reverse trike, low, recumbent, 80-250cc (anyone else made one besides hyperrocket?) - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

ScotD · 12-18-2013, 11:13 PM

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

ScotD · 12-19-2013, 04:53 PM

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

sheepdog 44 · 12-19-2013, 06:26 PM

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.

ScotD · 12-19-2013, 07:00 PM

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 . . .

Frank Lee · 12-19-2013, 07:05 PM

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.

ScotD · 12-19-2013, 07:31 PM

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?

aerohead · 12-20-2013, 05:54 PM

Have you seen Doug Malewicki's (sp?)1980 'California Commuter' ?

ScotD · 12-20-2013, 06:54 PM

I had not seen the California Commuter. Very interesting! Thanks!

HydroJim · 12-20-2013, 07:13 PM

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.

ScotD · 12-20-2013, 07:26 PM

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?