# Axlow Recumbent Trike V1 - Concept Brief

Date: 2026-06-08

## 1. Purpose

Axlow V1 is a concept for a locally manufacturable recumbent trike designed around comfort, stability, practical fabrication, and future electric-assist upgrades.

The goal of the first prototype is to validate rider posture, steering feel, braking, chain routing, manufacturability, and market interest before adding advanced features such as folding, belt drive, suspension, or custom internal gearing.

## 2. Product Direction

Working product description:

"Axlow is a low, comfortable three-wheel recumbent cycle platform designed for relaxed riding, controlled-area mobility, recreation, and future electric-assist variants."

Primary target users:

- Recreational riders who want comfort instead of a conventional bicycle posture
- Riders who want lower wrist, neck, and saddle strain
- Resorts, campuses, gated communities, and large private spaces
- Fitness and touring users looking for a relaxed riding position
- Early adopters interested in distinctive mobility products

## 3. Recommended V1 Architecture

- Tadpole recumbent trike: two front wheels, one rear wheel
- Rear wheel drive
- Front wheel steering
- Side steering handles
- Front crank boom
- Long chain drive with idlers and chain guards
- Adjustable boom or adjustable seat mount for different rider heights
- Tubular mild steel chassis for Prototype 0
- Bought-out bicycle drivetrain and brake components for Prototype 0

Why tadpole layout:

- Strong fit for the recumbent trike category
- Better braking potential with dual front brakes
- Planted cornering feel at controlled speeds
- Simple rear wheel chain drive without a rear axle differential
- Clear path to comfort, touring, sport, and electric-assist variants

## 4. Key Performance Targets

These are first-pass targets for review, not final engineering specifications.

| Parameter | Suggested Target |
| --- | --- |
| Rider weight | Up to 100-120 kg |
| Intended use | Recreation, comfort riding, campus/resort/gated community mobility |
| Wheel layout | Two front, one rear |
| Front wheels | 20 inch |
| Rear wheel | 20 inch or 26 inch, to be reviewed |
| Drivetrain | Chain drive, 7/8/9-speed or 3x7 bought-out system |
| Future drivetrain | Internal gear hub or belt/gearbox variant |
| Seat height | 300-450 mm from ground, to be reviewed |
| Seat angle | Adjustable target around 40-50 degrees |
| Track width | 750-850 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1100-1300 mm |
| Ground clearance | 120-160 mm |
| Turning circle | Target under 5 m if practical |
| Frame material | Mild steel tube for prototype |
| Prototype weight target | 28-38 kg depending on material and parts |
| Brakes | Dual front mechanical disc brakes preferred |

## 5. Product Features To Explore

- Reclined comfort seat with breathable mesh or removable padding
- Adjustable front boom for rider fit
- Side steering with predictable low-speed handling
- Dual front disc brakes
- Chain guards and chain tubes for rider safety
- Visibility flag, reflectors, and light mounts
- Future electric-assist rear hub or mid-drive option
- Future internal gear hub or compact gearbox option
- Future touring rack or small luggage mount

## 6. Prototype 0 Recommendation

Build a simple rideable geometry mule:

- Mild steel tubular frame
- 20/20/26 or 20/20/20 wheel configuration
- Adjustable boom
- Basic mesh/padded seat
- Side steering
- Dual front disc brakes
- Bought-out 1x8, 1x9, or 3x7 drivetrain
- Chain idler and chain guard/tube system
- Mechanical steering stops
- Reflector/flag mount

Do not include in Prototype 0:

- Folding mechanism
- Custom internal gear hub
- Belt drive
- Electric assist
- Suspension
- Complex body panels

## 7. Review Decisions Needed

- 20/20/26 vs 20/20/20 wheels
- Seat height and angle
- Side steering linkage direction
- Front track width
- Wheelbase
- Boom adjustment range
- 1x8 vs 3x7 drivetrain
- Mechanical disc brake selection
- Mild steel tube sizes
- Steering knuckle manufacturing method
- Prototype 0 budget and timeline