Trikke

The Trikke works by shifting body weight

Two Trikkes

Video of Trikke climbing a hill

The Trikke (pronounced "trike") three-wheeled cambering vehicles are human powered machines that utilize Trikke Tech’s patented technology to allow a rider to propel a chainless, pedal-less device forward without ever touching foot to ground. This construct provides a stable 3-point platform that lets riders lean into the turns while all three wheels remain in contact with the ground. An experienced rider may reach speeds of up to 18 mph (29 km/h) on flat ground, ride 50 miles in one day, and climb steep hills (with considerable practice). Propelling a Trikke uphill requires substantially more effort and effective movement, but can be mastered with experience.

The Trikke requires roughly the width of a downtown sidewalk (1-1.5 m) but can also operate on city streets. Mastering the correct form necessary for efficient propulsion requires practice, as it is not a familiar movement for most new riders. Riders often claim to need a few longer rides to find the "sweet spot" or ideal movement pattern to effectively ride a Trikke.

Its three point contact structure makes it reasonably stable, but wet pavement or leaves, or rough gravel under the wheels can cause a rider to possibly tip over or skid, so helmets are highly recommended.

History

In 1988, Brazilians Gildo Beleski and Osorio Trentini created a three-wheeled vehicle for riding downhill — three wheels were used because they felt that the added stability of three wheels combined with the frame’s dynamic ability to lean or camber would offer much greater turning ability at good speed. While slowing down on the flat after the speed run, they discovered that the vehicle would continue to move forward as long as the rider continued to turn and lean into each turn repeatedly. They helped found the company that now produces Trikkes, Trikke Tech Inc., based in California.

TIME news magazine named the Trikke one of the best inventions of 2002.

In 2004, the first Trikke/3CV (3-wheel cambering vehicle) race ever was held in Munich, Germany. The race was organized by a group of enthusiastic riders from Europe who also founded the 3CV World Sports Federation. The goal of the federation is: "to further develop and promote 3CV SPORTS globally and to organize and initiate 3CV Sport Competitions and Events on a regular basis". In addition to organizing official races and events, the federation also promotes and supports local, unofficial events such as group tours, fun rides & club rides. Races have been held in Germany, Portugal, the Swiss snow, the Netherlands, and South Korea. Group rides have been held in major cities in the United States, and guided Trikke tours in Paris and other tourist places.

The original mass-produced Trikke used 6- to 8-inch polyurethane tires. In 2004, Trikke introduced the T12, a larger 3CV with 12-inch pneumatic bicycle tires and disk brakes, which made this model much more versatile than the solid tire version. Later, they developed an 8-inch model (the T-8) which also used urethane that could be converted to use pneumatic tires, and a 12-inch pneumatic tire for use on the T12. Most models are constructed with aluminum alloy frames and can be folded for easy storage or transport in autos. Models can fit into most SUVs or station wagon-types of vehicles for transport to riding sites.

In September 2006, the Expertise Centre of Movement Technology of the Hague University started extended research on the physical results of riding a Trikke. The research aims to discover which muscles are used and how many calories are burned while riding. In short, a Trikke ride can burn up to 1000 kcal per hour, when riding at 20 km/h. Riding at an easy 15 km/h will still burn around 520 kcal; in comparison light jogging burns a little under 350 kcal.^{[citation needed]}

In August 2009 a number of Trikke enthusiasts attended the Goodwood Roller Marathon in the UK to complete a full marathon distance on a trikke.

The initial Trikke design was later developed into an electric motorized vehicle that can also be propelled with human power.

The company released two new products - the electric Tribred and the Skki. The Tribred is making inroads into law enforcement, security and warehouse patrolling, as well as offering consumers a fun way to commute.

The Trikke SKKI was awarded as product extension of the year by Gizmag magazine in 2006, and on February 16, 2008 the first ever US national time trials were held at Wolf Mountain Ski Resort in Eden Utah. The sponsors of the races have vowed to make it a yearly event and look forward to seeing it grow into a much larger, more recognizable winter sport.

Trikke Tech, Inc. introduced some product line extensions in 2009, redesigning their SKKI device, similar to a Trikke but for use on snow, as well as motorized vehicles called Tribreds. A Tribred utilizes a brushless hub motor in the front wheel to provide assistance to human power and reaches speeds up to 17 mph. The Tribred Free Rein models will travel up to 10 miles on a single charge (cost per charge is about 4¢). For a longer ride, Panasonic lithium cells are used with the Tribred Pon-e, which is a lighter and more deluxe model.

External links

• Official website