Patent ID: 7017685
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60Y,B62K,B62M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A combination Pedal/Motor Driven Tricycle comprising: a. a carriage frame having a steering end, and a driving end with a support platform there between structured to provide a passenger compartment with ingress and egress and seating for an operator, when in use; b. a steering wheel rotatably and pivotally mounted on the steering end, c. a steering assembly operably associated with the steering wheel and steering end to turn said steering wheel in a desired direction by an operator, d. a pair of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the driving end, e. dual direction direct current permanent magnet with pulse width modulation speed control electric motors mounted on the frame and operably associated with each of the drive wheels to move the tricycle at a desired speed and direction and provide differential wheel speed needed when going around curves eliminating the need for a differential gear, f. a storage battery mounted to the frame operably associated with the electric motors to power the same, g. a pedal operated electric generator mounted to the frame and operably associated with the storage battery to charge said battery, h. an aerodynamic enclosure with a top, windows and door surrounding the passenger compartment attached to the frame through which an operator may enter and exit the passenger compartment, said enclosure structured to minimize air resistance to enable the vehicle to be powered by minimal sized motors and batteries meeting the desired performance load and speed requirements, i. a solar panel mounted to the top of the aerodynamic enclosure also operably associated with the storage battery to charge said battery, and j. operating controls associated with the electric motor and battery to selectively activate the motor to drive the drive wheels and power the tricycle at a desired speed and forward and reverse directions; whereby said tricycle components are designed to provide enough power for an operator to meet urban commuter applications within the constraints of energy available from solar, battery and pedal sources.