A MUST WATCH VIDEO - Tilting Trike Action

Willow

Willow

10 kW
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Tasmania
Hello Endless Spherers...

Have been on this site for a few years now, increasing my knowledge and marvelling at the creations. I havn't been able to contribute much, as my learning curve has been a steep one. The Trike is my first venture into building an electric vehicle.

It's been a long time coming, but I finally got around to putting together this most enjoyable clip of the bike in action. Turn on your speakers, and crank em' up. Hope you enjoy the next 2:30.

(high quality) https://vimeo.com/41967146

[youtube]bwKl-HYgN68[/youtube]

Simon.
 
Hi Simon,

If the target viewer is a retail consumer, the clip is pretty good.

If the bike is directed at the delivery-fleet segment, more footage of the bike-at-work doing deliveries might be in order. The clip makes the bike look to be a joy to operate, but the posties don't usually sign the purchasing contracts.

A stronger/earlier emphasis on the electric power could help that feature stand out. We don't know it is electric until 2 min into the clip. The current opening is pretty, but could be stronger on message. The opening 30sec. could include cross-cutting of charging-station shots, preparing deliveries, filling the courier-bag, the CU of the Williams mark.

Passing sad onlookers at filling stations, or making a delivery to a filling-station could be good visuals. Riding amongst smiling bicyclists might illustrate the silent/eco-friendly aspect.

Floating/flying text elements with specifications and details may add a level of information that emphasize the bike's unique features & data.

Unfortunately, you will be getting a letter from Atlantic Records' legal department about using the music. The rights will be very expensive... probably more than you have in the project already. I'm sure you can get some very nice original tracking, perhaps screen credit for the artist will defer most of the cost. A re-edit will be required; but the time and effort will be worth having a clip you own all rights to.


Keep up the fine work.
 
Hey forum nuts...

I must state - to start with, that this is a 'proof of concept' - one off build. My aim is to be able to have a vehicle manufactured (a tough task indeed)... but it would not look like the proof of concept. Proffesional motorcycle design engineers and stylists will take the concept and turn it into a true market ready product.

The aim of the video was to demonstrate the concept, and 'show off'. I think harping on about Eco this and Petrol burning that is becoming tiresome, people have had enough of that shoved down their throats already. In this case - symbolism does the 'eco' trip without having to say a word. The diversity of terrain was the important message with regards to the validity of the deign. Cargo carrying was also portrayed by the pillion passenger in this case.

Once the vehicle has undergone the necessary design improvements, the 'corporate video' can be made... to a song of my own. I spoke to Jimmy and he was cool about using the song... he wants one.

...meanwhile - I'll keep working at tit. Sure not an easy game to play.

Simon.
 
HI Simon
i recognise tassie in the video, just wondering how you will get on with the 200watt limit for postie bike,
the retailer who is testing the bmc motor in an ebike with auspost has pulled the wool over auspost eyes about the power limit, its way over 200watts peak, which might come back to bite them. If you intend to register as a motorbike I would assume it will be a nightmare to pass all the compliance necessary........
If you do get a backer I might make a suggestion: get parts from china, get most of it made in china, but dont let one factory do it all, source what you need and assemble in oz, as the chinese will take your design and sell to anyone, no matter what they tell you.
 
Hi whatever...

Current version is around 7KW - likely to be more like 12-14KW next time around. So vehicle must be registered as a motorcycle. Tilting vehicles are not covered by the standards, and the electrical standards are a work in progress.... however, I have satisfied the Engineer that this vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Easier for an individually constructed vehicle than a production model.... but rules are prescriptive, and if followed explicitly, approvals will be granted. A relatively small hurdle in the scheme of things, but a hurdle none the less.

Dealing with China in a tricky one... at the moment however, China is the biggest market for electric vehciles. The australian market is almost insignificant, unless a fleet buyer can be secured.

I wonder how long Post will keep breaking the 200W rules?? They may apply for an exemption (somehow). Given the loads they are carrying, 1000W would be more suited to the application.
 
I recently spoke to the guy that owens runs http://www.erider.com.au. They have been through a 2 year process of getting a scooter road registrable, and has now sold like a thousand of them. So it might be worth chatting to them to get a better idea of the process.

I also chatted to the guys that one the AustPost postie bike contract. They did get the kit they installon the postie bikes independently tested to ensure they covered their arse regarding the legality of it. He was very vague about the details of how the test was performed, and how the law was interpreted, but was confident he had done the right thing. He did say that when the bikes hit a hill they are putting out more than 200w. He was also very clear to clarify it is all output power that is important, not battery power as we all usually measure and quote here.
 
I hope something comes of it, I've had some experience with china first hand in regard to ebikes, it will be a difficult process,
getting them made, unless you have a good backer, then it would be very quick but still frought with ALOT of stress,
getting past rta will be a big big hurdle, I realise you've done alot of work getting this far, but one thing I might suggest is recumbent style bikes using your tilt design, there are a couple of manufacturers in australia making recumbents, they survive as they can charge huge prices for relatively simple designs, there is a niche market here for people prepared to pay high prices for recumbents. If you didn't want to go offshore, if you dont get a backer,
I think that would be the best option for making a go of it with oz in my view.
 
whatever said:
......one thing I might suggest is recumbent style bikes using your tilt design, there are a couple of manufacturers in australia making recumbents, they survive as they can charge huge prices for relatively simple designs, there is a niche market here for people prepared to pay high prices for recumbents.
Click to expand...

...Not at all a fan of recumbents - from the point of view of the riding position. Getting low is great for efficiency, but for pure handling and bike control (especially over uneven terrain) the upright seating position is favoured. There are a lot of awkward recumbent designs floating about, tilting and not.

...have to agree though, a better recumbent has a niche market.

............................................................................

just found one of my original concept images - (2008). There was some controversy at the time about 'fat' posties (over 100kg) not being allowed to ride the CT-110 motorcycles as it would exceed safe working loads of the machines. Thus the reason he is a fatty.

E-thing_small.jpg
 
finally some decent film making featuring ebikes. Really watchable well put together video that's make me want one! Bravo
 
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