Ecological And Practical: Biotrike |
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File under Ecology Special-Bikes
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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Nowadays any new motorcycle needs to be designed with different factors in mind, foremost being the environment. But you also have to take many other issues into consideration, like speed, maneuverability or maybe even accommodating physically disabled people.
The creators of the Biotrike  took many under consideration, and produced a vehicle, that is based on a motorcycle, but has three wheels, two in the front and one in the back. They call it the Biotrike because the trike runs on bio-fuels, specifically bio-diesel, but it can also run on standard diesel. It's not electrical, but still ecological since the bio-diesel engine produces far less CO2 then any standard fossil fuel guzzling vehicle.
The Biotrike is a two seater, like any normal motorcycle (there is a 4 seater version). This means the "pillion" sits behind the rider, but you don't need a helmet, since it has a steel tubular roll cage and seatbelts.
In contrast with motorcycles, the Biotrike uses normal car tires, increasing the contact surface, and therefore the grip and safety. And since the vehicle has a glass canopy, you can regulate the temperature inside, like with a car. You've got heat and even air-conditioning!
The Biotrike is very slim, about 3 feet, slim enough to drive around traffic, but you wouldn't want to split lanes.
The American built Biotrike has an American built engine, a Caterpillar Diesel C1.6 engine rated at 34 hp and 142 ft lbs of torque. There is a handicapped version, one that allows for a wheelchair, and even a 4 seater version; both have a bigger engine. The handicapped version has been designed specially for wheelchairs, and ease of loading.
All this doesn't come cheap, but it does come in quality and originality:
The 2 seater version: US$23,999
The 4 seater version: US$29,999
The handicapped one: US$35,999
Click here for more information
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