WSJ reports on growing Maker / Tinker trend
Although it seems the majority of tinkerers and makers these days are working on electronic projects, this article from the Wall Street Journal highlights the growing trend of advanced DIY.
The Munzo TT tilting trike
@DuncanWatson sent me this very cool video of a delta-style leaning trike. There's some cool factor to this, but how do you drive the wheels when it's not a bike?
The Tripendo
The Tripendo tilting recumbent trike is a big influence on my design thinking. Its wheels are set much wider than the Piaggio MP3, which should allow for a more substantial cabin, but seems to limit lean angle. Either way, I imagine that a bicycle-class prototype of my vehicle will likely have a lot in common with the Tripendo. What I have yet to figure out is exactly how the suspension pivots work. I'm going to have to build the geometry in scale before I'll fully understand it, I bet. I've based my sketch template on the seat height and ground clearance of the Tripendo, while stretching the chassis and shrinking wheel sizes from 26" to 19" overall (allowing for a standard 14" maxi-scooter wheel)
Piaggio launches new MP3 website. Includes hybrid.
Piaggio has always had a separate online home for its impressive MP3, now that site has gotten a nice, juicy upgrade.
Robert just sent me this via Facebook
This vehicle uses a motorized leaning system to sort of idiot-proof it. That's one of the many things that I really want to avoid. It's also horrendously expensive. I don't mind if my vehicle isn't completely intuitive to drive in the end. Scooters aren't! Needing some basic driving skill to operate the vehicle is half the fun if you ask me.
The Aprilia Magnet
Via Gizmag, this Aprilia Magnet concept is getting very, very close to what I have in mind. I've considered the front wheel electric hybrid drive also, but for cost and complexity's sake don't think they'll make it into my final vehicle. Besides, this is less about speed and more about stability and efficiency.
