Green Energy Mobility
Welcome to 3R Engineering!
Riding the 3R offers a unique sense of freedom, combining privacy, safety, and comfort that sets it apart from a traditional upright bicycle. The experience is like relaxing in a beach chair as you pedal in a reclining position. With the stability of its three-wheel design, you can stop without the worry of tipping over. Enjoy the ride while sipping your coffee or carrying your fishing gear and camera with ease.
The 3R draws attention wherever you go, sparking curiosity and conversations. If you're sociable, you'll meet new people along the way—connections that wouldn’t happen in typical settings. And for those who cherish solitude, the peaceful early morning rides are unbeatable: no traffic, fresh air, and open roads make it the perfect time to experience the world on three wheels.
Next Level bike experience
Mechanical Specifications (customization may vary)
- Full suspension front and rear, Spring rate adjustable
- Man power (Typical 100- 150watts) or e-bike option (250-1500 Watts)
- Avid BBS 5 Brakes, Shimano disk brakes
- 20 inch front wheels, 26 rear wheel, Kenda Tires
- Steering is under seat similar to ICE trikes. Superb balance and comfort
- Shimano Crankset 50/34 , 165mm Crank, other options available
- Rear cassette 11/41, other options available
- Ackerman steering compensation for true turning
- Self centering to keep bike running in straight line
- Optimized camber to increase cornering stability
Dimension Specifications
- Overall Length: 108 in (274 cm)
- Width: 32 in (813 cm)
- Height: 36 in (914 cm)
- Ground Clearance: 2-3 in (76 cm)
- Unibody Weight (carbon fiber composite): 32 lb.
Configure your ride
Drive System
- Gearing ratio: Top speed and hill climb capability are determined by high to low and low to high front to rear gear ratio. Typical setup is 50/34 front and 41/12 rear.
- Crank length: Crank length determines the torque applied at the crank. The longer the crank length, the higher the torque. High torque also means more load on the knee. Typical crank length is 160 to 170 mm. Shorter crank length is preferred for recumbent cycle.
- Crankset: Crankset ranges for single, double to triple. Shimano Hollowtech is the component of choice. The gear range is chosen between top speed and hill climb e.g. If you choose top speed, the hill climb ability will decrease. This is limited by the derailleur chain length capacity. Long cage will provide higher gear range. The highest chain capacity is 45T. ULTEGRA and 105 series are the most common choice.
- A Schlumpf Drive is a two-speed planetary gear assembly for use on bicycles and unicycles. It has 2.5 gear ratio (34T-85T) without the need of derailleur and shifter. It cost $700 compare to $200 of conventional crankset.
- Cassettes: Cassettes come in various gear ranges, often described by the number of teeth on the smallest and largest sprockets (e.g., 11-28T or 11-34T). A wider range offers more versatility for different types of riding.
- Rear Derailleur: The rear derailleur moves the chain across the sprockets on the rear cassette. It plays a vital role in adjusting the bike's gear ratio, helping riders switch to harder or easier gears based on speed and terrain.
- Front Derailleur: The front derailleur moves the chain between the chainrings (the larger gears attached to the crankset).
- Wheel size: Larger wheels (700c, 29") roll more efficiently on smooth surfaces, while smaller wheels (20", 26", 27.5") are better for rough terrain.
- Internal gear hub: (IGH) is a type of gearing system where the gears are enclosed within the rear hub of the bike, rather than using an external derailleur and cassette system. Internal gear hubs offer several advantages in terms of low maintenance, durability, and ease of use, making them a popular choice for commuters, touring cyclists, and city riders. Shimano Alfine 8/11; Enviolo CVP, Rohloff 14 are the market leaders.
crank force calculation
Here’s an example of calculating crank force for a 200 lb rider climbing a 6° hill. The bike has a 165mm crank arm, 26-inch wheels, a 34-tooth front chainring, and a 28-tooth rear cog. The resulting crank force is 68.9 lbs. After adding the 75 lb weight of the bike to the calculation, the crank force is 94.7 lb. While this number may seem modest, it actually requires significant effort when you’re peddling. So electric assist will be helpful.
How to add e-bike hub motor
Installing a hub motor is the most efficient way to add electric assist to your bike or velomobile. Despite the buzz around mid-drive systems like Bosch, Shimano, or Bafang, hub motors offer several key advantages. Mid-drive systems place additional strain on the chain, gears, and drivetrain, increasing the risk of chain breakage if not managed properly. In contrast, hub motors apply power directly to the rear wheel, eliminating stress on the chain and drivetrain.
The cost difference between the two systems is significant. While mid-drive systems range from $500 to $1,000 or more, you can get a 1,500-watt hub motor, including a 26-inch wheel, for under $200. Additionally, hub motors are far easier for the average home mechanic to install, requiring no major changes to the crank or drivetrain. In the following section, we’ll guide you through the process of configuring and installing a hub motor in your velomobile.
