I've become obsessed with the idea of an electric trike. My main concerns, once I get a job to justify spending money on anything, are: 1) I live in Vermont, where much of the year it is bitterly cold and roads are choked with snow. 2) It appears I may be commuting 100 hilly miles a day (50 each way). News reports on the site suggest that a 100-mile commute is possible on a tri-hybrid, at speeds of 45-60mph. (I may be able to recharge before heading home.) This seems different than what appears elsewhere on the site. How do you gauge the feasibility of my project? Can the batteries sustain me in subzero weather?
Brian, Wow! What a beautiful place to ride. My mind is reeling from the visions, thoughts, and challenges your situation presents. The batteries are lead/acid so I don't think there's a big problem there. One thing I've been wanting to experiment with is pulling heat from the exhaust by routing it through the frame, a simple and cost effective heat source. The speeds are unrealistic, however. My run down I-40 was a "show off " kind of thing and not at all practical on a day to day basis. The steering is like that of a race car at those speeds. You basically change lanes by just thinking about it and that's dangerous. I practiced and trained for months just to make the trip. Another problem for a three wheeled vehicle in the snow is the fact that you have the traction of only one wheel and that wheel is not in line with the pattern of other vehicle's tracks. 80 miles was my recharge average so you'll have to have a charge to go home on. Thanks! Jay P.S. You did not check the inform me box so I can't update you unless you re-up and check it. Thanks again, Jay
Any 2 passenger side by side tadpoles ?
Sorry Jim, we haven't been able to work out acceptable steering for such a vehicle. The tandem seems to be the only way. We could make one so the back person pedals or not but no side by side version. Thanks! Jay
For the last month, I have been dreaming about what you have already invented! Just today, I had the Discovery Channel on and was truly amazed at what I saw of you inventions! I have some other ideas on incorporating human power into transportation that I would be happy to share with you. Meanwhile, I could put one of your trikes to use immediately. Do you have provisions for mounting a tag along trailer (this will hold my golf clubs, or groceries, or tools). I'm 50 years old, 6'4' and 285 lbs. If I towed another 200 lbs of stuff, including the trailer, what would you recommend I buy. P.S., Where I live is quite hilly... 500 ft elevation change in 1/2 mile
P.S. It's hilly here in Tennessee too....If you pedal hard on the hills to help the 2,000 watt motor you'll be O.K. But you can scale down another 6 mph to a 24 mph trike and even more hill climbing ability. Again the tri-hybrid doubles your H.P. but you've got the noise of the engine... A new thought..... We made a spec Trike as an offering on the website at $500 off. It's got a little back seat that could be converted to carry bigger stuff like golf clubs... look at the two-seater and see what you think. It's set up for 30 mph to carry more weight. It is wide for the street though. You should use a narrow one for bicycle trails...your call. Jay
Hello from Toronto. Very cool idea! Any distributors here in Toronto, Canada? Thanks...
Hi Fraser, We're a very young as a company and have just built a few of these in now 6 states. We have no dealer network and just build what people order off the internet. Thanks! Jay
This is great. You have done what I've been thinking about for a while: created a vehicle where people can cover the distance to work at a reasonable speed and get exercise at the same time. Questions: 1. Range is going to be my problem - I have a 47 mile round trip commute. With the hybrid can you extend the range a bit by (a) pedaling, (b) getting the 39Wh batteries, (c) increasing the fuel tank size? 2. I found nothing about battery charging. How is this done? Could you add this to FAQ? 3. What type of batteries are these? At 100 lbs, I assume the batteries are lead acid. Can I get a lighter lithium phosphate (preferred), or lithium ion (less preferred), or Ni-Metal Hydride batteries? 4. Braking - is this purely regenerative, or is it like my Prius with both regenerative braking and conventional braking? 5. With the hybrid model does the engine cut out like a Prius when you don't need it, or is it constantly on? 6. Is there a place I can put my briefcase? 7. How many have been purchased
Wow Richard! Thanks for all the questions. Let me answer them one by one...With the 36 to 39 AH batteries in either Tri-Hybrid version you won't have any trouble going 47 miles in a day. I averaged 80 miles on my trip down I-40 to Texas at speeds up to 60 mph....Way faster than a stock ExerTrike Tri-Hybrid! Slower means farther.At 30 mph you'd probably be fine with 12 AH batteries, especially with the2.5 H.P. Honda engine. A larger tank would not be required.We include a charger with each trike. It takes 2 to 6 hours to charge depending on how spent the batteries are. We use lead acid batteries and will offer other options as soon as they get the bugs worked out. We're not aware of anyone that has dependable, cost effective battery options at this time although many claim to. We have many sources and keep up with this pretty well. You start the engine before climbing on but you can kill it from the 'cockpit'. I like to use it on long runs and go silently total electric on short runs.I put a basket on my wife and I's Trike's for carrying....Very Handy. We haven't sold a lot of these so far. Two in CA. and the rest in 5 other states, one each...all satisfied as far as I know, most in love with it! Thanks! Jay
I was wondering what kind of electric motor is in the Exer Trike?
