Three wheeler Cabin Scooter Design

[Steffan]

Gemaeden said:

fuoriserie said:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150cc-GY6-157QMI-Automat...

Interesting engine for a scooter based three wheeler...

If reverse is not speed limited (and durable enough) it looks like just what I need for my rear (not mid) engined ultra narrow tadpole trike project. Thanks Italo

Indeed and Italo has done all the three wheeler collectors and builders on here a substantial service in posting this link. I will certainly be looking at these when I am back in the UK. In the meantime I will get active at a distance by looking for a Berkeley three wheeler tub which I can use as a base for a new set of mechanics hopefully producing a drive able enjoyable kit car.

If anyone on here knows of a reasonable non running Berkeley three wheeler which the current owner is looking to sell do please PM me on PH. I will advertise and I am hopeful but if anyone knows of an actual unwanted base car I am seriously interested. Thank you. Steffan.

[fuoriserie]

CanAm said:

Not a cabin scooter, but I fancy a modern take on this:-

I like it and have a sketch somewhere in my drawers....will look for it and post it here...

[fuoriserie]

Gemaeden said:

If reverse is not speed limited (and durable enough) it looks like just what I need for my rear (not mid) engined ultra narrow tadpole trike project. Thanks Italo

You're welcome Martin and looking forward to seeing your new project in the future.

Cheers
Italo

[fuoriserie]

Steffan said:

Indeed and Italo has done all the three wheeler collectors and builders on here a substantial service in posting this link. I will certainly be looking at these when I am back in the UK. In the meantime I will get active at a distance by looking for a Berkeley three wheeler tub which I can use as a base for a new set of mechanics hopefully producing a drive able enjoyable kit car.

If anyone on here knows of a reasonable non running Berkeley three wheeler which the current owner is looking to sell do please PM me on PH. I will advertise and I am hopeful but if anyone knows of an actual unwanted base car I am seriously interested. Thank you. Steffan.

Thanks Steffan...

I believe in sharing information like this for everyone to benefit and use....and eventhough I'm working on my new project and using something similar, I would like to see others come up with new ideas using engines like these that are more affordable, or even better, why not consider Quad or ATV engines with reverse gears, from famous brands( KTM, HONDA,YAMAHA, KAWASAKI; SUZUKI or lesser known....) they would fit perfectly with the idea of modern Microcar.


But my real find and I'm sharing this here with threewheeler enthusiasts for the first time, would be this engine and would love to try it one day, a 3 cylinder 400cc engine with reverse gear !!!
http://sonikmotor.com/index.php/400-cc-engine
http://sonikmotor.com/index.php/atv/reptile/galler...

If you want to buy it, check here for info:
http://chhetri.en.ec21.com/400cc_3_Cylinder_Engine...

Just to get an idea of the great sound of that engine check this Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiEjJZMpJGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBf49TtnOnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dTAgFYoRTw

Enjoy it guys and imagine what a great sound our threewheelers would have using such a compact engine....
Cheers
Italo

[fuoriserie]

The SonikMotors 3 cylinder 400cc engine is sold in the USA as VENTO:

http://www.vento.com/
http://thekneeslider.com/vento-3-cylinder-motorcyc...
http://thekneeslider.com/vento-reptile-400-atv/

Interesting article on the engine...but it seems now that it will be manufactured in the USA and not China...or are the chinese manufacturing a copy or is ti the same engine and it will be asssembled in the USA ? who knows.....

Still puzzled.....:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/custom%20bi...


But this seems the real story from the engineer:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/Vento-400-Cafe-GT/...

Edited by fuoriserie on Tuesday 28th October 14:24

[fuoriserie]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIFAN-250CC-V-TWIN-HONDA-E...

This engine looks sweet....

[fuoriserie]

http://www.amazon.com/125CC-ENGINE-MOTOR-REVERSE-B...

Another scooter engine with reverse gear available from amazon.

[Gemaeden]

I'm getting toward finishing the mechanics and chassis of my single seater cabin scooter but really don't know how to style it. Art deco retro seems easiest and cool but what do others think. Dimensions about 2m L x 0.6m W x 1.2 H Wheels 1F 2R. Any ideas for something modern?.

[Steffan]

Gemaeden said:

I'm getting toward finishing the mechanics and chassis of my single seater cabin scooter but really don't know how to style it. Art deco retro seems easiest and cool but what do others think. Dimensions about 2m L x 0.6m W x 1.2 H Wheels 1F 2R. Any ideas for something modern?.

There are a lot of very well shaped single seater models about but for clarification are you looking at a two or three wheeler design? Given the width I assume two wheel. In which case there are still several styles to look at for inspiration. Personally I believe the old Berkeley designs of three wheeler sports still cars remain the best ever made in volume with an overall glass fibre/aluminium monocoque giving a very robust unit at reasonable cost. Best of luck to you I do wish you well. Others may well disagree but there are some real experts on here like fuoriserie who may well be able to offer more modern solutions. Enjoy yourself and live the dream either way!

