Arizona-based Local Motors developed the Verrado, an electric trike specially designed for the sport of trike drifting, in which adrenaline junkies get on their trikes and drift and spin their way along flat surfaces and dangerous downhill descents. Until the Verrado came about, drift trikers had to customize their trikes to optimize them for drifting.
The Verrado's rear wheels are fitted with special sleeves that create a loss of traction when a rider motors the trike sideways, allowing them to drift. The trike can be charged in around three hours, with each charge providing 45 minutes of trike driftage, which equates to about 12 miles of riding, depending on how much of the riding is spent drifting.
Local Motors is running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to refine the Verrado and make it market-ready.
Adrenaline Junkie Electric Trikes
The Verrado Trike is Built to Allow for Drifting and Sliding
Trend Themes
1. Electric Trike Drifting - The trend of electric trike drifting is emerging as adrenaline junkies seek new and thrilling experiences.
2. Customizable Drift Trikes - The trend of customizing trikes for drifting is driving demand for innovative solutions and ready-made options.
3. Crowdfunding for Transportation Innovations - The trend of using platforms like Kickstarter to raise funds for refining and bringing transportation innovations to market is gaining popularity.
Industry Implications
1. Electric Vehicles - The electric vehicle industry could benefit from developing specialized electric trikes for the emerging sport of trike drifting.
2. Sports and Recreation - The sports and recreation industry can tap into the growing interest in trike drifting by offering accessories, safety gear, and organized events.
3. Crowdfunding Platforms - The crowdfunding platform industry has an opportunity to cater to the rising demand for innovative transportation projects like the Verrado electric trike.