The world's first car was a three-wheeled one. At present, tricycles are slowly but surely ceasing to be exotic and are returning to roads and garages. ...
At almost any auto show, crowds of people always gather at stands with three-wheeled vehicles. If earlier manufacturers used tricycles only as bait, now, apparently, they will take their production seriously, and the reason for this is trivial competition.
Cugno's steam car housed in the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
A tricycle (trike) is a three-wheeled vehicle with wheels symmetrical in relation to its median longitudinal plane. The term "tricycle" is applied to a wide range of vehicles: cars, motorcycles, bicycles. The two drive wheels are most often at the back, but on some designs they are located in front.
Tricycles appeared simultaneously with a steam locomotive and a car. The first tricycle was a steam cart for transporting guns and shells, which was tested in 1769. It was invented by the French engineer Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot. The speed of movement of the Kyunho steam cart was about 4 km / h and it could only move for 12-15 minutes, since there was not enough steam for more. For further movement, the cart had to be "refueled", that is, pour water into the boiler and make a fire under it so that the water boils. The "car" did not have its own firebox. But the steam wagon impressed the French military leadership, and the inventor received a reward of 20 thousand francs and a proposal to develop a more perfect design.
The next development of Cunyo was more powerful, it was more than six meters in length, weighed about three tons, had its own firebox, a bronze 50-liter boiler and two cylinders.
Leon Serpollet (left) on a steam tricycle
Now there was no need to make a fire under it, and the cart could move continuously at a speed of 5 km / h. During the tests of the new design, an accident occurred: the rear wheel was jammed. Cunyo lost control and the cart broke through the wall of the house at a speed of 4 km / h. Following the first failure, followed by the second - his patron - the Minister of War - fell out of favor at court, and all further work to improve the new means of transport was curtailed. Everyone forgot about the cart, and it stood for 20 years somewhere in the backyard. In 1794, a museum of arts and crafts was established in Paris, and Cuyuglot's steam wagon took its place of honor there. She can still be seen there. In the homeland of Nicolas-Jose Cugno, in Lorraine, a monument was erected to him, and the image of his cart became the emblem of the French society of automotive engineers.
Throughout the 19th century, steam cars were improved, they began to be created as not only public, but also personal transport. An example of such a car is Leon Serpolle's three-wheeled steam engine The Serpolle tricycle was equipped with a kerosene burner instead of a firebox, and the water boiler turned into a coil. This allowed to reduce the amount of water used and the engine warm-up time. In addition, Serpolle installed elastic tires on the tricycle and used a cardan gear in the car's transmission. But another time came, and gasoline-powered cars triumphed over steam engines. The steam car had to give way, although they continued to be produced until the end of the 30s of the XX century. In 1885, Karl Benz built his first gasoline tricycle. The crew on three bicycle wheels was designed to carry two passengers and was powered by a four-stroke gasoline internal combustion engine. The total weight of the tricycle was 263 kg, of which 100 kg is the weight of the engine, which had an evaporative cooling system, i.e. the car had to be filled with gasoline and water. The rear wheels were driven by a belt and chains through a simple differential. Fuel from a 4.5 liter tank was fed into an evaporative type carburetor, then through a slide valve into the combustion chamber. The voltage to the spark plug of its own design was supplied from the Rumkorf coil.
