I know that some people put motors on there trikes, which I've always found to be a counter productive thing because I always thought it was about getting out for some exercise and getting in shape .. but to each hes own. I found this motorized trike online and I thought it was an interesting set up, any thoughts?

Better hope no squirrels show up!

Mark

I have been considering such engines, but to find one with the enthusiasm, no shedding (non -allergic), and able to do well in Florida weather leaves very few possibilities. Those with the most ability and enthusiasm are the worst in the other areas. Perhaps a Samoyed with a Poodle coat?

My wife does have problems climbing hills she has had several hip and knee operations.
I would like to mount an electric assist on a Hase Lepus that my wife uses http://www.hasebikes.com/32-1-recumbent-trike-lepus.html
She does have hydraulic disc brakes in the rear but in the front there is a hydraulic rim brake.
Hase offers an assist system but there price is very expensive and thought about other possibilities I contacted several companies and got good information from them.
I will post some of the links to the different types of assist that I found possible to mount.

Got an e-mail from this company;
“Hi -- I've looked at your recumbent, and the motor would need to be mounted on the front wheel with fender modification.
You will need a converter for the battery charger to work with EU 250 watt.
The freight cost would be $123.00 US dollars. If you have a Paypal account, you can pay that way since our website isn't set up for other countries.
Thank you for your questions, and let us know if you need further assistance.”
http://www.usaelectricbike.com/

I also got an e-mail from this company;
“I'm sure your wife will be quite pleased with our product, as anyone with hills requires more torque than hub motors and other direct drive systems can offer. Running the motor through the rear gearing also provides for longer range and longer battery life since the amperage draw is lower on start-up and hills. In most cases a hub motor even operating inefficiently is not adequate for the rider's needs.”
The cost of the 500W kit is $600, including 24V 15Ah battery / charger. Add $35 for the mounting, plus shipping. I'll have to check the total price to Norway if you are interested. Note, we also offer lithium iron phosphate battery option for an extra $350, which would lower the shipping price due to the battery weight of 7 vs. 20 pounds.”
http://abc.eznettools.net/D300013/X300109/eKits2.html


I liked the battery option that offered something lighter.

I also got an e-mail from this company;
“If you are looking for assist, any of our systems will do well for her. If you are looking for something that will climb hills with NO assist, you would probably want to look at the Phoenix systems.

Both our Sparrow (brushed) and RoadRunner (brushless) are great for assist on steep hills. They do fine on their own on level ground, but assistance is required on moderate hills. The 36v of either kit will do about 20mph on a 26" wheel. If your wheel diameter is smaller, expect more torque but less speed. I would recommend either of these kits, you can see more details and pricing for each kit at:”

http://www.electricrider.com/crystalyte/roadrunner.htm
http://www.electricrider.com/crystalyte/sparrow.htm
http://www.electricrider.com/crystalyte/phoenix.htm

The Phoenix model is awesome not legal for street use but some people seem to use it. With that on the Lepus she might outride all the club members on any hill!

Do any of you have any experience with any of these different systems?
On a trike it should be very easy to carry batteries.

We also have a dog but it’s only a Yorkshire terrier so that wouldn’t work to well!

Peder

I noticed that motor is attached to a TerraTrike. I guess if they ride near trees or fire hydrants they'll give new meaning to the term "Whizwheels"?

Mounted on a TerraTrike and the mutts took off after a rabbit, it could quickly become a TerrorTrike!

Mark

That dog spots a mailman and homeland security will have you locked up at Gitmo as Terrorist Triker.

I bought a trike for my wife so she could get in the saddle again, a accident on a 2 wheeler left her unable to trust 2 wheels again.

I found a sun EZ3 X on ebay in 07 which she could ride easily, i attached the kids trailer to the back so she could tow our little ones in the mornings to the local park.

However with all the weight she became discouraged because of a couple of small grade hills would tire her out. This began my quest to keep her mobile with a little extra help...

I first added a 24 volt electric mid drive motor to the rig which worked great until the summer months get here and the batteries drain twice as fast, (the kit is the same as the one posted above by peder from electroportal), so then i had to look for a new solution. This is when i stumpled on bikes with actual engines on them, and after many months of research she now has a honda 50cc to help her along.

Over the last year my wife devolped MS and has had some rough times, just about every symptom has hit her but shes a fighter and the trike helps get her out and about in the fresh air, even on the days when she can hardly walk.

Before anyone asks top speed is only around 18mph, disk brakes can stop it in an instant and yes you can peddle along and exercise as well.

I can add some links to pictures if you would like to see the trike (it certainly is one of a kind) as i documented the build in a different fourm but i have just joined and uncertain about the rules reguarding links, post etc.

fully loaded it cruises around 14mph, seems fast but most people peddle at that sort of speed without even realizing it.

first came the electric




then the gas !!!!!





click on thumbnails,

i know many people will frown upon use of motors etc, but this has been a lifeline for my wife and gives her a little bit of her Independence back which was swept away over a year ago.