Electric bikes are known for adding a spark of fun to cycling, but have you ever imagined that feeling amplified with the laid-back comfort of a recumbent trike? I recently had the chance to experience just that, spending an afternoon test-riding an electric conversion of a KMX Typhoon recumbent tricycle crafted by Paul MacDonald of High Performance Ebikes. The experience was nothing short of exhilarating, bringing back the pure joy of childhood adventures with a grown-up twist – think of it as the ultimate adult go-kart, but electric!
Paul MacDonald, the mastermind behind High Performance Ebikes, isn’t kidding about the “high performance” part. While his company can electrify virtually any bike to meet specific needs, his passion lies in creating machines that are seriously fast and powerful. His creations resonate perfectly within the thriving community of DIY conversion enthusiasts and high-powered ebike aficionados, a world explored extensively on forums like this and in-depth at www.electricbike.com/.
The Allure of Electric Recumbent Trikes
There’s something inherently captivating about electric recumbent trikes. The recumbent design offers an incredibly comfortable riding position, allowing you to recline and enjoy the scenery without the typical aches and strains associated with traditional bikes. Adding electric assist to this equation elevates the experience to a whole new level. Suddenly, hills flatten out, distances shrink, and the simple act of riding becomes effortlessly fun and incredibly swift. It’s this blend of comfort and performance that makes an Electric Recumbent Bike such a unique and appealing mode of transportation and recreation.
High Performance Ebikes: From Aircraft to Asphalt
Paul’s journey into electric bikes began with an ambitious project: converting an ultralight aircraft to electric power. To gain the necessary expertise in electric motors, controllers, and batteries, he started experimenting with electric bike conversions. Initially, these were personal projects, but word-of-mouth soon led to requests from customers at his Cottonwood, Arizona shop. Driven by curiosity, he wondered about the limits of ebike speed, leading to the creation of a recumbent ebike capable of exceeding 80 mph! Later, he shifted focus to acceleration, building a dual-motor mountain bike that could rocket from 0 to 50 mph in under 6 seconds.
These ventures into extreme performance eventually broadened into converting bikes for a wider range of needs, from family-friendly setups to custom builds for discerning customers. Ironically, the ultralight aircraft conversion remains on hold, but his exploration has resulted in some truly remarkable electric recumbent bike conversions, like the KMX Typhoon I had the pleasure of testing.
KMX Typhoon Electric Recumbent Trike: A Rugged Foundation
The foundation for this high-performance machine is the KMX Typhoon recumbent tadpole tricycle. Paul sources these trikes from Utah Trikes, known for their customization options. He typically opts for significant upgrades right from the start, most notably increasing the wheel sizes. The rear wheel is enlarged from 20 inches to 26 inches, and the front wheels go from 16 inches to 20 inches. This not only enhances the trike’s rolling efficiency but also increases ground clearance, crucial for navigating varied terrain. KMX trikes are well-regarded for their robust construction and value. Here are the stock specifications of the KMX Typhoon tricycle, as listed on the Utah Trikes website:
- Frame Material: TIG Welded High Carbon Steel Box with Aluminum front boom
- Trike Weight: 41.5lbs (18.9kg)
- Total Weight Capacity: 210lbs (Off Road), 300lbs (Road)
- Wheelbase: 41.5in (105cm)
- Wheel Track: 30in (76cm)
- Total Length: 71.5in (182cm)
- Total Width: 31.75in (81cm)
- Total Assembled Height: 23.25in (59cm)
- Ground Clearance: 3.25in (frame, higher with larger wheels)
- Bottom Bracket Height: 14in (36cm)
- X-Seam Range: Min 35.5in (90cm), Max 44in (112cm)
- Steering Type: Direct Steer with Ackerman and Centre point
- Seat Height: 6.75in (17cm) (higher with larger wheels)
- Seat Angle: Adjustable 39-45 degrees
Starting with this robust platform, Paul then integrates a powerful 1500 watt rear hub direct drive motor from Leaf Motors. While earlier conversions might have used Crystalyte motors, Paul has found Leaf motors to be more efficient and better built. You can find more details about these motors on Leaf Bike’s website: http://www.leafbike.com/products/di…w-rear-hub-motor-bike-conversion-kit-987.html
Powering the Electric Recumbent Bike: Battery and Electronics
For battery options, customers can choose a standard 15Ah battery, or opt for a massive custom-built battery pack. This larger battery utilizes the same high-quality cells found in the Nissan Leaf electric car, delivering an impressive 40 volts and 30 amp-hours of energy. Paul’s personal electric recumbent bike, equipped with this battery, achieved a remarkable 90-mile range on a single charge with light pedaling, while maintaining an average speed of 22 mph!
To manage and monitor all this electric power, Paul incorporates a CycleAnalyst Computer (http://www.ebikes.ca/product-info/cycle-analyst-3.html). This sophisticated device provides a wealth of data and control, allowing riders to monitor performance and customize settings to their preferences. Paul jokes that it can do almost anything except cook breakfast!
