a 50cc or electric mini car project?

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by Peakster

That's what your Green Machine looks like, right Chris? I'd be interested to know what your average and maximum speed is with that vehicle.

My trikes are both green. That is a "lime" green, but my unpainted hard-shell is an "avocado green (with gold kevlar weavings).

CA. and most states have ridiculous top speed limits on powered bicycles. I hit 30 mph easily going downhill before the motors with either one. now the top speed is about 20 mph unassisted, but if I assist pedaling like crazy- it barely hits 25 mph.

That was great how you enlarged my VeloKit photo! The small photo below is the older brother!

[Peakster]

Originally Posted by ebacherville

Now tear drop that and you got a very easy to construct body and good aerodynamics..

The model is tear-dropped in design, however the rear 'wings' help disguise it :



Now... if only I knew how to weld an efficient frame...

Originally Posted by Christopher Jordan

CA. and most states have ridiculous top speed limits on powered bicycles... the top speed is about 20 mph unassisted, but if I assist pedaling like crazy- it barely hits 25 mph.

What are the speed restrictions specifically? Somehow I was thinking you could reach 30-mph easily unassisted in that fainter-green one.

[ebacherville]

yeah each state has there own diffrent laws/rules.. However.. rules were made to be broken.. and if all else fails just license it as a motorcycle.. 3 wheels is considered a motorcycle.

My states laws say 30 mph is the max you can travel.. but they would have to catch me... LOL

[skyl4rk]

Another 3 wheel car design: Sceadu

Sceadu Design

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by skyl4rk

Another 3 wheel car design:]Sceadu Design[/url]

Amazing! I e-mailed Sceadu several years ago about building those here in CA., but cost of living and obtaining space to build those vehicles was terrible compared to AZ. Too late now; but news of this machine continuing is very interesting.

Instead we get a fleet of GoCar 50cc rental 3-wheelers in San Francisco, CA. Not aerodynamic at all, but maybe a start!

My E-Pod is a rounded 30" front 9' back to 1/2" wide rear tail. I sure wish Sceaudu or GoCar would try that. However; my Green Machine ignores curving sides, but it still works!

[stormbird]

Originally Posted by Peakster

The model is tear-dropped in design, however the rear 'wings' help disguise it :



Now... if only I knew how to weld an efficient frame...



What are the speed restrictions specifically? Somehow I was thinking you could reach 30-mph easily unassisted in that fainter-green one.

I like the model is it yours ?

It really needs to be a tear-drop though in plan view as well , slope to rear should be 12 degrees to get optimum benifit but it does not need to taper to a point as long as it is cut off with a sharp edge much like it looks now [ search Karma back ]
regards paul

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by Peakster

What are the speed restrictions specifically? Somehow I was thinking you could reach 30-mph easily unassisted in that fainter-green one.

Shaved off about 15 mph right away, both were faster but in spurts. Max is 20 mph with motors alone. Used to go faster just pedaling; but I was not consistent. I put a very large front chain ring in front to compensate on the E-Pod (like an overdrive).

More pics/dartboard material- back, back, rt/front, nose to nose

[skyl4rk]

Tadpole plans

AtomicZombie - StreetFox Tadpole Trike

[skyl4rk]

How difficult is it to weld a frame? Can you cut the parts by hand with an angle grinder? It seems like the angles would be very difficult to cut accurately. What kind of welder would do the job? What is the cheapest welder that will do the job?

[stormbird]

Originally Posted by skyl4rk

How difficult is it to weld a frame? Can you cut the parts by hand with an angle grinder? It seems like the angles would be very difficult to cut accurately. What kind of welder would do the job? What is the cheapest welder that will do the job?

Hi there

If you buy the book :-

AtomicZombie - Bicycle Builder's Bonanza

It answers all your questions and provides bike plans.

This book has the trike plans in it :-

AtomicZombie - Bicycle Builder's Bonanza

I have the first book which is excellent , the second book has only just been published and I will be getting it shortly.

If cars are more your style then this book :-

Amazon.com: Build Your Own Sports Car for as Little as £250 and Race It!, 2nd Ed.: Ron Champion: Books

will show you how to build a chassis and then a full car.

regards Paul