Media Service News 2015:
Recumbent trikeScorpion plus 20
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Download Press Release as PDF: New Scorpion plus 20 (2014/08/05)
New for 2015: Stylish Trike for Power Rehabilitation
******** Summary ***********
Friedrichshafen. Vehicles from HP Velotechnik offer a key
advantage over conventional bikes: the trikes are 100 percent stable.
This is a decisive factor for many people who still want to lead an
active lifestyle despite mobility problems. The recumbent manufacturer
claims that the trikes are "the perfect partner" in this regard.
Furthermore, the new "Scorpion plus 20" model shows that ergonomically
optimized technology can not only work fantastically but also look
great. From 26 - 31 August, Eurobike visitors can see the benefits for
themselves in the west foyer (FW 300).
The key to the new innovation was the harmonious symbiosis of comfort,
functionality and design. Never before has it been so easy to mount a
trike in the typical HP Velotechnik design with two front wheels. This
has been achieved by completely re-designing the frame and making it far
higher and wider than on previous models. However, the "Generation Plus"
is certainly not forgetting its roots. It remains true to the core range
of multi-award-winning sporty Scorpion models with features such as the
full-suspension, foldable chassis. The benefit of the 20-inch rear
wheel: the trike remains compact and offers plenty of space for
transportation. With the lowrider installed, four bags (up to 50 kg
luggage) fit on the wide platform luggage carrier.
With the greatly expanded "Comfort and Ability" options segment, the
modular system promises highly functional accessories for 2015.
Ergonomically designed foot- and hand- rests make it possible to make
versatile adjustments in line with special needs. The new hook and loop
spring fastener featuring a highly functional snap mechanism, is a real
eye-catcher. Users are also awaited by other brilliant innovations such
as the walking aid bracket with one-handed operation.
HP Velotechnik is also presenting a real masterstroke in the field of
electric motors: a reverse gear for the electric bike. At the push of a
button, the vehicle can roll slowly backwards. This is where the
structural stability of the trikes truly comes to the fore, making
turning maneuvers a real breeze. However, the most astonishing thing
about the larger Scorpion is that the frames new geometry now also
enables far smaller riders with heights from just 1.49 meters to easily
climb onto the elegant vehicles and start pedaling.
The "Scorpion plus 20" comfort trike will be available from specialist
dealers from January 2015 in Sahara silver or Magma red. Price: from
3,990 Euros in the basic model or from 6,480 Euros with motor. For
further information, please visit www.hpvelotechnik.com or phone 0 61
92-97 99 20.
******** Long Version ********
Friedrichshafen. Despite often being regarded as mutually
exclusive, the German bike manufacturer HP Velotechnik displays how
ergonomics and design can be successfully combined with its new Scorpion
plus 20 model. The trike, together with an brand new accessories line,
was specially designed for people with special needs. As a result,
age-induced mobility problems, physical handicaps or rehabilitation
following an injury no longer prevent you from getting out on a bike.
From 26 - 31 August, Eurobike visitors can head to the west foyer (FW
300) for a first-hand insight into the many ways in which the new
collection can be combined and optimized to meet the broadest range of
requirements.
The core item in the specialized product segment is a brand newly
designed frame for the Scorpion plus series. This is about ten
centimeters higher and wider than that of previous models. The result:
Never before has it been so easy to mount a trike in the typical HP
Velotechnik design with two front wheels. The comfortable mesh seat at a
height of up to 57 centimeters gives the impression of a comfortable
deckchair on wheels. According to Managing Director Daniel Pulvermüller,
this is a pleasant and desired side-effect of operation comfort: "Unlike
our companys sporty recumbents, the seats on the Scorpion plus are so
high that riders can not only get on easily but also have a clear view
in traffic."
According to Pulvermüller, however, the real design plus only becomes
clear on taking a closer look: Unlike on sporty members of the Scorpion
family such as the Enduro or the S-Pedelec, the seat edge on the
generation plus model appears to move forward to the frame
cross-members. We say "appears" as actually, in relation to the design
as a whole, the seat is positioned further back. This was necessary to
optimize the center of gravity and enable the high vehicle to achieve
its impressive tipping stability.
To still enable users to mount the trike easily, the developers have
made major changes to the geometry of the front wheel axles. The two
support elements on the main frame now strain powerfully forward and act
like open arms, inviting users to take a seat with a single movement.
