LONDON, CANADA, September 9, 2014 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Kickstarter is hitting the road with a crowdfunding campaign for The Arctrike, an electric recumbent trike that was borne out of the automotive ingenuity of John Zoccano, whose passion for fast, cool cars steered him away from the over-traveled highways where all the same-looking cars were doing the same things. Zoccano wanted something new and different.

As a former mechanic and automobile restorer, Zoccano didn’t just want to drive a vehicle, he had always wanted to create one. A vehicle that would truly embrace the freedom of the road would have to be one that had no obligations for filling out forms and standing in line for licensing and registration, and no standing at the gas pump bemoaning the price of fuel. Zoccano had his mind set on technology that defied convention for a vehicle that would dare to dream.

So first he decided to build an Ebike, but eventually he decided that a broken hand and shoulder and torn meniscus were telling him to try something different. Besides, he was disenchanted with the Ebike; they’re cheap, heavy, and cumbersome. Zoccano wanted something sleek and fast. He liked the idea of a recumbent, and thought a three-wheeled trike would be safer, but there weren’t any on the market that had suspension.

So what does a car enthusiast do when the vehicle he wants to drive doesn’t exist? He builds it himself. Zoccano decided to design his own electric recumbent trike from the ground up, but his first prototype didn’t meet his standards. For the second prototype, he went back to the ground up, but this time, he took a skilled team of experts and craftsmen with him.

The seat frame is made of aluminum to keep it light, with side bolsters that hold you in, but also provide a place for your arms to rest. The removable side panels cover the battery box and give the vehicle a seamless design. The battery box is hidden under the seat, which is removable. This allows for ideal weight distribution. Above the ignition is a charging port; production will add a clear Plexiglas cover over the ignition and XLR plug for weatherproofing. The Crystalyte HS3540 hub motor has a seven-speed cassette, and brings great torque, power, and reliability to the drive.

The team took the second prototype on the road to test the Arctrike, and this time, they were pleased with the results. They drove it hard over grueling road conditions to find out where its weak points might be; they drove it in 90-degree heat to see how the motor would handle the temperature. They drove it in pouring rain. They drove the batteries to exhaustion. They drove it hard, and The Arctrike was definitely along for the ride. If a huge hill was up ahead, help was just a throttle twist away. Looking for a dynamic joy ride? Just relax and let the trike do what it does best. This version could handle a variety of road conditions well and it was easy to pedal.

But there’s a learning curve involved with The Arctrike. When learning to drive it, practice in a safe area where you can experiment with the speeds and steering. Remember that steering is quick and tight, and the driver needs to acclimate to minimal steering input. Pedaling the Arctrike requires more use of the upper thighs and hip muscles than you’d use when pedaling a regular bike; it’s great for building strength and stamina, but don’t be surprised if you tire at first, until you’re used to it.

The crowdfunding goal is to raise $65,000 by September 25. Once the project is funded, Zoccano and his team plan to add additional features to the trike, including a bike rack, front and rear lights, regenerative braking, a headrest, a special app to display speed, time, distance, and altitude; and a bracket for attaching a smartphone, along with the capability to accommodate other phones.

The controller will ensure that all Arctrikes sold will be in compliance with the regulations of the state or province in which the sale takes place. While users can operate their Arctrikes without these limits, the user should understand that, if not conforming to the legal specifications, the Arctrike is considered an “off road” or competition-only vehicle. A successful Kickstarter campaign means that the Arctrike will reach the market as quickly as possible, so if you’re eager to give a recumbent electric trike a try, make a donation and then tell your friends about the exciting new driving experience that you can’t wait to try. Get them to make a donation to the campaign; otherwise, after they see how much you enjoy yours, they’re going to want to borrow your Arctrike.

About The Arctrike
John Zoccano, creator of The Arctrike (www.arctrike.com) has taken his passion for cool, fast cars to Kickstarter, where a crowdfunding campaign is building financial support for his electric recumbent trike so that it’s ready to come to the market after thousands of kilometers of test driving. With front suspension, unique body work, and electric capability built into the design, The Arctrike is a driving experience that explains why people who are fed up with the hassle of driving and expense of their four-wheeled automobiles are seeking new ways to have fun with three wheels.

John Zoccano
The Arctrike
www.arctrike.com
email us here