Master’s in Micromobility and PMV Design Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in micromobility and PMV design engineering. 12 modules covering the micromobility ecosystem, regulations, conceptual design, ergonomics, structures, electric powertrains, safety, connectivity, durability, light vehicles and validation testing, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Micromobility and PMV Design Engineering — studying from South Africa
Product design and human-machine interface work is increasingly important across South African manufacturing, consumer goods and software. Industrial design teams in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal work on products for local and export markets, from appliances to automotive interiors. Digital product and interface design is in demand as companies build more connected products. Designers often collaborate with engineers, ergonomics specialists and quality teams throughout the development process.
Fees for South Africa: R 148 000 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Do South African professional bodies recognise qualifications in HMI and product design?
In South Africa, design professions are overseen by bodies such as the South African Council for the Architectural Profession for architecture and the South African Institute of Interior Designers for interior work, while product and UX design is largely unregulated. SEIUM is a private online institute, and its qualifications are not state degrees or accredited by a national body. Employers and clients decide how much weight to give them.
Will this programme help me get work in product or HMI design in South Africa?
South Africa's technology, automotive, consumer goods and software firms hire designers, usually assessing portfolios, practical skills and experience. A private online qualification can add to your credentials and show specialist knowledge, but it does not guarantee a role. Build a strong portfolio and ask target employers how they view the qualification.
How much time does it take, and can I pay in instalments?
The programme is delivered entirely online and in English, so you need good English for coursework and communication with your tutor. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, so choose a level that suits your schedule. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible if your employer supports professional development.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the micromobility ecosystem and its regulation.
Design PMV concepts with form, use and brand criteria.
Apply ergonomics and stability to light vehicle design.
Size structures and electric powertrains.
Integrate safety, connectivity and fleet services.
Design for durability, repairability and maintenance.
Validate light vehicles with standardised tests.
Who it's for
- Micromobility vehicle designers working on scooters, e-bikes and light vehicles.
- PMV product engineers taking a vehicle from concept to production.
- Light electric systems engineers working on motors, batteries and controllers.
- Light vehicle type-approval managers handling certification and compliance.
- Technical managers of shared fleets looking to improve vehicle durability and cost.
- Validation engineers planning fatigue, impact and track tests.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to move into micromobility.
What you'll work with
- EN 17128:2020 (light motorised vehicles for the transportation of persons and goods)
- EN 15194:2017 (electrically power assisted cycles (EPAC))
- Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 (approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles)
- EN 50604-1 (secondary lithium batteries for light EV applications)
- Royal Decree 970/2020 (Spanish regulation on personal mobility vehicles)
- ISO 4210 (safety requirements for bicycles)
- IEC 62133-2 (safety of portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries)
- Directive 2014/30/EU (electromagnetic compatibility)
- SOLIDWORKS
- Ansys Mechanical
- MATLAB and Simulink
- KeyShot
- Autodesk Fusion
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Definition of PMVs (personal mobility vehicles)1.2Scooters, e-bikes and unicycles1.3Vehicle categories L1e to L7e1.4Modal share and urban cases1.5Shared versus private mobility1.6Users and usage patterns1.7Cycling infrastructure and lanes1.8Municipal regulation of PMVs1.9Lifecycle environmental impact1.10Case study: the e-scooter market in a city
2.1Regulation (EU) 168/2013 on L-category vehicles2.2EN 17128 for light personal electric vehicles2.3EN 15194 for EPAC bicycles2.4The DGT PMV characteristics manual (Spain)2.5PMV certification in Spain2.6The Machinery Directive and CE marking2.7Battery safety according to EN 50604-12.8Electromagnetic compatibility of PMVs2.9Lighting and signalling requirements2.10Practical: regulatory matrix for an electric scooter
