Patent ID: 10131397

Abstract:
A vehicle O, such as a tricycle, has a pair of rear wheels 14 mounted to a first sub-frame 12, and a second sub-frame 16 pivotally coupled to the first sub-frame and arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis 18 relative to said first sub-frame. Relative rotation between the first and second sub-frames is provided, such as by one or more elastomeric couplings or bearings e.g. torsional pivot 98. At least one front wheel 22 is coupled to the second sub-frame via forks and a steering head. A seat 20 for a rider is supported by the second sub-frame. Handlebars 28 are coupled to the steering head via at least one steering member, such as a mechanical link 60 or hydraulic, magnetic or electrical link The cycle is steered by acombination of handlebar and/or lean steer. Steering can be damped by a damper 79. Handlebar steer involves manipulating the handlebars to act on the steering arm which rotates the steering head and therefore also the front wheel(s) to steer the front wheel(s). Lean steer articulates the second sub-frame relative to the first sub-frame and causes the front wheel(s) to steer via movement of the steering head coupled to the second sub-frame. Steering can transition or be trimmed (feathered) between these two modes dependent on speed and terrain.