TerraTrike explained

TerraTrike
ManufacturerWizWheelz Inc.
Cycle linerecumbent tadpole tricycles
Introduced1997
StatusIn production
Models5
Website
TerraTrike is a brand of recumbent tadpole tricycles manufactured by WizWheelz Inc.[1] TerraTrike is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.[2] [3] TerraTrike's 2013 product line consisted of five models: Rover, Rambler, Tour II, Sportster, and Tandem Pro.[4] Designed for adults,[5] each model has three to five different component levels to meet each rider's needs.

History

Jack Wiswell and Wayne Oom first discussed the concept of an adult tricycle that Jack had doodled on a napkin at a Christmas party in 1995. Along with former partner Peter Dolan each invested $1,000 from their savings to get things rolling.[6] Their first trike was released in March 1997.[7] In 2005 they hired Mike Kessenich as Production Manager to handle the complexity of their production needs.[8] Their marketing needs were met in 2007 after hiring Jeff Yonker who pushed the business into social media and numerous other non-cycling publications.[9]

Models

Rover – The Rover is TerraTrike's entry-level model and is made of hi-ten steel. Introduced in 2009,[10] it was the first of its kind with a higher seat, ease of operation and a low cost. It uses an internal hub and comes in three-speed, eight-speed or auto shifting variable speed. It won Bentrider's "Trike of the Year"[11] in 2011 when it was introduced and claims to have "introduced more people to triking than any other recumbent trike on the market".[12] In 2013, an automatic shifting model using a NuVinci 360 drive named the Rover Auto NuVinci was introduced at their annual Dealer Day expo.[13]

Rambler – The Rambler was introduced in spring of 2011 and is a more featured version of the Rover. It is made from chromoly steel and comes in an eight-speed internal hub, a 24- or a 27-speed version.[14]

Traveler – On October 23, 2013 TerraTrike released their new folding model named the Traveler at their annual Dealer Day expo.

Tour II – The Tour II is the combination of the Tour and the popular Cruiser models. It is made from chromoly steel and features linkage steering, a lower profile and heavy duty components designed around the touring rider.[15]

Sportster – The Sportster model is the lightweight, high-performance model in TerraTrike's lineup. It is made from lightweight anodized aluminium and top-of-the-line components.[16]

Tandem Pro – The Tandem Pro is a two-person tandem trike. It made of chromoly steel, features direct steering, 27 speeds, a quick coupler for transporting and an optional independent pedaling system.[17]

Charge – Introduced in 2023, the Charge model is an e-assist tricycle with mechanical disk brakes and an 8-speed drivetrain.[18] [19]

Achievements

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2021-10-20 . TerraTrike launches the Spyder and Spyder ATC: Two performance road trikes for unmatched speed and efficiency . 2023-02-08 . Outside Business Journal . en.
  2. https://michigan.companiestowatch.org/index.ctw?page=honorees&honoreeYear=2013
  3. Web site: Look Ma! We're doing it on three wheels!. https://web.archive.org/web/20140101075142/http://bridgemi.com/2013/06/look-ma-were-doing-it-on-three-wheels/. dead. 1 January 2014. Bridge Magazine. 11 July 2013. Rick Haglund.
  4. Web site: Bike designed on napkin turning into big hit for Kentwood company. mLive. mLive. 8 July 2013. Jim Harger. 11 May 2012.
  5. Web site: Kanowtiz . Stephanie . 2018-10-09 . Tricycles for adults growing in popularity . 2023-02-08 . The Washington Post.
  6. Web site: WizWheelz in the news. Recumbent News. bikeroute.com. 11 July 2013. Aaron Ogg.
  7. Web site: Wizwheelz TerraTrike TT 3.6. BentRider Online. BentRider Online. 11 July 2013. Jose A. Hernandez.
  8. WizWheelz Introduces New Product Manager. Recumbent Cyclist News. March 2005. 087. 4. 11 July 2013.
  9. Web site: A bent for success: Maker of 3-wheeled recumbent bikes rides quest for comfort. Crain's Detroit Business. Crain's Detroit Business. 11 July 2013. Matthew Gryczan. April 7, 2013.
  10. Web site: Boster . Seth . 2018-11-12 . Rise of the trike in Colorado Springs: 'That is so cool!' . 2023-02-08 . Colorado Springs Gazette . en.
  11. Web site: TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes. Bentrider Online. 4 January 2011. Bryan Ball. January 4, 2011.
  12. Web site: TerraTrike Rover. terratrike.com. January 24, 2024.
  13. Web site: TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes. Bentrider Online. 25 October 2013. Bryan Ball. October 25, 2013.
  14. Web site: TerraTrike Rambler. terratrike.com. January 24, 2024.
  15. Web site: TerraTrike Tour. terratrike.com. January 24, 2024.
  16. Web site: TerraTrike Tour. terratrike.com. January 24, 2024.
  17. Web site: TerraTrike Tour. terratrike.com. January 24, 2024.
  18. Web site: 2023-01-18 . Terra Trike offers affordable e-trike, the Charge . 2023-02-08 . Bicycle Retailer and Industry News . en.
  19. Web site: Toll . Micah . 2022-12-22 . TerraTrike Charge launched as one of the most affordable reverse electric trikes yet . 2023-02-08 . Electrek . en-US.
  20. Web site: EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program - Michigan and NW Ohio - EY - United States . 2013-07-10 . 2016-08-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160826074428/http://www.ey.com/US/en/About-us/Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneur-Of-The-Year/MNWO_article_finalists . dead .
  21. Web site: Raising Hope on FOX - Watch the "How I Met Your Mullet" Episode . www.fox.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407225438/http://www.fox.com/watch/215462979624 . 2014-04-07.
  22. Web site: CNN - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos.
  23. Web site: Racing with ALS. ABQ Journal. ABQ Journal. 8 July 2013. Leslie Linthicum.
  24. Web site: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon - NBC.com . Latenightwithjimmyfallon.com . 2022-05-02.