Enhancing Comfort and Control: Suspension and Fairing Options
Further enhancing the ride experience, Paul includes optional upgrades like a custom-built front suspension and a steering damper on his personal trike. The suspension is more than just a comfort feature; it’s a practical addition for anyone riding on less-than-perfect roads, especially at higher speeds. Paul recounted an incident where hitting a pothole at over 35 mph without suspension launched him out of his seat! Fortunately, he landed safely, but the experience underscored the importance of front suspension for enhanced control and comfort. Beyond smoothing out bumps, the suspension also improves handling and reduces steering twitchiness.
Another valuable option is a Zipper brand fairing. This aerodynamic addition boosts both speed and range by reducing wind resistance. It also provides welcome protection from bugs and cold air, making the electric recumbent bike more comfortable in various weather conditions.
Riding the Electric Typhoon: Performance and Handling
The controls are intuitive and performance-oriented. A twist throttle provides on-demand power, and a green “regen” button activates regenerative braking. Optional 5-magnet pedal assist is available, and the CycleAnalyst computer allows for precise adjustments to maximum wattage, speed, and acceleration. The throttle even incorporates a clever improvised parking brake using a Velcro strap.
Putting it all together, this electric recumbent bike delivers the exhilarating performance of a go-kart. Under throttle power alone, it effortlessly reaches speeds of 20-33 mph on flat ground, depending on the CycleAnalyst settings. Getting in and out of the low recumbent seat can be a bit of a maneuver, typical of low-slung trikes like the Typhoon. However, once settled in and with a twist of the throttle, the trike leaps forward with impressive acceleration. The low riding position amplifies the sensation of speed, making 30+ mph feel even faster. This top speed is particularly noteworthy considering the bike’s substantial weight of around 110 pounds. The added components contribute significantly to the weight, meaning the stock bike’s rider weight limit of 300 pounds (road) and 220 pounds (off-road) needs to be adjusted accordingly.
The steering, typical of direct-steer tadpole recumbents, is highly responsive. Initially, there’s a tendency to over-correct, but relaxing and letting the bike “steer itself” quickly leads to smooth, straight-line riding even at 30 mph. The turning radius is adequate, though tight turns can be limited by the steering bars contacting your knees. Braking is powerful, with dual front disc brakes linked to a single lever capable of lifting the rear wheel. The regenerative braking provides an additional slowing option, especially useful on downhill stretches.
Visibility is another aspect to consider with low-riding recumbent trikes. You feel surprisingly low to the ground, almost invisible to cars. A tall flag and flashing lights are highly recommended for safety. Interestingly, despite the low profile, cars tend to notice you, perhaps due to the novelty factor. While taller recumbent trikes offer better visibility, the lower center of gravity of the Typhoon enhances handling, which is particularly beneficial with powerful electric assist. For riders prioritizing a more relaxed pace, other trike models might be more suitable for electric conversion.
Gearing and Comfort on the Electric Recumbent Trike
The stock Typhoon comes with a single front chainring and 8 gears, although Utah Trikes offers various gearing options. During my test ride, I found myself staying in the top gear, thanks to the motor’s ample power, even on slight inclines. Paul assured me that the electric recumbent bike effortlessly climbs steep hills, a claim I readily believe given its performance on gentler terrain.
Recumbent bikes, in general, excel in comfort compared to traditional bikes, and this trike is no exception. The reclined position is a true luxury, making even longer rides enjoyable. Paul himself rode a similar trike from Seattle to San Diego over 18 days, covering 100 miles daily, without the soreness experienced by his riding companion on a diamond frame bike. The trade-off is that you feel road imperfections more directly, as you cannot stand on the pedals to absorb shocks. This reinforces the value of the optional front suspension.
Conclusion: The Electric Recumbent Go-Kart of Your Dreams
In summary, the converted KMX Typhoon from High Performance Ebikes is a remarkably fast, surprisingly comfortable, and potentially long-range electric recumbent bike. If you’re drawn to the idea of a custom e-trike conversion but prefer to leave the technical work to experts, Paul MacDonald can build the electric go-kart of your dreams. After all, it’s never too late to recapture the joy of childhood, especially with a high-performance electric twist!
Pricing (Approximate):
- KMX Typhoon with larger wheels: $1300 (depending on options from Utah Trikes)
- Basic e-trike conversion (1500W motor, 15Ah battery, CycleAnalyst, etc.): $1500
- Upgraded 30Ah custom battery: +$400
- Front suspension and steering damper: +$1000 installed
- Zipper Fairing: +$600 installed
Contact:
For more information or to discuss a custom electric recumbent bike conversion, contact Paul via email at silvamac (the usual symbol) earthlink.net.
Both Utah Trikes and High Performance Ebikes offer extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor your trike to your exact preferences. Whether you desire a different motor, battery, gearing, tires, or components, it can be accommodated. KMX also offers various trike models as starting points for your custom build. And Paul is ready to electrify nearly any bicycle you can imagine. His portfolio includes some truly exotic projects, such as this 125 volt, 10,000 watt recumbent ebike, clocked at over 80 mph:
See the 80 mph electric recumbent bike in action in this YouTube video on a closed airport runway:
[YouTube Video Link – 80 mph Electric Recumbent Bike]
And check out the dual-motor ebike achieving 0-50 mph in under 6 seconds:
[YouTube Video Link – Dual Motor Ebike Acceleration]
If you decide to reach out to Paul, be sure to mention you heard about him on Electricbikereview.com!
