Engineering:Drift trike
}}
Drift trikes are tricycles with low-traction rear wheels made of hard plastic, usually PVC. They are designed for intentional drifting by initiating a loss of traction on the rear wheels and using counter-steering. Drift trikes are typically ridden on paved roads with steep grades and corners.
History
Drift trikes originated in California in 1974 when Marty Spellman and his friends built the original drift trikes to race on the hills of Laguna Beach, Malibu, Fullerton, and other cities. From the original 8mm film footage and a Los Angeles Times report, the design of modern-day drift trikes remains similar to Spellman's creation. Spellman is widely recognized as the inventor of the drift trike by organizations in Australia, Argentina, Brazil (including Kamikaze Trikers and Guiguinotrike), Chile, Colombia, France (Fédération France de Drift Trike), Italy (Drift One), Mexico, Spain, and the United States.[1][2][3]Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag[4]
Design and manufacturers
The rear wheels of drift trikes are commonly made from PVC, or by sliding PVC or a polyethylene pipe over deflated pneumatic wheels and re-inflating them to lock them in place. Drift trikes also feature a solid, fixed beam, 'go-kart' style rear axle, which forces both rear wheels to spin at the same rate. The short wheelbase, or distance between the front and rear axles, allows riders to more easily initiate and maintain slides. Stability is provided by the large front wheel, low center of gravity, and steering system with a large degree of lock, allowing riders to slide without spinning.
Many drift trikes are homemade or custom-fabricated by professional welders. Commercially released children's versions have been released by bike manufacturers such as Drift Trike Factory, Huffy, Crane, Airwalk, and Triciclos de la Montaña. Local Motors was the first to introduce an electric, adult drift trike to the market.
BlackTop Engineering released the first adult's fuel-driven drift trike with a suspension system and "G-Force Bars". One of the biggest names in drift triking is Triad Drift Trikes from Australia, which has been manufacturing custom drift trikes since 2013.[5]
Instead of choosing to buy brand-name drift trikes from manufacturers, many enthusiasts have chosen to design and build their own. Generally, this involves using an old kids' bike or BMX and modifying the frame to fit an axle and seat on the back. This allows people to give their trikes their unique look while being cost-effective.
Kiting drift trikes
Rather than gravity drift triking, some drift trikes use wind power from kites to move.
Motorized drift trikes
Fuel-driven drift trikes are gas-powered. With all the torque being applied to the rear wheels, it becomes much easier to drift at low speeds.
Laws and regulations
Drift triking commonly falls within the jurisdiction of cyclist traffic laws. Many districts, regions, and countries require the use of helmets, brakes, a rear red reflector, and front lights. Some regions categorize them as "gravity" vehicles, where they are treated similarly to skateboards and street luges.
References
- ↑ "The First Drift Trike". https://www.dieepic.com/blogs/news/the-first-drift-trike.
- ↑ "We met the creator of the first Drift Trike!". https://www.melbournedrifttrikes.com/the-real-drift-trike-creator/.
- ↑ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine{{cbignore} media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RLmbkfMxc8%7C title = First Drift Trikes - 1974 | website=YouTube}}
- ↑ Drift trike-steepest street in the world. Retrieved 2024-04-14 – via www.youtube.com.
- ↑ "HOME - Triad Drift Trikes" (in en-US). http://triaddrifttrikes.com/.
 |  |
