scaled-down model of an off-grid charging station — a structure built from prefabricated concrete elements incorporating recycled materials.

The prototype will integrate multiple sustainable components, including:

  • A support system for roof-mounted photovoltaic panels;
  • Secure housing for second-life batteries;
  • Complementary street furniture and features such as seating, lighting, and information displays.

The workshop invites participation from students, researchers, designers, technicians, makers, and professionals who are passionate about renewable energy, sustainable design, and circular economy solutions.

Further details about the program and registration will be announced soon. For now, participants are encouraged to save the date: December 3, 2025.