Terraglide Isithuthuthu Esimbane Esinamavili Amathathu Esihleli Ngokuthambekile by Alex Gudilko

Terraglide Isithuthuthu Esimbane Esinamavili Amathathu Esihleli Ngokuthambekile by Alex Gudilko is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweSithuthi, ukuHamba kunye noThutho Competition Category.

IbhronziIsithuthi· 2025

Terraglide Isithuthuthu Esimbane Esinamavili Amathathu Esihleli Ngokuthambekile

by Alex Gudilko

Client: Terraglide

Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award Winner in Isithuthi Category

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The Design

About Terraglide Isithuthuthu Esimbane Esinamavili Amathathu Esihleli Ngokuthambekile

ITerraglide sisithuthuthu esitsha esimbane esinamavili amathathu esihleli ngokuthambekile esiyilelwe ukukhwela okugudileyo nokungenamzamo. Ngeteknoloji yokuqhuba ngeware, inika ulawulo oluchanekileyo nolulula. Ijenereyitha yamapedali edibeneyo ivumela abasebenzisi ukuba bazilolonge ngelixa benikela ngamandla kwinkqubo, kuphucula uzinzo nokusebenza kakuhle. Uyilo lwayo olupheleleyo lombane luqinisekisa amava okukhwela anonwabo anentofontofo, okwenza iTerraglide ibe ngumgangatho omtsha wokuhamba nokuzilibazisa ngaphandle.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award

Terraglide Isithuthuthu Esimbane Esinamavili Amathathu Esihleli Ngokuthambekile ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo kakhulu okunikwa imiyilo ephawulekayo eyahlukaniswa kukuyila, ubukrelekrele nobukrelekrele. Abaphumeleleyo beBhronzi ziimveliso ezinobuchule obukhulu nezidala ngokumangalisayo ezingqina amava aphangaleleyo, ukucinga nokwazi ukuzenzela kwabayili bazo. Terraglide Isithuthuthu Esimbane Esinamavili Amathathu Esihleli Ngokuthambekile iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimpahla exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo enobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award ubandakanya iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu kubugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha kwaye ugqwesile ngenxa yokunikela ingqalelo kwiinkcukacha. Terraglide Isithuthuthu Esimbane Esinamavili Amathathu Esihleli Ngokuthambekile iyanelisa iimfuno ngokumangalisayo, ichukumisa iinqwenelo, ikhwebela iimvakalelo kwaye itsala umdla.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Terraglide redefines mobility with its steer-by-wire joystick control, offering precision, stability, and ease. Featuring a pedal-assist generator system for all riders, fully electric propulsion with zero emissions, and a comfortable recumbent seat. It includes storage compartments and adaptive pedaling for customizable exercise. With a powerful 900 Wh battery, it delivers up to 100 miles (160 km) of range, ensuring a smooth, eco-friendly ride across various terrains.
Dimensions & Packaging: 1076*2330*1170 mm
Tags: Tricycle, Electric Vehicle, Recumbent Electric Trike
Production Technology: We utilized steer-by-wire technology for precise joystick control, enhancing maneuverability and accessibility. The frame is crafted from lightweight, high-strength aluminum, ensuring durability while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. Prototyping involved 3D modeling, CNC machining, and real-world performance testing to refine stability and ride dynamics.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge in designing Terraglide was reimagining the biking experience to ensure accessibility for all body types while integrating multiple riding modes. Unlike traditional bikes, Terraglide allows users to exercise and generate power by pedaling or simply enjoy a smooth, joystick-controlled ride using battery power. Balancing these functionalities required extensive ergonomic research, adaptive design iterations, and seamless energy integration to maximize comfort and efficiency.
Research: A mixed-method study on next-gen personal mobility evaluated ergonomics, mechanics, and functionality using human-machine interaction principles. It developed an adaptive, joystick-controlled electric trike addressing balance issues and enabling dual-mode riding. Iterative prototyping, CFD, FEA, and biomechanics refined design. Testing confirmed improved maneuverability, hybrid energy efficiency, and ergonomic adaptability, positioning Terraglide as a disruptive innovation in personal mobility.
Inspiration: Inspired by advancements in joystick-controlled technology seen in aerospace and automotive industries, we sought to create a mobility device that offers effortless control and adaptability for diverse environments. Whether navigating crowded city streets or exploring open landscapes, Terraglide provides a seamless and exhilarating ride.
Unlike traditional trikes that rely on mechanical steering, our electronic control system ensures fluid, responsive movements with minimal effort.
Project Duration: The project started in February 2023 in Los Angeles and finished in March 2025 in Los Angeles, and was exhibited in Abundance 360 summit in 2024 (Vesion 1) and in 2025 (Version 2)
Operation Flow: Riders control Terraglide with intuitive joysticks for easy, enjoyable steering. Its pedal system allows users to adjust resistance for a customizable workout while also recharging the battery. The ergonomic design ensures comfort on long rides, while advanced suspension delivers a smooth experience on various terrains. Combining human power with electric assist, Terraglide offers a sustainable, efficient ride that promotes fitness and eco-conscious transportation.
Team Members: Alex Benner, Alex Gudilko, Evan Kravtcov, Vsevolod Ianatev, Andrew Mikheev, Denis Garmash
Image Credits: Alex Gudilko
Mike Doty