There are those of us with a bad knee or back issues, but still want to get off the ground!
Is the SP140 frame compatible with trikes currently on the market?
I’d rather see you folks offer one…
Thanks, Tom - Florida
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Yeah, we’re working on a trike setup, but you can use other trikes as well. The best thing to look for is a lighter trike around 60 lbs or less as that would help improve your flight time.
For the trike we’re working on, I wanted to do something cool that hasn’t been done before with trikes. I don’t want to make a run-of-the-mill, generic trike—I want to try something special, so it’s taking longer as a consequence.
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Should it be called the CyberTrike? 
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Finally, had a chance to test out the SP140 on my 15lb trike with a cage protector and bracing. I’ve been waiting for a day with low winds along the length of my LZ for long distance kiting. It performed flawlessly. I intentionally used an old 130cm prop just in case the cage flexed, but it was rigid and launched fine.
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Paul, any idea if your new trike will require an upgrade/changes to the current frame as mentioned above?
Thanks, Tom
PS Portability/breakdown of your new trike is key, I want to fit it all in my golf cart !!!
Please..please look into having a center mount motor for taxiing to a avoid turbulent air from hitting the wing with a smooth transition to props before take off. As you know, I have been dreaming of it for years but don’t have the knowledge/skills/enthu to implement! Also titanium/cf version would be nice!!
If you note on my trike photo above, I have the prop blast pointing upward about 10 degrees, it makes a big difference on how the wing rises plus you actually get moving forward before the wing starts to inflate then it quickly passes through the prop wash. I flew again tonight on the modified SP140 with a cage mounted prop protector and diagonal struts to the outer cage and it preforms very well with no launch issues whatsoever. It is important to start with all the As taut when launching to prevent line snapping and insure an even wing launch.
Yes a sturdy trike with a cage mounted prop protector. A trike like the FlyPod E-Bike from Flightjunkies.com or the Flyke from Fresh breeze Germany or also found on American Paragliding or Southern skies.biz. These are rated at $3’450 with only 45lbs (21Kg) of weight but don’t know if propeller cage is included. The Flight junkies E-Bike is rated at $4’200 but weight unknown. My humble opinion is that the wheels should be smaller and thicker to be used in various terrains, smaller so that there is no more than 7 inches from ground to have a low center of gravity. Might be electric or chain driven by feet pedals. Must be sturdy with a rollbar for propeller protection and rollover protection but not too heavy because heavier units need more battery power. Could also be constructed to carry the original cage with the larger battery but in that case needs at least a sturdy rollover protection because the OpenPPG cage is delicate. The rollover protection could also be a cage in half size. Please advise when such is planned or ready to buy to michelbollisamana@yahoo.com
No such units with motor power available on market, all trikes rely on thrust for launching so you are pursuing the impossible. Weight reduction is key but all the items on your wish list add weight, the reason my trike weighs only 15lbs is I chose minimums on everything.
Looking at various trikes I think the best I could find that works with the electric SP140 v2.5 is the Buggy Bullet 3.2. from California but it weights 68 lbs. I wonder if it needs a stiffening bar or a tensioned wire to prevent the cage bending. Looking for trikes I like the Fly Products but except the Foxy that has no protection, the trikes are very heavy and they don’t know if the Open PPG can fit they say the following: ”We have not personally mounted the Open PPG to any of the Fly Products line of trikes so unsure of if this would work. The biggest concern is the flexibility of the hoop and inflation of the glider being too rough on the hoop and flexing back into the props. The better option would be to find a fabricator or contact Neil Wight https://www.wightaero.com to see if he can make a custom bracket to mount your motor to the mini frame on the Vertigo Trike and use its complete trike build. They also worry as I wrote above about the cage bending. Anyone any idea?
Need to show some pictures of something to keep us interested.
Ya thats a good idea I’ll try and share some when I get stuff a bit more final.
I was not willing to wait for one to the invented here so I ended up with the trike buggy 3.2. I guess I can upgrade later if one comes along especially for the SP140. Just got it a few days ago but it does have an optional pair of bars that fill keep the clients away from the cage on inflation. Also has an optional foot steering. I really don’t like that I have to take off the harness and
the j bars to mount it but that shouldn’t take that long. Lots of pluses, low center of gravity, cage for protection, ball bearing wheels about the right size.
Yes the trike Buggy 3.2 is my option too if Paul is not coming out with a trike for the SP 140. I think the buggy is sturdy but a little heavy. Please write your experience with it and tell us if you make any changes or upgrade to the trike. Thanks
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Just curious for a time frame for pictures or an update, were you hoping for spring time?