Electric trike explained

See also: Electric rickshaw and Electric motorcycles and scooters.

An electric trike is a three-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor.

Overview

Definition

See main article: Legal definition of motorcycle.

While the normal legal definition of motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle, in the USA a motorcycle may also be three-wheeled.[1] This classification does not depend on whether the operator is fully enclosed by a "cage" or exposed to the elements.

Configurations

Three-wheeled vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels are known as a delta design or the traditional trike (tricycle) design, while vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel are known as a tadpole design.

Electric assisted velomobiles

Some three-wheeled electric vehicles, such as the Twike and the Myers Motors NmG, enclose the rider in a cabin or cockpit.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Future drive: electric vehicles and sustainable transportation . Daniel Sperling. 75 . Island Press. 1995.
  2. http://enclosedscooter.com/category/production/ Enclosed tricycles