Human-powered vehicles assisted by small motors (AHPVs) may present an option for easing urban traffic congestion, vehicle energy consumption and pollution. This paper outlines a design rationale for these vehicles and reports on the development and testing of an experimental electrically assisted HPV (EAHPV) that is particularly suited to relatively level terrain and environments where the reduction of noise and exhaust emissions is at a premium. The paper also reports on results of a vehicle energy consumption computer modelling exercise which demonstrates the effects of road gradient and the advantages of a low drag aerodynamic body in the selection of an appropriate electric boost motor. The University of Canterbury Tricanter MK III recumbent tricycle was modified to be an EAHPV prototype, and gave a pleasantly driveable vehicle with a readily achievable range of 40-50 km. (Author/publisher).
Abstract