Page 1 of 1

Anyone tried a mountain trike?

PostPosted: 30 Jan 2014, 19:36
by curiouscat
I came across this today and wondered if anyone has tried one? It's NOT a power chair but looks like it could be an alternative for some.

http://www.mountaintrike.com/site/general/videos.aspx

Re: Anyone tried a mountain trike?

PostPosted: 04 Feb 2014, 06:54
by ex-Gooserider
Never tried one, and not that interested in doing so, but...

I have seen many variants on the push-handle drive for a manual chair, with varying levels of sophistication from very simple intended for developing nations environments, to high tech w/ multiple speeds and other fancyness...

Aside from the added width, there are at least some physiological reasons why the push-handles approach might be better for you than the usual pushrims, and there are certainly potential advantages to being able to have different gear ratios that let you keep a constant effort level in propulsion somewhat regardless of the terrain...

Most of the push-handle designs are more or less standard style manual chairs with the push mechanics added - big wheels in back, little wheels up front.

I like this design better as an outdoor vehicle as the big wheels all around should be better at handling rough ground. In addition getting rid of one wheel reduces rolling resistance, and having the drive wheels up front may improve obstacle surmounting without the need to pop wheelies and similar stunts...

For what it is, I think it's a pretty nice setup, looks like it would be fun...

ex-Gooserider

Re: Anyone tried a mountain trike?

PostPosted: 04 Feb 2014, 10:59
by curiouscat
It does. :-) I was impressed with the way it handled different terrain. There's a video of it cruising on ice. Not for the faint hearted but it's one way for us to skate :-D