Three-wheeled vehicles: description, specifications, models

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Three-wheelers are mobile, maneuverable vehicles that are ideal for urban environments. With compact dimensions, they are economical due to their lightweight design. Most models have a teardrop shape, which is responsible for good aerodynamic properties.

Technical details

Small cars are different. It turns out that a stylish three-wheeled micromobile was invented a long time ago, and today it is constantly being improved. As we have already noted, due to their economy and compact size, they fit perfectly into the urban landscape, especially in a large metropolis. Among the advantages of these models are environmental friendliness, simplicity of the steering column, affordable cost. It is also important that every year the number of micromobiles is increasing. Of course, the appearance of these vehicles is very unusual, but now is the time when you want to stand out from the rest.

Of course, we cannot say that micro-cars can replace full-fledged cars. Yes, and they were originally created with other goals. On the other hand, such cars fit perfectly into the urban landscape: firstly, they helpprotect nature, as they do not work on fuel, and secondly, they are compact. Accordingly, there is a unique opportunity to create the most convenient conditions for the operation of such small cars. Thirdly, such cars will help to cope with traffic jams.

Morgan

Few people know, but the first three-wheeled car was created by Morgan, located in the UK. It is noteworthy that this is one of the oldest enterprises in the world that made cars on a wooden frame. And in 1909, the first sports car on three wheels, Morgan, was created, which was used both in city driving and in races.

The Morgan Tricycle is a small car designed for two people, and there is room for luggage. A Harley Davidson V-Twin engine and a 5-speed gearbox are responsible for good acceleration. Tires are narrow and with a well-thought-out tread pattern, which creates better grip on the road surface. It is noteworthy that just a few years ago, the American brand decided to sell exclusive sports cars on three wheels. The car can reach speeds up to 185 km / h. The mass of the micromobile is 500 kg.

Peel Engineering

Truly toy cars, but on a good track and quite expensive, are created by Peel Engineering. There are two cars in the brand line, each of which has a very small size. The Peel Trident car is a compact model that can accommodate two passengers. Technical equipment -DKW motorcycle engine with a volume of 49 cubic meters and a power of 4.2 hp The car accelerates to 45 km/h.

Another model in the Peel Engineering series is available as a single seater. Its length is 137 cm, width is 100 cm. Such a compact machine is capable of speeds up to 65 km/h. We are talking about the model Peel P50. It is noteworthy that the British produced this model for a short time - from 1963 to 1964, and it still remains the smallest production car. Its weight was only 59 kg, and thanks to a special handle on the back, it was possible to turn the car around with your own hands and put it somewhere. The engine in the model was located on the right front and was combined with a 3-speed manual transmission.

Now there are rumors that Peel Engineering plans to revive the production of small three-wheeled cars Peel P50. The company announced that the machines will be produced in quantities of only 50 pieces, and their cost will be from $ 15,000. The difference between the car will be the presence of an electric motor, and not an engine from a scooter, as it was on the original model. Moreover, nothing is known about the rest of the technical characteristics at the moment.

Simson DUO

In the period from 1973 to 1989, the Simson Duo was produced in the GDR, which was not a car, but a trike designed for people with disabilities. To create it, Simson mopeds and their components, which were produced at that time in the GDR, were used. Put on the model50 hp engine. With. The car did not have reverse gear. The cabin was designed for two, and the driver was given a seat on the left side. A hand lever was used to start the engine, and the brake was applied by pressing a lever located on the steering wheel.

Honda Gyro Canopy

This model is not a micromobile, but a three-wheeled multifunctional scooter. Like most models of this Japanese brand, this one is distinguished by an extremely concise design and a well-thought-out, albeit simple, design. The brand's series features two scooters with a roof: TA-01, which is equipped with a 2-stroke engine, and TA-03, which is a later and perfect modification. To equip it, a 4-stroke injection engine is used, which is complemented by liquid cooling.

Honda Gyro Canopy has a weight of 120 kg and can accelerate to a speed of 60 km/h. But the speed limit is limited by electronic systems. The body clearance of the scooter is 147 cm, so the tricycle can be operated both in the city and in the countryside. Many people call this scooter a scooter with a roof. Among its technical features, it is possible to note the presence of:

• capacious trunk attached to the back of the model;
• reliable drum brakes that are responsible for the safety of movement;
• soft seats for a comfortable ride;
• from small parts, the scooter is equipped with windshield wipers, rear-view mirrors, two headlights, turn signals;
• new design discs made of aluminum;
• larger diameter tires without tubes.

All these features make Honda's three-wheelers comfortable and easy to use. It is noteworthy that you can use the scooter, for example, for the delivery of goods or the transportation of goods that are not large in weight. The engine of the model is characterized by compliance with environmental standards and the absence of noise during operation.