Hi Trent1 The ExerTrike has a 2,000 watt brushless motor that is over 90% efficient. It is a hub motor so there are no gears or such involved in the drive chain except from the pedal power. Thanks for the question! Jay
I'm very interested in your tri-hybrid trike. I own two Prius cars, and am aware how they work. Does your tri-hybrid gas engine power the trike directly or charge the batteries (or both)? Also, is the gas engine easily removeable ?
Hi Chuck, Thanks for the questions. Every time you use an engine to generate electricity there is loss and as it comes from the batteries to the motor there is loss again. One of the reasons our system is so efficient is because every thing drives direct to the wheels and then we collect it back with regeneraqtive braking as well. The gas engine is easily removable and the 1.6 and 2.5 are interchangable. Thanks again! Jay
Thanks for the quick reply. Is there any way, short of traveling to TN, to see and drive one of these ? It's a concept I've long thought about and am glad to see you doing. I live in Colorado.
Chuck, The first company I founded, Perdue Acoustics, has plants in Amarillo, TX and Erin, Tennessee. I live and play with ExerTrikes and Pedal-Paddles in the Erin plant but I travel to Amarillo often. I don't have a unit in Amarillo at this time but could in the future just to play with. I'm afraid Erin is it for now. We have units in CA and IA and thats as close to you as we are so far. I'm actually getting on a plane in the morning to Amarillo. If I was driving I promise you the 'Geek Chopper' would be going with me! Thanks! Jay
I'm interested in the EF-ES model, but would like 20aH 48V lithium batteries. Do you have this option? How much does it cost?
The only one in this arena is a supplier of mine and they're having a lot of trouble with this. Don't believe anyone that says they have this whipped at this time. I think it's coming soon and should be around $1,500 for the 48V 20AH option. We all want it to happen. All I know to do is pray! Thanks, Jay
Hi there again, I keep coming back to your site. Okay, I would be riding this thing on the highway most of the time. The posted speed limit is 65 mph, but i never go faster than 50 in my car anyway to cut back on gas. Could i increase the voltage on a ES-EF to get close to 50 mph? Maybe say 72 volts? Have you tried this? Would it be crazy unsafe as far as handling? And are you thinking of a full faring in the future at all?
Thanks for the questions! You need to see the shows the Discovery Channel did on me and ExerTrike. I took one of these 1,000 miles from Tennessee to Texas down Interstate 40 just before Thanksgiving. I toped out at 62 mph and ran over 50 the whole time except maybe a couple of long hills at 45. It is a race car at these speeds but totally doable if you're careful. 72 volts and a 2.5 hp Tri-Hybrid averaged 80 miles per charge and got 320 miles per gallon! For Real! We're already pushing everything to the limit. A full fairing would also require additional framework. Just too heavy on an already overloaded three bicycle tires vehicle. Jay
I may be missing this on your page. How many miles will a tri hybrid go with a 12AH - 15AH Battery, a 1.6 Subaru engine and a full tank of gas (On average). How large is the tri hybrid tank? I read 40 miles on your site but that doesnt seem right :)
Sean, Thanks for the questions. The 1.6 will run forever on flat ground at 20 miles per hour while the 2.5 will run 30. The batteries will push you up and over hills maintaining constant speed depending on the severity of the hills. They will work together to give you about 80 miles distance at 36 mph on the 2.5 and about 60 on the 1.6 because it uses more battery and less gas. There are so many variables it's just hard to cover all the possibilities with the Tri-Hybrid. We'll try to post more about this on the website. Thanks! Jay
I'm intersted in the ExerTrike EF or Tri-Hybrid but I would prefer a mesh seat rather than the stock seat you provide. Is is possible to get a full mesh seat? Also, I like the idea of extra track width for stability but the 58' of the ES model is wasy too much. Is it possible get a wider track width on the EF model or Tri-Hybrid of say 42-44'?
