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PDF for download: Press release World Novelty Delta tx by HP Velotechnik (incl. long version and additional information, 5.6 MB,  updated Jul 13, 2022)

Comfortable E-Chopper for All Generations

World premiere from HP Velotechnik at the Eurobike fair: The Delta tx scooter trike combines e-mobility and ergonomics with high-quality design and smart technology

Frankfurt am Main. With the Delta tx, HP Velotechnik presents a scooter bike with a high comfort seat and particularly easy access. This world premiere can be seen at the Eurobike trade fair (June 21-25) at the booth of the recumbent manufacturer (Hall 8, B57).

Extensive test rides with the e-chopper are possible on the test course (outdoor area F100/D28). The Delta tx was developed specifically for people who want a lot of support and comfort when cycling and therefore need a stable, tip-resistant vehicle with a low entry height. CEO Paul Hollants explains: “Our goal was to take the concept of a senior tricycle to the next level.” But during the test rides, he says, they quickly discovered that “there’s a lot more riding fun in it!” Whether cruising in the city or shopping with plenty of storage space: “The Delta tx is very well received across generations. You don’t need to be at least a certain age to enjoy the casual riding position on a chopper.”

Space-Saving Lightweight

The design is just as convincing as the riding characteristics: The Delta tx with its suspended rear section is an absolute lightweight (from 32 kg / 70 lbs) in the e-scooter trike class. For transport, it can be disassembled into three parts in a matter of minutes to save space. The prerequisite for this is the very clear, straightforward design. The voluminous aluminum frame, together with the wide tires, makes a clear statement: a reliable, highly stable and solid vehicle that can also carry plenty of luggage. The platform carrier in the rear is designed for a payload of up to 25 kg / 55 lbs. It transports a large German beer crate, for example, with a low center of gravity.

The customer has a wide choice of equipment. Three electric motors from Shimano and one from Bafang are available for the Delta tx. Those who want things to be really easy can choose a fully automatic gearshift. With the WingBling, HP Velotechnik offers a bicycle turn indicator that meets German road traffic regulations. The two different mesh seat types are each available in two heights and widths. The Delta tx in the colors Blue flash or Sparkling iron gray will be available from bicycle dealers from 5.990,– Euros / US$ 6,920.– from the beginning of 2024.

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Frankfurt am Main. With the Delta tx, HP Velotechnik presents a scooter trike with a high comfort seat and particularly easy access. The look of the tricycle, however, is different from that of the usual scooter trikes. The reason: the German recumbent manufacturer, known worldwide for almost two decades for racy sport trikes, transfers their form and technical language to a comfort cruiser with suspension and an electric motor. The result: a lifestyle chopper for everyday use and for  every age group. This world premiere can be seen at the Eurobike trade fair (June 21-25) at the booth of HP Velotechnik (Hall 8, B57). Extensive test rides with the e-chopper are possible on the test course (outdoor area F10.0/D28).

The Delta tx was developed specifically for people who want a lot of support and comfort when cycling and therefore need a stable, tipping-resistant vehicle with a low entry height. Managing Director Paul Hollants explains: “Our goal was to take the concept of a senior tricycle to the next level.” But during the test rides, he says, they quickly discovered that “there’s a lot more riding fun with this trike!” Whether cruising in the city or shopping with plenty of storage space for the purchases: “The Delta tx is very well received across generations. You don’t need to be at least a certain age to enjoy the casual riding position on a chopper.”

The design is just as convincing as the ride comfort: The Delta tx with its sprung rear triangle is an absolute lightweight (from 32 kg/70 lbs) in the e-scooter bike class. For transport, it can be disassembled into three parts in a matter of minutes to save space. The prerequisite for this is a very clear, uncluttered design. The voluminous aluminum frame, together with the wide tires, makes a clear statement: a reliable, highly stable and solid vehicle that can also hold plenty of luggage. The platform carrier in the rear is designed for a payload of up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and transports full beverage crates, for example, with a low center of gravity.

Open Approach to Technology

According to Hollants, the inspiration for this new development direction is: “Many people today feel unsafe in traffic on the usual two-wheelers. Some find our low trikes too sporty. The Delta tx is the invitingly high alternative.” The sporty Gekko and Scorpion series feature two steered front wheels and a driven rear wheel. Commenting on the expansion of the vehicle range to include trikes with two wheels in the rear, Hollants says, “The Delta tx definitely does not mark a change in our
philosophy of three-wheel design. To the contrary, it picks up on what has made us great: combining appealing design and well-thought-out technology with solid riding characteristics. Getting this combination in a tricycle with two rear wheels has recently been a frequently expressed wish from our dealers. Their specifications were incorporated into the considerations of our developers. They then worked on a wide range of variants with an open approach to technology. This ranged from quad studies and all-weather vehicles to the two-wheel rear design familiar for many upright tricycles,” reports Hollants. This comfort-optimized and highly versatile vehicle will appeal to new user groups for HP Velotechnik due to its uncomplicated accessibility.