The wishbone and stabilizer system were also radically overhauled for
the comfort model: In line with the contours of the frame cross-member,
they are swept forward to create more space between the wheel and the
frame, enabling users to mount the trike easily. An extra bonus from
"operation comfort": The permissible maximum load has increased from 140
to 150 kg.
Yet the most astounding thing about the larger Scorpion plus is that the
new geometric design now also enables far smaller riders with heights
from just 1.49 meters to easily enter the stylish trikes and start
pedaling.
New model as a versatile platform
But despite all these changes, the vehicles have in no way lost their
classic Scorpion genes. The trike is a full-suspension model that uses
the same tried-and-tested McPherson chassis as the rest of the "Scorpion
fs" range. Thanks to HP Velotechniks patented quick-folding hinge, the
trike can be quickly and easily folded to just 81 x 91 x 83 cm (L x W x
H) and fits in most car trunks. Thanks to the trike manufacturers broad
modular system, the equipment can be configured in line with customer
desires and offers one decisive new feature: The "Scorpion plus 20" has
been optimized as a platform for offering people with special needs a
highly versatile vehicle. According to Pulvermüller, the registration
procedure for receiving a German tech-aid number for the trike is
therefore already underway. This will enable purchasers to receive a
subsidy from health insurance funds.
Pulvermüllers co-partner Paul Hollants explained the reasons for taking
the new direction: "We have noticed growing demand for solutions for
people with mobility problems - and have also seen that there is a fair
amount of room for improvement in the field of muscle-driven vehicles."
The German company has also received support for this approach from
Dresden Technical University (TU Dresden). In the Department of
Diagnostics and Prevention, Professor Carmen Hagemeister has been
working on the topic of cycling for many years. In 2014, a dissertation
was written about the image of trikes, involving a survey of 1,220
adults. One of the findings by the academics: "People dont want a
vehicle that stigmatizes them, commented Hagemeister. If trikes were
associated with the idea of their owners being old and decrepit, it
would be tough for such bikes to be "socially accepted". Hollants see
this conclusion as supporting his companys aims: "Good technology also
has to look great - clean, tidy and functional."
The academic confirmation of the importance of sophisticated designs
motivated the developers to take the ideas that they had collated over
time and develop a new "Comfort and Ability" options product line. On
the one hand, this includes classic aids such as footrests, hand rests
and walking aid bracket. On the other hand though, the team with head
designer Pulvermüller also regarded it as at least equally important to
offer new solutions in the booming field of eletric mobility.
Back to the future with a new motor
The most spectacular new feature was designed in cooperation with the
premium supplier GO SwissDrive: the motor with an electric reverse gear.
The trikes can take advantage of their structural stability reversing at
speeds of up to 3 km/h: they are so stable that maneuvers can now be
made at the push of a button without getting off the trikes. Yet this is
not all that the 250 W hub motor from the Swiss company can do: The new
remote control is attached directly to the handle. All switching can be
done intuitively with a thumb on the touchpad, rather than having to
look at it, though the large new color display (3.2") does allow for
easy overview and control. Furthermore the unit is very flexible: Ready
for Bluetooth 4.0 communication it allows phonecall visualization during
the ride. Service data exchange is possible via app. In addition the USB
connector enables the rider to charge USB devices up to 5 V / 1A.
A key factor for rehabilitation: the motor can be individually
programmed with different profiles. For example "Start Power" offers a
powerful boost with limited required leg power, which can be very useful
for MS patients, for example. The "Interval" option provides an equally
powerful boost even if the leg power is applied very unevenly, as is
often the case for people after a stroke. All this requires a fair
amount of "juice" - something that is not a problem for the enhanced
Li-Ion rechargeable battery (36 V): With 558 Wh, it now offers 25
percent more capacity. On the dual-propulsion model offered by HP
Velotechnik, with two rechargeable batteries positioned under the seat
for an optimally balanced center of gravity, this means that the trikes
can achieve ranges of up to 260 km using low levels of eletric
assistance. There is also plenty of "fuel in the tank" for an enjoyable
day trip when the drive is turned up full.
