A linear drive recumbent cycle (10) having linearly reciprocating pedals (68a,b) located approximately above the front wheel (14) in order to achieve a short wheel base recumbent bicycle design with the crank (42) located low between the wheels and with the seat located near or behind the center of gravity of the bike. The top extremities of a pair of pedal sliders (32a,b) are journalled for independent pendulum-type oscillation in a pedal-slider bracket (28) which is connected to a frame (12) through a front tube (30). The linearly reciprocating pedals (68a,b) are attached to the lower extremity of the pedal-sliders (32a,b) and are rotateably linked to the crank (42) through a pair of curved links (34a,b) so as to transfer power from the pedals (68a,b) to the crank (42). The pedal-sliders are short and straight whereby saving weight. The axis of reciprocative movement of the pedal-sliders (32a,b) cross above the axis of the crank (42) giving it an inherent tendency to rotate forward whereby eliminating crank kick back or crank getting stuck during use.

A spring-assist drive for a pedal-operated rider-propelled vehicle such as a bicycle which makes use of a wind-up coil spring mounted within the frame of the bicycle as auxiliary power. The spring is selectively wound by the rider operating the pedals to turn a spindle on which is mounted a sprocket wheel. A chain from the sprocket wheel drives a pivoting gear assembly comprising a ratcheting sprocket and attached drive gear. In a preferred embodiment, the tension on the chain will be adjustable by a chain tension adjustment mechanism. The drive gear releasably engages a power gear mounted on a common hub with the spring. A brake band and drum assembly holds the energy in the spring until the brake is released by the rider, whereupon the spring unwinds to drive a sprocket wheel mounted on the common hub, which sprocket wheel is connected to a sprocket wheel mounted on the spindle, turning the rear wheel drive sprocket wheel and the rear wheel.

A cycle having front wheel forks with a front wheel, a steering device connected to the front wheel forks, and rear stays with a rear wheel that has a free-wheeling hub. The cycle of this invention also includes a frame which connects the forks and the stays, a scat that can be fastened to the frame, a rear wheel drive, and foot actuating means for the rear wheel drive. The frame is formed by an individual essentially horizontal rail. The foot actuating devices are displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The foot actuating devices are formed by a foot rest for both feet. The seat can be displaced on the rail in a longitudinal direction of the rail, and the steering device is formed by handlebars between which the rail extends. The handlebars are provided with hand grips.

An improved human powered recumbent vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a frame that comprises a central keel. The keel comprises four tubes that are spaced equidistant from a central longitudinal axis. Outrigger arms are disposed approximately halfway along the longitudinal axis of the keel and extend forwardly and outwardly therefrom. The angle that each outrigger arm forms with the keel, provides an access area that allows a rider access to the seat without having to step over any portion of the invented vehicle, for easy mounting and dismounting. Outboard ends of the arms terminate in pivotable connectors that may be provided for wheel bearing yokes. A rear section of the keel is wide enough to accommodate a wheel. The keel has a prow that terminates in a single plane, so that the vehicle can be placed on its prow for storage in an upright position, to minimize storage space. In a tricycle embodiment, a seat is secured to the top two tubes of the keel, adjacent the juncture of the arms with the keel. This improves the vehicle's balance control. The frame is fabricated using straight tubes, to provide ease of manufacture. In the tricycle embodiment, wheels are spring mounted to yokes provided at the ends of the outrigger arms. The frame is lightweight, easily adaptable to different size riders, and easy to manufacture.

A short wheel base, three wheel recumbent vehicle comprising a main frame including a plurality of tubular members assembled in truss like fashion. A single rear drive wheel driven by a multi-speed chain drive pedal crank assembly mounted on extended front frame to provide clearance for riders feet. Two front steerable wheels positioned with foreshortened wheel base are rotably mounted to the main frame and actuated by tie rods from a center pivot plate connected to a steering bar to provide short turning radius vehicle with improved steering for reduced rolling friction. Adjustable mounting location for steering push rod provides steering sensitivity adjustability. A seat mounted to the frame in front of rear drive wheel midway between the wheel base.