Comments on: Will 3-Wheelers Make a Comeback? http://ecomodder.com/blog/3wheelers-comeback/ Wrench smart - driver smarter - save fuel Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:05:18 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: dcb http://ecomodder.com/blog/3wheelers-comeback/comment-page-1/#comment-4404 dcb Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:31:15 +0000 http://ecomodder.com/blog/?p=1446#comment-4404 Since you brought up safety, I have to point out that safety is mostly driver dependent, and that someone who chooses to work on their skills may have a better time avoiding accidents in a narrower vehicle, and still avoid falling over when standing still. Having a whole lane of traffic to yourself gives you a lot of room to negotiate with two wheels. Whereas wrapping people in high speed cages makes them less invested in avoiding collisions and their minds wander off to things like texting. I don't have a problem with 3 wheelers per-se, just don't think there is any basis for safety comparisons without a laundry list of assumptions, which a lot of experienced two wheelers would not agree with, and which prevents many people from ever considering an even more efficient form. Since you brought up safety, I have to point out that safety is mostly driver dependent, and that someone who chooses to work on their skills may have a better time avoiding accidents in a narrower vehicle, and still avoid falling over when standing still. Having a whole lane of traffic to yourself gives you a lot of room to negotiate with two wheels.

Whereas wrapping people in high speed cages makes them less invested in avoiding collisions and their minds wander off to things like texting.

I don’t have a problem with 3 wheelers per-se, just don’t think there is any basis for safety comparisons without a laundry list of assumptions, which a lot of experienced two wheelers would not agree with, and which prevents many people from ever considering an even more efficient form.

]]> By: Neil Blanchard http://ecomodder.com/blog/3wheelers-comeback/comment-page-1/#comment-4403 Neil Blanchard Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:10:47 +0000 http://ecomodder.com/blog/?p=1446#comment-4403 Hi, The Aptera has front wheel drive, so traction and regenerative braking are greatly improved. And the changes to the door windows (to make them roll down) will improve the space issues; though I have heard from folks who are 6'-5" who easily fit into the current 2e. The stability comes at the expense of overall width -- the Aptera is wide -- they are aiming to get the outside of the front wheel fairings to be 7' out-to-out, and I think this will be less of an issue than many people fear, but it is fairly wide. Sincerely, Neil Hi,

The Aptera has front wheel drive, so traction and regenerative braking are greatly improved. And the changes to the door windows (to make them roll down) will improve the space issues; though I have heard from folks who are 6′-5″ who easily fit into the current 2e.

The stability comes at the expense of overall width — the Aptera is wide — they are aiming to get the outside of the front wheel fairings to be 7′ out-to-out, and I think this will be less of an issue than many people fear, but it is fairly wide.

Sincerely, Neil

]]> By: Chris Jordan http://ecomodder.com/blog/3wheelers-comeback/comment-page-1/#comment-4400 Chris Jordan Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:43:30 +0000 http://ecomodder.com/blog/?p=1446#comment-4400 A problem which popped up for me is financing. I have several 3-wheelers: a microcar, a velomobile, a recumbent trike. Before local financial problems I financed the microcar easily, but a 3-wheeler just arrived for sale in the US. After reconsidering the missing wheel, my financial institution avoids my "eco-compassion" for 3-wheelers! A problem which popped up for me is financing. I have several 3-wheelers: a microcar, a velomobile, a recumbent trike. Before local financial problems I financed the microcar easily, but a 3-wheeler just arrived for sale in the US. After reconsidering the missing wheel, my financial institution avoids my “eco-compassion” for 3-wheelers!

]]> By: Benjamin Jones http://ecomodder.com/blog/3wheelers-comeback/comment-page-1/#comment-4399 Benjamin Jones Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:39:58 +0000 http://ecomodder.com/blog/?p=1446#comment-4399 Thanks for the comment Bill. Thanks also for pointing out the size issue, that was one thing I hadnt thought of myself :) Thanks for the comment Bill. Thanks also for pointing out the size issue, that was one thing I hadnt thought of myself :)

]]> By: Bill Fester http://ecomodder.com/blog/3wheelers-comeback/comment-page-1/#comment-4398 Bill Fester Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:08:46 +0000 http://ecomodder.com/blog/?p=1446#comment-4398 I would agree about the economy, and the fun factor, but since I own a JZR (which I love) I think I should point out a few shortcomings. While more folks in four wheelers are worried about the tipping point, my three wheeler is almost as stable as my '73 Mini (which is to say, like a go kart with a body). However, there are limits to adhesion, and since a lot of the more modern 3 wheelers have wider tires, I suspect the vehicle will flip before the front end breaks loose. The biggest problem with three wheels though is one wheel drive. Hit a wet or loose patch in the road (worse through a corner), and things get squirrely quickly. Also, while it might be a minor point, there's no pothole/ road debris avoidance in a three wheeled car. The other issue is size. While my vehicle is intended to be a replica of a Morgan from the '30s (basically a cyclecar), even the Aptera is sort of tight for two large people. Suspension issues get worse with weight. That said, there's nothing quite as exhilarating as the lightness that three wheels offers winding down a country road. I would agree about the economy, and the fun factor, but since I own a JZR (which I love) I think I should point out a few shortcomings. While more folks in four wheelers are worried about the tipping point, my three wheeler is almost as stable as my ‘73 Mini (which is to say, like a go kart with a body). However, there are limits to adhesion, and since a lot of the more modern 3 wheelers have wider tires, I suspect the vehicle will flip before the front end breaks loose. The biggest problem with three wheels though is one wheel drive. Hit a wet or loose patch in the road (worse through a corner), and things get squirrely quickly. Also, while it might be a minor point, there’s no pothole/ road debris avoidance in a three wheeled car. The other issue is size. While my vehicle is intended to be a replica of a Morgan from the ’30s (basically a cyclecar), even the Aptera is sort of tight for two large people. Suspension issues get worse with weight. That said, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the lightness that three wheels offers winding down a country road.

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