Ron, Thanks for the questions. I thought they called the seat we are using a 'mesh' seat. It's breathable and slightly 'see through'.. I'll check on this. Every trike we build is custom made here in our Erin TN. facility. We can make the track any width you want for the same price, just let us know.Thanks again! Jay
I happen to live in Tennessee, and I was wondering if you have a shop that I can come by to see these models personally. I was also wondering if there was an option to try one while considering it. I'm thinking of my children's safety. Would this product be agreeable to a young lady of 13 years old?
Joshua, We're in Erin, TN just an hour and fifteen minutes west of Nashville. You're welcome to come out anytime and ride my wife and I's Trikes. They're custom built here in Erin and we do not have any that you can try in any other way. I think your daughter would love the ExerTrike but she needs to ride it like a bicycle and follow similar rules. These things are fast and low so you have to ride like you never have the right of way and realize no one is going to see you or realize how fast you're really going. With caution she'll be fine , without it she'll not be fine . It really depends on the 13 year old. THANKS! Jay
Jay, Thanks for taking the time to talk with me this past Sunday. I truly appreciated it!
Do you have to add the frame and street legal kit to the Tri-hybrid or is that a part of the base model? In other words what would be the total cost of the Tri-Hybrid to be street legal with a windshield?
ichard, thanks for the questions. Being street legal requires the street legal package that comes with lights, horn,etc. Both the lights and the windshield have to have a frame to hang on so you have to start with that option.You'll be O.K. if you follow the whole process down to the end to get a price to you with shipping. You won't hit the 'buy' button until the very end. Jay
Hi, The exer trike looks like a great product, though the price might be prohibitive to many people. Is there anyway to finance these so as to lower the upfront price? I have trouble imagining a bank approving a loan for one of these. I bike commute to work, and one my biggest concerns is parking my bike. At a previous company I worked at, there was a bank of eight sizable bike lockers. At my current company, I chain my bike to a street sign. This concern is for a $400 mountain bike. Is it difficult to secure an exertrike in an open location?
Hi Chris, I apologize for the price. These are custom made one at a time right here in the good ole' U.S.A. We haven't made two exactly alike yet. I look forward to the day when a vehicle like this can be mass produced because it really would be good for America and the price could really come down. No one I know will finance one of these yet but we're working on it. Insurance is another problem yet unresolved. The only good news I have for you is it takes two people and a pick-up to steal one! They weigh about 200 lbs. and they're hard to get a hold of. Thanks! Jay
The more I think about your Tri-hybrid the more I like it. My question is: If I ride on sidewalks do I get put in jail in Colorado?
William, I wish I could tell you what the laws are in Colorado...Beautiful state! It seems to have more to do with local conditions and tolerance than anything else. Ask a local policeman if they would mind. That's what I would do. On bike paths the rule seems to be go electric around other people and they will not mind, use the engine when your in more rural areas and hammer down! Jay
How fast is the Tri-Hybrid? Does the gas engine help to increase the top speed?
Mathew, The main purpose of the Tri-Hybrid addition of the engine is distance. However it can't help but climb better and take off faster with twice the horsepower. It is possible to increase the voltage to 72 volts and run 54 mph but you should run one at 48 volts for a while before you 'trick it out'. Stearing is the the main problem at 54 and requires a lot of practice and skill. It handles VERY similar to a race car, changing lanes almost by flinching. You need the 2.5 h.p. for these speeds. THANKS! Jay
what it the rider/cargo weight limit on your trikes?
Dave, We build everything for a 300 lb. load. As always folks are always putting more on them and no problems yet. With these Trikes you run out of hill climbing power before you stress the frame. Then it becomes a function of how steep of hills you want to climb and how much do you want to help. Thanks for the question! Jay
How fast can I go on the wider trikes? I would like to be able to get up to 45 in a pinch without rolling. Also, do you have long-range options (100 miles)?
