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Hackaday’s 2019 feature shows a homemade electric trike with two independently suspended front wheels and one rear wheel. Its speed and legal status are uncertain: the article estimates about 20 km/h, while the builder later claimed 35 mph, and neither figure is verified. The builder’s statement about Russian licensing is not proof of current law.
What the Russian electric trike looks like
In a July 28, 2019 feature, Hackaday writer Bryan Cockfield describes a custom-built, three-wheel electric vehicle: two wheels at the front and one at the rear. Its most distinctive described feature is independent suspension for the two front wheels. The article’s “goes everywhere” headline is not evidence that the trike was tested on, or can handle, every kind of terrain.
Cockfield says the rear wheel seems to be powered by a relatively simple hub motor. That wording is tentative: the article does not identify the motor or provide a component list, power rating, battery details, wheel size, or other build specifications. Read the Hackaday feature.
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The two published speed figures do not agree, and neither is backed by documented instrumented testing:
#1 Best Overall
- Build to Last:Selected copper,iron,aluminum,and magnets have excellent wear resistance,impact resistance,and corrosion resistance after die-casting,stretching,and integrated molding processes,are not easily cracked or aged,and can maintain good performance for a long time.
- High Efficiency:The 750W motor has an efficiency of over 82%,with a speed of approximately 13.67mi/h when equipped with 26-inch wheels(not included),making it ideal for commuting or short-distance cycling.
- Excellent Load Capacity:The high-quality motor ensures a load capacity of up to 661.39 pounds for this product,which can easily drive most tricycles and transport a certain weight of goods.
- Excellent Performance:The torque of 15.36N.m gives this trike conversion kit strong climbing ability,which can adapt to various terrains such as gravel roads and highways,making your travel free.
- Safe Use:The controller's limited current protection device can promptly cut off thepower supply in case of overcurrent,extending the product's lifespan while ensuring your safety.
- About 20 km/h: Cockfield’s estimate in the Hackaday article, which describes the trike carrying one passenger and possibly cargo.
- About 35 mph: A claim by builder Aleksey Ranger in a comment posted on July 29, 2019. Ranger said this was on a clean road.
The article does not explain the conditions behind its estimate, and the builder’s comment does not include test measurements or supporting data. Treat both figures as attributed claims, not confirmed performance specifications. The article and comment are on the same Hackaday page.
Is it legal to ride on public roads?
The available account does not establish that the trike is street legal today. In his July 29, 2019 comment, Ranger wrote: “This car full legal in Russia if have 25KPH limit, or you need to have any driver license to drive faster.” That is the builder’s statement, not an independently verified account of Russian law or a current official legal ruling.
Rank #2
- Suits for: 20 24 26 Inch 1 speed tricycle, adult trike, 3 wheels bike
- Axle Diameter: The diameter of the rear axle is 5/8Inch Axle(15.8mm), fits Hollow-Hub Wheels.
- Rear Brake: Band brake
- Material:High Carbon Steel
- Net Weight: 4.35KG/ 9.59LB
Legality depends on where the vehicle is used and how local rules classify it. A speed claim or a builder’s description does not determine whether a particular trike meets local requirements. Check current rules from the relevant transport or road-safety authority for your jurisdiction before riding it on public roads; the Hackaday article does not provide an official legal citation.
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The feature is useful as a visual description, not as a build sheet. It does not provide enough verified technical information to establish the motor’s model, power, voltage, battery capacity, range, braking setup, or measured speed. Anyone evaluating a similar design would need those details from the builder or a documented parts list rather than infer them from the article.
Rank #3
- Buyers need to know:
- All the buyers should have experience to install it. If not, please do not buy it.
- This is 48V 750W Brushless Motor Kit For Tricycle / Rickshaw / Three Wheels Bike etc.
- This 750W conversion kit is suitable for tricycle / rickshaw / three wheels bike Load capacity: 500 KG
If using the project as build inspiration, a generic rear hub motor conversion kit for an electric bicycle is only a possible starting point, not a confirmed match for this trike. Compatibility depends on the wheel, frame, electrical system, and intended use; check those details and applicable vehicle rules before buying or building.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to assess a similar electric trike
Because this one-off project has no controlled comparison or complete specifications, use documented details—not the headline or unverified speed claims—to compare it with other trikes:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Efficient Power Output: The 750 W motor runs at greater than 82% efficiency and reaches roughly 13.67 mi/h with 26‑inch wheels (not included). It is well suited for commuting or short‑distance cycling.
- Strong Load Support: The superior motor gives this product a 661.39‑pound load capacity, allowing it to drive most tricycles with ease and carry a certain weight of goods.
- Outstanding Performance: The 15.36 N·m torque provides strong climbing capability, letting it adapt to diverse terrains such as gravel roads and highways, helping you travel more freely.
- Thoughtful Design: The throttle is equipped with an LED display, which can display voltage and indicate battery level (the lower the voltage, the lower the battery level), making it easy for you to charge promptly.
- Versatile Applications: This product can be used to modify human-powered tricycles, foldable tricycles, commuting tricycles, small freight tricycles, etc.
Rank #4
- 🏍️【Applicability】Our brushless motor kit is sturdy and wear-resistant, not easy to deteriorate and have a long life.It is suitable for tricycles, rickshaws, three-wheeled bikes, DIY engines, and other DIY projects
- 🏍️【High Efficiency】The 500W motor can reach a top speed of 16.16 mph (with 26-inch wheels), which provides enough power to easily handle a variety of road conditions
- 🏍️【Superior Performance】10.2N.m of torque gives the bike great hill climbing ability and the ability to adapt to a variety of terrains, from gravel roads to highways
- 🏍️【Large Load Capacity】The high-quality motor has a load capacity of up to 440.92lbs, making it easy to drive most tricycles and haul heavy loads
- 🏍️【Safe】Tthe cooling fan equipped at the end of the motor prevents thermal overload and ensures safe use. Bright LED lights allow you to drive safely at night or in low visibility areas, and the IP54 waterproof rating further enhances safety in use
- Layout and suspension: Confirm the wheel arrangement and whether, and how, each wheel is suspended.
- Drivetrain: Identify the motor type and obtain its actual model and specifications.
- Performance evidence: Look for measured speed and the conditions under which it was recorded, rather than relying on an estimate or an unsupported claim.
- Handling and stability: Seek evidence relevant to the design and intended riding conditions; the Hackaday feature does not report controlled handling tests.
- Vehicle classification: Check how the intended jurisdiction classifies the vehicle and what requirements apply before road use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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