Karl Benz tricycle 1886
The engine displacement was 954 cm3, and its power was 0.9 hp. at 400 rpm, on a good road it was possible to accelerate to 14 - 16 km / h. For industrial production in 1886, Benz installed a 1.7-liter 2.5 hp engine. and a two-speed gearbox. This engine power was enough to accelerate the car to 19 km / h. In the automobile museum in Munich (Germany), visitors can observe one of the surviving three-wheeled Benz cars. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were already thousands of cars on the roads, but they were too expensive for ordinary people. And the enthusiastic designers again returned to tricycles, because they were structurally simple (often did not even have a reverse gear) and were subject to minimal taxes, like motorcycles. So Henry Morgan in 1909 built for himself a single-seater car with a frame made of pipes, a V-shaped two-cylinder engine from Peugeot, a two-stage chain gearbox without reverse gear and an independent candle suspension of the front wheels. Henry Morgan called the new car "Morgan Runabout" and was not going to mass-produce it. But numerous orders from friends made him reconsider his plans. Borrowing money, he bought the necessary equipment and in 1910 started small-scale production. And in 1915, Morgan became the largest car manufacturer in Britain, by that time a four-seat family model was already being produced. In Britain, Morgan tricycles are loved for tax breaks for motorcycles, light weight and good dynamics.
Morgan Runabout 1912
In 1919, the Morgan Aero car appeared. The motorcycle V-engine was mounted at the front and was not covered by a hood. In 1920, a windshield was installed on it and the rear was made more streamlined. Since 1923, the Morgan Aero has been produced with brakes on all wheels, and since the beginning of the 30s, the car has already been equipped with a three-speed gearbox with reverse gear. Sports modifications of the car - "Morgan Aero Sports" and "Morgan Aero Super Sports" were very popular among racers. In the USSR, there were tricycles called motorcycle strollers. They were developed after the Great Patriotic War at the Kiev Motorcycle Plant (KMZ) for the needs of the disabled and were distributed through the social security system, which is why in the country they were called “wheelchair for disabled”. They were made only by hand control and without a heating system.
Motorcycle car SMZ-S1L
In 1952, in the Soviet Union at the Serpukhov Motorcycle Plant (SMZ), the production of the three-wheeled motorized sidecar "SMZ S-1L" was started, which replaced the tricycle "KMZ K-1V". The new motorcycle had a metal body with doors and a tarpaulin folding roof, and the steering wheel was of a motorcycle type. There was also no heating system, the lighting was provided by only one six-volt headlight, and a loud noise emanated from the 125 cm3 two-stroke engine. Also, the disadvantage of the Soviet tricycle was poor permeability in mud and off-road due to small diameter wheels. The pluses include only the ease of repairing the stroller. In the 30s, tricycles were produced in England, in which all three wheels were in the same plane. They were intended exclusively for the army. Currently, there has been a revival of interest in three-wheeled motorcycles, they are gradually ceasing to be exotic. No balance skill is required when riding a tricycle. Many manufacturers have developed these machines…. The Japanese company Honda has created the Stream model in which the rear wheels remain perpendicular to the road when cornering, and the body tilts like any motorcycle. The cornering stability of this model was quite high.
In some Asian countries, motorcycle taxis and rickshaws are produced.
By the way, tricycles also include a motorcycle with a sidecar, in which the wheel is the leading one, these are Dnepr-12 (USSR), BM8-R75 (Germany), FN-1000-125M (Belgium). Unsymmetrical construction on some 500cc racing sidecar bikes. They have a common frame and the engine is mounted on the side next to the third wheel. This design eliminates one of the disadvantages of a symmetrical tricycle. The fact that the tricycle makes three different tracks is considered to be its significant disadvantage, since off-road passability is reduced. The asymmetrical design of the tricycle has only two tracks.
In Italy, Japan, tricycles-microtrucks and tricycles-delivery vans are produced today. In 1997, Mercedes-Benz presented a three-wheeled vehicle in Frankfurt
In 2002, the American company Corbin Motors released a hybrid of the Merlin car and motorcycle. Merlin's appearance is original, he has no doors, the driver simply steps over the side and sits in a chair, or rather "half-reclines". The design of the car differs from the usual three-wheel scheme, Merlin has two wheels in front and one in the back. Vehicle speed is 210 km / h.
Los Angeles-based Venture Vehicle has developed a vehicle called the VentureOne. This is a two-seater tricycle, also a hybrid of a car and a motorcycle. Length - 3.6 meters, width - slightly larger than a motorcycle. The car for daily trips in city traffic turned out to be economical and nimble.
