Bicycles

Evolve recumbent trike folds up in seconds, fits in trunk of smart car

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The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
Evolve Trikes is still experimenting with different components for its folding recumbent trike
Part of the Evolve trike's folding system
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
Part of the Evolve trike's folding system
The folding process of the Evolve trike
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
The Evolve trike, being toted after folding
The Evolve trike, being toted after folding
The Evolve trike, folded and in the trunk of a car
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
The Evolve recumbent trike reportedly folds up very small, very fast
Four Evolve folding recumbent trikes can fit in the back of a Subaru Forester
The Evolve trike, stowed in a broom closet
Part of the Evolve trike's folding system
Part of the Evolve trike's folding system
The Evolve trike fits in the back of a smart car
The Evolve trike in its half-folded configuration, sufficient for getting it through doorways
View gallery - 22 images

Relatively obscure though recumbent bicycles are, many people appreciate the ergonomic and aerodynamic advantages of the quirky two-wheelers. If quirkiness is your thing, however, then a recumbent tricycle might be even more to your liking. Not only do they look pretty sharp, but they're also more stable than the bicycles. Unfortunately, however, most of them are also quite cumbersome to transport - can you imagine trying to carry one up a flight of stairs, or fit it inside a car? Fortunately, there are some recumbent trikes that fold up. One in particular has been lighting up the recumbent forums lately, as it folds very small, very fast.

The new, as-of-yet unnamed folding tricycle is made by Australia's Evolve Trikes.

According to the company, some existing folding recumbent trikes have been able to fold small, fold fast, fold without having to come apart, or fold without the use of tools, but none have been able to do all four - until now.

The Evolve trike can reportedly be folded into the back of a smart car (the litmus test for whether or not things are small) in under 13 seconds, or into an oversize suitcase in about 18 seconds - in that case, with the back wheel removed. If you just want to fold it part way, enough to get it through a doorway, that can be done in six seconds.

Its footprint when folded is said to be little more than that of a standing person, and it can still be wheeled when folded, so users don't have to lift it when on flat ground.

The Evolve trike, being toted after folding

Many people are leery of any kind of folding bicycle, as they don't want the things to fold on them as they're riding. In the case of the Evolve trike, this apparently shouldn't be a problem. It uses self-reinforcing compound hinges, that close under rider weight and pedal force. Its frame is said to be as rigid as a non-hinged frame, and stable even at speeds of over 50 mph (80.5 km/h).

Unfortunately, as with so many other enticing-sounding things, you can't buy one yet. The Evolve folks are still experimenting with different parts configurations and wheel sizes, to determine what should ultimately go to market. While one of their prototypes currently weighs in at 40 pounds (18 kg), they state that this weight should drop for the final version.

In the meantime, should you be in Pomona, California on the weekend of October 21st, you can check out the still-evolving Evolve folding trike at the Recumbent Cycle-Con trade show. You can also see one of the prototypes being stuffed into the back of a smart car, in the video below.

Source: Bicycle Design

View gallery - 22 images
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11 comments
socalboomer
holy cow that thing goes tiny! That\'s awesome. . . wonder how much they will retail for when they come out. . .
windykites
I was waiting for the rear window to smash as he closed it. Lol! It certainly is amazing how small it folds. I notice that the wheels are smaller than other recumbent bikes. What is the lower limit to wheel diameter. Just think with 6\" wheels, you could almost fit one into a carrier bag!
Slowburn
re; windykites1
The smaller the wheel the more difficult it is to get over bumps. I would not want to go to less than 18 inches.
Fred Conwell
Small things count, like the plastic tubing over the chain in the no-go area of the rider.
William Volk
Looks like ERTO 406 (20\") wheels to me. Pretty much the standard in Recumbent Trikes.
icykel
I think this will struggle to compete with the \'Gekko\' by HP Velotechnik. The Gekko does not fold as small or as quickly but not far behind and forms a very neat package. The Gekko also has 20\" wheels all round--this one looks 16\" or smaller--too small !
Clay DeLong
vapor ware. You can\'t buy one of these they are still looking for partners to help build them.
kellory
If I can afford it, I want one. But i will install a hub motor in the rear wheel and powerpacks, to increase it\'s range and my comfort. recharge powerpacks off solar panels, on bright days, and grid when overcast.
nehopsa
I checked out Gekko: it is cute. But mudguards for $499?! Somewhat steep.
sonic
The wheels are plenty tall unless your taking it in the dirt.