Electric tricycle for a disabled person. Needs ideas!

S

SamTexas

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Dec 29, 2010
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Hello all,

So I have spent the last two months and around $2,000 to make a couple wheelchairs for my BIL so he can get out of the house and "take a walk" by himself anytime he wants to. He's very happy with the two wheelchairs, but I'm not. The neighborhood that he lives in has horrible horrible sidewalks. Even with a 4.5" ground clearance, he still have difficulties getting around, mainly because of the smaller diameter wheels. And I just can't accept the horrible inefficiency of these "mobility vehicles".

My BIL's hands and arms are fully functional. His legs are not. He can pull himself in and out the wheelchairs w/o help. I haven't told him yet, but intend to build him a better vehicle. I'm thinking of a tricycle with 20" wheels all around. A front DD hub with high torque (9C 2812) running on 25.9V (7s LiCo). The crank/pedals/chain will be removed to make room for footrests. Here are the issues that I currently have and need help with:

workman tricycle.jpg

1) Reverse: I think some BLDC controllers have an option to run the hub in reverse. Is it true? Can I just install a simple directional button/switch? Or will it be more complicated?

2) Chair: I need to somehow convert the saddle into a chair similar to that on a wheelchair. Have you done or seen anything like that?

3) Rear brakes: Since the crank/pedals/chain will be removed, the rear coaster brake will not work. Any idea how to install rear brakes on a tricycle? I intend to limit the top speed to 10mph, but even that is very fast for a handicapped person.

Anything else I have missed? Thanks,
Sam
 
Two thoughts on the seat. First, look at DDK's new trike, near the bottom on page two of this thread:

http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=36490&start=15

Or, look at a delta recumbent trike. The Sun EZ3-SX that I got for my brother after his stroke has worked out pretty good. Used it cost $500.

I don't know about reverse on a brushless motor, probably just a controller feature. On a brushed motor you just have to reverse the polarity, which could be done with a toggle switch and a couple of relays (best done only when you are stopped).

On rear brakes, the Sun EZ3-SX has a disk brake on a mid-mount jack shaft. This brake just stops the right rear drive wheel, but along with the front brake works pretty good. Even if you removed the main chain and pedals this jack shaft with the brake and short rear chain could be left in place.

The Sun delta EZ3-USX trike has a disk brake on each rear wheel, which is operated by a single lever.
 
my neighbor has a sun ez3 delta recumbent
seems easy to get off/on
the problem you face with a wheelchair-like thing is the wheelchair has much greater stability for someone (without the use of their legs) mounting/dismounting over most any trike/bike.

I modded mine for lower CG but I doubt its' stability for what your BIL needs.
I have seen wheelchairs welded-up with bicycle front ends- might be a better solution

about the controllers: BMS sells one with reverse
they even sell a geared-hub motor that's reversible.

take care
 
I hates double posters
lol
There is an etrike that almost fits your goal for about 900-1300 smackers search: ew-88

also sold by omega and cozy bikes online (same outfit) with a safer LiPo type battery (can;t remember which-sorry)
they seem somewhat less than trustworthy, however
 
What about this? It could easily be modified for a chair, sits a little lower, and
Is more stable than a trike. Remove the front platform and make
Some changes. It would be sweet.

Also, since you would be running a slow speed (10 mph) it would be fine to have a hum motor on just one wheel. Plus, it would be wise to use SLA batteries to add stability and it would be cheap and easy to mount.


http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/2832298495.html
 
I've got a Schwinn Meridian with a 500W front GM motor, EB215 controller with reverse, cruise control, wheel lock, regen braking, 4 speeds, etc. I built for my wife and she won't ride it. I moved the rear basket back to accommodate a large seat so it should handle a seat with a back. There's a picture of it here.
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=34903
 
An EZip geared motor, (MY1018z), direct to a rear axle sprocket, is the cheap-easy way to go.
You can, likely, change rear axle, fixed sprocket, for desired gearing.
Letting off the throttle will let the geared motor provide a deceleration-braking function, via reduction gearing.

24V & 36V controllers w\reverse are about $40 at TNCScooters.com.
 