3.1Formal archetypes in micromobility3.2Frame and deck geometry3.3Wheelbase, trail and stability3.4Wheel diameter and obstacles3.5Folding and portability3.6Brand form language3.7Concept sketches and renders3.8Scale models3.9Designing for fleets versus private use3.10Workshop: concept for a shared-fleet scooter
4.1Standing versus seated posture4.2Handlebar and deck height4.3Reach to controls and brakes4.4Users from the 5th to the 95th percentile4.5Vibration transmitted to the user4.6Mounting kerbs and balance4.7Ergonomics of folding and carrying4.8Accessibility and older users4.9Ergonomics of helmets and protective gear4.10Lab: measuring handlebar vibration
5.1Hydroformed aluminium frames5.2Steel, magnesium and composites5.3Welded joints and fatigue5.4FEM calculation of the frame5.5Fatigue tests according to EN 171285.6Forks and suspension5.7Deck and anti-slip surface5.8Corrosion and surface protection5.9Weight versus robustness5.10Practical: FEM analysis of a scooter frame
6.1Brushless hub motors6.2Mid-drive motors and torque sensors6.3Controllers and FOC algorithms6.4Lithium batteries and BMS6.5Range and energy consumption6.6Regenerative braking and its control6.7Battery thermal management6.8Chargers and connectors6.9Diagnostics and telemetry6.10Lab: hub motor test bench
7.1Disc, drum and electric brakes7.2Braking distances and deceleration7.3Solid versus pneumatic tyres7.4Stability and oscillations at speed7.5Lighting and visibility7.6Audible warning devices and bells7.7Battery fire risk7.8Typical injuries and protection7.9Maximum speed and limiting7.10Case study: redesign after braking incidents
8.1IoT modules and cellular communications8.2Remote locking and anti-theft8.3User apps and unlocking8.4Geofencing and speed zones8.5Fleet management platforms8.6Predictive vehicle maintenance8.7Mobility data and privacy8.8Integration with MaaS platforms8.9Cybersecurity of connected vehicles8.10Workshop: speed geofencing logic
9.1Service life in shared fleets9.2Vandal-resistant design9.3Swappable batteries on the street9.4Repairability and modularity9.5Spare parts management9.6IP protection against water9.7Field tests and pilot fleets9.8Cost per kilometre and per trip9.9Collection and charging logistics9.10Practical: repairability analysis of a scooter
10.1Cargo and delivery bikes10.2L1e electric mopeds10.3L6e and L7e microcars10.4Tricycles for older people and businesses10.5Assisted mobility for disability10.6Unicycles and self-balancing devices10.7Last-mile logistics vehicles10.8Trends in ultralight vehicles10.9Efficiency comparison per passenger10.10Case study: an L6e urban microcar
11.1Roller bench and obstacles11.2Frontal impact tests11.3Drop and robustness tests11.4Climatic and corrosion tests11.5IP tightness tests11.6Battery safety tests11.7Electromagnetic compatibility tests11.8Handling tests on a track11.9Clinics with real users11.10Lab: handlebar fatigue test
12.1Definition of the vehicle and user12.2Analysis of PMV regulations12.3Concept and formal design12.4Ergonomics and vehicle packaging12.5Structure and powertrain12.6Prototype or virtual model12.7Validation and test plan12.8Economic viability of the product12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme is compatible with full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SOLIDWORKS, Ansys Mechanical, MATLAB and Simulink, KeyShot and Autodesk Fusion, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: fatigue tests on frames and handlebars, track handling tests with users and shared-fleet pilots in cities. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: EN 17128:2020, EN 15194:2017, Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, EN 50604-1, Royal Decree 970/2020, ISO 4210, IEC 62133-2, Directive 2014/30/EU.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with SOLIDWORKS, Ansys Mechanical, MATLAB and Simulink, KeyShot, Autodesk Fusion, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
Master’s in Advanced Exterior Lighting Design Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced exterior lighting design engineering, structured in 12 modules covering exterior lighting functions, vehicle photometric regulations, light sources and…
Master’s in Vertical Engineering and Platforms
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in verticals and platforms engineering. 12 modules covering platform strategy, modular architecture, digital ecosystems, vehicle and software platforms, industry verticals,…
Master’s in Haptic Engineering and Tangible Controls
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in haptics and tangible controls engineering, structured in 12 modules covering tactile perception, haptic actuators, tangible and mechanical controls, smart…
More in Design, HMI & Product
All Design, HMI & Product programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships