RSS
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Share this
Mighty Pedal Power With Electric Help
Hybrid cycles have been around but they rarely take into consideration the elements. This makes their usage restrictive to fair weather. Slotting itself into the “commuter vehicle” bracket, the Emcycle tries to overcome this limitation by including a roof and Velcro-detachable side panels. Basically you can cocoon yourself and pedal or take electrical assiatnce to get you to your destination. There are three drive options ranging from AM (I have energy) through to PM (I’m tired!).
Features:
- Head and brake lights, seat belt, airbag, radio / MP3 player plug in, storage space (approx 6 shopping bags in total using front and rear) comfortable seating.
- A single person commuter vehicle for a driver and up to 75 lbs of luggage.
- Fully enclosed body.
- Two lockable doors. Front and lockable rear luggage compartments.
- 30mph crash tested; Roll over protection, Airbag, 3 point seat belt.
- Adjustable full seat.
- Adjustable handlebar/instrument pod.
- Ignition key to lock steering column and parking brake.
- Lockable glove box.
- Windscreen wiper and washer.
- Front and rear LED lights. Separate LED headlight. Headlight flasher. LED direction indicators with self canceling. LED brake lights.
- Horn/bell.
- Full instrumentation – Speed, miles/kilometers, trip miles/kilometers.
- Battery charge gauge, electricity usage gauge, warning lights for all functions, 4 way emergency flasher.
- Flow through filtered ventilation and heater.
- Suspension; Disc brakes; Reverse gear.
- Two side rear view mirrors.
Size:
24” wide X 73” tall X 80” long. Pedals power the rear wheel through a driver operated infinitely variable constant velocity transmission. Height and bright colors make it conspicuous to other road users. 80lbs. ‘No air – no puncture’ foam filled tires.
Stability:
The two front wheels tilt to allow banking in corners but have self righting springs to allow feet-up stops. Two front wheels give increased cornering and braking stability. 6 ½ ft turning radius. Front and rear lifting handles.
Power of a Pedalec:
Classified in Europe as a bicycle.* Electric front wheel drive, variable assist up to 1000 watts.* Up to 40mph and 40 mile assisted range.* Overnight plug in home recharge and regenerative braking. Separate batteries for drive and equipment.
Options:
- Radio and iPod holder. Drink and snack holder.
- Luggage net/covers.
- Solar charging.
- Trailer towing kit.
- Child seat.
- Winterize package. Transparent door opening foul weather covers. Storage cover.
It will be available at around $2500 – $4500 and the plan is to get the vehicle into production by 2011 in time for the London Olympics which it could be well utilized for by renting travelers / commuters.
Designer: Michael Scholey
CAD Model and Images: Adam Schacter
19 Comments »
bep says
good idea but oh boy, what an ugly design. Dated and complicated.
With the weight of the material I can see this thing tilt over like crazy.
Greg says
Wow. This thing is toppling over. Fact.
Nikolas Kouvakas says
Good old proven idea on a tricycle,have you test driven the prototype by a bike expert or two or three so you can have a road proven vehicle?keep on the good work.
zippyflounder says
One suggestion, look at that greenhouse again. If your peddling your exerting and can become easily overheated by even a little solar radiation. Yes you need rain protection, but keep the ventilation way up.
pixelsnader says
Sadly there isn’t enough rain protection either. Any side wind and you still end up wet.
Adam Schacter says
Pixelshader. As written in the supporting text above waterproof foldable sides are available to be attached for adverse weather conditions.
Adam Schacter says
It’s not visible in the images available but ventilation is provided at both the front and rear of the glass house for ventillation and demisting. Air intakes on the exterior also double up as handles to lift from the front or rear. This will be sufficient.
mif991 says
Michael and Adam. I like the concept, the renderings and presentation. You might have to come up with an accessory to keep this bike from tipping while parked. Good luck with it at the olimpics.
Adam Schacter says
Thank you. The emcycle will be self stabilizing when in motion or stationary. Suspension arms will auto lock when the vehicle is parked. Thanks alot for your comments.
John says
Is there any proof that it is 30mph impact tested? I assume full frontal impact and not side impact! Is there any pillar structure for the roof? Otherwise the whole structral integrity is compromised. Doesn’t look like there is much frontal structure room infront of the footwell.
With all those features its sure to add weight. Probably best to stick to ultra low speeds instead of trying to comply with all ‘standard’ car features.
Martin says
http://www.drymer.nl
This is what it will look like when produced eventually?
Colin Pan says
Nice idea really. Maybe a bit brushing up the design itself may help.
If the price tag is good enough then it will have potential in Chinese market.
John says
I like it. Way out ahead of any other ideas. I wonder how the trafic laws here in the USA would treat it? Expect resistance from Big Oil and the Auto industry. The internal combustion engine is already a antiquated concept. It’s time for change.
Ed Campbell says
I would buy this and market this bike. I live on Beaver Island, MI and we are very electric here. Rentals would work real well. But I would love to have one of my own. It is a great vehicle to take over to the mainland on the ferry and do a little shopping.
The island is 12 miles by 6 miles, and this little hybrid will give a full day of enjoyment before recharging.
Please let me know when I may purchase one and import to my little island.
Blessings,
Ed
The Cycler says
I wonder about side wind problems on this one, sometimes it gets really windy and it doesn’t look very controllable in case it loses balance.
Other than that this concept looks promising, weather protection and aerodynamics are the 2 things commuter bicycles need.
Trackbacks