E-bike Canopy?

[lava]

Hi, new to the forum!

I am currently on my second electric bike, and am loving it. Here is a pic of my latest ride:

But on rainy days I wish I had an electric vehicle with more than two wheels for stability, a rain cover and windshield wiper so I could get to work dry without putting on rain gear or having to wipe my glasses off constantly. I was thinking of converting a tadpole trike to electric and putting a flexible plastic canopy on it, kind of like what's on bike trailers:

But I can't help but think there are better ideas out there. Got any? I'm hesitant to go with a hard canopy due to cost.

Thanks!

 

[docnjoj]

http://www.krash.us/VeloKit_2009.html
otherDoc

 

[lava]

Well whaddya know. Thanks for the link!

Just a few minutes ago I also ran across this:
http://www.veltop.eu/us/veltop-recumbent/range.html

Anybody know of any more options?

 

[ohzee]

I seen those velokit's before. Anyone have any experience with them ? My end game right now for ebikes is a trike
with some type of weather proofing. Hopefully something I can afford at that.. just more like next years plan.

 

[John in CR]

http://www.gaboats.com/ This is the method I want to use to make a velo...cheap, light, strong, and significantly better in all respects than the more commonly used sign material. It's also pretty tough, but even if you did manage to puncture it, then just stretch and shrink a new piece of dacron. Thin lexan (polycarb) on a glass reinforced balsa or riveted aluminum frame is the way I'd go for a removable top with with windows.

 

[Rassy]

I have a VelTop for my trike. I don't use it much because I don't need to ride in the rain. Biggest drawback is it doesn't like over 20 MPH wind. The plastic also cuts your side vision a lot.

http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=27386&p=395954&hilit=velo+top#p395954

I think the velokit mentioned above looks cool, but have never used one.

 

[pdf]

So far it is vaporware, but the following looks like there is an element of usefulness there:
http://www.tuvie.com/innovative-roadrunner-trike-three-wheeler-transporation-with-electric-motor-rear-wheel/
I realize this isn't a retrofit, but might inspire someone.
It is reminiscent of the BugE electric threewheel scooter/motorcycle:
http://www.bugev.net/

 

[cal3thousand]

So far it is vaporware, but the following looks like there is an element of usefulness there:
http://www.tuvie.com/innovative-roadrunner-trike-three-wheeler-transporation-with-electric-motor-rear-wheel/
I realize this isn't a retrofit, but might inspire someone.
It is reminiscent of the BugE electric threewheel scooter/motorcycle:
http://www.bugev.net/

Could have used something like that yesterday. Had a bee stuck in my helmet in the morning and then I ate 3-4 gnats on my way home in the evening. Guess that is going against my temporary veganism? (30 days;btw)

 

[Dauntless]

So far it is vaporware, but the following looks like there is an element of usefulness there:
http://www.tuvie.com/innovative-roadrunner-trike-three-wheeler-transporation-with-electric-motor-rear-wheel/

I posted that tuvieb bike here just the other night: there's just no room for a rider, not one inch. You have to be careful getting caught up in cool looking concepts, they don't worry about practical.

When I'm home on the computer I'll find some old links, my 10 fingered eloquence suffers when I'm all thumbs.

 

[bluegoatwoods]

I've pondered a canopy of some sort for bad weather. But I just can't help the feeling that the cons will always outweigh the pros.

In really bad weather the canopy is sure to act like a sail or a kite and be detrimental to agility and handling. Your vision will be reduced by the canopy as well as the rain/snow splashing on your windows. I wouldn't be surprised if the bike becomes unhandle-able (depending on canopy shape/material) in winds above 12 mph or so.

Some of the links above led to some neat looking canopies. But the prices! Yuccch......!

I still sometimes feel a bit tempted. But I'll bet it's not worth it.

 

[Tommy L]

Good old Cedric Lynch and his Agni

Great enclosed bike for Aerodynamics and weather

Tommy L sends.... \\m//


[youtube]omIlvnNqFyc[/youtube]

 

[stevenoven]

Hi, new to the forum!

I am currently on my second electric bike, and am loving it. Here is a pic of my latest ride:

But on rainy days I wish I had an electric vehicle with more than two wheels for stability, a rain cover and windshield wiper so I could get to work dry without putting on rain gear or having to wipe my glasses off constantly. I was thinking of converting a tadpole trike to electric and putting a flexible plastic canopy on it, kind of like what's on bike trailers:

But I can't help but think there are better ideas out there. Got any? I'm hesitant to go with a hard canopy due to cost.

Thanks!

Where did you get this electric bike? i would so love to have one like this