Reverse eTrike Primarily For Snow/Ice As Well As All Season

At 77 and 180 lbs walking 2 miles (round trip) getting groceries is good exercise, but becoming more of a winter struggle. I'm thinking of buying (if one exists) or building an adult reverse 3-wheel etrike primarily for winter errands. Might need a license if a 4-wheel eQuad.

What kit would you recommend for starters (750w rear hub drive?) for a bare bones KIS DIY reverse 3-wheel etrike primarily for winter use as well as All-Season utility transportation ... <img src="https://endless-sphere.com/forums/download/file.php?id=211269" alt="Quad4 snow2.JPG"/> ... by hodala 2017.

What i prefer is a rear-drive fat knobby 16" or 20" tire AND all 3 rims without spokes for easier cleaning that won't rust. Would be used for short winter errands no more than 2-3 miles over snow/ice. Is such an adult reverse etrike commercially available for $2000 - $2500 ?

Don't need leaning version as top speed doesn't need to be more than 12mph and no sharp cornering as its use is strictly utility.

This Quad post by hodala has a 10hp gas engine ... https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=86613#p1268213 ... but would prefer a quite reverse rear drive etrike (no pedals) with cargo storage provision up front. Appreciated the followup comments by Ron :thumb:

You'll want the weight over the driving wheels and if possible at least 2 wheels driving. I'll toss out what might be an ideal starting platform.

Greenspeed Anura would be an ideal platform.


Some folks add a motor up front for All Wheel Drive.


Greenspeed also had a quad option that bolted on up front.

It's a beauty for pleasant weather (spring thru fall) with its spoked wheels, but not for snow/ice conditions requiring more labor intensive cleaning after every outing to prevent rust.

Yours isn't a reverse etrike recumbent, and has no room for storage container in front. Nice comfortable seat with back rest, but not necessary as winter errands would be less than 1 1/2 miles to grocery store (3 miles round trip). Wouldn't need a back rest for short winter errands as battery would not get all that cold in 15 minutes. Could put battery in cart when getting groceries inside. Also usually take a break at table searching instore coupon booklet while having a cup of tea or coffee so time for battery to warmup before heading home.

This is a reverse etrike ... "https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/a1642280-da03-4151-9c1b-56cf3efb153c_1.d7add3e4f5b1ac8501b4d05f99aac1f0.jpeg?odnWidth=612&odnHeight=612&odnBg=ffffff" , but lengthen distance between seat and front wheels. Prefer just one 12" rear fat knobby wheel (non-spoke) hub drive (close to seat to take advantage of driver's weight) for snow/ice traction with two front steering tires for better winter riding stability. Turning speed going no more than 6-8mph so stability shouldn't be a concern with provision for front container between front wheels and no sharp turns even with only 24" front end width.

No pedals ... swivel foot rests would serve as steering mechanism for front wheels ... 12" rims (16"tires) all around. Would be used in no more than 3" of fresh powder snowfall and over packed/graded paths, sidewalks, bike lanes. No deep snow over 3" so 12" wheel rims with 16" fat knobby tires. I could use a backpack, but would prefer storage provision up front between front wheels.

What i'd prefer is a bare bones reverse etrike (no pedals) with room for storage container between two front wheels. I'm thinking only 24" front-end wheel width. Would still provide enuf stability when making turns at no more than 6 mph with 12 mph top straight away speed.

double post deleted

that walmart trike, id bolt something like a rim from a 80cc honda dirt bike and go with a mid drive mounted behind/under the seat
motorcycle sprockets and chain
you said youre not pedalling right

goatman said:

that walmart trike, id bolt something like a rim from a 80cc honda dirt bike and go with a mid drive mounted behind/under the seat
motorcycle sprockets and chain
you said youre not pedalling right

Click to expand...

RIGHT (no pedals). What walmart reverse etrike are you referencing (upload photo)?

That 10" knobby tire aspect size would be AOK for rear drive wheel ... https://www.amazon.com/MMG-Knobby-2-50-10-Motorcycle-Motocross/dp/B00LCIW8UY/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=80cc+honda+tire&qid=1625503697&sr=8-4 ... rim size 10", tire size 15 x 2.5 x 15 inches. Would its "load index" of "33.00" be OK if etrike (w/driver & cargo) total weight was occasionally as much as 240 lbs ?