Fuel consumption is only 2.4 liters per 100 kilometers, and the maximum speed is 160 km / h. The main body of the machine can be tilted 45 degrees to either side, while the rear block, where the power plant is located and the rear wheels, remain perpendicular to the road. The hull tilt is controlled by the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC) hydraulic system, which was developed by the Dutch company Carver Engineering.
Crowds of people always gather at the auto show near stands with three-wheeled vehicles. A great future is predicted for tricycles. Small size, good performance and relatively low prices give reason to think that this is possible.
In a situation of economic crisis, small business owners are thinking about how to save money and not lose benefits. For most business companies, cargo transportation is the main item in the cost estimate. If we are talking about small-sized and not too heavy loads, then the ideal option would be to switch to three-wheeled motorcycles, the so-called tricycles or trikes.
Tricycle: specifications and description
A tricycle is a vehicle with three wheels. In simple words, it is a modified motorcycle. Tricycles are vehicles with a wheelbase consisting of 3 wheels... These include tricycles, bicycles, cars and scooters. To drive it, the category "A" or "B1" must be indicated in the driver's license, the choice of the category depends on the weight and number of passenger seats.
A tricycle designed for the carriage of goods, first appeared in Italy in the fifties... The most famous model is Piaggio APE. They have remained the most popular tricycle model, successfully maintaining the high bar in European markets. These trikes are actively used in the flower trade, for their transportation, in courier services and many other organizations.
The analogue of Piaggio APE in the USSR was considered motor scooter "Ant"produced from 1960 to the end of 1995. The scooter has been exported to over 20 countries.
In addition, the USSR actively used sidecar motorcycles... They were used by the police, village doctors, postmen and many other categories of workers. The whole family of sidecar motorcycles has been at the forefront of the market.
There were also craftsmen who did dIY tricyclesby equipping the rear axle with two wheels. The design was, although not particularly practical, but perfectly suited for operation in the village.
In Asian countries, tricycles are used as freight and passenger transport and are called "Knock Knock".
Tricycles can be divided into two types: cabin and cabinless... The tricycle, equipped with a cab, can be used until late autumn and even at the beginning of winter. Modern models of cabin tricycles are equipped with a windshield, stove, wipers and a comfortable passenger seat. This makes the small nimble trike almost a complete analogue of small cars like Daewoo Matiz. However, maintenance of a three-wheeled motorcycle is several times easier and cheaper.
In many countries, the tricycle is the most affordable means of transportation for both passenger and freight traffic.
The use of a tricycle in cargo transportation
The carrying capacity of most tricycles ranges from 250 kilograms to one ton. They can be like with all-metal bodyand covered with awning... The possibilities of such a vehicle are endless. The ride can be used as a passenger taxi, but most often it is used in cargo transportation. It is used in small businesses to transport flowers, products, goods, documents. The scope of their application directly depends on the carrying capacity of the tricycle.
Their main advantages are low cost and low fuel costs. On average, with a load of one ton, a tricycle consumes no more than 4 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. With the same parameters, a truck consumes about 9 liters per 100 kilometers. A three-wheeled motorcycle, with due observance of the maximum load capacity, can easily cope with the same tasks that a truck can cope with. However, the use of a trike will significantly reduce the cost of fuel and the purchase of trucks.
If you need to transport goods or products with a total weight of up to one ton, then the tricycle is ideal for this and will save a round sum that can be spent on other needs.
A cargo motorcycle is a three-wheeled vehicle designed to be used as a conveyor for light loads. These units require registration with the traffic police and the presence of a driver's license of the appropriate category. Next, we will consider the characteristics and features of the most popular tricycles.
general information
The three-wheeled cargo motorcycle is not particularly new in the transportation industry. Such samples have been known since Soviet times ("Ant", "Dnepr", MT with a sidecar). However, modern modifications of domestic brands and foreign analogues have made a huge leap forward. First of all, this concerns the power unit, functionality and additional equipment.