Bob, The Tri-Hybrid can be made in an ef model or an ef-es model. The es means it comes 54 inches wide instead of 34. I strongly suggest the 54. It's wider stance makes it much more stable at speed. Beyond that just follow the instructions on the web site and it will give you a total with shipping to your door. You won't actually buy one until the very last so don't be afraid to follow it through until you get an answer. You'll want an EF-ES with Tri-Hybrid engine,frame and full body wind/rain shield THANKS,Jay
Hello there, Terrific vehicles. A few questions: -Weight of the EF model versus the standard. -as I am disabled, weigh 190, and cannot pedal at all, would the motor allow me to climb very steep hills (low speed if need be). -who makes the motor (I'm guessing Crystalyte Phoenix - Brute model?) -Have you experimented with Lithium batteries. Can the motor handle the sla's weight? - seat height (from ground) - how loud is motor? Much thanks.
Josh, Thanks for all the questions. I'll try to answer them one at a time.You're right about the motor. They come in three speeds/powers. The faster the weaker. The middle version seems plenty powerful enough to me. My 77 year old dad just came for a visit and we pulled pretty good hills without effort. The 24 mph brute seems over kill to me, but if your starting from a stand-still up hill, you'd probably be glad to have it. Weight is everything but I can't find anyone that wants to pay the price for LI batteries at $1,500. The Tri-Hybrid has twice the HP, more distance and at 600 bucks its hard to beat! Noise is a factor, all though they are very quiet the all electrics are basically silent. The seat is about 8 inches off the ground. We could take off the pedals and stuff and put on some feet rests for you. I've been wanting to experiment with a spring loaded seat that would get the seat up to an easy height for the handicapped folks such as yourself. I think this would make a great and inexpensive "freedom machine" for you! God Bless, Jay
How much more expensive is a SL that does say 60 than a SL that does 45
Adam, WE make TRikes that go 36 mph tops. We feel thats the maximum safe speed. However, we can upgrade your controler for $100.00 so it will be 'more reliable' and you can add two more batteries in a series to go from 48 to 72 volts and from 36 mph to 54 miles per hour. It would also have to be a Tri- Hybrid to get enough HP to maintain that speed any time other than down hill. Thanks for the question! Jay
I have a couple of questions. 1. I live in Ky and would plan on licensing it as a motorcycle. Given this would it be capable of running on the interstate. 2. Are you working on a suspension system for the Tri-hybrid?
Richard, I don't know if you know it or not but Discovery Channel did a couple of shows on me. The last one we went 1,000 miles from TN.to TX. down I-40. However, Tri-Hybrid was meant for short,slow commutes. We are about to build a two-wheeler with suspension and it will probably be more suited for short spurts down the Interstate. Thanks,Jay
what kind of product liability insurance do you have on a vehicle that will go more than 30 mph
Hi kacy, You know I'm not sure. I think it's so much per incident $2,000,000 max per incident type stuff, but I haven't looked over the policy in a while. Thanks for the question. I'm running fast building Trikes right now but I'll try to get that out and check up on it as soon as I can. Jay
Hello.. I've been aware of the hub motors for a while and was planning to build a bike based on them... but I just discovered your site and your trihybrid concept is quite interesting. I'm in Charlotte NC and looking for something to be a downtown runaround. One concern I'd have with this style of bike is being so low to the ground in traffic. There is the issue being seen... flags aside.. but also of breathing exhaust. I've never ridden with traffic in an urban environment mostly because of the speeds required.. so I'm wondering how it is in practice. With the trihybrid... do the engines have electric start... the sort where you could easily turn them on and off as needed while cruising around.. possibly switching between the three drive methods? If I'm doing the math right.. a fully tricked out wide stance trike (minus body) with a 2.5 hp motor would come to about $4600. Is that right? One more while I'm writing.. any interest in having other dealers who could assemble and sell your design.