Something similar to these non-spoke aluminum rims ... https://www.amazon.com/Senyar-2-75in-Motorcycle-Rubber-Coolster/dp/B0858WJ8C3/ref=sr_1_87?dchild=1&keywords=honda+mini+dirt+bike+aluminum+rims&qid=1625509620&sr=8-87 ... in which one could be modified to mount a 750W brushless motor on the rear 10" rim. Aluminum rim size 10" for 15" x 2.5" knobby tire. Would a 750W motor diameter be too large for a 10" rim? May need to go with a 12" aluminum rim for 16" tire.

Prefer NO steel sprockets, chain, etc components that can rust. Brushless 750V motor mounted on rear alum drive rim with upp 36V 10Ah Li-ion battery.

Envision a bare bones prototype reverse etrike. Frame using 1 1/2" and/or 2" black ABS pipe with metal components either alum or ss.

with my trike in the snow, 3000 watts is barely enough power with a dd motor to get me moving
its only 1 rear tire trying to push/plow 2 front wheels through the snow
youre going too slow for a DD

i have a 48v 500watt bafang T12 geared motor thats really torquey and max speed is around 20mph
i dont know if they make geared hubs in solid rims

check out leaf motors
https://www.leafmotor.com/c/e-bike-hub-motor_0030/2.html

eMark said:

What i prefer is a rear-drive fat knobby 16" or 20" tire AND all 3 rims without spokes for easier cleaning that won't rust.

Click to expand...

Oops. You said reverse trike. Here you go:

Thanks guys for your suggestions. The following two cargo reverse etrikes would be great for urban pizza delivery. However, MORE etrike storage than i'd ever need for a few grocery items once or twice a week. What i like is cast rims instead of spokes :thumb:






Below is a reverse etrike with storage above rear wheel that would suffice for my need. However, would prefer rear wide rim for a fat knobby tire (snow/ice grip). I like the narrower 2-wheel front end width, but don't need tilting/leaning function. Average speed doesn't need to be more than 8-10mph to and from grocery store in winter ...
[youtube]SUa3_J7OUEw[/youtube]

For my meager short haul grocery runs something as KIS as this 2-wheel scooter would even suffice for winter use over cleared and/or packed snow bike lane and sidewalk. Could use one leg/foot to walk along side for extra stability when necessary. After listening to customer feedback and doubt of carrying 70kg of load with the stock 250W motor they are able to upgrade the motor to 350W with no additional cost for 40% gain in power! Can collapse this MIMO C1 in the grocery store when shopping and going through checkout ...
[youtube]4_s2c-W7dKo[/youtube] ...
Supposedly able to fill orders in August (estimated cost $1600+) depending on accessories. Don't really need to go faster on etrike/scooter than the brisk pace of power walking/jogging to and from grocery store. Even in freezing weather as only 2 1/2 mile round trip to and from grocery store. With cabin fever any excuse for me to get outside (even in frigid weather) to get fresh air is welcome. Collapsing to take into grocery store will warm up battery ...

Maybe traditional rear drive wheel rim with ss spokes (MIMO C1) would suffice for winter use. Being collapsible its easy to bring inside for cleaning and store at 65 F. Not sure if the final wheel design of this MIMO C1 will have spokes or a cast aluminum rims.

Whatever i decide on (DIY ABS bare bones build or commercial like MIMO C1. Its use wouldn't be through deep snow ... rather over cleared or packed snow/ice whether a bike lane or sidewalk. Main concern is when it's slushy snow/ice with road salt getting on cast aluminum rim or ss spokes and rim whether rear drive wheel or front wheel.

Received reply from Singapore ...

"We regret to inform you that we do not ship to the United States due to some legal reasons. However, we are currently working on that and will be updating our webpage once this is made possible."

Was planning on a front-end mod to MIMO C1 with two front wheels for added stability. Considering buying one of these scooters ($81-$95) and using both wheels up front (reverse escooter) as well as possibly using other components for DIY build ...

Speed is not important as norm is 8-10mph with top speed 12-15mph for my use. Winter use is on level bike lanes and sidewalks to and from grocery store, nearby McDs, etc to enjoy crisp winter outdoors as often as possible ... So 36V 500W BLDC hub motor is more than sufficient with 350W BLDC certainly plausible.

Rear BLDC hub 8" with scooter rim for FAT tire... for snow/ice bike lanes/sidewalks. Would be ideal with studs for ice fishing ...

