3-wheelers.com

The Sceadu project started with a viewer poll on 3-wheelers.com. How much did the results of this poll affect the overall design?

Dave Mounce

The overall design was driven almost completely by the answers to the poll. I received over 500 emails answering the questions in the poll. The only place that the design differs from the poll is that I chose to put the people side-by-side. The poll said to put the rider behind the driver. I thought that side-by-side was a better way to go on a date.

3-wheelers.com

Did the answers of the questions surprise you in that they were the opposite of what you were thinking or expected?

Dave Mounce

I was surprised that people were not too concerned about speed. 60kph seemed just fine to most folks. The tandem seating layout surprised me too.

3-wheelers.com

I understand your first prototype is now in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. That must be great to have a vehicle you designed in a museum?

Dave Mounce

I have pictures from the display in the museum. I look at them sometimes and just say "wow"! I feel very fortunate to have the Sceadu there. I think it adds some credibility to my effort too.

3-wheelers.com

How did the museum get to hear of the Sceadu?

Dave Mounce

I contacted them when I heard that they were going to have a microcar display to see if they felt the Sceadu was a good fit. They were so jazzed about the idea they sent a truck over 1000 miles to pick it up. They asked me if they could keep it there permanently. Seemed like a cool idea to me. I was ready to start on the next one.

3-wheelers.com

How different was the second prototype to the first, was there a lot that you learnt from the first that was changed in the second?

Dave Mounce

I've actually build 6 different prototypes now. They all share a common design theme ... simplicity. The trouble is finding the right balance between simplicity and functionality.

A French aeronautical engineer once said that the best design is one in which all unnecessary elements have been removed. Einstein added that the best design was one that was as simple as possible, but not one bit more simple.

My first designs were to harsh on the users. I've now added complete suspension, but in a manner that does not add too many parts. I hope I've found the balance that keeps the vehicle simple (inexpensive) but comfortable enough to be truly useful.

3-wheelers.com

Your early concept sketches show a covered 3-wheeler. Is this a plan for a future Sceadu?

Dave Mounce

Yes, an enclosed unit is in the plan. In fact, as time has gone on I have gotten more requests for an enclosed vehicle than for an open one. Practical vs play. It makes sense but I still like the playful elements of an open 3 wheeler the best

3-wheelers.com

What is the next step for the Sceadu?

Dave Mounce

I want to get the production process started as soon as possible. Once it is up and running I can get started on the enclosed model (and the next in line is a 2 wheeler).

3-wheelers.com

I know that you are currently busy with design work for electric  vehicles. What are these?

Dave Mounce

I redesigned the chassis, suspension, transmission, and interior of the Tango, made by commuter cars (www.commutercars.com).  I am currently designing 2 new vehicles for Barefoot Motors, an ATV and a light utility vehicle with side-by-side seating (www.barefootmotors.com).

Electrically driven vehicles are really interesting to design, and I think they are here to stay. Electricity and 3 wheels seems like a good fit.  I'll likely have to give it a try.

3-wheelers.com

Is the Sceadu the first vehicle you have designed or are there also others?

Dave Mounce

I've been building motorized vehicles of one sort or another since I was 12. I've tried gocarts, minibikes, hovercrafts, and a small submarine. My first attempt at a full car was as a senior design project during college.

3-wheelers.com

What is your ultimate aim for the Sceadu?

Dave Mounce

I would like the Sceadu to become every high school kid's dream car. I would like to build them in volume at a price that is close to a good scooter's price.

I really like motorcycles too. My favorite one is a 2001 Derbi GPR. I will usually ride it instead of my larger ones. It makes me smile. It is everything that a 16 year old would dream of having in a first sports bike, and the price is very fair. I want the Sceadu to be a sit-down version of the same thing.

3-wheelers.com

Thank you very much for taking part in this interview for 3-wheelers.com's 10th birthday and indeed for helping me with information in the past.  Your time both then and now is much appreciated.

Dave Mounce

Thank you.  By the way, your web site and exposure to some recumbent pedal bike was what kicked off my desire to build a 3 wheeler. Thanks you for the continuing inspiration!