stable three-wheeled bicycle
- Thread starter Tomek.44
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lnanek
10 kW
I was under the impression that, for good turning, you have to run a chain back to the axle where a rear differential can allow them to spin differently.
I have seen the product page on some of the Grin kits state you can have a functional trike with only one side wheel or the other powered too, though.
I have seen the product page on some of the Grin kits state you can have a functional trike with only one side wheel or the other powered too, though.
Indeed. I saddled a one-legged trike for almost two decades. Actually, that's not entirely accurate - RH wheel motorized, LH wheel pedal, so technically it was independent 2WD.
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If you post the link to the page that's on, it may have more useful info for helping you figure this out, that tells us or shows us what its' present drivetrain is. I tried to locate it on the website hte image is from (zdrowapolka.pl), but can't figure out the polish terms to use in their search (it doesn't recognize any of the english ones).
The single image provided doesn't have enough info to be sure, but it is likely that it has u-joints from a central differential that is driven by the pedal chain so that boht rear wheels are already pedal driven. If this is the case, then a middrive that runs the pedal chain will also drive both wheels, *but* you would need to limit the torque of that drive to human power levels that won't overload whatever the weakest link in that drivetrain is.
That all said--based on my experiences with what was probably a similar length and seat height and track width (see the Delta Tripper thread), I highly recommend keeping it under 10-15mph at most. I built SB Cruiser to fix that issue.
Yes, as long as there is enough tension to keep it on the sprockets. Otherwise, sidewall friction of the chain and teeth could cause it to ride up on the teeth and come off the sprocket. That's a problem I encountered on the Raine Trike I built for my brother.
Sure. Delta Tripper above was motor power on the right, pedal on the left. Later the same rear end was used to build SB Cruiser which still only has pedal on the left, but has motors on both sides. (thread links in the post above).
There were turning issues with Delta Tripper because of it, but I had more problems with it's CoG / short wheelbase, earning it the nickname Delta Tipper, than with which way it turned better under power.
SB Cruiser only has problems turning one direction or the other under pedal power with no motors, but unless something is wrong I don't use it without the motors because that's why it has them--I'm worn out and need them.
I couldn't find an answer on Polish websites, so I'm asking you.
Regarding power, Polish regulations limit the engine's power to 250W continuous. The engine must be started using the pedals and turned off after reaching a speed of 25 km/h (15 mph).
I also think the photo shows a differential with a shaft and spiders, and if I don't find a lighter and simpler solution, I'll go that route.
Does anyone have experience with this type of differential mechanism?
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Thanks for the links. I've read these and many other posts about tricycles. They suggest that a stable vehicle should be long, wide, and have a low center of gravity. I haven't found any information about a completely narrow tricycle, like the one in the photo below.
Is it also tippable, or does it handle more like a two-wheeled bicycle?
Is it also tippable, or does it handle more like a two-wheeled bicycle?
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Yes
Bram Smit and Carlos Calleja come to mind. There are many other similar designs.
Patent: US5611555
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In the instance of the one you picture, it's image name says it's a leaning trike, so one coudl assume that it tilts and rides more like a regular bicycle.
However, in general, you would need to provide links to the specifics of the examples (which you don't seem to like to do) instead of providing single tiny undetailed informationless images that don't provide enough information to answer your questions with.
Or you can post the *complete* specifcs of the examples you are using, so that we can have the same information you have there.
Without that, we cannot answer your questions with any certainty.
If the current setup has bike chain drivetrain and gearing, maybe a mid drive would work better.
I don't have a bike yet, and I'm gathering information on technical solutions because I'm building a delta trike.
I've taken note of the advice regarding photo links and will follow them.
The one I posted is from ES and was in one of the threads about trikes, without further information, hence my question
I've taken note of the advice regarding photo links and will follow them.
The one I posted is from ES and was in one of the threads about trikes, without further information, hence my question
The Toecutter
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If I were to buy a delta trike, the Hase Kettwiesel with full suspension would be at the top of my list. It's unfortunate that the Velotilt never became a commercial product.
If I were to build one, I would want it to be able to tilt.
If I were to build one, I would want it to be able to tilt.
I have a DIY electric trike, on smooth open pavement it rides well up to 20 mph on 36v. At 15 to 20mph the steering becomes touchy and pulls the rider against the turn, any hard sudden turn can result in a crash. The bike can also pick up a rear wheel giving different sensations depending where chain connects. Riding forward on a side slope is total junk, so beware getting off the pavement. Accidentally clipping a rear wheel would also be a concern when close to cars, curbs.
I built the trike for my Mom with a scavenged Permanent Magnet Treadmill motor, an auto belt, and a pulley mounted to one of the rear wheels. It doesn't need a controller, I have an on/off button on the bars. Runs well, silent, no resistance pedalling.
The Toecutter
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If you're going to go the delta trike route, and want good cornering/braking dynamics, study a full suspension Hase Kettwiesel. It is possible to make a delta that is suitable for applications requiring agility and maneuverability. Deltas can be more stable at high speeds than a tadpole.
The silver trike shown in the first post of this topic is not something I would trust taking corners, braking while in a corner, or even while riding on smooth pavement at any speed over 20 mph. That sort of trike would make for an excellent "truck", that being said.
The silver trike shown in the first post of this topic is not something I would trust taking corners, braking while in a corner, or even while riding on smooth pavement at any speed over 20 mph. That sort of trike would make for an excellent "truck", that being said.
Man i looked at many pictures of that bike and do not see a pivoting or suspension mechanism in the rear..
At $5.5k entry price it would be cheap for such a thing.
Let me know if you got pics or details. that sounds like a cool bike.
At $5.5k entry price it would be cheap for such a thing.
Let me know if you got pics or details. that sounds like a cool bike.
I'm guessing you've not sampled a tad w/4" fatties (@20psi) and 2/3 gross planted on the steer axle. Doesn't get much worse than that.
No i have not..
The bike lanes are far too narrow for 3 wheeled things out there.
The one electric trike i rode with a BBSHD felt like a go kart until you turned it too fast, then you could feel that chassis flex wsa your real limit to cornering quicker.
I have yet to ride a bike with tilting, pivoting, or individual wheel suspension though.
In the meantime, i'm okay with 2 wheels!
The Toecutter
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I think the easiest is a front hub motor. I have one wheel turning in the rear, the other is free. I don't want a differential because that's just more moving parts to break. I like simplicity. Off road I pedal, than I have front and rear drive. I Cruze 10 to 15 mph comfortably. Over that I don't feel safe as I know I'm not as agile as a 2 wheeler. Turns I slow down, but not that much. Once you get used to the feel, turns get fun. You can almost feel the line you don't want to cross, where one wheel in the rear almost comes off the ground. cheers
OlderGiantFan
10 W
@ the 1:00 mark it's doing a gentle turn and looks ready to flip. I'd suggest a sideways sliding seat so you can change the c-o-g. I do it on my baby the rideon mower all the time on slopes, just swing my butt off the seat like I was taking a corner on the motorcycle and the deck sits flat on the grass.
I wonder how those wheels and tires handle the constant angle? They are designed to be at angles, but only in corners where the forces are different. You'd probably want to reverse your wheels every month or so. If that was possible? But either way I doubt angling the wheels would make any difference other than giving you a slightly wider base.
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