Edited by Steffan on Monday 8th December 09:29

Edited by Steffan on Monday 8th December 09:35

[Gemaeden]

Steffan said:

Gemaeden said:

I'm getting toward finishing the mechanics and chassis of my single seater cabin scooter but really don't know how to style it. Art deco retro seems easiest and cool but what do others think. Dimensions about 2m L x 0.6m W x 1.2 H Wheels 1F 2R. Any ideas for something modern?.

There are a lot of very well shaped single seater models about but for clarification are you looking at a two or three wheeler design? Given the width I assume two wheel. In which case there are still several styles to look at for inspiration. Personally I believe the old Berkeley designs of three wheeler sports still cars remain the best ever made in volume with an overall glass fibre/aluminium monocoque giving a very robust unit at reasonable cost. Best of luck to you I do wish you well. Others may well disagree but there are some real experts on here like fuoriserie who may well be able to offer more modern solutions. Enjoy yourself and live the dream either way!

I appreciate the Berkeley's qualities but it, like virtually all three wheelers, has the problem that it is as wide as a car and so does not have the motorcycle virtue of lane splitting which was my main design parameter. I've looked on Google for concept designs as inspiration but I can't seem to find much that I like that is narrow enough. I like the Sub 3 but it is open and has a wide track. Imagine perhaps a half width and somewhat shorter Daihatsu Copen, Suzuki Cappuccino or Smart Roadster, but I'm looking for something that's a bit more Wow!

Mine's a three wheeler in order to be stable while stationary and so can have an enclosed cabin with no need to put feet down when coming to a stop. This means comfort 365 days a year. In many urban areas it will also be allowed to use bus lanes as it is a motorcycle rather than a car. I must add it can also be easily controlled dynamically as I have developed novel and unique systems to enable it to be steered like a car rather than a motorcycle. i.e. it doesn't need to lean. Obviously this means no lean lock needed, like on the Piaggio MP3.

I've opted for 1F 2R for good reasons but my control systems will also work with 2F 1R, 2F 2R and probably 1F 1R, but that would mean wearing a helmet which was also a no-no as far as my original parameters were concerned. Please don't think it will have the Reliant Robin problems which, due to bad design, have given this layout such a bad name.

[ajprice]

Gemaeden said:

I'm getting toward finishing the mechanics and chassis of my single seater cabin scooter but really don't know how to style it. Art deco retro seems easiest and cool but what do others think. Dimensions about 2m L x 0.6m W x 1.2 H Wheels 1F 2R. Any ideas for something modern?.

Scale this down to your single seater size.
http://inhabitat.com/transportation-tuesday-the-ve...


Looks modern, in a Tron cycle / Minority Report Lexus kind of way.

[fuoriserie]

Gemaeden said:

Steffan said:

Gemaeden said:

I'm getting toward finishing the mechanics and chassis of my single seater cabin scooter but really don't know how to style it. Art deco retro seems easiest and cool but what do others think. Dimensions about 2m L x 0.6m W x 1.2 H Wheels 1F 2R. Any ideas for something modern?.

There are a lot of very well shaped single seater models about but for clarification are you looking at a two or three wheeler design? Given the width I assume two wheel. In which case there are still several styles to look at for inspiration. Personally I believe the old Berkeley designs of three wheeler sports still cars remain the best ever made in volume with an overall glass fibre/aluminium monocoque giving a very robust unit at reasonable cost. Best of luck to you I do wish you well. Others may well disagree but there are some real experts on here like fuoriserie who may well be able to offer more modern solutions. Enjoy yourself and live the dream either way!

I appreciate the Berkeley's qualities but it, like virtually all three wheelers, has the problem that it is as wide as a car and so does not have the motorcycle virtue of lane splitting which was my main design parameter. I've looked on Google for concept designs as inspiration but I can't seem to find much that I like that is narrow enough. I like the Sub 3 but it is open and has a wide track. Imagine perhaps a half width and somewhat shorter Daihatsu Copen, Suzuki Cappuccino or Smart Roadster, but I'm looking for something that's a bit more Wow!

Mine's a three wheeler in order to be stable while stationary and so can have an enclosed cabin with no need to put feet down when coming to a stop. This means comfort 365 days a year. In many urban areas it will also be allowed to use bus lanes as it is a motorcycle rather than a car. I must add it can also be easily controlled dynamically as I have developed novel and unique systems to enable it to be steered like a car rather than a motorcycle. i.e. it doesn't need to lean. Obviously this means no lean lock needed, like on the Piaggio MP3.

I've opted for 1F 2R for good reasons but my control systems will also work with 2F 1R, 2F 2R and probably 1F 1R, but that would mean wearing a helmet which was also a no-no as far as my original parameters were concerned. Please don't think it will have the Reliant Robin problems which, due to bad design, have given this layout such a bad name.

Very interesting project and looking forward to seeing it in the future....

With reference to your design, how about a design inspired the BMW Clever :

http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/10/09/bmw-unveils-clev...


or by the Lean Machine Three wheeler concept ?

Edited by fuoriserie on Monday 8th December 17:10

[fuoriserie]

http://www.orangeimports.co.uk/eng13-167ml-complet...

Interesting engine and components for a threewheeler kit.

http://www.orangeimports.co.uk/bashan-bs250s-11b-p...

