Photo: Florin Tibu
There were a lot of nice things at this year's EICMA show, and the iTrike 1T is definitely one well worth mentioning. In fact, it is not the very bike that makes the story, but the very fact that more and more people are getting into the electric vehicle business, helping things take off sooner.
iTrike is the result of several guys from Luxemburg teaming up with the Chinese company Doohan and preparing to launch a new range of electric commuters in Europe.
Their 1T machine caught our attention, so we took our time to discuss with iTrike's Stephan Muscheites, and he was glad to tell us a few things about the neat trike.
As we got closer to the iT, we understood why iTrike calls it "the tank." iT has firm lines and boxy looks, but they are pleasing to gaze upon. The overall vibe is a combination of "Transformers DNA" mixed with strong urban functionality and ergonomics, while the round headlight makes sure that not all ties with the industry's past are severed.
The iTrike 1T comes with a generous seat with eye-pleasing stitching, and it would effortlessly accommodate a rider and a passenger when needed. The quality of the plastic used could be improved, but it is far better than what we've seen in other cases. Can't say it is premium yet, but iTrike can get there if they wanted.
The tilting front end is entirely mechanical and has no electronic parts. It comprises a linkage system "tamed" by a coil and no hydraulics. The iTrike must be parked using a kickstand, and will not remain balanced on its own.
Not a deal breaker, clearly, and saving up manufacturing costs. Mr. Muscheites also adds that the riding feel is smooth and precise.
Riders have two small baskets under the bars that serve as glove compartments, and the USB charging port that can be found there is also a neat addition. Lights use LED modules, and their lenses could also be a tad better. No regenerative breaks, at least not in this first generation.
The rear hub motor comes from Bosch, is a 1.2kW unit, and iTrike says a 2kW unit will also be ready in the future. The lithium-ion battery takes three hours for a full recharge, adding to a full weight of 85 kg (187 lbs). The range is 100 km (62 miles), with a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph).
iTrike expects to start deliveries for the 1T this spring, with a price expected to be somewhere between €4,000 and €5,000. Depending on the sales, it might arrive in markets outside Europe as well.
Their 1T machine caught our attention, so we took our time to discuss with iTrike's Stephan Muscheites, and he was glad to tell us a few things about the neat trike.
As we got closer to the iT, we understood why iTrike calls it "the tank." iT has firm lines and boxy looks, but they are pleasing to gaze upon. The overall vibe is a combination of "Transformers DNA" mixed with strong urban functionality and ergonomics, while the round headlight makes sure that not all ties with the industry's past are severed.
The iTrike 1T comes with a generous seat with eye-pleasing stitching, and it would effortlessly accommodate a rider and a passenger when needed. The quality of the plastic used could be improved, but it is far better than what we've seen in other cases. Can't say it is premium yet, but iTrike can get there if they wanted.
Sense and simplicity drive the iTrike 1T
iT is a simple three-wheeler, and it is obvious that iTrike wanted it to be this way. Just like Zero's bikes, the iT doesn't have anything it doesn't need. The ergonomics are great, and the generous floorboards are definitely a plus, while the center-mounted battery compartment keeps the center of gravity low.The tilting front end is entirely mechanical and has no electronic parts. It comprises a linkage system "tamed" by a coil and no hydraulics. The iTrike must be parked using a kickstand, and will not remain balanced on its own.
Not a deal breaker, clearly, and saving up manufacturing costs. Mr. Muscheites also adds that the riding feel is smooth and precise.
Riders have two small baskets under the bars that serve as glove compartments, and the USB charging port that can be found there is also a neat addition. Lights use LED modules, and their lenses could also be a tad better. No regenerative breaks, at least not in this first generation.
The rear hub motor comes from Bosch, is a 1.2kW unit, and iTrike says a 2kW unit will also be ready in the future. The lithium-ion battery takes three hours for a full recharge, adding to a full weight of 85 kg (187 lbs). The range is 100 km (62 miles), with a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph).
iTrike expects to start deliveries for the 1T this spring, with a price expected to be somewhere between €4,000 and €5,000. Depending on the sales, it might arrive in markets outside Europe as well.
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