Again a KIS reverse 3-wheel escooter DIY design/build with cargo provision up front between two front wheels (like MIMO C1). Because it's use is for running short errands don't need a seat and don't need to go faster than 12mph with 8-10mph being the norm. Doesn't need to be more than 36V and 350W BLDC on an 8" rim. Actually this 36V 350W 8" hub motor kit would suffice for summer use ... https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/32693362551.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000060.3.4a625b47jotbsy&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.13339.169870.0&scm_id=1007.13339.169870.0&scm-url=1007.13339.169870.0&pvid=92eb303f-a16f-4daf-a69d-875724a19bd9&_t=gps-idcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller,scm-url:1007.13339.169870.0,pvid:92eb303f-a16f-4daf-a69d-875724a19bd9,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2331_668%230%23131923%2331_668%23888%233325%237_668%23888%233325%237_668%232846%238108%231977_668%235811%2327188%2382_668%236421%2330825%23478_668%232717%237559%2340_668%231000022185%231000066058%230_668%233468%2315608%23198_668%232846%238108%231977_668%235811%2327188%2382_668%236421%2330825%23478_668%232717%237559%2340_668%233164%239976%23586_668%233468%2315608%23198 ... At its lowest Assist Speed 1 up to 12m/h and at highest Assist Speed 5 up to 41km/h (youtube) which IMO is RISKY in summer and INSANE in winter.

This JJ Boom 36V 500W kit with FAT tire should suffice for winter use ... https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Bicycle-12-50km-Wheelchair-Wheelbarrow/dp/B086RLG7ZH/ref=pd_sbs_3/140-7118952-7972236?pd_rd_w=JXwzF&pf_rd_p=f8e24c42-8be0-4374-84aa-bb08fd897453&pf_rd_r=1D6F9G7XKC96FV14C26P&pd_rd_r=55ce0c02-b36a-490f-9727-8aca8bdd512e&pd_rd_wg=uFgbR&pd_rd_i=B086RLRVH5&psc=1

goatman said:

with my trike in the snow, 3000 watts is barely enough power with a dd motor to get me moving
its only 1 rear tire trying to push/plow 2 front wheels through the snow
youre going too slow for a DD

Click to expand...

Will ONLY be used on cleared/plowed bike paths/lanes/sidewalks. It's use is strictly utilitarian for short runs 1 1/2 miles (3 miles round trip) at most. No off-road use thru snow for fun so don't need 1000W or even 750W BLDC motor.

goatman said:

i have a 48v 500watt bafang T12 geared motor thats really torquey and max speed is around 20mph. i dont know if they make geared hubs in solid rims.

Click to expand...

Shouldn't need a torguey 48v geared BLDC or speed greater than 12mph. If anything rear drive wheel will spin on packed snow/ice even if 4" wide FAT tire, so having torque is the least of my concerns as the two front wheels are riding on packed (even slippery) icy/snow or possibly slushy mixture with road salt when above freezing ... thus ABS tubing, wood and ss fastners on prototype.

Although walking wouldn't kill me at 77 years young i could easily slip on icy/slippery sidewalks and break a hip or wrist, crack my skull or throw out my back walking up to 1 1/2 miles each way to and from. THUS my numero uno reason for a reverse 3-wheel escooter DIY prototype with modest cargo container between front wheels (24" span). A relatively inexpensive bare bones frame of 1 1/2" ABS tubing and wood. Easier to make changes during a DIY one-of-a-kind build ... function over form :thumb:

i know what you need
a fat tad



take off one of the crank arms and turn it 180 for foot pegs

goatman said:

i know what you need a fat tad

take off one of the crank arms and turn it 180 for foot pegs

Click to expand...

? ... like your sense of good-natured humor, but that recumbent is definitely not for snow, ice, slush, road salt and winter road kill in bike lanes ... but OK for other three seasons of the year.

No provision for cargo storage container upfront between front wheels, but apparently you missed that requirement. Did you forget it was to have cast rims (8-10"), no spokes, and no pedals (how old are U :wink: ).

Maybe when you're my age you'll favor a relaxing recumbent with pedal power instead of electric power for good heart health :thumb: . I've never reclined in or pedaled a recumbent trike ... maybe when i'm in my 80s.

