As far as innovative electric motorcycle designs go, Tryal may just be the best we’ve seen, yet. Designed by Erik Askin, an Associate Design Director in a San Fransisco company, the bold and daring electric motorbike concept recently won the Rizoma design challenge tagged “The Future of Motorcycling”. From its appearance, it’s easy to conclude that Tryal takes a lot of inspiration from the Super73-style mini bikes that are currently making waves in the electric motorcycle market. However, the rounded triangular frame is as radical as it gets.
According to Askin, Tryal is the answer to the motorcycle industry’s tilt towards power and performance. In his words, “the future of motorcycling will hinge on getting more riders on two wheels. In an industry catering towards performance and horsepower, the Tryal bike offers a friendlier approach. Simple, approachable and most importantly fun, this is a bike that is easy for anyone to ride.”
Design and features
As mentioned earlier, Tryal features a conspicuous, rounded triangular frame that makes up virtually all of the bike’s body. The frame houses the large battery pack and the motor. Mounted around the rear swingarm pivot, the motor unsurprisingly uses a belt drive. The popularity of bikes with belt drives as opposed to chains has spiked in recent times because of their low noise and low maintenance.
The suspension components of Tryal are limited to an inverted fork up front as well as a rear mono-shock on the swingarm. Still, the large frame and sturdy wheels ensure the bike does not look less than solid.
Not your high-speed bike
Tryal’s braking system comprises single-piston hydraulic disk brakes. Traditionally, high-speed bikes are known to sport more sophisticated braking systems. When you factor in the 14-in wheels, it’s easy to conclude that the bike’s top speed would not be eye-popping. Essentially, it’s a lightweight mini-scooter than can do a fine job of getting you around without doing much harm to the environment.
Solo ride
Like most other mini-bikes, pillion pegs are absent on the Tryal design. If you’re thinking of taking your partner on a bike ride, this solo bike may not be the bike you need. The straight bench seat and low wheels further suggest that Tryal will only be suited for urban riding. You might have a hard time maintaining your balance on rough roads with this bike design.
Limited info on specs
There isn’t much information about specifications such as battery capacity, charging times, range, top speed, price, etc. Perhaps, this is because the bike is only a design concept and there’s little to suggest that it would be transferred to a manufacturing plant. Whatever happens, it feels refreshing that electric bikes are getting the attention they deserve and we’re having a peek into what the motorcycles of the future may look like.
