Electric Trike Axle Help

[MrGentry]

My class is going to build an electric trike next semester. We will be using a 48 volt 1000 watt motor (my1020) and controller from probably MonsterScooterParts.com.

My question: From what I understand, on a trike, one wheel needs to spin freely to aid in turning. I want to run 1 brake on the axle. How can I make the axle "live" but when turning, have 1 wheel spin freely? Or, is this even necessary?

 

[itsid]

Well you can't.

it's either a free wheel or a live axle, you cannot have both at the same time.

What you can do is get a cheap(ish) diff
Northerntool has one for about $100 iirc
add both the brake disc and the sprocket directly to the differential (not the axle!)
And there you go, different wheel rpm in turns and both wheels driven.

Or chosse either one wheel drive or live axle.

'sid

 

[MrGentry]

Can you post a link to the diff in NorthernTool? Also, would having a free wheel with a single brake be effective at stopping?

I had also thought of using a free wheel coaster like on a bicycle that would engage one wheel when the axle turns, but is free when the throttle is off.

 

[landuse]

Can you post a link to the diff in NorthernTool?

HERE we go

 

[itsid]

the diff ($120, think it was cheaper last time I looked)
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_35768_35768

yes a single wheel is as effective in stopping as it is in accelerating the trike (mainly because it's the same thing )

free wheel coasters make no sense on the passive wheel (I think that's what you're referring to)
because the wheel has to turn slower turning in one direction and faster in the opposite direction than the driven wheel,
thus you would have differnet behaviours when turning, which is worse than a live axle

'sid

 

[rocketkart]

here you go. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_35768_35768

 

[MrGentry]

Ok, so if I do a 1 wheel set up with a free spinning wheel, that would solve the turning issues as well as allow for effective stopping? Anyone have an idea of the proper width for the rear of a trike?

 

[ChrisT]

My trike runs an axle with a free spinning wheel one side and a disc brake on it, turns just fine - didn't on anything but really loose surfaces with both wheels fixed, stops ok too, did worry it would lock the wheel up and cause a spin but it's not happened yet.
Only 'problem' is the driven wheel pulls it over to one side when accelerating hard, a bit of counter steer or less power sorts it though.
I am planning on using a diff in the future to try and get both wheels driven......

 

[machinist@large]

One wheel drive/ one wheel brake? You could always turn it end for end; a reverse trike only needs one wheel in the back, which would be an easy fix for your questions. Usually a more stable design for handling than a traditional trike, but not as stable as a four wheeled vehicle...

 

[MrGentry]

I have thought about the reverse trike option, but I think we want to go with a more traditional "chopper" style trike.