Trikes are 3 wheeled vehicles great for performing an exercise, getting outdoors for rides and having fun, comfortably. Selecting a Trike over a Bike is a great choice and worth a lot. These days trikes became popular because of its numerous advantages. Trikes are the best option suitable for long rides and comfort. The third wheel of trike adds extra stability and reduces the driver’s dependency to the minimum.

Trikes are of two types based on the wheel configuration; tadpole and delta trikes. Tadpole trikes have two wheels in the front and one at the back. Whereas delta trikes have one wheel at front and two at back. There are different requirements and different facts to select trikes. Based on design, stability, speed, cornering and steering control we can choose an appropriate type of trike.

Figure 1: Delta Trike and Tadpole Trike Configuration.

Tadpole trikes

Tadpole trikes are the tricycle with two wheels at the front that steers. The two wheels in the front make the cornering slightly better at speed, offering more stability to resisting cornering forces.The weight distribution at the front is more so it provides better stability and control over steering and braking. The tadpole trikes have a lower center of gravity and are near to the steering axis, which is better for speed and stability. These trikes are much more compact, lower, faster, lighter in weight and sportier. Although the steering geometry is complicated but best to ride hard and fast. Prioritizing stability, speed and braking over maneuverability tadpole trike is the best choice.

Figure 2: Tadpole type of trike (Hyper Yellow Catrike Villager with Falco Electric Motor).

Delta trikes

Delta trikes are the tricycle with a single wheel at front that steers. A single wheel for steering out at the front causes instability. The delta trikes are the oversteering vehicles that try to swap ends while taking a turn too aggressively. The front-wheel design allows taking sharp turns almost 90 degrees, giving a very tight turn with a radius nearly equal to its length. In a delta configuration, the center of gravity is high and well behind the steering axis, which is not good for steering and stability. At the front wheel of delta trike, the weight is less which reduces the steering control and may lift the front end of the trike at steep hill climbing. Delta trikes are larger, slower, heavier in weight and less sporty. The ground clearance in delta trike is high which allows better visibility and allows you to ride on uneven terrain. If someone prioritizes maneuverability and versatility over speed and stability then delta trike is the best option. Some users prefer delta trikes, as the seats are high allowing better visibility and allows to easily sit on the seat and get off the seat.

Figure 3: Delta type of trike (John's Green Sun USX HD With Falco Motor).

Converting Trikes to eTrikes with Faco eBike Systems

Falco eMotors manufactures the eBike Systems that are compatible with almost every trike. Both the configuration Delta and Tadpole of trikes can be converted to eTrike with an ebike system. In Tadpole trikes, the Motor (Hub Motor) can be equipped in the rear driving wheel. Whereas in Delta trikes the motor can be equipped in the front wheel (non driving wheel). The Falco eMotors also provides the customized eBike system, to fit in any type of trike. The Falco eMotors has a large number of accessories, so that the users can use them according to their convenience and comfort.

To know more about the Falco eBike systems and our Technology,

Please visit our Learning Page

https://www.electricbicycleworld.com/falco-ebike-c...

References

https://laidbackcycles.com/recumbent-types-tadpole-delta-trikes/

https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2015/08/31/three-wheels-on-my-wagon

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/delta-trike-vs-tadpole-trike.24421/

https://www.rad-innovations.com/compare-trikes.html

https://www.rad-innovations.com/blog-our-news/why-choose-a-hase-bikes-delta-trike-the-advantages-of-delta-recumbent-trikes-explained

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/412360909604444216/

https://www.utahtrikes.com/RECENTTRIKE-4691973_CatrikeVillagerRecumbentTrike.html