Trike drive.

[Zene]

Hi ... odd question, but is there any difference between rear adult trike wheel right or left wheel drive?
All are right, but I have the keyway to do either. Not sure why right, must be a good reason. I tend to travel around town counterclockwise.
Left drive seems as if it would be better.
Thanks, Zene

[Jesper]

(08-10-2024, 09:01 PM)Zene Wrote:  Hi ... odd question, but is there any difference between rear adult trike wheel right or left wheel drive?
All are right, but I have the keyway to do either. Not sure why right, must be a good reason. I tend to travel around town counterclockwise.
Left drive seems as if it would be better.
Thanks, Zene

Is it a recumbent or upright trike? Travelling left or right would not really matter unless your were continually making turns on a tight course (i.e. a track). Some photos might be helpful, as well as the trike's brand and model.

[Zene]

Thanks, it is a standard adult trike. I will try both. Bet you are right.
Zene

[Mr joe]

If you tend to turn counterclockwise more often, putting the drive on the left could potentially be a tiny bit easier on tight turns.

[Jesper]

(08-11-2024, 07:36 PM)Zene Wrote:  Thanks, it is a standard adult trike. I will try both. Bet you are right.
Zene

Do not bet on me, I have been wrong many times!
I would like to see photos of the drive and its option placement design. As I said earlier knowing the make and model will help.

Technically, the drive system for a trike should have a differential fo allow for the different speeds each wheel has when turning. With both wheels spinning at the same speed you lose efficiency and traction, and cause more wear to the tire on the inside of the turn. The tighter the turn, the worse the effect. Not having ever owned a modern trike I have no idea how their drives are configured. I would use a slip differential design or outboard freewheel style hubs either of which I assume would solve the issue. Regardless, I would also want the weight distribution to be equal on each wheel and not biased to one side or the other.

[Zene]

Thanks for help.. Wish I had diff, but ...
Zene

[rydabent]

A delta granny trike will try to turn away from the drive wheel. Since most roads are crowned, the trike would naturally want to turn right. So drive the right rear wheel to counter this.

[Talha]

The drivetrain components, such as chains and gears, are optimized for right-side operation, making this the standard setup for most bikes and trikes. You can make the switch but you\re gonna have to get used to the handling, and components on the left.
One thing I have friends talk about a lot is riding habits and cycle infrastructure mostly designed for the right side.