Audi Goes Elec-trike!

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If Formula One refers to motor powered vehicles, what type of power do you think Formula Zero might refer to?! The answer is… YOU! The power-assisted Audi Formula Zero trike is perfect for zipping between short distances.

Channeling an uber-minimalist Audi aesthetic, the stripped-down design features a modular structure for easy assembly and maintenance. Its framework consists of aluminum, plastic and composite materials, making it incredibly lightweight yet durable. Safely enclosed within the panoramic glass cockpit, drivers can pedal away while protected from the elements. The unusual trike configuration features a two wheel arrangement in the front and a single wheel at the rear, making it essentially a trike, but giving the driver the feeling of driving a 4-wheeled automobile. Solar panels supplement rechargeable plug-in power so you’re always ready to go so long as the sun is shining!

Designer: Pavel Babienko

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The 3-wheeled Chopper

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“Two wheels good. Three wheels better?” asks designer Olcay Tuncay, rhetorically speaking. I personally feel that the Nasty T-Trike looks stunning even in black and white! Halfway between a regular lowrider and a quad bike, the Nasty T-Trike has the power of a trike, with the swag of a chopper. Plus, how good would the wheelies on this thing be?!

Designer: Olcay Tuncay Karabulut

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A Trike for Independence

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H.A.N.D.I. stands for Humanitarian Action To Nourish Disabled Individuals and aims to encourage individuals with severe physical or lower extremity disabilities to travel, earn a living, and turn their physical adversity into opportunity.

With a focus on an alternative powertrain, the design makes it possible for those with mobile impairments to travel safely and efficiently. Using a specialized gearing system, they can power the trike using their arms while simultaneously controlling direction.

Enhanced ergonomics and accessibility make it easy to enter and exit the trike. Adaptable, cushioned seating provides optimum comfort while the overhead shade protects from sun and weather. A place for crutches and light storage have been integrated to streamline the carrying process.

Designers: Hira Kabir, Muhammad Daniyal, Syed Ali Murtaza, Umber Yaseen & Zareen Yousufi

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UPS Introduces Electric Trike Delivery: United Pedaling Service

That is the shortest UPS truck that I have ever seen. That’s because it isn’t a truck at all. It’s more of a package delivery trike. This is one of UPS’ ways of addressing concerns about environmental sustainability, while easing traffic in urban areas. The company has developed a new program using “Cargo Cruisers” to deliver packages.

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This program was first tested in Hamburg, Germany and is now making its U.S. debut in Portland, Oregon. Obviously it doesn’t hold as many packages as your typical UPS truck, but that’s okay. These trikes are meant to assist, not replace the truck fleet.

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Still, if they work out, you never know, they could one day replace UPS trucks. Think how much cleaner our air would be if that happened.

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[via Laughing Squid]

An e-Trike for Muscle Training

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The CERO tricycle goes far beyond fun! This adaptable e-trike is particularly useful for users with physical impairments who desire greater mobility, more exercise, or a supplement to physiotherapy.

Designed for those with medical conditions resulting from spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and more, the design can be utilized in physical rehabilitation programs intended to help the patient regain strength and motion in impaired legs. During 20 minutes of cycling with the CERO each leg is bent more than 500 times. Even when the user’s legs can barely move on their own, the passive movement can help to improve blood circulation in the lower extremities. 

Users can adapt CERO to different leg lengths and find the most comfortable leg angle by inceasing and decreasing the distance between the pedals and the seat. The low center of gravity, seat with back support, and front steering give the rider a safe and secure feeling. The seat height, backrest height/angle, and the crankset’s position are all adjustable. The back, neck, shoulders and wrists are almost completely released from burden thanks to this special cycling position.

For individuals with stability problems or a variable energy level, there are three options available for ride style. Users can ride the trike by just pedaling, ride it by pedaling with electric pedal support, or with 100% electric power assist with variable speed levels.

Designer: Tamás Túri

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What a Can-Am Spyder Shoulda Been

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The Can-Am Spyder trike gets a lot of eye rolls from motorcyclists like myself for one simple reason: it combines all the downsides of riding a motorcycle with all the downsides of driving a car! Us gearheads are willing to expose ourselves to the elements and risk not having a protective shell because we can zip past traffic and lay down through twisty roads. The Can-Am… well, it can’t.

However… designer John Mark Vicente’s Can-Am Super Spyder concept addresses the regular Spyder’s major setback of being too wide to turn sharply or navigate through traffic. The Super Spyder’s front wheel sections are able to extend and retract, adapting its overall stance to accommodate varying driving conditions. Ready to lane split? With the easy press of a button riders can assume a slimmer position to squeeze through tight car corridors. Need better traction? Extend the wheels out for greater grip!

Designer: John Mark Vicente

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Electrike!

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Cities have become more focused than ever on building alternative routes for different forms of human-powered mobility. Problem is… they aren’t always useable if the weather isn’t cooperative! Designed specifically for modern bike paths, the Schaeffler ESSENZ allows dedicated riders the option to commute every day, no matter the weather. Its encompassing acrylic hood protects the rider from wind, rain and the elements without sacrificing aerodynamics and its pedal-assist system maximizes the distance riders are capable of traveling. Without obtrusive handlebars, riders can control direction with impeccable precision using an innovative “carving” steer method. Besides being an efficient, exercise-friendly machine, it’s also an exhilarating ride!

Designers: Alexander Knorr & Florian Blamberger

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Colin Furze Adds a Pulse Jet to His Motorized Drift Trike

Back in December, inventor Colin Furze built a motorized drift trike that was able to go about 50 MPH. So how do you follow up a cool build like that? You add a pulse jet of course.

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Being the madman he is, Furze did just that. He added a fiery jet engine, and you can watch him zipping around on this beast until the system catches fire. He actually catches fire a couple of times, but otherwise this is a fun ride that is nothing but drift.

He’s lucky it didn’t blow up. I mean, the fuel tank is right next to those burning pipes. This guy is crazy in the best way. And since we can’t all build these cool things, we can at least live vicariously through Colin.

[via Laughing Squid]

A Bike for Fun in the Sun!

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Designed with coastal cities in mind, the Solectrike is an innovative vehicle sharing system and future mobility concept. It’s specially adapted for the characteristics of tourist destinations and the travel mode of the tourists in those places. By using this e-bike system the tourists can travel faster and more comfortably between the different beaches and sights. It’s all about entertainment and relaxation whether people are enjoying beaches or on their way to and from. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a built-in umbrella!

Designer: Braunschweig University of Art

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