SamTexas said:
1) Reverse: I think some BLDC controllers have an option to run the hub in reverse. Is it true? Can I just install a simple directional button/switch? Or will it be more complicated?
Click to expand...
Should be as easy as a switch. Many "infineon" / xie-chang / ecrazyman controllers have a pad on the PCB usually labelled DX3 or X3, which when grounded will engage "reverse". The power level/speed in this mode is often, maybe always, limited quite a bit from forward mode. Some controllers might have this feature disabled. If they are programmable (not all are) then you could enable it and soemtiems evne change the power level.

2) Chair: I need to somehow convert the saddle into a chair similar to that on a wheelchair. Have you done or seen anything like that?
Click to expand...
Ddk's build has an easy solution for that. If you can get a mount welded up or make a bolt-on mount, you could even use an actual wheelchair seat if that is preferred.


3) Rear brakes: Since the crank/pedals/chain will be removed, the rear coaster brake will not work. Any idea how to install rear brakes on a tricycle?
Click to expand...
Easy way is to use disc brakes like AussieJester's e-trike. Probably would require modification of the frame to add caliper mounts, but his build thread for that trike should give the info on how to do that. IIRC he used a standard bike-to-trike adapter kit, and modified it as needed for his purposes.

Another way is to use a trike kit more like the older style I found used at a bike shop for cheap. It has double-ended axle mounts, rather than single-ended, so also has a frame aorund the wheel that could be used to mount v-brakes or caliper brakes on, though ti would require modification to add mount points for those.
 
On the right track with a front 2812 I think. Run on 36v, it will be limited to about 10 mph.

The schwinn trike has really crap rear rims that will bend up fast, so I do recomend the worksman, or at least some other trike with smaller rear wheels than 26". And the frame is aluminum.

The seat would be a lot easier to do if the frame was steel. Then you can cut and weld stuff, to install a wheelchair or office chair swivel mount.

Brakes would still function on my schwinn trikes, if the front chain was removed. The brake drum is on the secondary hub. It's not a coaster brake, it's hand actuated. So all you would have to do is leave the chain on that connected the secondary hub to the rear axle. No pedals, but still the brakes would work.

Not sure how the brakes on a worksman are, but I bet they are similar.

Another approach, I zip or E zip used to make a trike. It was a chain drive, so you could simply change the gearing to make one of those creep.
 
Schwinn Meridian Trike

I've planned on building an Schwinn Trike mobility device, for Seniors.
I planned on removing pedals and building floorpan.
One of the major considerations is the top heavy, propensity towards tipping during cornering.
1. I recommended using the typical 2-35Ah (60lb total) SLA batteries, slung below the rear axle, as ballast.
2. After removing pedal capability, it is also possible to lower seat, further lowering center of gravity.
3. It is possible, to relace the rear hubs, with 24", even 20" heavy duty BMX wheels. (36 spoke)
A hd floorpan could also have integral "outrigger" wheels as a cornering safety measure, plastic scooter type or, skid pads.


360 View

eTrike Conversion - as Mobility device! ... ?
 
Rassy: Thanks for the Sun EZ3 trike recommendation. I like the lower center of gravity and the rear disk brake. I'm concerned with the longer overall length which makes it less maneuverable.

ddk: Your seat looks great. But I think my BIL would need a more robust one with side support. I think it needs to be lower to the ground too. The two power chairs I gave to my BIL have a seat height of 21" and he seems to be comfortable with it.

MikeFairbanks and DrkAngel: The Schwinn is too tall and the quadricycle is too clumsy. SLA (or any form of lead acid) is definitely out of the question. I intend to achieve stability with a low center of gravity, not with ballast. I just gave away 4 perfectly good AMG batteries that cames with the two wheelchairs I bought. DrkAngel, I like the idea of the Currie motor for its ease of gearing. But I'm not too crazy about brushed motors. I am going to experiment first with the front 9C 2812 hub. Laced into a 20" wheel, I think/hope it will provide all the needed torque. If not, I might have to use the Currie motor.

wesnewell: Thanks for the info on the EB215 controller (is this an Infineon controller?) Do you have to shut the controller down before switching to reverse? How does the wheel lock work?

Thanks amberwolf and dogman for your reply.
 
I would like to pick your brain Rassy. Since you have experience with both tadpoles and recumbent trikes (Sun EZ3), can you speculate on the pros and cons for my disabled BIL?

Here's some additional info on my BIL's condition: His legs are extremely weak and short, but his can still walks slowly on his own with this walker aid
walker_walking_aid_ZX_710_L_5.jpg
His arms and hands are fully functional and quite strong.

