Enclosed recumbent design

[bluesrocks]

Still early in design stage, not near future project, but spend enough time making scads of designs, so here's one of my best so far. I am curious about suggestions for material selection for such a design. I think those are 20" tires, about 55" tall (near car seat height) yet very aerodynamic. Notice minimum side profile helps slice through cross winds, small frontal footprint and (overhead view) teardrop shape for low drag.

Of course driver's front, rear and sides need to be clear for visibility, and the wood grain was selected for amusement and visual contrast. Uniquely, this is a full enclosure, so I am am hoping for a half decent finished look, a step up from some body-socks looking somewhat loose here and there. No exotic or expensive materials need apply. This should be cost effective and functional.

It's an all-wheel-lean trike, stable ride like a trike, but leans into corners like a bike! 8) You could register as power assisted bike or moped. And if money was not a problem, could build a street legal two seater registered as a motorcycle. Would get great gas mileage and fun to drive.

Suggestions for materials for body/frame?

 

[sk8norcal]

subscribe.

 

[bluesrocks]

Here's a high res shot, and a photo of some like minded inspiration for this project.

 

[docnjoj]

That trike is my all time favorite. Too bad they never got it into production. A fair bit of effort went into the design by the Dutch. Oh well. I forgot the name.
otherDoc

 

[Brentis]

That trike is my all time favorite. Too bad they never got it into production. A fair bit of effort went into the design by the Dutch. Oh well. I forgot the name.
otherDoc

IIRC the company was called Drymer.
I too lusted after these trikes. Particularly the half cab version.
Looked very well engineered, to bad they didn't succeed.


-edit-

Lil google'in finds Drymer
Open in Chrome for translation.

 

[docnjoj]

That trike is my all time favorite. Too bad they never got it into production. A fair bit of effort went into the design by the Dutch. Oh well. I forgot the name.
otherDoc

IIRC the company was called Drymer.
I too lusted after these trikes. Particularly the half cab version.
Looked very well engineered, to bad they didn't succeed.


-edit-

Lil google'in finds Drymer
Open in Chrome for translation.

That is the one. It looks like they are still trying.
http://www.drymer.nl/evenementen/radoutdoor-messe-bremen
otherDoc

 

[.nomad]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYi76MACrV8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPlNJLkKleA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3INj_7WVDQ8

 

[bluesrocks]

Thanks everyone and nice find Docnjoj. I found out they have a Facebook site too.

https://www.facebook.com/Drymer

Also sk8norcal deserves special credit for having arguably the coolest website collection of leaning vehicles. You really should check out the site if you haven't already, although I haven't been there in a while, has been one of my favorite websites. Also check out bike forest projects page for inspiration for ultra-creative bicyle and trike designs.

Fine design, sleek lines, mostly enclosed, radical suspension, extra-large disc breaks, oversized pivot points and suspension structure looks solid. 8) Looks like a real sweet ride. Glad to see others find this is cool stuff too. I hope companies like this one does well, sends a message to the world times are changing for the better.
Out with Petrol, in with alternatives! 8)

If you missed it, check out the high res graphic instead of the first 4 as they aren't nearly as clear as the high res one. I know it doesn't seem like much, but Im not a 3D modeler, so that represents a loooong time and a learning curve. I have gobs more. However I like the design principles for a covered slow speed vehicle, highlighted by the minimized side view footprint to reduce crosswind resistance, which is often nearly as much of a factor as frontal aerodynamic resistance (for slower vehicles).

I like the Elf too, but prefer a slightly more aerodynamic approach to body design as I hope to end up doing longer trips from time to time, but totally appreciate the high visibility and weather protection of a covered vehicle. Also dig Smirna's leaning 4-wheel vehicle(!), compares as a smaller smart car,,, and from foreign venue, I see VW has their half width two-seater demo'd (should be highest mpg mass-production half-width vehicle)!

 

[bluesrocks]

Here's another rendition. I like the design and shape of the body-n-wheels better. Enjoy.