Final analysis, go with hub motor for effectiveness and cost. The installation is very straight forward. Just follow wiring instructions. See link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXMHQYkNo_0
DIY stage 1 build kit for advanced builder
Carbon Fiber Composite Body
The DIY Stage 1 build kit is designed for experienced builders and includes a lightweight, carbon fiber composite unibody and hood. Weighing just 33 lbs., the unibody features reinforced floor beams for added structural stiffness. Additionally, side beams, similar to automotive side-impact protection bars, enhance both the rigidity of the frame and the level of side protection. This kit offers a high-performance foundation for your build, prioritizing strength and safety without compromising on weight.
The wheel wells has extra reinforcements with structure cores to allow both non-suspension or suspension wheel mounting.
Carbon Fiber Hood and Latch
The hood is made with carbon fiber using vacuum infusion process...
How to add gps speedometer and turn signals
Mechanical GPS Speedometer
This mechanical display speedometer operates without the need for a wheel sensor, offering a classic motorcycle-style appearance. It combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality, providing a sleek and accurate speed display without the complexity of additional sensors.
Digital Dash Display
This simple dial display is inexpensive and easy to install over the dash or inside the cabin. It comes with charging cable and self contained battery.
Your phone App
You can download a speedometer app on your Android or iPhone, offering a range of useful features. These apps not only display your speed but also track mileage, provide compass functionality, and offer map navigation for a comprehensive riding experience.
Bike computer
A bike computer is a device mounted on a bicycle that provides cyclists with real-time data and insights about their ride. It tracks various metrics to help riders monitor performance, navigation, and even fitness levels. Here’s what a typical bike computer can do:
Key Functions of a Bike Computer:
- Speed Tracking:
- Current Speed: Displays your current speed while riding.
- Average Speed: Calculates your average speed for the entire ride.
- Maximum Speed: Shows the highest speed you reached during the ride.
- Distance Measurement:
- Trip Distance: Measures the distance covered during a specific ride.
- Odometer: Tracks the total distance covered by the bike since the computer was installed.
- Time Tracking:
- Ride Time: Records the total time you've been riding.
- Clock: Shows the current time.
- GPS Navigation:
- Route Planning: Provides turn-by-turn directions using GPS.
- Mapping: Displays your route on a map, helping with navigation.
- Route Tracking: Allows you to follow pre-loaded routes or save a route for future reference.
- Elevation and Climbing:
- Altitude: Tracks your current altitude using barometric pressure or GPS data.
- Elevation Gain: Measures the total elevation you've climbed during the ride.
- Grade/Slope: Shows the steepness of hills or terrain you're riding on.
- Heart Rate and Fitness Metrics (with compatible sensors):
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Displays real-time heart rate when paired with a heart rate monitor.
- Calories Burned: Estimates the number of calories burned during the ride.
- Cadence: Measures how many times you pedal per minute (requires a cadence sensor).
- Power Output: Measures the power you're generating in watts (requires a power meter).
- Weather Monitoring:
- Temperature: Displays the current temperature.
- Weather Alerts: Some advanced models can sync with weather apps to provide weather updates and alerts.
- Connectivity:
- Bluetooth and ANT+: Syncs with external sensors like heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and power meters.
- Smartphone Sync: Connects to your phone to display notifications like calls or texts, and sync data with apps such as Strava or Garmin Connect.
- Lap Tracking and Training Features:
- Lap Timer: Allows you to time specific segments of your ride.
- Training Plans: Some advanced bike computers come with pre-set training programs to help improve your performance.
How to add sound to your E-bike
Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Adding sound to an e-bike can be a fun way to enhance your riding experience, make the bike more noticeable to pedestrians or vehicles, or simulate the sound of a traditional engine. Here are a few methods to add sound to your e-bike:
- Electronic Sound Systems
- These are specialized systems designed to simulate engine noises or other custom sounds. They can be installed on your e-bike to provide an audio experience similar to a motorcycle or even a custom sound of your choice.
- Engine Sound Simulators: Some devices, like the "SoundRacer" or similar products, produce engine sounds that rev up and down based on your e-bike’s speed.
- Bluetooth Sound Systems: You can install a small Bluetooth speaker on your e-bike and connect it to your phone or other devices. There are apps that mimic engine sounds or other types of sounds that can play through the speaker while riding.
- Installation:
- Mount the speaker or sound system on the handlebar, under the seat, or on the frame of the bike.
- Most systems come with built-in power sources (battery-operated), but if not, you may need to install an additional battery or connect it to the e-bike's power system.
- Bluetooth or Wired Speakers
- Compact Bluetooth Speakers: You can attach small, waterproof Bluetooth speakers to your e-bike frame or handlebars. Pair the speaker with your phone or an audio device, and you can play any sounds you like, from engine simulations to music.