Bicycles

All-terrain tilting BiTrike features independently suspended rear wheels

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The BiTrike is presently on Kickstarter
BiTrike
The BiTrike is presently on Kickstarter
BiTrike
The BiTrike reportedly weighs 37 kg (81.5 lb) – optional cargo carrier and ebike kit included
BiTrike
Simelidis plans to initially build 20 BiTrikes, which should be complete by the end of next August
BiTrike
A differential in the rear axle delivers pedaling power to both of the rear wheels simultaneously, even when they're tilting or are at different heights
BiTrike
View gallery - 4 images

If you were pedaling over rough terrain while carrying a big load, you'd probably appreciate the stability offered by three wheels. The BiTrike was designed with such considerations in mind, as it features front and rear independent suspension, plus it tilts into turns.

Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the vehicle was designed by Greek inventor Kostas Simelidis. And yes, it is a bit unusual in that the load is carried between two rear wheels, instead of between two front wheels as is the case on many cargo trikes.

Simelidis explains that he had previously built a tilting trike with two independently suspended front wheels, but the setup resulted in overly stiff steering when turning. Additionally, if the two front wheels were momentarily on different grades of terrain – such as if the trike were coming from heaped dirt onto smooth asphalt at angle – the handlebars would get twisted to one side.

The BiTrike was designed to address those shortcomings, by moving the two-wheel tilting action to the rear. This layout is additionally claimed to make riding the thing feel more like being on a bicycle than a tricycle – hence its name, the BiTrike.

The BiTrike reportedly weighs 37 kg (81.5 lb) – optional cargo carrier and ebike kit included
BiTrike

A differential in the rear axle delivers pedaling power to both of the rear wheels simultaneously, even when they're tilting or are at different heights. A trailing-arm suspension system allows them to independently move up and down, while a Marzocchi Bomber CR coil spring shock lets the whole rear end absorb bumps in the trail. The front wheel is equipped with a Fox AWL E-SUV suspension fork.

Some of the BiTrike's other features include a powder-coated stainless steel frame, a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain, a handbrake that locks the tilting mechanism when the trike is parked, plus Shimano hydraulic disc brakes on all three wheels – both rear brakes are activated simultaneously via a single lever.

Optional extras include a wooden cargo compartment, fenders, cork bar grips, and a 500-watt Tongsheng TSDZ2 mid-drive electric-assist motor powered by a downtube-mounted LG 48V/13-Ah lithium battery. There's currently no word on range.

A differential in the rear axle delivers pedaling power to both of the rear wheels simultaneously, even when they're tilting or are at different heights
BiTrike

The whole thing, equipped with the cargo carrier and ebike kit, is claimed to tip the scales at 37 kg (81.5 lb).

Simelidis plans to initially build 20 BiTrikes, which should be complete by the end of next August. Assuming everything works out, a pledge of €2,600 (about US$2,710) will get you one of them in its standard configuration, with the addition of the ebike kit and other extras bringing the total up to €4,000 ($4,168). We're told that retail prices should run from €4,200 to €4,500 ($4,377 to $4,689).

You can see the trike in action, in the video below.

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Sources: Kickstarter, BiTrike

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3 comments
PAV
Okay, I want one! I'm a fan of trikes. They are great as cargo bikes. I don't have to put my foot down when stopping, and I can park them in my garage with the front wheel in the air, resting on the two back wheels and the basket. Shortcomings of a trike are when you are on a street that is crowned they are uncomfortable as they lean over toward the shoulder, and they can to over of going too fast into a turn unless you really shift your weight. This looks like it solved those problems.
It didn't say what the motor was, mid drive or hub but I suspect front wheel hub which work fine.
They said the differential locked when parked, but no mention of a parking brake which is crucial on a trike.
Why they went with stainless steel I'm not at all sure, but I guess it will last.
If I had confidence in crowd funding (I don't) I'd order an electric one today!
PS-offer a locking cover for the basket, I made one for my trike and it's awesome!
I couldn't see, nor did I read
GraemeAlexanderPosker
Dogs and rugrats are going to love this. Probably more comfortable for older people on a variety of surfaces and uses
nopria
It seems a great idea, even in an urban environment the possibility to cross a step while carrying a load would be very useful.