Today’s powersports landscape has a wide selection of models to satisfy any taste. Consider the outrageous 2023 Icebear Maddog Trike recently for sale on eBay.
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An Adult Tricycle
Classic Marx Big Wheels
Older generations fondly remember riding and sliding in plastic-wheeled Big Wheel - opens in new window or tab. tricycles. Thanks to Icebear Powersports—based in Fontana, Calif.—adult powersports enthusiasts can enjoy a similar experience today. The Icebear Maddog Trike is powered by a 150-cc internal combustion engine instead of pedal power.
The first motorized tricycles date back to the late 1800s. Multiple brands combined aspects of bicycles and motorcycles. The most common configuration was two wheels on a single axle in the rear and a single motorcycle-like wheel up front. Back in the day, they were powered by either steam or an internal combustion engine.
De Dion-Bouton Tricycle
A three-wheeled trike configuration has advantages over a traditional motorcycle. There's no need to balance the machine when stopped (or moving). That inspires confidence, especially with new or less experienced riders.
Brands making trikes during this initial boom period included:
- Benz Patent-Motorwagen (1886-1893)
- Ariel (1898)
- Star Motor Tricycle (1899)
- De Dion-Bouton Tricycle (1897-1905)
De Dion-Bouton manufactured roughly 15,000 units during its eight years in business.
Power Trikes in the Modern Era
Fast-forward 125 years. Today, motorized tricycles follow mostly the same configuration but with modernized looks and contemporary components. Icebear has been manufacturing powersports vehicles - opens in new window or tab. since 2006. The company produces powersports vehicles with lower-than-average retail prices.
Icebear describes its Maddog line as class-defining, with bold design choices and aggressive styling. The model’s wide oversized tires are mounted to machined aluminum alloy wheels. Its aggressive, upturned polished exhaust canister adds a touch of racing flare. The rich red colorway on the frame, fenders, and bodywork screams, “Look at me go.”
The Maddog Trike is powered by a 150-cc single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke engine with an automatic transmission. Suspension is minimal but gets the job done for its primary purpose: riding on pavement. There are dual conventional telescopic forks up front and dual shocks on the rear.
Disc brakes in the front and rear handle stopping power. The pre-installed turn signals, mirrors, LED headlamps, license plate holder, and speedometer/odometer provide everything required to plate the machine in all 50 states.
The Icebear Maddog 150 Trike is an attention-grabbing machine ideal for fun-seekers on an urban expedition or a country cruise. With its low center of gravity and grippy sport street tires, the machine inspired confidence.
The example for sale on eBay is priced to sell. It has only 1.6 miles on the odometer. The Maddog 150 is a modern-day Big Wheel that promises big fun.
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