The Chameleon is a leaning three-wheeled human powered vehicle that is intended to provide an *ecologically sound vehicle to replace short car trips*. This trike is designed especially for the urban environment. Local errands, such as grocery shopping and the post office, can be easily accomplished with this clean, highly efficient human powered vehicle [HPV].

The first metal prototype was completed in April 1996 at the Pratt Institute campus in New York City. Bill Stites co-taught an HPV design course for graduate students in the department of Industrial Design.

A US Patent was filed in August of 1996. Primary novel features are the combination of a steerable front wheel relative to the front sub-frame; with the handlebars mounted in the non-leaning rear sub-frame. The independent leaning and steering of the Chameleon Trike renders its ride to be very similar to a bike at speed.

US Patent # 6,062,581 was granted in 2000.

Production licenses are available and negotiable

City Trike

The Chameleon ECO was conceived as a City Trike from the beginning.  Urban environments require good visibility, and agility for navigating through traffic.  The high seat provides outstanding visibility ... while the narrow, articulated frame allows leaning for smooth bicycle-like cruising.

Lightweight

Exercise

High Seat for Safety

This trike sports the highest seat available on a trike, providing all-important visibility.  The seat height was pushed way up in response to larger urban vehicles, primarily SUV's.  You must be seen to be accommodated on a multi-use street; and you must be able to see over and around many vehicles in a rush hour setting. The leaning and tilting dynamics make such a high seat stable and safe.
The Chameleon ECO demostrates unprecedented visiblity - for both the rider and motorists.

Narrow for Traffic Penetration

The new Chameleon ECO is also one of the narrowest trikes available, with a wheel track of just 55cm [21.5"].

It was designed to be as narrow as the widest element of a typical bicycle [handlebar], and thus go anywhere a bike can go.  This allows the rider to penetrate traffic jams with ease and safety.

Narrow for Indoors Access

The Chameleon ECO is also narrow enough to go through standard doorways and into small elevators for apartment dwellers. The Chameleon ECO easily navigates tight spaces associated with urban living.  Overall, the narrow track and short wheelbase create a very small footprint.

Compact

The Chameleon ECO is designed to supplement urban transportation and provide an appropriately scaled vehicle. Smaller size means less congestion on city streets; and getting through car traffic.

As well as easy storage and maneuverability indoors.

Maneuverable by Hand

The Chameleon can be easily manuevered on its two rear wheels.  By placing a foot on the rear axle bar and pulling on the top of the seat, one simply "pops" the trike up onto its rear wheels. It remains light and effortless to handle because it is balanced at such an orientation.

Articulated Frame

There are two [2] sub-frames, front [orange] and rear [black].

These sub-frames are articulated to move with one degree of freedom: rotation about a longitudinal, horizontal axis only.

The articulation allows controlled leaning by the rider. Since the steering is fully independent of leaning, bicycle-like riding is achieved at speed.

Right Front Views

of Handlebar mounting

Handlebar articulation sports acetal delrin bushings top and bottom, rotating on Stainless Steel tube. These pivots are adjustable for friction, allowing steering dampening if desired.

Close-up view of right fork blade

Shimano Nexus-7 internal hub provides a clean maintenance-free drive train. Being able to shift gears quickly, and at a stop, is very beneficial in city riding.

Nexus-8 will be used upon availability.