Bronze Vehicle · 2025
Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle
by Alex Gudilko
- Bronze A' Design Award 2025 in Vehicle
- CLIENT: Terraglide
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 49,173
- Verification code D57C9E8937 · Verify this award
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About Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle
Terraglide is an innovative Electric Recumbent Tricycle designed for a smooth and effortless ride. With steer-by-wire technology, it offers precise and intuitive control. The integrated pedal generator allows users to engage in exercise while contributing energy to the system, enhancing both sustainability and efficiency. Its fully electric design ensures a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience, making Terraglide a new standard in outdoor mobility and recreation.
About the Bronze A' Design Award
Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Terraglide redefines mobility with its steer-by-wire joystick control, offering precision, stability, and ease. Featuring a pedal-assist generator system for all riders, fully electric propulsion with zero emissions, and a comfortable recumbent seat. It includes storage compartments and adaptive pedaling for customizable exercise. With a powerful 900 Wh battery, it delivers up to 100 miles (160 km) of range, ensuring a smooth, eco-friendly ride across various terrains.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 1076*2330*1170 mm
- Tags
- Tricycle, Electric Vehicle, Recumbent Electric Trike
- Production Technology
- We utilized steer-by-wire technology for precise joystick control, enhancing maneuverability and accessibility. The frame is crafted from lightweight, high-strength aluminum, ensuring durability while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. Prototyping involved 3D modeling, CNC machining, and real-world performance testing to refine stability and ride dynamics.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge in designing Terraglide was reimagining the biking experience to ensure accessibility for all body types while integrating multiple riding modes. Unlike traditional bikes, Terraglide allows users to exercise and generate power by pedaling or simply enjoy a smooth, joystick-controlled ride using battery power. Balancing these functionalities required extensive ergonomic research, adaptive design iterations, and seamless energy integration to maximize comfort and efficiency.
- Research
- A mixed-method study on next-gen personal mobility evaluated ergonomics, mechanics, and functionality using human-machine interaction principles. It developed an adaptive, joystick-controlled electric trike addressing balance issues and enabling dual-mode riding. Iterative prototyping, CFD, FEA, and biomechanics refined design. Testing confirmed improved maneuverability, hybrid energy efficiency, and ergonomic adaptability, positioning Terraglide as a disruptive innovation in personal mobility.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by advancements in joystick-controlled technology seen in aerospace and automotive industries, we sought to create a mobility device that offers effortless control and adaptability for diverse environments. Whether navigating crowded city streets or exploring open landscapes, Terraglide provides a seamless and exhilarating ride.
Unlike traditional trikes that rely on mechanical steering, our electronic control system ensures fluid, responsive movements with minimal effort. - Project Duration
- The project started in February 2023 in Los Angeles and finished in March 2025 in Los Angeles, and was exhibited in Abundance 360 summit in 2024 (Vesion 1) and in 2025 (Version 2)
- Operation Flow
- Riders control Terraglide with intuitive joysticks for easy, enjoyable steering. Its pedal system allows users to adjust resistance for a customizable workout while also recharging the battery. The ergonomic design ensures comfort on long rides, while advanced suspension delivers a smooth experience on various terrains. Combining human power with electric assist, Terraglide offers a sustainable, efficient ride that promotes fitness and eco-conscious transportation.
- Image Credits
- Alex Gudilko
Mike Doty