After considerable thought and checking out hundreds of possibilities have decided a 3-wheel reverse eTrike really isn't necessary for my winter use for three reasons. One of which is the following accident i was the first to arrive at. Came upon a Harley-Davidson Trike with driver pinned underneath from going too fast around a curve. Found out he had just purchased it from a nearby H-D dealer. Hadn't driven it more than a mile when taking a bend in the road too fast.

oh, c'mon old man
you only live once

goatman said:

oh, c'mon old man
you only live once

Click to expand...

Is this more to your liking (48V 800W) 20+ mph :thumb: ...

Six other reasons for this Brute instead of your "take off one of the crank arms and turn it 180 for foot pegs" ...

• 1. With just two wheels in line (instead of reverse etrike) could blaze an opening path through fresh snowfall on bike lane or sidewalk to grocery store or McDs with a 48V 800W motor.

• 2. Because it's so low to the ground (15" wheels) not as far to fall should it tip me over.

• 3. Adding foot rest pegs in front of battery compartment only a few inches above ground is easy to put one or both feet on ground when stopping or turning to steady this beast.

• 4. With extended foot pegs there is enough room for cargo storage between legs above battery compartment.

• 5. Could underinflate tires for even smoother ride and better snow/ice traction.

• 6. Wouldn't feel like an "old man" riding this manly mini hog.

It uses four 12V lead acid batteries, but roomy enuf to cushion/insulate compartment for this UPP 48V Li-ion ...


Only problem is availability of this $550 MotoTec FatBoy 48v 800w (out of stock) :x

This MOTOTEV KNOCKOUT 60V 1000W may be the perfect ride for a younger manly man and fearless woman ...
https://www.urbanscooters.com/products/mototec-knockout-48v-1000w-electric-scooter ... $999 + 149 shipping
This MOTOTEC KNOCKOUT 48V 1000W may be the perfect ride for this "old man" and his winter adventures :wink: ...
https://www.intheholegolf.com/MT-Knockout-1000_Black/Mototec-Knockout-48V-1000W-Electric-Scooter---Black.html ... $999.95 (free shipping?)

It does look to be worth Xtra cost (Knockout 48v 1000w) with improved suspension, etc to convert to UPP Li-ion.
Easily modify/remove Xtra seat above rear tire of this mini Harley-like Livewire for Xtra storage

goatman said:

i know what you need
a fat tad



take off one of the crank arms and turn it 180 for foot pegs

Click to expand...

I used that trike with a Bafang for winter commuting this past winter (~9.5 miles each way) and it worked great on icy trails but not so hot on roads, or when the trails were covered in snow that had been walked in and refrozen.

Honestly for what you're looking for, if you're up to it and have CAD skills your best bet might be to design your own frame and drop a mid-drive motor in it. I'm partial to the Turnigy 63mm and 80mm motors; if you gear them down enough that they top out at 20mph on 48V you'll probably be able to haul a couple hundred pounds plus you at that speed.

For cast wheels you could always head over to Treatland: http://www.treatland.tv/category-s/120.htm?searching=Y&sort=2&cat=120&f-tomos=68&show=50 , though your selections would likely include drum brake stuff more than discs; I don't know of anyone that makes cast MTB wheels. What's your budget and skill level?

My Mistake! Should have posted this thread on e-scooter forum being no need for pedals (or incumbent seating). KIS like this MIMO C1 (not available yet in US) would have worked ok for my short haul winter use ...

If the following was still available ... https://www.amazon.co.uk/ZTBGY-Electric-Lightweight-Absorption-Endurance/dp/B093H6K5DQ/ref=pd_di_sccai_17/257-8510917-7622062?pd_rd_w=Fshil&pf_rd_p=2529c273-c9d4-4495-807e-68ed4dfade5e&pf_rd_r=5ZTK8ENNRW2EDC4VQC2D&pd_rd_r=88748cbd-cf38-4a0c-8796-39cd5ab7f0d3&pd_rd_wg=QBNs8&pd_rd_i=B093H6K5DQ&psc=1 ... it would suffice (3-wheel reverse e-scooter w/seat) for my short haul (5-10mph) winter errand runs to and from grocery store (1 1/2 mile each way on bike lanes and sidewalks. Would add extended foot peg rests to allow for cargo storage space on platform.

Prefer smaller size for bringing inside (grocery cart area) to warm-up with weight no more than 50 lbs for bringing inside once back home for cleaning and any maintenance. That electric MotoTec Fatboy e-scooter weights 200 lbs and most likely be stopped by police (need license with no pedals).