Three-wheel recumbents

I would think the flex would be negligable. The frame is 2" tubing (on my Zoomer) , and the rear stays are an oval tubing that is 1" on the thin axis. I would guess that any motion of the back wheel is due more to the front tires compressing with the shifting weight, and some involuntary movement of the steering while pedaling hard. I would highly recomend the tadpole configuration for a motoredbike.
 
do your research

If it's still going strong after 2000 miles without any problems, I'm convinced it is no problem at all then. I will be looking around for the tadpole type.

I suggest you take a closer look at Alaska's tadpole[look in picture gallery]. While his trike is totally cool it is anything but stock and IMHO not a true rack mounted Motorized bike/trike[more like a frame mount]. The frame has been extended and beefed up with [If I read correctly] extra metal. The lifan engine is not over the rear wheel but is in front of it. The rear wheel is a 10g custom job buy Wheelsmith. With all of these mods the bike shouldn't flex . Not disrespecting anyones ride here. Just trying to point out that there is a lot to consider when mounting a rack mount on a trike . research before you buy:)
 
the guy had cut the top of the five gallon bucket and used it like the nylon wheel gebe sends with its kits, it had the same sort of gap pattern imposed on body of the 5 gallon pale, so he was able to attach the top inch or so to his 20inch wheel and hang the engine of the rear. the trike was a tadpole and worked out really well.

i have ridden both styles tadpole and delta, the tadpole is for sure the more stable on the road lower center of gravity easier to corner etc but i love the delta as well, although not as stable its a lot more fun to cruise on, very relaxed sitting position and you higher up from the road.

However the tadpole trike will be the easier to motorize and you will have more options because you only have the one rear wheel, you can motorize the deltas its just harder because of the rear wheel config, chain drive kits available from staton, would a gebe style work, not sure, powering just one wheel could be sort of tricky, good for tight circles!!!!!

anyhow just my 2 cents hope it helps, my wifes ez3ax delta trike is electrified and alot of fun too ride, and lying in a box somewhere i have a kit too turn any bike into a delta trike, i see a crazy build in the future.
 
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RBill is entirely correct in his discription of my trike. However, I am still unable to figure out how a motor would contribute to the frame flexing. I remain convinced that a tadpole is a great platform for motorization, frame mount, rack mount, or electric.
 
TerraTrike motor ?

I'm seriously considering a TerraTrike Path and mounting a motor. It seems any of the rear-mount chain drive kits will probably work....except I may need a larger sprocket for the wheel. Has anyone had experience with chain drive 20" wheels ? What size of sprocket works best ?
 
Chain drive: Smaller wheel means you need a smaller sprocket on the back. I'm running a 28t (I think). And a 17t for the Lifan drive sprocket.
 
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