Motorcycles

Veliac Three adds cornering capability to the electric trike

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The Veliac Three has hauling capacity and more natural handling
The Veliac Three has hauling capacity and more natural handling
The 250-watt motor gives you power-assisted pedaling
The bike's tilt mechanism provides turning like a bicycle
The Veliac Three is powered by a 36-volt lithium-ion battery
The yellow control lets you adjust the tilt
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Typically the terms "tight handling" and "electric three-wheeler" are mutually exclusive, particularly when you are talking about the "two-at-the-back, one-at the-front" designs. Joining Adiva and a number of other manufacturers we've looked at in recent times, London-based electric bike manufacturer 50Cycles is looking to marry the two by introducing tilting functionality into the equation. The company's Veliac Three electric tricycle uses a new lean mechanism designed to ease maneuvering around corners and curves.

As 50Cycles describes, electric tricycles combine the inexpensive, eco-friendly benefits of electric bicycles with more stability and load carrying capabilities. However, handling on twisty roads can be challenging thanks to the big wheels in back.

The Veliac Three has a torsion bar running lengthwise that allows the foreframe, seat, handlebars, forks and front wheel to lean independently of the rear-wheel box. So riders can lean into turns, similar to how they would on a bicycle, without experiencing any rear-wheel lift. The company believes the system solves the handling drawback of the tricycle, offering a smoother ride. Since the rear doesn't move, the basket in back stays level, protecting your cargo. The torsion bar is controlled via a handlebar-mounted lever and can be locked out completely to keep the frame stiff, if the rider chooses.

The yellow control lets you adjust the tilt

Outside of its tilting axis, the Veliac Three is a normal electric tricycle. It uses a 250-watt brushless hub motor powered by a 36-volt lithium-ion battery. The motor operates in three drive modes, and a pedal-assist system provides a means of exercise for those that want it. The trike has dual handbrakes, a brake light, turn signals, front and rear lights, and an electronic horn. Front suspension and a large saddle with backrest ensure a comfortable ride.

One carry basket is fitted over the Veliac Three's rear wheels and one hangs off the handlebars. The trike has a capacity up to 308 lbs (140 kg). The rear wheelbase was made narrow enough to fit easily through doorways.

The Veliac Three is available now for a retail of £1,490 (US$2,382), which includes UK delivery. 50Cycles also lists a variety of countries on its shipping chart.

Source: 50Cycles

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7 comments
Slowburn
"the basket in back stays level, protecting your cargo."
How does slamming the cargo from side to side protect it?
bergamot69
Slowburn, this is a low-speed electric tricycle for use predominantly in urban areas, not a Ducati racing motorbike to be let loose on twisty mountain backroads.
At the speeds this vehicle will be travelling at, the cargo (typically groceries) will hardly be turned into powder or puree by excessive G forces. The load is hardly likely to be jostled any more than if they were carried on public transport.
Mr Stiffy
I thought a better result would have been to make all the wheels tilt into corners...
Bicycle wheels have a tendency to buckle under side loads....
David Gardner II
Mr Stiffy: after looking at the rear wheels and seeing that they are what appear to be 20" wide double wall alloy rims, with heavy gauge 36 spoke lacing and beefy steel hubs with widely separated large diameter flanges, I would say with confidence there is nearly no chance these would buckle under normal use. Now, if one were to, say, set a ramp up at the bottom of a hill, however. . . . . .
Hybridfiat
Oh my giddy aunt! Shoot me if you EVER see me riding one of these, as Ill have lost my mind, fashion sense and ability to feel shame. I dont want to live if this is the best I can find to get me about town.
Dan Vasii
For a tenth of the price, you can build youself a comparable e-bike!!! It's grossly overrated!!!
unklmurray
No you can't build an Etrike for 1/10th the price much less a "Tilting E trike" while I agree the price is a lot high there is no way you can build an ebike for $238.20 the battery will cost you that much, I have never ridden any sort of "Tilting" contraption,without it the design of 2 wheels in the back is an accident looking for a place to happen!!