System accessories for hands and feet
At a first glance, the new products in the classic aids area do not
appear to be anything extraordinary. However, HP Velotechnik is also
offering innovations and exciting detailed solutions here: the footrest
and hand rest are equipped with the new hook and loop spring fastener
featuring a highly functional snap mechanism. One tug on the fastening -
and the hand or foot is released. The height-adjustable footrest can be
easily clipped into conventional clipless pedals (Shimano SPD). The
benefit: the adjustable trigger on the safety binding ensures that this
opens reliably in the event of an accident. Or the vastly enhanced
transport device: even bulky loads can easily fit on the new, wide,
platform luggage carrier. With the lowrider installed, four bags (up to
50 kg luggage) can be positioned beneath this. One particular benefit in
relation to luggage is the brand new quick-lock bracket for walking
aids. The design is similar to that used for garden tool accessories.
However, the German designers have decisively modified the principle for
their trikes with a stainless steel safety clip: Crutches can be pushed
in, securely clipped into place and pulled out again using just one hand.
The manufacturer assures that that various options are also available
for the bigger brother: The "Scorpion plus 26" with larger structural
dimensions for the smooth-running 26-inch rear wheel does not have a
platform luggage carrier. Thanks to the modular system, however, the
manufacturer can quickly add further equipment to the bike for people
with mobility problems.
However, the managers in Kriftel do not regard the new product field as
conflicting with their image as a manufacturer of bikes with sporty and
tour-oriented designs: "Ergonomics have always played an important role
for us." According to Hollants, the company has been working with
experts in this field since the mid-1990s. It is for good reason that
standing-up aids, one-handed operation and a higher seat have long been
available as accessories. It is also little wonder that orthopedic and
urology doctors have long-since advised the use of the comfortable
recumbents.
However, the real "trigger" for expanding the product range came in the
form of feedback from specialist dealers, with whom the manufacturer has
always worked very closely. Hollants: "Our dealers have clearly
indicated to us that there is already great demand in this area." In
view of two social developments, he also sees "great potential" that
goes far beyond the innovations announced for 2015. Public opinion on
private transport is changing, with people are moving away from cars to
conventional or electric bikes. People are also getting older but want
to remain fit and active.
The "Scorpion plus 20" is available in the new elegant color scheme of
Sahara Silver or in Magma Red. It will be available from specialist
dealers from January 2015 with a starting price of 3,890 Euros. With the
premium GO SwissDrive motor, the bike costs 6,380 Euros; with the
optional BionX 250 W motor, the overall cost is reduced to 5,380 Euros.
For further information visit www.hpvelotechnik.com or phone +49 61
92-97 99 20.
******** For further informations (only for the desk) ********
Alexander Kraft, press spokesman HP Velotechnik OHG
Tel. +49 61 92 - 97 99 22 83, mobile +49 160 - 99 85 87 94
alexander.kraft@hpvelotechnik.com
******** HP Velotechnik at the Eurobike ********
26.08.2014 (DemoDay, only trade visitors)
Fair Friedrichshafen, Parking Area East 1, Stand DD-514
27. - 30. August (27th 29th only trade visitors / open to the general public on 30th)
Fair Friedrichshafen, Foyer West, booth FW-300
E-Trike-test parcours: Eastern outdoor area, booth FG0-109
******** Technical Data Scorpion plus 20 ********
Basic model, other components on option
Frame: Scorpion plus 20 (Alu 7005 T6)
10 years warranty
Color: Plain Sahara Silver or Magma Red
with front boom and chainstays in
black; other colors on option
Tires: Tryker by Schwalbe (20")
Seat height: from 43 cm (BodyLink hard shell) up to
57 cm (ErgoMesh HS plus mesh seat)
Seat angle: 35 - 44°
Suspension: HP Velotechnik McPherson strut with stabilizer system
(front 60 mm); Dnm
DV22 steel spring/oil (rear 80 mm)
Brakes: 2 x Avid BB7 disc brakes (front,
individual application to each wheel)
Gear system Sram DualDrive 24 speed
Length: 168 - 200 cm (adjustable for riders with height from 149 -
200 cm)
Wheelbase: 110 cm
Width/Track width: 91 cm / 86 cm
Ground clearence: 16 cm
Turning circle: 4.75 m
Weight: from 18,8 kg
Max. Payload: up to 150 kg
Package measuring: 81 x 91 x 83 cm (LxWxH)
Price: starting from 3,890 €,
with motor starting from 6,380 €
Available: from January 2015