[ugg10]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VORTEX-KIT-CAR-/22171128...

interesting !

[Steffan]

ugg10 said:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VORTEX-KIT-CAR-/22171128...

interesting !

Indeed this car is interesting. Assuming reasonable set up this must fly off the mark assuming weight is reasonable with that 1360 Peugeot engine installed, currently not a lot on Ebsy coud be a bargain. Looks a decent car in need of some TLC as ever with kit cars!

[fuoriserie]

http://www.ktm-technologies.com/media/1191/e3w.mp4

The new KTM electric 3 Wheeler Video

and some other info in the Brochure:

http://www.ktm-technologies.com/media/1127/234_han...

http://www.ktm-technologies.com/media/1103/e3w-stu...

I guess KTM is going to diversify into Urban Mobility in the near future....

[Martin A]

fuoriserie said:

http://www.ktm-technologies.com/media/1191/e3w.mp4

The new KTM electric 3 Wheeler Video

I guess KTM is going to diversify into Urban Mobility in the near future....

Looks like it'll struggle with speed humps given the ground clearance at 1:21. What we need is a narrow single seater trike, not a 3 wheeled Smart car.

[fuoriserie]

Martin A said:

Looks like it'll struggle with speed humps given the ground clearance at 1:21. What we need is a narrow single seater trike, not a 3 wheeled Smart car.

Here is an old project of mine.....maybe a new model in the future ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQbNdkfHpcg

Edited by fuoriserie on Saturday 14th March 16:46

[Steffan]

fuoriserie said:

Martin A said:

Looks like it'll struggle with speed humps given the ground clearance at 1:21. What we need is a narrow single seater trike, not a 3 wheeled Smart car.

Working on it....;)

Afternoon fuorisierie, any idea of the prices for this veloceped?

Looks a very nice car to me but as ever being an Accountant costs are very close to my heart. I cannot see it being cheap. The doors lifting is an interesting apprach, but I think must impinge on the costs. Any ideas? Speed bumps are a damned nuisance on the road nowadays I am bound to say I would expect problems with that minimalist ride height. Nice looking little car should run OK I would think but the costs are a concern. Nice to see someone is having a go!

Ride heights are a perennial problem with kit cars I am forever avoiding high bumps in town and circumnavigating around England to find the least damaging route. Over the years I have gradually raised the ride height limits in my mounts in desperation, and life is so much simpler for that. Good post it is always interesting to read your contributions and to get a window on the latest uppgrades and changes in KC manufacturing. Keep it Up!

[fuoriserie]

Steffan said:

Afternoon fuorisierie, any idea of the prices for this veloceped?

Looks a very nice car to me but as ever being an Accountant costs are very close to my heart. I cannot see it being cheap. The doors lifting is an interesting apprach, but I think must impinge on the costs. Any ideas? Speed bumps are a damned nuisance on the road nowadays I am bound to say I would expect problems with that minimalist ride height. Nice looking little car should run OK I would think but the costs are a concern. Nice to see someone is having a go!

Ride heights are a perennial problem with kit cars I am forever avoiding high bumps in town and circumnavigating around England to find the least damaging route. Over the years I have gradually raised the ride height limits in my mounts in desperation, and life is so much simpler for that. Good post it is always interesting to read your contributions and to get a window on the latest uppgrades and changes in KC manufacturing. Keep it Up!

Good morning Steffan,.....it's a long story ( that is why the thread is so long...) but you're spot on, as the manufacturing costs for the kit, were too close to an open JZR-Triking threewheeler kitcar and the drawback was that you only had a sinle seater and the small capcity scooter engine 160cc.

In reality this was going to be produced by an Italian scooter manufacture, but in 2009 and after 80yrs. of manufcaturing they decided to close shop !!!...my partners and I were left with the project and tried to sell it in kit form, but the costs didn't add up for a small business venture... and eventually the economic crisis caught up also with my partners.

If it had gone in production in Italy it would have been classed as a Quadricycle or Microcar.

I believe there is a niche for a single seater threewheeler in the kitcar industry and the Eco-Exo is the perfect threewheeler and at the right price.

If I would re-design it today, it would have to have a bigger engine, maybe a 250-300 or even 400 cc engine, bigger scooter wheels as 16in. wheels( the original had 13in. car wheels) and and for the body I would use fiberglass and cloth( see the Velorex Oskar trike...)
By implementing some of these ideas, maybe you would cut and have some decent manufacturing costs for a small kitcar manufacture, but.....

With reference to ride height from the ground it's currently at 20cm. and it's like that of a normal car.
We tested it on speed bumps just to be sure and passed...

For a future project the enthusiast in me asks for a basic enclosed 2 seater with a single or V-twin engine with a vintage inspired design at a lowcost price, or go at the far end and design something very modern and extreme, but the final price would be almost prohibitive for most kitcar enthusiast and the current trend is for lowcost projects.

I believe that the Pembleton and Mev have taken over the JZR niche market and Triking and Blackjack are at the top end of the market, while all the others sit in between.

They're all very good products and are doing decently well, but who knows if in the future we will see a new threewheeler design...

Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 15th March 08:44