The Scorpions are the flagship trike range from HPVelotechnik – there are now lots of models, from light rigid-framed ones, to folding ones, to full suspension ones, to off-road ones, to special needs ones, to hand cycle ones!
It’s a little-known fact that, before they built the first StreetMachine over 25 years ago, Daniel and Paul dabbled with recumbent trikes. That’s the only reason I can think of to explain how – from a standing start – they’ve produced the best recumbent trike I’ve ever ridden…
Me, when the Scorpion was first launched
Unusually for a trike, the Scorpion can easily do double duty as a serious touring bike or a fast race bike. The back suspension and rear carrier make it very comfortable and mean that you can carry two large panniers or HPVelotechnik’s own recumbent panniers – but the Bodylink seat is reclined and supportive enough for fast powerful riding, and with slick tyres and lighter components it’s a very fast and fun trike.
 | Scorpion – the simplest model, with rigid frame, 26″ rear wheel and rear suspension |
 | Scorpion fx – with rear suspension, 20″ wheels and folding frame |
 | Scorpion fs – with full suspension, folding frame, and the choice of 20″ or 26″ back wheel |
 | Scorpion Enduro – the off-road model, with full suspension, folding frame and 26″ back wheel |
 | Scorpion Plus – the higher frame models, with full suspension, folding frame, a choice of 20″ or 26″ rear wheel, and loads of accessibility options |
I had my first test ride at the IFMA show in Cologne. First impressions were how light it is for a trike – the aluminium frame and BodyLink seat definitely help with that, even with the back suspension. It’s also much easier to get onto than other tadpoles because of the swept-forward crossbeam – as an experiment, I tried getting on without using my hands, and it’s not hard.
On the shiny indoor tarmac of the test track, cornering was superb – leaning into the corners and really pushing it, all three wheels scrub equally in corners – the weight distribution is perfect. For a tadpole, the turning circle is very good – unlike on lots of tadpoles, the handlebars miss the wheels completely – safer, and it means that the wheels can turn a lot farther.
To order, you can specify all the options on the HPVelotechnik Configurator – then enter the configuration number on our Configurator Order Form, and I’ll get things under way. The build time is usually around 4-5 weeks.