Here are my thinking, please correct or comment as necessary:
1) The tadpole will be shorter (after I remove all the unneeded drive train) thus more maneuverable. The tadpole has a much lower center of gravity thus better stability.
2) The recumbent trike is easier to get on/off. The higher sitting level affords a better view and a (false) sense of security.

Why did you choose a recumbent trike for your brother? Why not a tadpole?

Thanks.
 
my post contained this bit
ddk said:
...I modded mine for lower CG but I doubt its' stability for what your BIL needs.
Click to expand...
and I apoloigize for not separating your questions ala amberwolf
otherwise I noted but didn't properly name the company in this bit

ddk" also wrote said:
...about the controllers: BMS Battery sells one with reverse
they even sell a geared-hub motor that's reversible...
Click to expand...
since your BIL does have use of his legs that information significantly changes the suggestion parameters

a note on the trikes:
your BIL would have to back into a tadpole trike, which is a difficult proposition for a challenged person
vs. pulling their leg over the bar of a delta trike. which can also be difficult but likely easier for BIL to do, since he can stand
(I might have intimately known one or two people who were confined to wheelchair use)

another note on my project:
yes, my seat is 24" above ground
- I'm building for my physical limitations whereupon all currently manufactured recumbent trikes would't suit me (that can be found via the interwebz)

a final note on my experiences with brushed motors:
I owned a couple of Currie-powered bikes and rode them every day over a 3-4 year period
I NEVER had problems with the motors because I NEVER allowed the battery to discharge so low where the motor would require larger currents through the commutator/brushes than it was designed for.
ymmv
 
SamTexas said:
wesnewell: Thanks for the info on the EB215 controller (is this an Infineon controller?) Do you have to shut the controller down before switching to reverse? How does the wheel lock work?
Click to expand...
You can flip the reverse switch anytime. Probably not a good idea to give it throttle while going forward too fast though. Wheel lock applies power to keep the wheel from turning. Not too useful imo except maybe when you need to get off the trike for a short period and don't want it to roll.
 
Sam Texas...

pj's with the drop own leg is for sale...

cant never ask or look for something better...

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=37350
 
Sam, I gave my brother a choice between a tadpole and a delta, and also a choice between under seat or over seat steering. The first chance I had to go shopping after he picked what he wanted was in Eugene, Oregon where my son lives. That day there were two identical Sun EZ3-SX trikes on Craig's List and I picked the best looking one that was like new and IIRC $50 more than the other.

I already had my current tadpole plus my Sun EZ3-USX which I eventually gave to my Daughter-In-Law. I prefer the USX over the SX because of the Under Seat Steering and having a disk brake on each rear wheel, plus the rear wheels of the USX are cantilevered which makes it more stable. However, the SX can be turned around in it's own length, which my brother really likes.

There is also an EZ3-AX which is Aluminum instead of Steel.

Edit: Also, the EZ3-SC only has a 16" front wheel, whereas the USX has 20" wheels all around.
 
For what it's worth, I found a guy in the town next to mine who is selling 2 delta-type tricycles for 150 (for the pair). They look good, but need a lot of work. Rust, paint, and new tires...the basics.

I'm thinking of getting him to 100 bucks, but I don't think I have a need for them. I just hate to see them go to waste. If I can get them cheaper it might be cool to fix them up and give them to somebody or sell them at cost (or even keep one and E-trike it).

Just go to CL Atlanta, click on bikes, and search for tricycles. It'll come up right away.
 
The USX and SX trikes are narrow enough to fit through standard doorways, which may be a consieration for your BIL, SamTexas. I am not sure about the Schwinn trikes but narrow is better as long as the C/G is low enough. The Sun trikes all handle quite well.
otherDoc
 
docnjoj said:
The USX and SX trikes are narrow enough to fit through standard doorways, which may be a consieration for your BIL, SamTexas. I am not sure about the Schwinn trikes but narrow is better as long as the C/G is low enough. The Sun trikes all handle quite well.
otherDoc
Click to expand...
Thanks. Yes, width is a consideration. Luckily he won't have to bring the trike into the house, he can keep it in the garage. But I still want it to be as compact (length and width) as possible to increase maneuverability. Great to know that they handle well.
 
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