Motorised tricycles and bicycles are electric versions of a standard bike or trike where assistance with pedalling can be obtained by use of a motor powered by a rechargeable battery. Electric trikes and bikes can be purchased, they can be customised to individual needs for the workplace or conversion kits can be purchased to convert a standard bike or trike to an electric version.
Electric bikes and trikes do not need to be licenced or registered however if riders are riding on a road, they need to comply with the Australian Road Rules, with some special rules applying for bicycle riders. The applicable rules can be viewed at the National Road Transport Commission (see Related Links on this page).
Tricycles are three-wheeled vehicles that can be operated by pedal or electricity. They can be designed with either the two wheels at the front or the back depending on design and requirements for weight distribution. Tricycles can be modified for extra support of the rider such as back support, strapping of feet to pedals, steering and braking control by a carer from the rear, designs low to the ground or moveable handlebars for ease of transfer, storage baskets or cargo platforms for transfer of goods and range of pedal location depending on range of motion of the user.
Motorised bikes have two wheels and can be an efficient mode of transport in the workplace such as around a factory or large grounds if working in maintenance.
Electric bike or trike features to consider include:
- overall weight of bike/trike including battery
- distance of operation prior to battery recharge
- top speed available
- ease of capacity to free wheel so can choose between pedalling with or without motor
- load capacity of bike/trike
- type and benefits of battery used and accessibility of recharge point
- length of time required for battery recharge
- type of motor used and method of throttle operation
- type of wheels available to suit terrain to cover such as city roads for courier work
- amount of pedal assistance required by user
- whether model is foldable or able to be dismantled for vehicle transport
- ongoing maintenance and associated costs.
Conversion kits are available to convert a standard or customised bike or trike to an electric version. Electric bike vehicle racks are available to aid transport.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people that fatigue easily and work in industries requiring transport of small items over short distances, electric bikes and trikes may be able to assist in reducing the physical exertion required for delivery. As electric bikes and trikes also do not require a driver’s license for operation, they may be beneficial for individuals who are unable to obtain a license but are required to move over reasonable distances on a worksite (EV (no date specified); Freedom Concepts Inc. 2007; National Road Transport Commission 1999; electroportal.com 2007).
References
electroportal.com 2007, Heavy Duty e-trikes for Hills and Cargo, Electroportal, San Francisco, viewed 28 December 2007, <http://abc.eznettools.net/D300013/X300109/eTrike2.html>.
EV (no date specified), Powerped, Electric Vehicles Pty Ltd., Melbourne, viewed 28 December 2007, <http://www.evehicles.com.au/powerped.shtml?openmenu=5>.
Freedom Concepts Inc. 2007, Freedom Concepts Mobility Devices for people with special needs, Freedom Concepts Inc., Winnipeg, viewed 28 December 2007, < http://www.freedomconcepts.com/>.
National Road Transport Commission 1999, Australian Road Rules, National Road Transport Commission, Canberra, viewed 28 December 2007, <http://www.woj.com.au/AustRoadRulespts1-21.pdf>.