Urban Transport

Liberty Trike ain't your grandpa's mobility scooter – but it could be

Liberty Trike ain't your grandpa's mobility scooter – but it could be
The Liberty Trike lets users just motor along, or get some exercise by pedaling
The Liberty Trike lets users just motor along, or get some exercise by pedaling
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The Liberty Trike features a 750-watt front hub motor powered by a removable 36-volt/10-Ah lithium iron phosphate battery pack
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The Liberty Trike features a 750-watt front hub motor powered by a removable 36-volt/10-Ah lithium iron phosphate battery pack
The Liberty Trike's top motor-only speed is limited to 7.5 mph (12 km)
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The Liberty Trike's top motor-only speed is limited to 7.5 mph (12 km)
The Liberty Trike lets users just motor along, or get some exercise by pedaling
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The Liberty Trike lets users just motor along, or get some exercise by pedaling
Riders select the amount of pedal assistance that they want via a bar-mounted LCD control unit, which also displays stats such as current speed and battery charge level
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Riders select the amount of pedal assistance that they want via a bar-mounted LCD control unit, which also displays stats such as current speed and battery charge level
While the whole Liberty Trike tips the scales at 70 lb (32 kg), it can be separated into two halves that weigh about 35 lb (16 kg) each
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While the whole Liberty Trike tips the scales at 70 lb (32 kg), it can be separated into two halves that weigh about 35 lb (16 kg) each
View gallery - 5 images

Although mobility scooters may be a godsend to the elderly and other people who have difficulty getting around, they certainly don't provide much in the way of exercise. Electric Bike Technologies' folding Liberty Trike is designed to change that. Riders can use it in plain ol' throttle mode just like on a regular scooter, but they can also pedal if they want.

The Liberty Trike features a 750-watt front hub motor powered by a removable 36-volt/10-Ah lithium iron phosphate battery pack. It charges in about three hours, and has a range of over 24 miles (39 km).

Unlike a full-on electric bike, however, its intended use isn't so much zipping down roads as it is cruising sidewalks or even stores – therefore, its top motor-only speed is limited to 7.5 mph (12 km). With that in mind, and also unlike an e-bike, it can make 360-degree on-the-spot turns. Additionally, its 25-inch (63.5-cm)-wide rear end should be able to easily fit through most doorways, plus it has a 3 mph (4.8 km/h) reverse gear.

Riders select the amount of pedal assistance that they want via a bar-mounted LCD control unit, which also displays stats such as current speed and battery charge level.

The Liberty Trike features a 750-watt front hub motor powered by a removable 36-volt/10-Ah lithium iron phosphate battery pack
The Liberty Trike features a 750-watt front hub motor powered by a removable 36-volt/10-Ah lithium iron phosphate battery pack

While the whole trike tips the scales at 70 lb (32 kg), it can be separated into two halves that weigh about 35 lb (16 kg) each – a handy feature when it needs to be transported or taken up stairs. It can carry loads of up to 300 lb (136 kg).

Electric Bike Technologies is now raising production funds for the Liberty Trike, on Indiegogo. A pledge of US$999 will currently get you one, if all goes according to plans. The estimated retail price is $1,998.

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

Source: Indiegogo

Liberty Trike | Official Indiegogo Video

View gallery - 5 images
5 comments
5 comments
mgb
I cant understand why with that configuration -and with a basket on top of the rear axle to boot, they would have the motor in the front wheel! Don't make sense xcept that it is easier since it's a hub setup.
If the Trivek is motorized with two small synchronized hub motors for the rear wheels I think it would be a much better package, and definitely more comfortable than having a traditional bike saddle crushing your privates.
ebiketech
Based on initial feedback we've decided to raise the top speed of the Liberty Trike to 11.5 MPH. The setting should be reserved for experienced tricycle riders and for hill climbing only. The top speed of the Liberty Trike is easily controlled using the + and - buttons on the LCD and the default setting on startup is always Level 1 (about 3 MPH).
SheriHumboltJackson
How unfortunate that the rider is not wearing a helmet.
Calson
Bad design. Tricycles with a single wheel up front are notoriously easy to tip over and crash when turning and going downhill. Not a good choice for the elderly with slower reflexes and longer healing times when they break a color bone or wrist.
David Koch
Agreed with other guy on tips over too easily for elderly, got sometime similar for my mom used and that was problem. From what I saw, need to have lower seating position or wider wheel base, and I would suggest a floor under the peddles where they can rest feet if wanted