Filed under: Green Culture, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Santa Monica Alt Car Expo, On Two Wheels, Green Daily
AltCar 2008: TrioBike, the pedal-powered SUV for three
click above to see more of the TrioBike
Not everything at the AltCar Expo was an alternative car. Some, like the Prometheus electric motorcycle and the TrioBike (above) were car alternatives. In fact, the TrioBike is really a next-generation SUV. I mean, that designation just means sports utility vehicle, right? It doesn't have to identify oversized gas-guzzling grocery getter. And what's more sports utility than pedaling your kids around?
In any case, the TrioBike is a three-wheeled cycle with a large scoop in front that seats two small children or a bunch of groceries. An extra wheel sits under the compartment and can connect to the rear end to form a normal-looking bicycle. The front end then becomes a fairly standard stroller that looks like it comes from the near future.
Regina Keith is the U.S. sales representative for TrioBike. She and her husband Robert were the first in America to order a Danish TrioBike, but there are now two in the U.S. (another is apparently in Chicago). When the Keiths found out just how difficult it was to order one, they decided it was a good business plan to try and make it easier for other Americans to buy a TrioBike and worked with the Danish company to set up distribution in the States. Interest at the Santa Monica show was high, and Robert even said that a representative from the Price is Right stopped by their booth and suggested making the TrioBike a prize on the show. If you don't want to wait for that possibility, Robert said that retail sales will begin in the near future and the price will be around $4,500 (the Keiths paid around $6,000 for theirs).
Listen here (8 min):
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt 1:06PM (9/30/2008)
I'm all for any form of transportation that uses my children for a bumper!
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as2k 1:08PM (9/30/2008)
$4500? Are you kidding me?
How about an Xtracycle, Surly Big Dummy or other long bike or long bike conversion.
You could get two or three for the price of this one TrioBike.
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Wildgoosechase 1:26PM (9/30/2008)
So that's an SUV. Can you tow a travel trailer with it?
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Sebastian 1:40PM (9/30/2008)
Hmmm. I didn't put it in the post, but Robert said that the TrioBike is even safer for kids than the normal "stroller" in the back of the bike because with the TrioBike, you can see if your kids are choking on a raisin or whatever. As for hitting another vehicle, you're in trouble no matter what if you get hit when you're riding a bike.
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Adam Moore 2:40PM (9/30/2008)
My biggest fear would always be corners. If you are pulling the kid behind you and a car tees your front tire you fall over but probably for the most part your kids would be fine. The carrier in the front is so large that it would make it even harder to see what's happening in the cross street before you start in it.
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Jay M. 9:07AM (10/01/2008)
So why do you have to buy the bicycle part of it? Looks like it could be sold as an add-on to an existing bike. Would make the price more attractive too.
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David Herron 1:08PM (10/04/2008)
Yeah, the price is a little high. And there's nothing unique about this as there are dozens of cargo bikes available. I've been collecting links and information at: http://www.7gen.com/website-categories/cargo-bicycles
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