Empowering slow mobility innovation with SolidWorks: The MidiPile Story

The Stakes

MidiPile has been created to disrupt urban mobility with a sustainable, ultra-light vehicle that could operate efficiently in city environments. The mission was ambitious: design a compact, four-wheel pedal vehicle with an enclosed carriage and integrated solar panels, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 km/h and carrying up to 300 kg of cargo. However, as a startup, MidiPile had limited resources, a need for rapid iteration, and the complexity of integrating multiple advanced technologies into a single, user-friendly product. The absence of robust 3D design tools and collaborative digital infrastructure threatened to slow progress and compromise the team’s innovative vision.

The Solution

Recognizing the need for a transformative approach, MidiPile turned to SolidWorks and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, with Ohmycad providing expert guidance and support. The decision was driven by the platforms’ proven capabilities in advanced 3D modeling, simulation, and cloud-based collaboration—essential for managing complex product requirements and enabling flexible, remote teamwork. The Midipile's founder shared, "The adventure with MidiPile started during my studies, and now, thanks to SolidWorks and 3DEXPERIENCE, we can rapidly develop and iterate our vehicles." This access to cutting-edge software and expert mentorship empowered MidiPile to accelerate their design cycles, validate engineering decisions, and foster a dynamic, collaborative project culture.

The Results

Leveraging SolidWorks and 3DEXPERIENCE, MidiPile achieved a remarkable transformation in their development process. Product design became more agile, with 95% of modeling and validation executed directly in SolidWorks. The team realized significant reductions in development time, rapidly iterating on vehicle prototypes while maintaining the highest engineering standards. MidiPile’s vehicles now reach speeds up to 45 km/h and carry up to 300 kg, rivaling conventional automotive benchmarks in both performance and reliability. The credibility gained through industry-grade tools and the support from Ohmycad positioned MidiPile as a serious leader of slow future mobility. As the founder noted, "I really appreciate the support from Ohmycad; they are always there when we need them. It helps us overcome every little roadblock we encounter." These results showcase how the right technology and partnership can empower startups to drive meaningful change in urban transport. Few months later, they were joining the Time for the planet community and were well known from the press media.