Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > Motorcycles / Scooters
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 12-18-2013, 10:13 PM   #1 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Twisp, WA
Posts: 32
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
reverse trike, low, recumbent, 80-250cc (anyone else made one besides hyperrocket?)

There have been a few threads in the past, but no-one seems to have completed such a project (other than the Hyperrocket made by an auto engineer). Does anyone have an idea why?

I'm thinking of mating the rear 2/3 of a scooter with the front of an ATV . . .

It seems reasonable, and could be very fuel efficient transportation - a bit like the Elio, but a good bit smaller (maybe 96" length, less than 36" height, much lighter, etc., but still passenger possible).

Any thoughts are welcome.

Scot

  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 12-19-2013, 03:53 PM   #2 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Twisp, WA
Posts: 32
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I just learned that, for 3 or 4 wheel vehicles, in Washington State at least, "the vehicle must meet federal requirements and be certified by the manufacturer to meet those standards". So a home made scooter to trike conversion is problematic at best. If anyone has information about dealing with this, please share. Thanks, Scot
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-19-2013, 05:26 PM   #3 (permalink)
.
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Salt Lake valley Utah
Posts: 923
Thanks: 114
Thanked 397 Times in 224 Posts
My assumption is that as long as you don't alter the frame, your good. If you do you have to jump through some hoops. And you probably need someone certified in making or welding frames to do that work.
__________________
I try to be helpful. I'm not an expert.
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-19-2013, 06:00 PM   #4 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Twisp, WA
Posts: 32
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Certainly converting a scooter to trike involves changing the frame. There is also a concern about the ATV front end parts not being certified for road use (as opposed to off-road). I'm working on getting info from the state on the "hoops" and how to get through them . . .
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-19-2013, 06:05 PM   #5 (permalink)
(:
 
Frank Lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: up north
Posts: 12,762

Blue - '93 Ford Tempo
Last 3: 27.29 mpg (US)

F150 - '94 Ford F150 XLT 4x4
90 day: 18.5 mpg (US)

Sport Coupe - '92 Ford Tempo GL
Last 3: 69.62 mpg (US)

ShWing! - '82 honda gold wing Interstate
90 day: 33.65 mpg (US)

Moon Unit - '98 Mercury Sable LX Wagon
90 day: 21.24 mpg (US)
Thanks: 1,585
Thanked 3,555 Times in 2,218 Posts
IIRC someone from Wa posted about their homebuilt trike; they went to a VW front end because the ATV a-arms weren't certified for road use. But if you called them scratch built they'd probably be OK.
__________________


  Reply With Quote
Old 12-19-2013, 06:31 PM   #6 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Twisp, WA
Posts: 32
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've thought of swing arm suspension (VW), but expect it would be heavier than I need as the car was much heavier, while the ATV would be very similar, and I think the whole front end (wheels, brakes, suspension, and most of the steering system) could be used with little or no modification - cheap, easy and light!

Does anyone have ideas/experience with the issue of wheels/tires - using an ATV front end seems to push one into wide tires. I'd prefer to use small scooter tires (around 3", probably on a 10 inch wheel). The Yamaha Warrior 350 ATV front end that is available to me uses a 4 hole wheel. I wonder if it's possible to buy narrower wheels that would fit the ATV front end and be compatible with the 3" scooter tires?
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-20-2013, 04:54 PM   #7 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
aerohead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sanger,Texas,U.S.A.
Posts: 15,861
Thanks: 23,922
Thanked 7,207 Times in 4,640 Posts
reverse trike

Have you seen Doug Malewicki's (sp?)1980 'California Commuter' ?
__________________
Photobucket album: http://s1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/aerohead2/
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-20-2013, 05:54 PM   #8 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Twisp, WA
Posts: 32
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I had not seen the California Commuter. Very interesting! Thanks!
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-20-2013, 06:13 PM   #9 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
HydroJim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Alabama
Posts: 625

Aerofocus (retired) - '00 Ford Focus ZX3
90 day: 44.66 mpg (US)

The Red Baron (sold) - '93 Geo Metro
90 day: 44.1 mpg (US)
Thanks: 40
Thanked 156 Times in 103 Posts








I've studied this a lot and have my own design. Ask me an questions you have. ATV suspension is a no go. reverse trikes thrive on a low center of gravity. The easy way out will net you poor results. Custom design is the way to go.
__________________
Aerospace Controls Engineer.
Currently driving a mostly stock 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage DE hatchback.
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to HydroJim For This Useful Post:
aerohead (12-21-2013)
Old 12-20-2013, 06:26 PM   #10 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Twisp, WA
Posts: 32
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Can you tell me where to learn more about the 3 vehicles pictured?

I really like the middle pictured one, though what I want doesn't need the big tires; I'd rather have small scooter wheels/tires.

Is it possible to purchase off-shelf suspension/steering/brakes/etc. parts? Or does it all have to be custom made?

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Tags
recumbent, scooter conversion, trike

Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com