Initial Study on Biomechanics of Novice and Experienced Electric Tricycle Riders

The background of this study is a program from the Office of Social Affairs for disability empowerment by using an electric tricycle to sell food and drinks. We tried to re-design the electric tricycle used by the handicapped case study subject, among others by modifying the structure and suspension. At this initial stage, we evaluate the biomechanics of novice and experienced riders while riding the tricycle using IMU-based motion capture systems (mocap) and Biomechanics of Bodies (BoB) simulator software. The results show the difference in body coordination between the two subjects, especially in joint motion and muscles power generation. The experienced rider showed more consistent and stable body coordination when riding the tricycle which may result in better safety and riding quality. As an initial study, there are several limitations faced during the experiment apart from the small number of subjects, namely difficulty in collecting data from subjects with motor impairment. This problem should be addressed in the future study.