Call up Black Sparrow Industries to order their new Tribey Mark 7 and in two weeks, they’ll send you their creation: a handmade combination recumbent tricycle and motorized skateboard. Reconsider before getting one for your son or daughter, though – this thing is fast and requires a liability waiver before purchasing.
What makes the Mark 7 different from stuff you see in Sky Mall is the 48 volt, 10 ampere-hour batteries that give it an 18-mile range, and the one kilowatt motor that send it to a top speed of around 25 mph. Charging from empty takes about four hours, unless you swap out the stock battery for something with more capacity. You can also ride at night with the front and rear lights illuminated.
U.S. Coast Guard cadet and bike designer Robert Worobey created the Tribey in Massachusetts engine shops, airplane hangers, and his basement.
It’s 78 inches long, weighs 90 pounds, and has the structural integrity to drive its 20-inch rims over deep potholes. A horn and cruise control allow for long-distance travel. Those thrills will cost a base price of $2,500, and let the Black Sparrow crew know whether you’re goofy or regular and they’ll set up the bindings accordingly. Everything from the motor to the horn is easily upgraded and customized, while a 0.25-inch bolt mounting plate provides space for peripherals.
Black Sparrow prioritized customizability, and the design allows for modifications ranging from their own recumbent seating attachment, to a surfboard rack. If you’re setting it up for a son or daughter, the Tribey can be linked to a computer and set to a governed top speed. Now about that waiver...
