Recumbent - using Wheelchair frame to create a folding delta trike, Help

I had a thought about creating a folding front end delta trike for my son who is unwilling to ride a bicycle. I want to connect two 20" triple tree forks to the caster mounts of a folding wheelchair frame. I'm curious if anyone else has tried or seen anything like this. My concept would use a regular bike frame(s) with remote steering with either 2 arms from the handlebar or 1 arm and a link that connects the forks. The folding frame means the whole thing could be stored in my apartment. I'm open to using two standard donor frames and putting the bottom bracket out front.
Thanks for your input

I'm not real clear how you would connect a front end on a folding wheelchair without losing the 'folding' - can you weld? More importantly, how old is your son, and why is he refusing to ride a 2-wheeler? I'm not usually in favor of training wheels, but this seems more prudent to me than the difficult task you're proposing.

So.... you're trying to work out the design for a 4-wheeled handcycle?

:)ensen.

The wheelchair frame would connect along the centerline of the primary frame and wouldn't impede the folding. The wheelchair frame would have a Q/R brace to keep it stable and also connect with a steering linkage (ball end rods or some such). My son is too frightened to ride a 2 wheeler and has been riding an adult size trike with the seat dropped down.

Well, ok.. so do you still plan to propel it with hands? If not, driving the wheelchair wheels via pedals and chain won't be a cake walk because they reside on individual axles (to permit folding). FWD is doable I suppose, but again, it would involve above average fabrication. I did spend a few minutes researching, so, do any of these creations resemble what you're after?...

http://electricle.blogspot.com/2009/05/wheelchair-based-trike.html
http://www.davincimobility.co.uk/index.php?page=handcycles_and_trikes
http://www.altonmobilityservices.co.uk/service.html

Is there a problem with commercially available delta trikes?

This page has a lot of designs.

http://mnhpva.org/Mini_Bents/Mini.html

http://mnhpva.org/Mini_Bents/sandhu.jpg

You might also want to ask in the frame builders forum.

I seem to have said Delta when I meant Tadpole DUH!! Yes, there are many nice designs out there but I can't afford them & the folding issue has real appeal to an apartment dweller. Plus If I make it I can rebuild as he gets bigger. The wheelchair frame will support the front forks w the non-driving wheels. I plan to connect the caster mounts to a removable brace during riding and design the steering linkage to separate or fold after the brace comes off.

If the bottom line KMX or Terratrike is too much money, you should consider used. But if you're going to just build one, you're better off borrowing a plan from Atomic Zombie or Fleet Trikes.

:)ensen.

If the bottom line KMX or Terratrike is too much money, you should consider used. But if you're going to just build one, you're better off borrowing a plan from Atomic Zombie or Fleet Trikes.

:)ensen.

+1 on that. If you follow the link with the pic I posted there are links to other small trikes. Some, like the one I posted, also have plans on how to build them.

I think that they had a good concept for creating a folding delta trike because the kids was so comfortable into the settings. And the connection of all parts had join together for the a good using of a wheelchair frame. It is good to have a remarkable settings for the trike.

So.... you're trying to work out the design for a 4-wheeled handcycle?

:)ensen.
That is exactly what I did in 1976. Those Everest&Jennings wheelchairs (not around now) had very strong supports and pins for footrests. I did not need footrests; so I raised the front of the wheelchair 3 inches and clipped on a hand crank with a 20" wheel to the 4 footrest pins. I suppose that handcycle would be considered a 5 wheeler, but only 3 wheels (the two back 24" wheels and the 20" front wheel) were on the ground. Later; unclip the wheel, crank, chain and derailleur, lower the wheelchair and roll away!