Relaxed Splitting Instead of Folding

With regard to both technical solutions and design, the developers were faced with completely new challenges, adds head of development Daniel Pulvermüller: “A central point was:As with the sport trikes, the Delta tx should be able to be made very compact to take wherever you wish to ride, especially in the car.” However, the focus was not on folding in seconds, as with the solution for HP Velotechnik’s Gekko. Rather, with the Delta tx, the designers aimed for ease of disassembly into separate, easy-to-handle parts. “After the seat is removed via quick release, it only takes an Allen wrench to remove the handlebars and then disassemble the main frame into two parts.”

The motor and battery remain in the front section. To disconnect the electrical connection from the control unit, one simply pulls two plugs.The additional advantage of this design: all switching units, displays, cables and pulls remain on the handlebars, which are attached to the luggage rack for transport. Another additional benefit of this solution is that after  disassembly you have two transport units besides the seat, on which the weight is divided almost equally.

A Lot of Luggage, a Low Center of Gravity

When developing this very special scooter trike, another aspect was right at the top of the list of requirements, Hollants continues: “We wanted the Delta tx to be able to accommodate a whole lot of transport goods with a low center of gravity.” In  this respect, the ample space in the back between the rear wheels was reserved from the outset for a generously dimensioned transport basket. A standard German beer crate even fits easily on this practical mid-height platform.

But the Delta tx can do much more: If the backrest is fitted with the optional Bag holder, a standard, large bicycle bag can be attached. In addition, two handlebar bags can be carried to the right and left of the airy mesh seat. These are clipped onto the Side bag mounts offered by HP Velotechnik as accessories using the Klickfix system. Alternatively, a trailer hitch can be used instead of the platform rack to tow a child or cargo trailer with a straight drawbar. Then the Delta tx can even set 40 kilos of transport load in motion.

Maximum Seating Comfort

With all the innovations in the Delta tx, however, HP Velotechnik also uses its expertise in seat technology developed over many years. Both mesh seats, ErgoMesh and ErgoMesh Premium, can be mounted on the Delta tx. An outstanding feature of the Premium seat comes into its own here: with it, the backrest and seat surface can be adjusted independently of each other. For a bike with the highest comfort requirements, this is the perfect complement.

Continuous adjustability on the trapezoidal profile of the frame allows both the ErgoMesh and the ErgoMesh Premium to be adapted to the user’s body size and preferred sitting posture. Both seats are available in two heights and widths. And for more, they can be individually adapted to the shape of the back using Orthoflex padding technology. In addition, HP Velotechnik offers selected accessories for the Delta tx, such as the WingBling, a turning indicator that meats the German traffic regulations and ensures greater safety on the road.

The Delta tx comes in the colors Blue flash or Sparkling iron gray and is available from early 2024 in bike shops starting at 5990,– Euros / US$ 6,920.–.

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One Tricycle – Four Motor Systems

The Delta tx is the first model at HP Velotechnik to be designed purely as an e-bike. Four systems are available for the e-chopper, all four can be optionally equipped with fully automatic shifting.

The basic model features the M300 from Bafang. The smooth-running, rotation-controlled mid-motor develops its full power independently of the pedaling force. This is especially helpful for people with low leg strength and feels like riding with a throttle on the strongest support level. The continuously variable hub gear Enviolo Trekking Automatiq is the ideal complement for a target group that wants an all-round carefree package on the bike.

Those who prefer a sportier riding style can choose from the Shimano STEPS motors E5000, E6100 and EP801 Cargo with torque sensor technology: If you pedal harder, you also get more thrust from the motor. The top model EP801 in the Cargo version used by HP Velotechnik offers a lot of power right from the first pedal stroke, especially with a high payload.

The 8-speed Nexus Di2 hub is available as an automatic gearshift in combination with the Shimano E5000 and E6100 motors. The high-end product EP801 Cargo finds an ideal partner in combination with the new automatic 10-speed derailleur Cues Di2. Alternatively, HP Velotechnik also installs the Enviolo Trekking Automatiq for the EP801 Cargo drive or, for fans of manual shifting, the classic from Rohloff, the Speedhub with 14 speeds.

Freewheelin Twin Technology

“One issue that has always been tricky with two wheels in the rear is the driven rear wheel axle,” says Head of Development Daniel Pulvermüller, describing the challenge of this design. Technical background: When cornering, the outer wheel travels a longer distance than the inner wheel. With a rigid rear axle driving both wheels at the same speed,  increased slip occurs. This impairs the driving characteristics. The remedy is usually a differential gear. “We didn’t want that for three reasons: it’s costly, it’s heavy and it needs maintenance,” Pulvermüller says. With its Freewheelin Twin technology, HP Velotechnik comes up with a solution that is both simple and lightweight: The German company is the first in the world to use a design with two freewheels axially arranged in the rear wheel axle on an electric chopper.

Freewheelin Twin technology means that only the inner wheel is driven when cornering. An additional advantage over the differential is a driving situation that is quite familiar to tricyclists: If a rear wheel spins on loose ground, for example when starting uphill on gravel, then a differential directs the entire drive force precisely to this spinning wheel. The result: you can’t move. This is different with the Freewheelin Twins, where the power is automatically directed to both wheels and the Delta tx has grip even in such situations.