1.1 Introduction
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and rechargeable battery to assist or provide propulsion, thereby reducing the physical effort required from the rider. A rough terrain 3 wheel electric bike is a modified form of this transportation system that combines electric propulsion with a three-wheel structure designed to improve stability and movement over uneven surfaces. The system generally consists of a frame, three wheels, electric motor, rechargeable battery, steering mechanism, braking system, and suspension components (Fishman & Cherry, 2016; Suvac et al., 2020). Rough terrain refers to surfaces such as unpaved roads, gravel paths, farmland, sandy areas, rocky ground, and other uneven environments where ordinary bicycles may experience difficulties. A bicycle intended for such conditions requires appropriate ground clearance, suitable tyres, adequate frame strength, effective suspension, and sufficient motor power (Kumar et al., 2022).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Electric bicycles have become an important alternative means of transportation because they combine the basic structure of a bicycle with an electric motor and rechargeable battery to support movement. According to Fishman and Cherry (2016), electric bicycles are increasingly used for transportation because they allow riders to maintain movement with less physical effort and have the potential to replace some conventional motorized trips. Similarly, Fyhri and Fearnley (2015) reported that electric bicycles can encourage more frequent cycling because the electric assistance reduces some of the physical difficulties associated with conventional bicycles.
Rough terrain includes unpaved roads, gravel paths, sandy ground, rocky surfaces, farm tracks, muddy paths, and other areas where the riding surface is uneven or poorly maintained. As cited by Ickowzcy, Aoki, and Hirose (2011), personal vehicles intended for rough terrain require appropriate mechanical arrangements that enable the vehicle to maintain a suitable posture while travelling over irregular surfaces. Their work demonstrated that a three-wheel configuration could be developed to maintain the passenger's horizontal posture during rough-terrain movement. In the same vein, Kumar, Ashok, Naik, and Dharaninath (2022) reported that a three-wheeled electric bike with a suspension system could be designed specifically for rough-terrain navigation. Similarly, the use of suspension is important because uneven surfaces expose the vehicle and rider to repeated shocks and vibrations. A suitable suspension arrangement helps the wheels maintain contact with the ground and reduces the direct transfer of road impacts to the frame and rider.
The three-wheel arrangement provides an important difference from the conventional two-wheel bicycle. As stated by Zheng (2014), the design of a three-wheeled electric vehicle requires attention to ergonomics, linear performance, cornering behaviour, and structural safety. Likewise, research on three-wheeled electric vehicles has shown that ride comfort and driving safety are closely related to the vehicle's dynamic behaviour. A study by Pashkevich et al. (2019) examined the ride properties of a three-wheeled electric vehicle and emphasized the importance of comfort and safety in vehicle performance. Additionally, recent research has indicated that the asymmetric structure and relatively light construction of some three-wheelers may create stability and rollover concerns if the design is not properly developed (Almadani et al., 2025). The position of the wheels, centre of gravity, wheelbase, frame geometry, steering mechanism, braking system, suspension arrangement, and load distribution must work together to produce a stable and controllable vehicle.
Fishman and Cherry (2016) reported that electric bicycles provide propulsion assistance that allows riders to travel with less effort than conventional bicycles. Supporting this position, the use of a rechargeable battery and electric motor can reduce the physical demand placed on the rider, particularly when travelling uphill or across surfaces that create greater rolling resistance. However, the motor must have adequate torque to move the combined weight of the rider, bicycle, battery, and any intended load.
The development of a rough terrain 3 wheel electric bike is therefore supported by the need for a transportation system that combines electric propulsion, improved stability, suitable suspension, and structural strength for difficult road conditions. The combination of three-wheel construction and suspension according to Kumar et al. (2022) is applicable to electric bicycle development for rough terrain. Similarly, studies of three-wheel electric vehicles have demonstrated that stability, handling, comfort, and safety must be considered during vehicle development rather than after construction. The proposed project is consequently concerned with developing a practical three-wheel electric bike that is capable of operating on rough surfaces while providing adequate stability, comfort, safety, and propulsion.