ared,Thanks for all the questions! I'll tackle them one at a time.The Trike is low and you have to drive as though no one sees you all the time.(It's wise to drive that way on a motorcycle as well. Our next project is a two-wheeler and you might be more comfortable on it. It will seat you about 8 inches higher. Wear bright orange! I do. I like to hold back from the car in front of me a bit as well. You learn to adapt. The engine we use does not have electric start. We probably could get one. Generally you know how far and how fast your going when you leave so you either start it or not depending.I think your right on the math plus shipping.N.C. isn't far from Erin so you might want to just come get it. We're a custom shop right now and haven't built any two of these alike yet, so I don't know if we have a pattern to allow out side builders at this point.We've learned a hundred things NOT to do so far and spent thousands at the school of hard knocks. Thanks again! Jay
Hey there. I'm building a custom bike and I was told by Dave at Electric rider that you had an accessory with springs and brackets that allowed the Pheonix motor to be used for regenerative braking. I can't find it on your website, but it is true? Let me know, Scott
Scott, It is true. We just see it as not what we're here for, but will send you the parts for $100.oo. It requires you to get a good welder to weld a block (provided) on the end of the axle, and it has to be done really well. Regenerative braking works really great but you can't imagine what it can do to your axle and drop-outs if done wrong. It cost me thousands to figure it out, but it works great the way we've got it done now. Let us know if you want it and we'll get it together.You'll get more distance out of your batteries but the big plus to me is I never use my brakes except emergencies. Thanks, Jay
I am really interested in replacing my car with one of these vehicles. Now I live in the Chicago suburbs and it sometimes gets down to below 0°F. How do these bikes fare in such weather? And do you have anything in the works to provide better protection from the elements? I've seen some velomobiles (like the go-one or cab-bike) but they are way too expensive. Or if I were to buy the ExerTrike EF Tri-Hybrid would you be willing to provide CAD drawings to help me easier design a canopy for myself? BTW, do you have any specials coming up like you did for Christmas? Thank you, Vadim
Vadim, Sorry it took me so long to respond. I've been in San Antonio for a convention for one of my other companies. I delivered the Christmas special to a really nice guy just below Chicago! It was one we 'Spec built' for when the Discovery Channel did the show on us. We are a custom build operation at this time and don't expect to do that again. We're busy building orders and have 4 in house right now to build. Our next order will not be delivered until May. I would be glad for you to make your own cover but we don't have CAD drawings. Closing in the bottom makes it to hard to get in and out but maybe you can figure it out better than we have. I've learned to keep an open mind as long as we're not experimenting on someone else's idea with my money!(ha ha) See you soon! Jay
Hi! I live in Denmark! Can iI buy one of your bikes? If yes, how much will it cost to send to Denmark? Best regards Flemming
Flemming, I'm very honored that you would like to buy one of my Trikes! I don't have a clue what it might cost in shipping. I'm shipping one for the first time in three weeks. I'll know more about it then . I've actually hand delivered them all so far but this one is going to California, 2,000 miles away! I'll see what it weighs all crated up and see if I can get a rate to Denmark then. Thanks, Jay
Hi. Saw your tripower on Daily Planet show. Love your use of the 4stroke engine. Just can't get my head around how you tie it in with creating drag with the peddling. I run an HPVbuilders page on yahoo.ca groups section -- thus I am always interested in this stuff. Do you have more non secret info on how I could tie a motor into my current trike. Thanks Patrick aka Patrike
Hi Patrike! I have patents pending on several aspects of this stuff. I hate how secretive I have to be, but I'm warned that I can be held liable for giving folks pointers and then they go really fast, get hurt and I'm liable. My own product liability insurance is rediculus! P.S. The secret's in going to a jack axle to colect the diferent powers. Jay
Are you looking for investors, have you spoken to others in your field, would you like to. I see you like the Wright brothers & I'd like to see this happen sooner than later...
