Utility Cycling - Two Cargo Trikes

The HPM Tri Hauler:
http://catoregon.qwestoffice.net/images/hpmtrihaulerbig.jpg

The Lightfoot Transporter:
http://www.lightfootcycles.com/trred250.jpg

I may be needing a cargo trike, and my research indicates that either of these would do. I've heard good things about both companies. Has anyone any experience with either machine?

The HPM Tri Hauler:
http://catoregon.qwestoffice.net/images/hpmtrihaulerbig.jpg

The Lightfoot Transporter:
http://www.lightfootcycles.com/trred250.jpg

I may be needing a cargo trike, and my research indicates that either of these would do. I've heard good things about both companies. Has anyone any experience with either machine?

Nope, I have a Schwinn Town & Country which is only 10% the cost and a more traditional design. With that being said, if I had the money I would go for the lightfoot as I rather have my hands in front of me than under me/to the side.

... I rather have my hands in front of me than under me/to the side.
Actually, having your arms on the side is really comfortable and is a very natural position. If you ever try it, you'll probably like it.

Actually, having your arms on the side is really comfortable and is a very natural position. If you ever try it, you'll probably like it.

Maybe, but something about the lightfoot just agrees with my sense of asthetics. :love::D

Maybe, but something about the lightfoot just agrees with my sense of asthetics. :love::D

The Tri-Hauler does have the option of over-seat steering, although underseat is the default.

I've ridden one like the Tri-Hauler and it is a wierd feeling at first. Not the under seat steering, which is quite natural on a trike, but the way it turns under you took some getting used to. It was fine after that. I would guess the Tri is maybe able to make tighter turns because of it. If that is important, you may want to call both places and ask about turning radius.

Crackerdog, that's a good point.

... but the way it turns under you took some getting used to. It was fine after that. I would guess the Tri is maybe able to make tighter turns because of it. If that is important, you may want to call both places and ask about turning radius.
It's a lean-n-steer, right? They are great for turning, and when you get in a rhythm, you can go hands free. :D

Trikes (even those that steer by leaning) are the worst on road camber, which is what you often ride on if you're in the bike lane. These haulers (and pedicabs with similar designs) also take up the width of the bike lane. Fun as heck to ride though.

I've ridden one like the Tri-Hauler and it is a wierd feeling at first. Not the under seat steering, which is quite natural on a trike, but the way it turns under you took some getting used to. It was fine after that. I would guess the Tri is maybe able to make tighter turns because of it. If that is important, you may want to call both places and ask about turning radius.

I got this message from Lightfoot:


The turning radius of our trikes is very tight. You can see our Greenway model turning on the old YouTube video of Lightfoot models. It turns so tight to the right that the right wheel actually goes backward. Turning to the left the Greenway’s left wheel (the drive wheel) describes a small, perhaps 30-40” circle. The Transporter is not as tight turning, instead of actually spinning on the right rear wheel, it will describe a small circle, and to the left perhaps a 4-5 foot circle; I don’t have one here today to test.

Not heard from HPM yet.

I own a Worksman PAV that I set up with a trunk that I modified from a Rubber Made "Action Packer"
container. Since Worksman only business is Industrial cycles the PAV is based on their strongest
trike, "the Mover" trike.

Anyone can order the PAV built their way (within limits) to own a bullet proof trike that while not
fast will not break under load. Add your own trunk (to save money) and away you go.

http://www.worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/pav3.html

I own a Worksman PAV that I set up with a trunk that I modified from a Rubber Made "Action Packer"
container. Since Worksman only business is Industrial cycles the PAV is based on their strongest
trike, "the Mover" trike.

Anyone can order the PAV built their way (within limits) to own a bullet proof trike that while not
fast will not break under load. Add your own trunk (to save money) and away you go.

http://www.worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/pav3.html

The Worksman PAV is certainly a worthy machine; I considered it. But as it is limited to three gears it would not be suitable for the sorts of hills one encounters here in WV.

The Worksman PAV is certainly a worthy machine; I considered it. But as it is limited to three gears it would not be suitable for the sorts of hills one encounters here in WV.

That and it's carrying capacity isn't that great.

That and it's carrying capacity isn't that great.

The listed carrying capacity is 550 lbs but I've seen the mover trike it's built on move 1500 lbs
in the factory where I retired from so I'd say 550 is very conservative.

The Tri-Hauler's turning radius is a little smaller than the Lightfoot machine.

Question:

I once had a schwinn trike as a teen age for a grocery delivery business. Only one wheel was driven and when turning if you went teen age boy fast (not really that fast) the inside wheel would would pop up and you were suddenly a bicycle.

Do these trikes have any issues in this area?

Question:

I once had a schwinn trike as a teen age for a grocery delivery business. Only one wheel was driven and when turning if you went teen age boy fast (not really that fast) the inside wheel would would pop up and you were suddenly a bicycle.

Do these trikes have any issues in this area?

The Lightfoot might, but the TriHauler, as you see, has the drive wheel in the front, so I'd imagine that it wouldn't.

The Worksman PAV is certainly a worthy machine; I considered it. But as it is limited to three gears it would not be suitable for the sorts of hills one encounters here in WV.

For hills the Worksman PAV can be bought with a 3 sp AND a front electric motor. Will that help?

Question:

I once had a schwinn trike as a teen age for a grocery delivery business. Only one wheel was driven and when turning if you went teen age boy fast (not really that fast) the inside wheel would would pop up and you were suddenly a bicycle.

Do these trikes have any issues in this area?

Riding a trike is a little different from a bike. If you try to ride it like a bike and lean into a turn at speed you will hike up a wheel and possibly turn over. On a trike you have to lean away from the turn so your weight remains centered.

I own a Worksman PAV that I set up with a trunk that I modified from a Rubber Made "Action Packer"
container. Since Worksman only business is Industrial cycles the PAV is based on their strongest
trike, "the Mover" trike.

Anyone can order the PAV built their way (within limits) to own a bullet proof trike that while not
fast will not break under load. Add your own trunk (to save money) and away you go.

http://www.worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/pav3.html

Are those 26 inch wheels on that... Looks nice...

Are those 26 inch wheels on that... Looks nice...

No, sorry. The Worksman PAV has 24" rear & 20" front. The new PAV "low rider" has 20" al'round.

ALL Worksman built bike use small motorcycle rims and 11 ga. spokes for heavy duty use. If you
bend a Worksman wheel you've really done something. :eek: