A Trike. 3’ x 6’ x 6’ tall.
This vehicle can travel, facing either the three or the six-foot side, either tandem-style or the more sociable side-by-side. The seats, and wheels, all pivot and move, easily, to enable this to happen. It can be fairly wide open to the air or fully enclosed in a folding polycarbonate shell. It may carry three or more people if slightly larger. One drive wheel is an anchored-in-place, pedal-able unicycle, the two others are 10” hub-motor equipped, electric-powered wheels. Use in dense urban spaces is what is expected here, with a maximum speed of 15-20 mph to ensure safe operation.
Two wheels are all linked together so that when facing the six-foot side, with the pedaler steering, two wheels turn together. When facing the 3’ side, the pedaler steers and the back wheels go straight, as in all trikes. Batteries are stored under the vehicle, which can be charged in place or slide out like a drawer and be rapidly replaced. A solar panel acts as a roof as well as a source of power. The hinges are aluminum, covered by colorful fabric. Closings are Velcro and magnets. Seats are well cushioned and sprung, mounted on tubes that are anchored to the floor. They can be adjusted for height and face any direction. They also allow for the most comfortable, supported, standing/leaning posture. Drive wheels are under polycarbonate covers. Passengers and operator are provided with utilitarian , movable.“Desks”, connections to WIFI and including computers and telephone lines and places to put food and drinks.
Current regulations in New York State demand that electric bikes and trikes be no wider than 36”, thus this design. Our next model will be slightly larger, 3’6” x 7’, essential to meet ADA requirements regarding wheelchairs. We are exploring the absolute minimum of space and materials that must be required to begin to accomplish these tasks. This device is not the only or necessarily the best answer to this challenge but is, rather, a suggested first step in the right direction.
There is a 3/4” plywood floor, with 1/16” polycarbonate windows, some steel and aluminum and wood framing, stainless steel piano hinges and solid brass hardware. This can be used as a personal vehicle, or for carrying passengers or cargo, as it is, without major modification.
Two 10″ hub motors and a unicycle:
Early development: