Specification

The Designer

Steering

Electrow-steer 2^TM - The new improved version of the Streetrower's advanced steer-by-wire steering system is now available as standard on 2008 models. The control end is a pressure sensitive 'joyrocker' (a rocker switch style joystick) operated by your thumb. The clever micro-controller based electronics move the steering actuator to match the position of the joyrocker and will return to centre when you take your thumb off. Electrowsteer 2 also incorporates multi-speed steering operation so that when you steer agressively or from full-lock to full-lock the actuator takes power from two 12V batteries rather than one. This ensures the Streetrower can easily negotiate tight turns and manoeuvres.

Removing the need for a mechanical steeering link from the handle enables you to match the horizontal path that your oar handles would follow in a boat. The handle on which the brake lever is mounted, and which is attached directly to the left king post, doubles as a mechanical steering control. In an emergency the electric steering system can be disengaged and manual control achieved immediately.

The layout of the Streetrower is designed for performance handling. The single rear wheel delivers the power and the two front wheels steer the Streetrower wherever you point it. Having two wheels at the front counters any tendency to roll when cornering, and the short wheelbase gives a turning circle tight enough to negotiate traffic junctions and complete a u-turn in a single carriageway road. The Streetrower incorporates 'Ackerman' and 'centre-point steering' as used in motorcars and performance tricycles to eliminate 'tyre scrub' and ensures the steering is sufficiently light.

The result of testing and fine tuning is a vehicle that handles like a sports car - fun, responsive and a thrill to ride. See how effective the steering is (after a little practise) in the video clips.