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AJPROTECH's Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle commands the foreground of this compositional study with assertive three-dimensionality, its brilliantly saturated lime green bodywork establishing i
A brilliant electric lime-green bodywork dominates the composition, its chromatic intensity approaching maximum saturation in what appears to be a high-gloss automotive-grade finish reminiscent of can
A vibrant purple recumbent electric tricycle dominates the foreground, its aerodynamic bodywork executed in a striking saturated violet hue that reads as a bold chromatic statement against the neutral
AJPROTECH's Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle occupies an expansive outdoor plaza rendered in smooth concrete tones of warm gray and subtle taupe, establishing an immediate dialogue between innov
AJPROTECH's Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle presents a striking three-wheeled mobility design captured in golden hour illumination against a waterfront promenade environment, where the vehicle'

Bronze Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design · 2025

Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle

by Alex Gudilko

  • A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design
  • Awarded April 15, 2025
  • CLIENT: Terraglide
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 48,734
  • 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.

AJPROTECH's Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle emerges within the lineage of transformative personal mobility design, positioning itself at the intersection of sustainable transportation innovation, recreational vehicle engineering, and contemporary industrial aesthetics that celebrate both technological capability and environmental consciousness, this work inviting consideration within the broader cultural movement toward electrified mobility solutions that reimagine the relationship between users and their conveyance methods through ergonomic innovation and performance-oriented form language. The compositional achievement evident in this vehicle design demonstrates sophisticated understanding of visual communication through three-dimensional form, with the aerodynamic bodywork articulating a coherent formal vocabulary that balances streamlined efficiency with sculptural expressiveness, the brilliant lime green colorway functioning as both attention-commanding brand differentiation and symbolic alignment with ecological values traditionally associated with green technology and sustainable practice, this chromatic choice achieving maximum visibility within diverse environmental contexts while projecting energetic optimism and forward-thinking innovation, the vehicle's recumbent seating architecture representing a deliberate departure from conventional tricycle typologies, offering ergonomic advantages that distribute rider weight along a more anatomically supportive horizontal axis rather than the vertical compression of traditional upright positions, thereby suggesting enhanced comfort for extended recreational use or practical transportation applications. The technical execution reveals careful attention to material integration and surface articulation, with the molded bodywork incorporating functional ventilation apertures, structural reinforcement patterns, and layered panel relationships that enhance both visual interest and performance characteristics, the wheel configuration employing a delta arrangement with single front wheel steering and dual rear wheels providing stability without sacrificing maneuverability, the aggressive tire tread pattern suggesting multi-terrain capability that extends utility beyond paved surfaces into packed sand, light trail conditions, and varied recreational environments, the striking tribal-pattern sidewall graphics on the rear wheels introducing dynamic visual rhythm and cultural resonance while demonstrating attention to detail refinement that elevates the design beyond purely functional engineering toward holistic aesthetic consideration. The work participates in broader conversations surrounding urban mobility transformation, recreational equipment innovation, and the democratization of electric-assist technology that makes cycling accessible to wider populations including those for whom traditional bicycle configurations present physical challenges, the recumbent format potentially offering solutions for users with back concerns, balance considerations, or simple preference for alternative riding postures, the integration of electric propulsion extending range and flattening topographical barriers that might otherwise limit human-powered mobility, thereby expanding the geographic and demographic reach of active transportation, the vehicle's approachable scale and recreational aesthetic suggesting applications spanning beach communities, resort environments, urban greenways, recreational paths, and mixed-use developments where sustainable short-distance transportation aligns with environmental values and quality-of-life priorities. The background environmental context of coastal recreational infrastructure suggests intended use scenarios that blend transportation utility with leisure experience, the vehicle appearing equally suited to practical errands, social riding, fitness activity, or exploratory adventure, this functional versatility encoded in formal decisions that avoid overly aggressive performance styling in favor of balanced approachability, the transparent or open-frame sections revealing mechanical systems rather than concealing them entirely, thereby communicating technological sophistication while maintaining visual accessibility and suggesting serviceability, the overall design philosophy appearing to embrace visibility, celebration of innovation, and invitation to engagement rather than exclusive performance optimization, creating a mobility solution that welcomes diverse users into sustainable transportation practice through appealing aesthetics and ergonomic consideration. One might observe how this vehicle embodies tensions and syntheses characteristic of contemporary design practice, simultaneously embracing technological advancement and human-centered accessibility, environmental responsibility and recreational pleasure, engineering performance and aesthetic expression, individual mobility and social visibility, inviting viewers to contemplate how design choices in transportation artifacts communicate cultural values, shape user experience, and participate in broader narratives about sustainable futures, active lifestyles, and the evolving relationship between mobility, technology, and environmental stewardship.

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.
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.
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.
Image Credits
Alex Gudilko
Mike Doty

Colors of Terraglide Recumbent Electric Tricycle

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