Project View

Sun Pony

Ithaca NY

251

Published: 2023-11-18

Delta Trike

Grin All-Axle

Other Middrive

Solar

Multi-Motor

Disability

The Sun Pony is a solar-powered triple-drive Worksman Dual Tandem trike intended for long-distance touring. Features three independent power trains: two TSDZ2 mid-drive motors with back-pedal braking capability and a third Grin All-Axle motor in the front forks with custom welded disc brake mount.

The mid-drive batteries are kept charged by two tilting Grin 170 watt solar panels atop custom welded mounts feeding into Genusun MPPT charge controllers. The front motor is kept charged by regenerative braking. Range depends on sunshine and patience of the drivers traveling at a top speed of about 20mph.

Side-by-side seating makes touring with this bike especially pleasant. Batteries can be used with an inverter to power a hot plate, lights and other camping amenities.

We took the Sun Pony on a 100-mile trip around Lake Cayuga this summer. — Sun Pony at Sned Acres campground

I replaced the Worksman Trike's original front wheel drum brake with a Grin All-Axle motor with 180mm disc brake. — Custom welded disc brake mount

Each rider has their own mid-drive motor. The TSDZ comes in a version that allowed us to keep the trike's back-pedal braking. On flat ground the motors draw 200 watts, about as much power as the solar panels provide, so that we arrive at our destination with batteries still full! — TSDZ2 Mid-drive motor

I still need to dial in regenerative braking for the front motor. I plan to use Grin's latest software feature that will enable the braking to maintain a constant speed on long downhills. — Grin All-Axle front motor

That's me, Laurence Clarkberg — The builder at work

Here I'm adding the central mast to the Worksman's steel frame. The mast has to be able to withstand high winds and lots of vibration. — welding central mast

Additional Info

https://www.wheelsoffire.org/post/here-comes-the-sun-pony