HPV and EHPV trikes
HPV stands for Human Powered Vehicle (i.e. you pedal with your feet or your hands for power.) EHPV stands for Electric Human Powered Vehicle (i.e. the vehicle is electric-powered until the battery dies and then the trikes become human powered until you wear out or otherwise reach your destination). Both the HPVs and the EHPVs are available in either a delta or tadpole design. Below is a summary of the pros and cons of each style. In addition, you will find links to reviews of specific bike models, which fall into each category.
DELTA TRIKE PROS
* Delta trikes are easier to mount and dismount because the seat angle is 45 degrees or more, and the delta trike seat, itself, is higher off the ground. This often makes a HPV delta trike a better choice for those with disabilities, especially disabilities associated with balance or muscle and joint control.
* Delta trikes are unquestionably more maneuverable because the single front wheel steers the trike. Most delta trikes can make 180 degree turns in their own length, making the delta trike an especially good consideration in urban settings where tight maneuvering is the norm.
* Delta trikes take up less storage space since they generally can be stood upright on the delta trike's rear wheels.
* Human Powered Vehicle or HPV delta trikes can also be used either as a single delta trike or hooked together in tandem. A delta trike tandem is often referred to as three trikes in one since the two trikes can opperate independent of one another or the two can be hooked together in tandem.
DELTA TRIKE CONS
* Delta trikes tend to be less stable because the seat is higher off the ground and also due to the fact that the delta trike tends to lean forward and out of the turn during fast sharp cornering. This said, more expensive delta trikes place the rider between the rear wheels, as low to the ground as possible, and camber (or tilt) the rear wheels in to compensate for potential stability issues.
* Delta trikes are somewhat slower because of the rider's more upright position and due to the delta trike's higher seat position.
TADPOLE TRIKE PROS: * HPV Tadpole trikes are generally faster than hpv delta trikes because the rider sits much lower to the ground and in a more reclined position, usually 30 to no more than 40 degrees. Consequently, the aerodynamics of an HPV tadpole trike are better than those of its delta trike rival. TADPOLE TRIKE CONS: * Tadpole trikes are generally less maneuverable than delta trikes because the rider's position is closer to the two wheels that turn the trike, thereby limiting how far each wheel can physically turn. At least two trike lengths are generally required to turn a tadpole trike 180 degrees.
* Largely due to greater aerodynamic efficiency, tadpole trikes are somewhat more stable than delta trikes.
* Tadpole trikes argubably have less traction because only one wheel is powered and the majority of the rider's weight is distributed over the front wheels on a tadpole trike, making it much easier for the driven wheel to spin on loose or wet surfaces.