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Urban Transport

johanson3 electric cargo trike keeps the rider standing, and tilts into turns

By Ben Coxworth
December 22, 2014
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A rear-view look at the johanson3 Urban 2+
A rear-view look at the johanson3 Urban 2+
The Urban 2+ from the front
The front "seat" can be configured to allow the driver either to sit, or to pilot the trike in a sort of leaning-back/standing position
The front and back sections of the vehicle can be detached from one another, and folded up for transport in a car, train or other form of transit, if needed
The passenger sits in the very back, gripping hand-holds to either side of the driver
Four main models of johanson3 are planned, optimized for urban use, hauling capacity, speed, or use by youth
View gallery - 6 images

Electric scooters are becoming an increasingly viable form of economical and eco-friendly urban transport. That said, many of them aren't set up to do much more than carry a single rider. Begium's Neerman Transport is looking to change that, with its decidedly unique-looking johanson3 electric cargo trike.

Although it's described as a cargo vehicle, the johanson3 is first and foremost designed to carry both a driver and passenger. The front "seat" can be configured to allow the driver either to sit, or to pilot the trike in a sort of leaning-back/standing position. Its designers point out that this option should allow women to drive it while wearing skirts.

Additionally, by shifting their weight through their feet, drivers can cause the trike to tilt into the turns – the amount of tilt can be set by the user.

The passenger sits in the very back, gripping hand-holds to either side of the driver. Cargo boxes can alternately be installed in this seating area. The front and back sections of the vehicle can be detached from one another, and folded up for transport in a car, train or other form of transit, if needed.

The front "seat" can be configured to allow the driver either to sit, or to pilot the trike in a sort of leaning-back/standing position

Four main models of johanson3 are planned, optimized for urban use, hauling capacity, speed, or use by youth. In the case of the Urban 2+ model, which seems to be the standard version of the trike, two hub-mounted rear motors will take it to a top speed of 28 mph/45 km/h (depending on the country). Depending on how enthusiastically it's driven, the trike's battery should allow for a range of up to 38 miles (61 km) per charge.

It has a payload capacity of 485 lb (220 kg). By contrast, the burlier Rhino model can haul 660 lb (300 kg), and can seat two passengers in the back.

Neerman Transport is currently running a crowdfunding campaign, taking preorders to finance production of the johanson3. Prices range from US$2,260 to $3,900, depending on the model.

Source: johanson3

View gallery - 6 images

Tags

Urban TransportElectric VehiclesTrikeTilting-VehicleCrowdfunding
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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
9 comments
Bill Bennett
Sorry I read the article three times, which wheels are powered? Regenerative braking?
Al Mayberry
Mr Bill; "two hub-mounted rear motors" I also see no mention of regen but I'd say it's likely.
Bruce H. Anderson
One hardly knows where to begin in a critique of this contraption. I don't expect it will make it to market.
Jim Sadler
I love the idea but have one issue. How does one legally use it? It is not a bicycle, a moped, a car, nor the type of scooter allowed on a side walk. There is no way to put a license tag on it, use it in a car lane or bicycle lane. The cops would go nuts writing tickets for using this machine. We will have to completely alter traffic laws to accommodate some of these new ideas and I can't imagine the legal chaos involved.
Douglas Bennett Rogers
Thought it might be eliptcal action powered because of its configuration. That would be the main advantage. There is an eliptical action trike that is similar to this but has 2 wheels in front.
StWils
The critics seem a bit harsh & hard-hearted. While I think this is a good start and appropriate for many urban riders I also think I would prefer a pattern referred to as a tadpole. I would prefer two wheels up front with hub motors and maybe a third motor on the rear, maybe not. Yes, the steering hardware is a bit more complex it also is more stable. Overall this design seems like a fine choice for many users. Keep in mind that there are an array of reasons that make many vehicle types appropriate. The same logic applies to this size and range of vehicle. I wish them well.
agulesin
Or for the Scots among us: "this option should allow men to drive it while wearing kilts" :-)
Can't see the wife riding it for some reason...
unklmurray
Aaaahhhh.....BS,How do you think one uses it.....This is the U.S.of A. I don't need permission,as long as it's got an electrical set-up of under 72v at 1000watts,you can ride it anywhere west of the Mississippi, you darn well choose,and if someone has a problem......then [to put it nicely] they can just have a problem.......I would have no problem riding it wherever I choose!!
unklmurray
Mr.Rogers,one legally uses it however you have balls enough to use it.......I am a citizen of the U.S.of A.I have the constitutional right to Ride/drive on America's roads without hindrance of any kind from anyone........I have driven over 800,000miles in the 48 states......I don't have a drivers permit, no registration......I generally have insurance but that is my choice......If the electrical vehicle is powered by motors not exceeding 72volts and not more than 1000watts of power and less than 4 wheels on the ground...4 wheels makes it a car.....I can ride it anywhere I choose....I do not need your or anyone else's permission!!
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