Small vehicles can be equipped with an onboard or dump body, have a reinforced suspension on springs, or be equipped with car tires. Variations with a cabin have been developed. The power of the power unit varies between 11-18 horsepower, and the fuel consumption is about 3-5 liters per hundred kilometers.
Cargo motorcycle "Ural"
The Ural Hercules tricycle is a modification of a heavy motorcycle designed to transport various cargoes. The technique has proven itself perfectly on any road surface. At the same time, the unit can carry loads up to five hundred kilograms. The design features allow it to be used on construction sites, warehouses, retail outlets and in agriculture. Removable sides allow transporting oversized materials. Driving a vehicle does not require a category “C” license.
The domestic cargo motorcycle has the following technical parameters:
- length / width / height - 2.53 / 0.85 / 1.3 meters;
- fuel tank capacity - nineteen liters;
- maximum speed threshold - 70 km / h;
- power unit with a pair of cylinders - 745 cc cm, 40 horsepower;
- starting system - mechanical and electric starter;
- gearbox - four-stage block with reverse gear and;
- brakes - front disc, rear - hydraulic drum type;
- suspension unit - a telescopic structure in front and a spring version at the rear
In addition, the unit has a microprocessor ignition system and a cardan final drive.
Cargo motorcycles "Lifan": description
The St. Petersburg company offered consumers a tricycle of a cargo type called "Lifan". The vehicle is similar to the Chinese version of the LF-200 ZH3. The equipment is designed for transportation of small-sized cargo weighing up to 275 kilograms. The cargo motorcycle is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with a working volume of 200 cubic centimeters and a capacity of seventeen "horses". The multi-disc clutch assembly is placed in an oil bath. The power plant is started by means of a kickstarter or electric ignition.
The dumping vehicle body is made on the principle of a dump truck, which speeds up the unloading of bulk materials. The considered modification is economical, practical and lightweight. Due to the presence of folding sides and compact dimensions, "Lifan" is excellent for use in the agricultural sector. Safety is provided by a drum-type brake unit, and the tank capacity is enough to overcome 170 kilometers without refueling.
Characteristics
The Lifan tricycle has the following technical parameters:
- power unit - single-cylinder four-stroke engine (volume - 197 cc, air-cooled);
- gearbox - five-speed manual transmission;
- clutch unit - multi-disc element;
- fuel tank volume - 11 liters;
- weight - 305 kilograms;
- length / width / height - 3.2 / 1.25 / 1.4 meters;
- fuel consumption per 100 km - 6.5 liters.
- body - dump truck with folding sides.
The Lifan cargo motorcycle (tricycle) has a number of advantages. These include easy access to the engine, multiple colors, affordable price and ease of maintenance.
Spark tricycle
Consider a few more cargo bikes from different brands. Let's start with a brief overview of the Spark model. The modern tricycle with a body SP125TR-2 is very popular, due to the possibility of using it in the agricultural sector for moving small loads. The unit with tailgate and dump body is equipped with a four-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled gasoline engine. It has a power of twelve horsepower at 7000 rpm and a working volume of 125 cubic centimeters.
Characteristics:
- The mass of the device is 280 kilograms with a maximum carrying capacity of 0.5 tons.
- Length / width / height - 3.26 / 1.23 / 1.27 meters.
- Transfer - cardan type.
- The brakes are a drum mechanism.
The features of the vehicle include the presence of sides that can be reclined from three sides.
Foton FT-110 ZY
This brand is widely represented in the domestic market. The tricycle of the series under consideration has an original design, has an affordable price and good characteristics.
- power unit - a motor with a volume of 110 cubic centimeters and a capacity of 8 horsepower;
- fuel consumption - about three liters per hundred kilometers;
- lifting capacity - up to 200 kg;
- maximum speed - fifty kilometers per hour;
- gearbox - four-stage block with reverse and reverse gear.
