The
DIDIK SUN SHARK safety motorcycle. The SUN SHARK is powered by a
combination of human, solar and electric energy and is designed with
improved safety and handling when compared with either a conventional
motorcycle or a bicycle. The center of gravity is much lower than
either a conventional motorcycle or a bicycle and therefor the DIDIK
Sun Shark has superior handling. The driver sits between the front
and rear wheels rather than on top of the rear wheel as is the case
with almost all motorcycles. This lowers the center of gravity of the
vehicle while at the same time increases driver safety since it
allows both a front and rear "crash zone" in the event of
an accident. The aerodynamic housing allows for faster speeds using
the same amount of energy. In addition, he SUN SHARK's enclosed
housing greatly increases driver protection in the event of an
accident or a "spill out". The enclosed housing also is
considerably more comfortable than a conventional motorcycle since it
can easily be driven in the rain and provides a much quieter
interior. Listening to the radio in an air conditioned cabin is a
true joy while driving on long trips. The two side wheels retract one
the vehicle after the vehicle is moving. The DIDIK SUN SHARK, which
is powered by two electric motors, is capable of speeds of up to 50
miles per hour. The solar panel on the roof of the DIDIK SUN SHARK
consists of eight amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells which are
approximately eight percent efficient. The solar panel increases the
daytime motorized driving range of the vehicle by an estimated 22
percent. The DIDIK SUN SHARK consists of a steel chassis and frame
with a fiberglass body and blown polycarbonate windshield. The total
weight of the prototype is 220 lbs, without batteries. The gross
weight with two high capacity deep cycle lead acid batteries and a
225 driver/payload is 600 lbs. The vehicle is 9 feet long and 27 1/2
inches wide and is designed to go through a standard sized doorway.
The same enclosed cockpit design can also be used in for gasoline
powered motorcycles. July 1998
This
is one of many concept vehicles designed and built over the past
twenty years by the industrial designer Frank Didik who specializes
in transportation design and technology for the next generation of
conventional vehicles. If you represent a manufacturing enterprise or
a transportation authority, you are invited to contact us to discuss
your particular need and we will do our best to provide you with a
fresh new innovative look at your existing and proposed project. All
communications are deemed confidential to the degree that the
internet provides. RFP's are welcome and given quick, thoughtful attention.
DIDIK™ renewable energy
vehicle links:
![[IMAGE]](shark2.jpg)
![[IMAGE]](shark1.jpg)