TWIKE

Among modern manufacturers of three-wheeled vehicles, representatives from Europe can also be distinguished. So, in Germany, a three-wheeled hybrid TWIKE is produced, which has an electric motor. Its appearance is striking: it looks more like a car from the future. The car is designed for two, there is a spacious trunk. In general, the model is suitable for both urban use and long-distance travel.

Three-wheeled vehicles from Europe are not inferior to their Japanese counterparts either in quality or in terms of equipment manufacturability. The machine's batteries can be recharged on the go by applying the regenerative brakes. The aluminum frame weighs only 30 kg, but is durable and can protect passengers in case of unforeseen circumstances on the road. The car is controlled by a joystick, the body of the car is highly durable due to the fact that it is covered with environmentally friendly rubber.

By the way, TWIKE is capable of reaching speeds of up to 85 km/h, and if the battery is fully charged, the car can travel about 200 km, which is simply a unique result for micro cars.

Myers MotorsNmG

Created and continue to create three-wheeled vehicles in the US. A typical representative is Myers Motors No more Gas, which is a serial closed electric motorcycle. This is a three-wheeled car of a closed type, designed for one place and used exclusively in the city. Composite materials were used for the production of its body. Responsible for safety are safe and reliable glass, a three-point seat belt system and head restraints. The most important advantage of this model is that it fully meets the safety requirements, since it does not work on gas. Among the advantages of Myers Motors NmG is the original design, reminiscent of a modern sports car, the acceleration time to 100 km/h is only 13 seconds.

As a rule, three-wheeled cars cannot boast of a special interior design. In this case, the cabin has an adjustable seat with a headrest, a dashboard that has power for a laptop and a phone. There is also a luggage compartment, however, it is not very large. In the basic version, the car is equipped with a cabin and glass heater and a radiogram.

It is noteworthy that in 2009 Myers Motors offered to evaluate a more advanced model, which became a two-seater. The compact electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries and has a top speed of 120 km/h. And it should also be noted that both of these models were the only electric vehicles that were allowed to travel on the highway inAmerica.

Gurgel TA-01

Created a small car in other countries. So, in Brazil, a diesel tractor Gurgel TA-01 was created, which can also be used as a universal loader. This is a fairly massive machine that weighs about a ton. But it can move a load of up to 1.2 tons, is equipped with an engine of 1.2 cubic meters and can accelerate to 60 km / h. The model is equipped with additional features that will appeal to farmers or summer residents. So, you can supplement the car with a brush cutter, or you can use it as an electric current generator.

SAM Polska

This small car was created by the efforts of two companies at once - from Poland and Switzerland. The model is equipped with two wheels in front and one in the back. The very compact motor is capable of speeds up to 50 km/h, reaching a top speed of 90 km/h. In Russia, this car, like most of those described above, cannot be purchased, but in Switzerland this model costs about 10,000 euros.

Carver One

The first serial tricycle with a body that can tilt was the Carver One. It combines all the positive properties of both a car and a motorcycle, which translates into efficiency, maneuverability and ease of use in urban conditions. When this production model appeared on the market, it made a splash. The machine is controlled by electronics and an innovative hydraulic system, thanks to which the closed double cab tilts 45° when cornering, butthe rear wheels and engine and gearbox remain in place.

To equip the Carver One tricycle, a 659 cm turbocharged engine was used368 liters. With. The motor works in combination with a 5-speed gearbox, thanks to which the three-wheeled vehicle can accelerate to 185 km / h with a fuel consumption of a maximum of 6 liters per 100 km. It is noteworthy that the design of the tricycle was carried out by aviation engineers, so the body has the appropriate shape. From the side parts, the body is supplemented with air intakes.

T-REX

The first tricycle of this model appeared in the 1990s, but then it changed more than once. It is noteworthy that the cars are assembled only by hand, and this does not prevent the company from producing about 200 cars a year. The tricycle is powered by a 1352 cc Kawasaki engine3, while the car accelerates to a speed of 230 km/h. To improve the dynamic performance, the model is equipped with a modern fiberglass body, which has a low density, high anti-corrosion and mechanical properties, and an attractive appearance. The frame is strong as it is made from high strength steel tubes.

The body is open, while the car is comfortable: you can adjust the pedals both in distance and in height, the steering wheel is fixed, the visibility is good, so there will be no problems with driving the tricycle. The appearance is made in the spirit of futurism, which makes the car stand out on the road.

Conclusions

In general, we can say that despite the unusual appearancelook, models look very harmonious in the city, especially if it is a large metropolis, where there are constantly traffic jams. Of course, the micromobile is not spacious and stable, but it is perfect for entertainment.