# Transformer-Inspired Tricycles The Purdue University Bicycle Saves Parents Money By Kyla Gutsche | Published 2005-12-19 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-tricycle-styling-bicycle-from-perdue-university References: [designapkin](http://www.designapkin.com/portfolio/index.shtml) Industrial designers at Purdue University have fulfilled every kid's dream--they've created a tricycle that can shift into a bicycle, making them an instant 'big kid'. > "The Shift bicycle features a swinging rear hub, which allows the rear wheels to pitch in and out. The hub allows for the rear wheels to provide a larger or smaller stance depending on the amount to weight on the rear wheels. An internal belt keeps the drive train away from the children for safety." - designapkin.com ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Transforming Tricycles:** The design of tricycles that can shift into bicycles presents an opportunity for innovative products that cater to both young children and their growing needs. - **Swinging Rear Hubs:** The development of swinging rear hubs opens up possibilities for adjustable stances and improved stability in various modes of transportation. - **Internal Belt Drive Systems:** The incorporation of internal belt drive systems in bicycles and tricycles provides a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional chain-driven mechanisms. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** The transforming tricycles trend creates a disruptive innovation opportunity in the toy manufacturing industry, allowing companies to offer multifunctional and adaptable products that captivate children's imagination. - **Bicycle Manufacturing:** The adoption of swinging rear hubs and internal belt drive systems can revolutionize the bicycle manufacturing industry, providing enhanced versatility and safety features for both children and adult riders. - **Urban Mobility Solutions:** The concept of transforming tricycles, swinging rear hubs, and internal belt drive systems can be applied to urban mobility solutions, offering compact and efficient transportation options for city dwellers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Child-Toting Electric Trikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ouca-bikes.md) - [Family-Friendly Cargo E-Trikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-etrike.md) - [STEM-Inspired Balance Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-bike1.md) - [Transforming Electric Unicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/titaa.md) - [Opulent Automotive Brand Tricycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bentley-mulliner-sixinone.md) - [Shapeshifting Trunk-Friendly Electric Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pxid-a1.md) - [Expandable Electric Cargo Trikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-folding-cargo-bike.md) - [Transforming Electric Motorcycle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triso-electric-motorcycle.md) - [Convertible Electric Bike Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gravity-electric-bicycle.md)