Chris, I'd love to see these vehicles mass produced. The road seems so long and I see all the jobs going to China. The technology is so simple yet effective and it costs me a small fortune to custom make these trikes here in the U.S. I almost apologize for the prices but I'm a "nonprofit organization" just tring to show folks the posibilities and the changes we all need to make. If you have any ways to get there faster let me know. Thanks! Jay
Best bike I've seen. I've looked for over a year and your's is the best. What is the weight on the EF model? What would the extra range batties add in weight? Now an even odder question; would you be able to make your trike two front wheel drive, and even go a bit further and make it three wheel drive? Two wheel drive up front would be wonderful. The extra weight would be worth it if you could balance the power evenly. I own a weight loss gym and take my 55lb dog to work and would love to pull him in a trailer behind me. The extra power and battries would help me pulling him. I look forward to hearing back from you. atrick
Patrick, Thanks for the questions. The E F weighs about 125 pounds with regular batteries and about 200 pounds with the long distance batteries. I would suggest just going a little slower {30mph} and you'll pull your dog just fine. The problem is that motors can't be added at this time and the power would just require bigger batteries and so on. {The front axles are 'wheelchair' type} As you can see, a light trailer and regular batteries would be less weight than the dog if you don't mind being limited to 12 miles per charge. How much you help has everything to do with it at this level. Beyond this the Tri-Hybrid is the way to go. It's a speed/distance miracle machine!
Thanks,Jay
Can the entry level ExerTrike be upgraded at owners discretion with any or all of the possible upgrades at a different time from purchase as finances permit ?
Hey Stephan! Just turned on my computer for my first hunt and peck session of the new year! I'm actually answering your question of a few days ago. You can add anything but frame changes. I wouldn"t let just anybody do that. It needs to be straight and true. The other problem is that it has to already be a streached model to receive the "jack axle" and engine. I guess a good welder could add the "car' frame so it could receive the wind/rain shield. All in all you've done a very smart thing to just get it all but you can add batteries and the bigger engine latter to go farther and faster when you get used to the steering at 36 mph. Then yours will be the first one to be just like the record setter on the discovery channel! Be very careful. In it's league it's a race car! Mine is on exhibit at the largest mall in this area! See you in a couple of weeks! Jay
Hi, I'm from the Greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada and I'm an avid cyclist. Just recently, I watched your program on the Discovery Channel and I was just amazed. I think you have an impressive product. My question is towards the application of your product in an environment such as mine? ps. I would love to have more information on your kits. Happy Holidays from Canada! Thanks, Emiddio
Merry Christmas from Texas! I'm at the Amarillo plant these two weeks [birthplace] and have really enjoyed the time with family and friends. Give me more information about your 'environment', I'm not sure how to answer your question other than to say I don't think it's a very good snow vehicle even though I've had great fun in light snow. The three wheels are stable but one drive wheel isn't a lot of traction. Thanks! Jay
Small storage are required. Change of cloathing for work... And a laptop to go... Do you have a trailer of sorts? Interested... Denis
Denis, We've never made a trailer, just a basket behind the seat for carrying things like your laptop. Some of the baskets are pretty big! Thanks, Jay
All the photos of the exercar add-on frame show the ES - EF base chassis. Have you ever added the exercar framing to the standard wheelbase, narrow track exertrike? If so, I'd like to see some pictures to visualize how it would all fit. I'm interested in purchasing a standard exertrike + exercar frame, and installing a fairing of my own design.
Leo, I delivered an ExerTrike up in Wisconsin that had the frame and was a narrow wheel base trike. You can see it by going to "what's New", first entry, slide show 2. I was a little concerned at first to let such a fast machine go out with such a narrow wheel base but the owners love them! Thanks, Jay
Do you have a FA model as i have noticed when i ride a bicle it is hard to get my FA (fat ass)up the hill. Seriously though i weigh about 310 so i am wondering if i could get the trihybrid sans subaru and add it later myself? I am mechanicaly inclined. I don't want the higher price to stop initial purchase.
Chris! Now that's funny! The frame is made for 350 so your weight is OK. You might want to choose a 20 inch wheel design or request a slower motor as they are wound for less speed and more hill power. (36, 30 and 24 mph are the choices) Thanks, Jay
I'm impressed with your product, and I am in agreement of how our nation would benefit if each household's second vehicle was an Exercar. I live in Orange County, California. How much would it cost to ship an Exertrike? Also, I searched for videos of Exertrikes / Exercars on Youtube, but could find none. Do you have a link to any websites showing your product in action? Thanks in advance for any information you can give me. Regards, Albert
Albert, go to www.gumfrog.com/dailyplanet/ user name previewguest password-prevuuu3, go to oct 30 jay perdue and nov.22 jay perdue. Great shows on exertrike by discovery channel. On shipping it totaly depends on which trike you choose but if you follow the order through it will give you shipping without actually making an order. THanks! jay
