Starting to build an p trike!

[darryn]

Hi my name is Darryn. I have just purchased the plans for the etrike and am thinking of using a 125cc moped engine for a bit more power I have a few questions that I hop some body will be able to help me with. 1) What front suspension are people using? Was looking at quad stuff but it seems a bit pricey. 2) As I read it I will need a foot brake to operate both front and back brakes at the same time. Has anyone else had to do this and if so how? 3) Has any one got there's on the road yet?
Any help and pictures would be great.
Regards Darryn

[darryn]

OK have read up a bit.

Low powered moped is a 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle with pedals, auxiliary propulsion not exceeding 1kW and a maximum design speed of not more than 25 km/h.
Moped is a 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h.
Motorcycle is a 2-wheeled vehicle with or without a sidecar, fitted with an engine having a
cylinder capacity of more than 50 cm3 if of the internal combustion type, and/or having a
maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h.
Motor tricycle is a vehicle with 3 symmetrically arranged wheels fitted with an engine having a
cylinder capacity of more than 50 cm3 if of the internal combustion type and/or a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h.

So that would make a etrike with a 125cc engine a motor tricycle.

Check that every motorcycle tricycle or motorcycle quadricycle is equipped with either;
a) two independent service braking devices fitted, one acting on the front axle/one acting on the rear axle which together operate the brakes on all the wheels
or
b) a single line service braking device that operates the brakes on all wheels
and
c) a secondary (emergency) braking device ( that may be the parking brake)
or
d) a dual/tandem service braking device which operates the brakes on all wheels
and in addition to any of the above
e) a parking brake device that operates on the wheels of at least one axle
Acceptable combinations are: a) & e) or b),c) & e) or d) & e)

So I could have a front and back brake lever or a foot brake operating both brakes, and also a parking brake.

[dinosaurjuice]

Hi darryn,

yes your right it would be in the motor tricycle class.

It would be straightforward to use 2 handlebar brake levers and then a car hand brake lever operating a mountain bike caliper on the rear wheel.

I have all the running gear from a 400cc piaggio up for sale. its only done 100miles. at 36hp it might be a bit much for an etrike though..

Will

[DavieC]

I'm looking at a similar project, I've just picked up a 90cc Chinese scooter. It looks like my 17 year old son is ready to claim it for himself though

Ideally I want to widen the frame to be a two seater side by side. That 400cc sounds about perfect for that project - I might just PM you about it later Will.

I'm in a similar situation regarding the front end. Buying a complete non running quad seems to be the cheapest option, you might even make your money back selling the left over bits

Although the plans offer some good advise regarding the MSVA you should read the VOSA guide available HERE

Good luck

[darryn]

Aug 10, 2011 0:16:42 GMT DavieC said:

Ideally I want to widen the frame to be a two seater side by side. That 400cc sounds about perfect for that project - I might just PM you about it later Will.

I'm in a similar situation regarding the front end. Buying a complete non running quad seems to be the cheapest option, you might even make your money back selling the left over bits

Although the plans offer some good advise regarding the MSVA you should read the VOSA guide available [url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MSVA%20Guide%20J
an%202011.pdf]HERE

[/url][/quote]

Good luck

400cc would work well in a 2 seater but I think it might be a bit big for one person. But that's any way.

If you have a look at the tread "Build in progress" he has used a different front end set up (there is no to arms) if you have a look at his pictures on flicker he had started of with top arms but then changed it.

Already looked at the link for the MSVA but thanks anyway. When do you plan on starting your build??

[Scott]

When he orders the Eco-Exo for that big 400cc Hey Will

[Stiggy]

Please note that the MSVA scheme considers "motorcycle tricycles" differently to reverse trikes. A motorcycle derived trike would have one wheel up front and is allowed to have hand operated brakes. "every other tricycle" needs a foot operated brake operating on all wheels. See section 16 item 4 of the MSVA
Hand brake also required for parking on at least one axle.
However, if the power is limited to 4kw and speed limited to 28mph then it is a classed as a 3 wheeled moped and can have hand brakes.

[darryn]

Aug 10, 2011 11:20:44 GMT Stiggy said:

Please note that the MSVA scheme considers "motorcycle tricycles" differently to reverse trikes. A motorcycle derived trike would have one wheel up front and is allowed to have hand operated brakes. "every other tricycle" needs a foot operated brake operating on all wheels. See section 16 item 4 of the MSVA
Hand brake also required for parking on at least one axle.
However, if the power is limited to 4kw and speed limited to 28mph then it is a classed as a 3 wheeled moped and can have hand brakes.

I hope mine goes a bit faster than 28mph!
Thanks for pointing that out to me I must have looked at it wrong.
Any ideas of what sort of system to use?
I my have to have a throttle pedal as well other wise it might be a bit strange doing one thing with one hand and another with a foot. Was never that good at patting my head and rubbing my tummy lol

[DavieC]

I'm hoping to get cracking on the build over the winter. Plenty of work going on at the moment though

I'm drawing up the chassis plans at the moment, sourcing parts and trying to work out little details (like linked brakes). As soon as I have the drawings done I plan to make a 1/6th scale model, this will let me see how it will be in reality (12" tall action figures make a great 1/16th scale me), also because I don't have the workshop facilities to make the chassis the model will be given to the engineering company who gets the work - They will find it easier to give you exactly what you want if you can show them what it looks like

On the subject of brakes: 125cc scooters tend to have either rod operated footbrake or cable operated handbrake at the back wheel. My suggestion is to convert it to a rod if it's currently a cable, make a pivot to attach the rod to, then actuate the pivot using a hydraulic cylinder (possibly a clutch slave cylinder from a scrapyard?). The brake pedal/master cylinder from a car without vacuum assist could be used. Just a thought, you'll need to work out the details.

[beemer]

Hi Daryn,
I doubt a 125 would equate to more power in the real world but it should be obtainable and certainly cheaper, initially.
36HP would be really good fun, if too long for this trike. 40Hp is what an Agni (electric) motor can do for a short duration.

I've found obtaining quad parts for this project to be mainly unobtainium or a price which almost says "just go away". A Battery Vehicle Society friend has been suggesting other than quad parts (for a small kitcar) and making my own "A" arms. Tempting.

Brakes: I'll recommend a twin master cylinder so two brakes fed at front will receive double pressure against a single rear. If you are using a cable to the rear I suggest making an adjustable bell crank to pull both sets of brakes together. Also with it's required cable extension, fit a handbrake lever to pull it... As a handbrake.

All the best. This is no bit of cake.
Andy