Adaptive recumbent tricycle
Problem statement
Cycling as a sport has long been known to have physical and psychological benefits and has been a sport seeing a boom in popularity as health concerns of using public transportation are being scrutinized and as people look for safe, healthy ways to enjoy the outdoors during the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to the growing demand for reliable short-range transportation, many forms of bicycles and tricycles for individuals with limitations in range of motion have been developed but not all of these vehicles are feasible solutions for everyone across the board as the nature of a person’s physical capabilities vary greatly. For instance, our client Jake, grew up as an avid outdoorsman and has always enjoyed cycling; however, when he sustained a rare neck injury he had to leave conventional cycling behind. Ever since then, Jake has hoped to return to full cycling independence. Jake owns a tricycle but it is limited and requires a second rider for steering, breaking, shifting and extra power. Our solution will focus on developing design solutions for the tricycle that would give him more autonomy and allow his secondary rider to be an optional user, instead of an integral component to Jake’s setup, giving both riders freedom in competitions or recreational activities. The Badger Bikes team is utilizing several previous years of prior design and prototyping to create a more elegant transportation method for our client and his needs. It will also satisfy all necessary safety requirements to keep Jake from becoming stranded or getting in an accident. The end goal of the project is to manufacture a tandem recumbent tricycle that has the range and durability to complete the Chicago marathon in any weather and road conditions while keeping the client comfortable and safe.
Team members
Samuel Anderson – leader
Kate Concannon – communicator
Andrew Radtke – accountant
August Nomm – admin
Client
Jake Anderson