Any Interest in Pedal-Eletric?

[Grant-53]

Rear steering is useful at low speeds only and the steering axis should be inclined forward.

[Grant-53]

Unlike most nationalities, many North Americans hate sharing the road with bicycles - or anybody else for that matter. I am hoping that e-bikes will improve traffic flow since the speed differential will be less and e-bikers will have less excuse for not obeying stop signs or lights.

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

Rear steering works well in low speed, like this would perform.

[NeilBlanchard]

They should have taken advantage of the main benefit of rear steering and enclosed the front wheels.

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

True. They might offer that now. I like the idea of adding a motor to the front axle.

[Afrersize]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

An electric velomobile with a streamlined body has a market. Weight, convenience, and power will be dictated by cost and legal classification. In New York State it would have to be registered as a motorcycle using approved FMVSS motorcycle parts. Minimum seat height on a trike is 20 inches. Currently there are three classes of motorbikes based on speed and only Class A (+30 mph) can be home built. All others must be built by approved manufacturers. There is no legal provision for electric bikes at this time.

An electric velomobile would have a top speed of 45 mph, all weather capability, and a seat belt. Range would be 100 miles and charging time under 45 minutes. A common electrical circuit here in the US is 120v AC, 60 Hertz, 20 amp. If roll over strength is sufficient, 3x gross weight as static load, a helmet might not be needed. Most places consider a trike a motorcycle so helmet laws apply. Suburban commuting and one person errands would be the primary use. Target pricing is $5,000 - 8,000 USD.

So, pretty much a home built Twike using parts aligned with FMVSS could legally be registered as motorcycle in NYS? Please explain for this just may make it to my to do list.

[CFECO]

I have this, and I'd love to add an electric "assist" to it. Right now I am changing it from a 1 speed to a 3 speed, the hills were killing us. I'm thinking large scale RC aircraft motor or battery power tool motor and batteries. Aero would not be needed as the top speed would not be high enough to warrant it. Maybe a solar panel roof to keep the sun off in the summer.

[Grant-53]

The DMV has free publications on how to go about registering a home built vehicle. Tires, brakes, and lights get most of the attention. Motorcycle, ATV, and car parts can be used. Once the vehicle is inspected a VIN is issued. If you were to use a frame from a motorcycle or ATV you might use the VIN from that. Say you wanted to use an ATV with a bad engine to build an electric vehicle. You can use that title and VIN to register the vehicle. There may be a class for limited use vehicle based on top speed.

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

Originally Posted by CFECO

I have this, and I'd love to add an electric "assist" to it. Right now I am changing it from a 1 speed to a 3 speed, the hills were killing us. I'm thinking large scale RC aircraft motor or battery power tool motor and batteries. Aero would not be needed as the top speed would not be high enough to warrant it. Maybe a solar panel roof to keep the sun off in the summer.

An Astroflight BLDC would work well.
Here is the genius trust:
http://www.recumpence.net/about.htm