a 50cc or electric mini car project?

[SanctaRosa]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I'd imagine the concepts would be more popular if they hadn't been beaten so badly by the ugly stick.

True. Then on the other hand the 'ugly' is only skin deep and can be improved on by the builder. When I was considering building the Automite my 'to-do' list included a much better looking body design.

[Bicycle Bob]

Originally Posted by jmygann

If anyone wants to get serious about a 30 mph tadpole , I have some money to invest

Columbia Cycle Works

Phil Chipman's WIND

Invest? You want a company, not just a trike? I'm always up for long-range collaboration on what I can help with.

[NachtRitter]

Another one to consider as a base platform... the Aerocoupe from Blue Sky Design... meant for Electrathon competitions:



Edit: Link for Blue Sky Design for those that just want to click...

[skyl4rk]

Recumbent tadpole trike w/ coroplast fairing, tailbox and motor

[Christopher Jordan]

Fascinating Craigslist find! 1 month ago a completed Actionbent was made into a velomobile with a motor in CA. (with a Blue Sky fairing). I do not know if it ever sold. I admire people who do this; but why they begin with an Actionbent and end up selling them is beyond me! If they start out with an EZ-Tad that trike would last fully faired at least 6 years, then self-destruct; then they would not have to worry about selling it!

[jmygann]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

Invest? You want a company, not just a trike? I'm always up for long-range collaboration on what I can help with.

would like a tadpole trike , with 1.5 KW assist , 30 mph

If successful , sell to make more

[Grant-53]

Some dimensions to keep in mind. Ground clearance: 6-9". Seat height: 20" to see in traffic. In most states 30 mph is the max. legal speed for bicycle component machines. Above that we need FMVSS approved motorcycle tires and brakes. Honda does sell 50cc industrial engines.

[Grant-53]

As much I like the tadpole trikes I have seen, Trice, Catrike, Greenspeed, I would not want to ride one in traffic. Ground clearance is 1.5 to 2 inches and the width is double that of a two wheeler. I would like to mount a Golden Eagle 50cc engine on a full suspension mountain bike with street tires and disc brakes then make a fairing system for it. My little 23cc two stroke friction drive engine pushed my Huffy 3spd with a National touring windscreen along at 25 mph on the flat.

I would be interested in updating the Ridley design three wheeler that uses a VW Type I torsion bar front end and a motorcycle drive train.

[dbc1218]

To ebacher,

Looks like you've got all kinds of suggestions, are you going to build anything?

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by jmygann

would like a tadpole trike , with 1.5 KW assist

E-Pod nearly 6 years later with motor. Only 4 inches high, little under 9 feet long (The top is off for summer). This was a kit in 2005 but they would not sell so were dropped. Photos by iphone so not very clear.