Trikke

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The Trikke works by shifting body weight.

The trikke (pronounced "trike") is a small human powered, three-wheeled cambering vehicle that utilizes conservation of angular momentum to allow a rider to propel forward. The rider alternates leaning side-to-side to move forwards. The area needed to move forward is roughly the width of a downtown sidewalk (1-1.5 m).

A rider may reach speeds of up to 18 mph (29 km/h) on flat ground. It can be used downhill or a level surface. It can move uphill though doing so requires a substantial amount of effort. The whole body needs to be used in a synchronised movement.

[edit] History

In 1988, Brazilian Gildo Beleski was inspired to create a three-wheeled vehicle for riding downhill --- three wheels because he felt that the stability of three wheels combined with the frame’s dynamic ability to lean or camber would offer much greater turning ability at speed. He was right, but he didn’t expect what then happened at the bottom of the hill. While slowing down on the flat after the speed run, he discovered that the vehicle would continue rolling if he continued to make turns!

TIME named the Trikke one of the best inventions of 2000.

In 2004 the first Trikke/ 3CV race ever was held in Munich Germany. The race was organized by a group of enthusiatic riders from Europe who also founded the 3CV World Sports Federation. The goal of the federation is: "to further develop and promote 3CV SPORTS globally and to organize and initiate 3CV Sport Competitions and Events on a regular basis". In addition to organizing official races and events, the federation also promotes and supports local, unofficial events such as group tours, fun rides & club rides. Races have been held in Germany, Portugal, Swiss (snow), The Netherlands and Korea.

The Trikke Skki was awarded as product extension of the year by Gizmag in 2006.

In September, 2006 the Expertice Center of Movement Technology of the University of The Hague started an extended research on the physical results of riding a Trikke. The research aims to discover which muscles are used and how many calories are burned while riding.

[edit] Tricks

The Trikke Scooters, although meant for motion in a specific manner, mainly used for racing and excersize, a few of us very brave riders have decided to go where no trikker has gone before. We've turned Trikking into an extreme sport. Scratch the normal movement of back and forth, we prefer to use our feet, and push ourselves forward for greater speed and greater potential action. This makes the risks greater, and the potential death rates higher, but it also make the thrill and the reward worth riding for. Come join "UNITY" the first world-wide Trikke team that can be joined by anyone, anywhere. Just go to our free, and soon to be official website: www.freewebs.com/unitytrikke. Join "UNITY" TODAY

Hop: The standard jump. performed by pulling the hadle bars up, and pushing the Trikke forward.
Low Hop: Used for keeping momentum while riding. performed by pulling the hadle bars up and pushig forward very lightly.
High Hop: Used for leaping over obstacles, and clearing gaps. Pull up, and push forward with as much force as possible.
Davidson: Used for making ones self smaller, in order to pick up more momentum. Lean back and stick one foot on the front bar. (should look somwhat like you were driving a motorcycle
Double Davidson: Lean back and put both feet on either side of the front bar
Anaconda: Jump up, keeping the Trikke firmly on the ground, and wrap leg around the front bar while still moving. (not suggested for beginners)
Foot tap: jump up leaving the Trikke on the ground, and tap your foot on the front bar.
Whip Crack: high hop, and turn 180 degrees.
Rocket Pack: Literally jump off of the Trikke, and kick off of a wall, then land back on the Trikke. This trick should be performed all in one motion (not suggested for beginners).
360's: Blocking one rear wheel and spin around with the front wheel in the air. Can also be done with one hand and one foot!
Front wheel stall: Blocking the front wheel with one foot and balance on the wheel. When doing this in a turn (slow) you can do a 180 turn on the front wheel.
Rosenburg: hold onto one handlebar, and lean over to the side, literaly bending the frame of the trikke
Nightcrawler: HIGH hop and whilst in the air, spin body 180 degrees and land in front of the Trikke on the supporting bars.