Different Styles of Recumbent

Recumbents and bicycles in general are simply transportation. Lately they have been deemed ‘alternative transportation’ because our cultures have become so focused around the internal combustion engine.

Transportation takes many forms based on our environment and needs. Land, air and water need to be traversed. For this we have cars, trucks, buses, trains, planes and boats. Most of which are propelled by some sort of fuel with the exceptions of some types of boats and ships.

Let’s take a look at how human powered vehicles have risen to the occasion:

Land travel obviously has many bicycle and recumbent styles. The recumbent seems to have been more innovative in design in the field of transportation while the bicycle design has stayed close to the same design with improvements in efficiency.
Here are some of the more interesting recumbent designs in transportation:

LAND

This trike uses a ‘Joy Stick’ instead of handlebars. I owned one for several years and loved it! http://americruiser.com/

This looks like a relaxing way for a tandem crew to ride. Take a good look at those seats! For more styles such as cargo bikes and Pedi cabs visit http://www.organicengines.com/

I rode this builders model several years ago. Because of the hand and foot pedals you get a great upper and lower body work out!

Check this video link for several different recumbent styles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yRURbnJ7mM&feature=related

AIR

This is a video link for a human powered sky plane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l131fSveof8

WATER

Here are three links to water powered vehicles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiTjyj9NO5I&feature=related Amphibious Cycle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkKd2vScd4M&feature=related Human Power Boat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R83c_gKTGY4&feature=related Pedaled Kayak

This is a picture of a human powered submarine:

There are even all-terrain vehicles
http://www.ihpva.org/allterrain.htm

For more information on Recumbents and human powered vehicles be sure and visit the International Human Powered Vehicle Association http://www.ihpva.org/
Another great source is http://www.atomiczombie.com/

Have fun and ride!