There are also more powerful versions in the Foton line, differing in engines, transmissions and payloads.
New "Ant"
The reanimated model of the famous Soviet tricycle was made by Soul. A copy of the legendary "Ant" has the following features:
- engine - four-stroke motor;
- volume - two hundred cubic centimeters;
- power - 16.5 horse power;
- the five-speed gearbox is equipped with a reverse gear;
- there is a lightweight cardan shaft;
- suspension - double leaf spring system;
- oversized body;
- improved optics;
- reinforced front fork.
Besides, cargo three-wheeled motorcycles "Ant Soul" are equipped with a self-dumping board, can transport up to seven hundred kilograms of cargo, and are easy to maintain and repair.
It is very common to see a wide variety of motorcycles on the roads that allow you to move on two wheels, which cars cannot do. This type of transport has long and very firmly entered the daily life of people, so the next model on the road will not be a surprise to anyone. Bikers hold their own gatherings and full-fledged motorcycle races, even motorcycle races are arranged. But this all applies only to two-wheeled models. But what about three-wheeled motorcycles? Are they popular? Can you often find something like this on the street?
What it is?
Many people will not be able to answer not only the question of the popularity of this vehicle - they, quite possibly, do not even know what three-wheeled motorcycles are, for them it is a real shock. However, the modern world is an unusual place, so you shouldn't be surprised if you come across a motorcycle with three wheels instead of two. In fact, this is its main difference from an ordinary motorcycle - it has one more wheel. However, you should pay attention that three-wheeled motorcycles are far from the most popular name - one might even say that it is a little incorrect, although it is still acceptable. In fact, these vehicles are called tricycles, which makes sense and sounds much better. But the younger generation, who likes to borrow foreign words, more often use a trike to refer to such a vehicle.
Prevalence
Three-wheeled motorcycles are extremely common today mode of transport in some countries only. For example, in the United States of America, you will hardly surprise anyone by appearing on the road on a tricycle. Also, of course, trike is a popular vehicle in Japan, which is always ahead of the rest in terms of new technologies. Moreover, Scandinavian countries are also gradually starting to use tricycles on a regular basis as a standard means of transportation. There are not many trikes in Russia at the moment, but you can easily get one of them - they are just used mainly for entertainment, extreme trips, and so on. So far, the widespread distribution of the tricycle as a standard vehicle is not expected, and in the near future the tricycle will be a rare guest on Russian roads.
Two driving wheels
It's time to figure out what a three-wheeled motorcycle can be. In fact, there are not so many options, but the most common of them is transport with two rear driving wheels and one driven front. This is a great design that allows you to achieve both high speed and excellent stability. Such models can often be found both on roads in standard traffic in countries where this mode of transport is common, and in other places as an entertainment transport. However, before you go to buy or rent a three-wheeled motorcycle, you must see the photo. The fact is that two wheels are not always leading.
One driving wheel
This type of tricycle looks a little weirder. The fact is that, unlike the previous one, this trike has one drive wheel located at the back - and there are two wheels in front. This is far from the most convenient design, but it looks really impressive, which is why it is acquired in order to impress people on the street.
Children's and other tricycles
However, you should pay special attention to other tricycles that may interest you. For example, there is a three-wheel children's motorcycle, which is a controlled miniature car on three wheels. It serves as perfect entertainment for both children and their parents. However, if you wish, you can pay attention not only to motorcycles on three wheels, but also to tricycles, which are, in fact, tricycles. They are also extremely interesting designs that you might like. Again, they can have different wheel arrangements - two wheels in the back and one in front, or vice versa. Very often in such tricycles, the driver assumes a reclining position in order to comfortably pedal and observe the road, as well as to make the most of the convenience of the vehicle. As a matter of fact, you will have a wide choice, no matter which tricycle you choose for yourself, or if you ditch the exhaust and gasoline and choose a tricycle. It is hoped that this fashion will also come to Russia, so that unusual vehicles can be seen on the roads of the country.
