As we know it
The electric tricycle is a stable and quick way to get around in town. Whether it is to reach the place of work or a shopping trip, an electric trike would be handy. It is convenient and clean. But so is an electric bicycle or an electric car. Why this emphasis on trikes? And why the hype on the electric aspect?
Need for change
There is a great need for a change in our means and modes of transportation. The statement about fossil fuels being pollutants and their reserves fast depleting has almost become a cliche. Everyone knows that they are not going to be around for long. There is a dire interest in alternate forms of energy to power our transport needs.
Electricity is clean, green and efficient. Trikes are stabler and safer than bikes (because they have their top speeds limited which prevents them from tipping over) but need less energy compared to cars. With more and more people traveling alone in cars, these electric trikes bring in a better option and a hope of a greener future.
What’s next?
A lot of electrical vehicles have made their way to the streets. Many of them are trikes too. Here is what looks like the future of electrical trikes:
1. E- trike concept by Onno Fridrich
This electric trike economizes on power needs with its intelligent spacing of wheels. Manufacturers and users have discovered that simply reducing a vehicle from a four wheeler into a three wheeler reduces fuel needs to a great deal. The same is true of the vehicle which is run on batteries. This trike is almost a ‘bike’ in that sense, for the front two wheels are so closely spaced that they appear like one big wheel!
There is a single wheel behind. It will definitely bring down pollution to a great level no doubt and it has been built for a single person. This is fine for many advanced countries where people often travel alone in cars but otherwise, it could turn out to be a disadvantage in other countries.
2. P.I.E.T concept electric vehicle
This is a plug-in-electric-trike (P.I.E.T) that has been designed by Laurent Hompesch and Lorenz Nasdal keeping the environment in view. It is structured almost like a car and combines the advantages of a motor bike and a car. The Commuter has a flexible, sloping axle for the front wheels which ensures better and more comfortable turning while the safety frame, which can be lifted up to get into the vehicle, protects the rider.
The back wheel has been innovated in a manner that it can get under the vehicle during parking, thereby reducing the overall length of the trike and also reducing parking requirements. The space within is ample for the single driver and riding it is easy. Maneuverability is at its best in this electric trike which houses the battery under its seat. If at all someone has to complain, it has got to be about the single seating facility.
3. Amantide electric trike
Florentin Hortopan’s revolutionary design has been displayed in this trike. Being electrically powered, the trike accelerates through the turning of the accelerator on the right of the handle loop. The braking is done by tugging the whole handlebar behind. With its two front wheels and a single back wheel, this is meant to carry a single person. A special spring suspension below the seat acts as a shock absorber and next to this is the battery.
Nobody can steal this baby away from you as you can neatly fold it up and tuck it away safely in your room. Coming in a variety of colors, it is definitely green by nature. But don’t be surprised if you become the center of unwanted attention of the road for this trike is really funny looking. The elementary looking trike also brings up stability and safety issues.
4. BMW i1
Finally, a trike that carries more than one passenger! Auto giants, BMW, have arrived with a thrilling trike that combines the safety of the car with the excitement of a bike it its unique design. Conceptualized by Amadou Ba Ndiaye, this trike is futuristic in its design and is powered by three motors – one for each wheel. The stylish chassis is made of carbon fiber and the wheels have super gripping ability.
A computer calibrated hydraulic system controls the wheel tilt of this trike and thus ensures better safety of the passengers. Energy efficient and speed sufficient, the BMW trike promises that you need not give up thrills when you go green. While the world awaits its release, we can say this much that it is surely going to create waves when it arrives.