This study is set against the backdrop of the need to develop a stable, efficient, durable, and practical three-wheel electric bike capable of providing reliable transportation across rough and uneven terrain.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that conventional bicycles and some electric bikes often experience difficulties when used on rough and uneven terrain. Poor road surfaces, loose soil, stones, and irregular paths may reduce stability, rider comfort, and ease of movement. On the other hand, many existing electric bicycles are mainly designed for smooth roads and urban transportation, making them less suitable for rural areas, farms, construction sites, and other rough environments (D'Allegro et al., 2022).
Furthermore, a three-wheel arrangement provides an additional point of support that improves stability and may make the bike more practical for users who need better balance and load-carrying ability. On the other hand, the use of electric power assistance is important because it reduces the physical effort required to move across difficult terrain while supporting cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation (Fishman & Cherry, 2016). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to design and develop a rough terrain 3 wheel electric bike.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to design and develop a rough terrain 3 wheel electric bike for stable, efficient, and comfortable movement on uneven surfaces.
The specific objectives of this research are to:
- Design a suitable three-wheel frame and wheel arrangement for rough-terrain operation.
- select and integrate an appropriate electric motor, battery, and control system.
- Develop a suitable suspension and tyre arrangement for movement on uneven surfaces.
- Incorporate effective steering and braking systems for safe operation.
- Construct and test the prototype to determine its stability, mobility, load capacity, and general performance on rough terrain.
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the construction of the proposed system will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- Riders: The project will provide riders with a more stable means of moving across rough and uneven roads.
- Farmers: The developed bike will support the movement of farmers and light farm materials across farm paths and unpaved roads.
- Rural Communities: The project will provide an alternative means of short-distance transportation where road conditions are poor.
- Students and Researchers: The study will provide useful technical information for further studies on electric bicycles, three-wheel vehicles, and rough-terrain mobility.
- Engineers and Technicians: The design will provide practical knowledge about integrating electric power, suspension, braking, steering, and three-wheel structures into one vehicle.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the design, construction, and testing of a rough terrain 3 wheel electric bike in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The project covers the mechanical frame, three-wheel arrangement, electric motor, rechargeable battery, controller, suspension, tyres, steering, braking system, and basic electrical connections.
The prototype is intended for low-speed movement on rough roads, farm paths, gravel surfaces, and other uneven areas. The study also covers basic performance tests involving stability, movement, braking, load capacity, battery performance, and general operation.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Financial Constraints: Financial constraints limited the quantity and quality of some materials and components purchased for the prototype. The study therefore relied on affordable and locally available alternatives where appropriate.
- Time Constraints: Time constraints affected the number of tests and modifications that were carried out. The available project period was not sufficient for extended testing under all possible rough-terrain conditions.
- Insufficient Data: The study was limited by insufficient local data on the performance of three-wheel electric bikes specifically designed for rough Nigerian roads. Available information was mainly based on related electric vehicles and three-wheel designs.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Rough Terrain:
Rough terrain refers to a road or surface that is uneven, rocky, sandy, muddy, broken, or poorly maintained and therefore presents greater difficulty for vehicle movement.
Three-Wheel Electric Bike:
A three-wheel electric bike is a bicycle-type vehicle fitted with three wheels and powered or assisted by an electric motor and rechargeable battery.
Electric Motor:
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical motion that drives the bicycle.
Battery:
A battery is a rechargeable electrical energy storage unit that supplies power to the motor and other electrical components of the bike.
Suspension System:
A suspension system is an arrangement of springs, shock absorbers, or related components used to reduce the effect of bumps and vibrations on the vehicle and rider.
Ground Clearance:
Ground clearance is the vertical distance between the lowest part of the bike and the ground. Adequate clearance helps the bike pass over stones, bumps, and other obstacles.
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