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Electric Tricycles
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Electric Tricycles
Electric Tricycles / E-Trikes Specs & Features
Remember the days when you wanted to graduate past your little Red Flyer tricycle to a big kid’s bike? With an electric trike, you have done just that. The tricycle still bears the classic-looking handlebars, brakes pulleys, and frame, but you get an upgrade to adult speeds. The frame is still lightweight, allowing you to mount it with ease. There is also generally enough space between the back tires for a basket to carry your gym bag or groceries. The battery power behind your excursions should last anywhere from two to four years, so long as you keep it well-maintained.
More and more adults and seniors are choosing ebikes with three wheels. The added stability of 3 wheels makes trikes for adults a safe option for senior riders that may not be able to balance as well as they used to. E tricycles are getting more riders back on bicycles after many years of being off bikes. There are many choices now for tricycles for adults, different tire sizes, motor sizes, brake types and also battery sizes.
Choosing an Electric Tricycle
For many adults, purchasing an electric tricycle is an upgrade on the classic childhood bike. The motor-assisted drivetrain brings speed and stability to an adult tricycle, making it an extremely popular choice for those who love to get out and go without all the sweat of pedaling or fear of falling. The electric tricycle adds more power to your pedal stroke, though you feel as it you aren’t pedaling at all with the extra energy behind each burst. The motor handles the load easily, and the added support of the third wheel won’t leave you feeling pushed or pulled by the motor.
Electric Tricycle Key Features
There may be certain features you want with your tricycle, but there are also certain features you need for your intended use. A quiet but speed-producing motor, a lightweight frame and a pleasing look are generally all people consider, but there are a few other things to look for. The top speed for the typical 600-750-watt brushless motor can produce speeds between 10-20 miles per hour. A motor that extends to 1200 watts can get you up between 20-30 mph. The speed control on a tricycle is often a twist-throttle building into the handlebar or is connected through a thumb-driven throttle. A twist throttle is usually more manageable at higher speeds and on bumpy roads. Higher-end models can come with an LCD display to indicate batter usage and life, as well as give you information about your speed. Distance driven depends on your engine size, speed and miles driven, though you should expect between 20-40 miles per battery charge. The main features of an electric trike are the motor, battery, lcd display, frame, basket, tires, brakes, and seat.
Electric Trike Motor Sizes
E-Trikes for sale typically can have three different motor sizes. Either 250 watt, 500 watt or 750 watt. Anything larger than 750 watt wouldn't be street legal in the US. There are also several different locations the motors can be mounted on e trikes. The three locations for an e tricycle motor is on the front wheel, mid drive mounted and also there are some rear mounted motors on three wheel ebikes. The size of the motor you need for your electric trike depends on the type of riding you plan to do on your e-trike. A 750 watt 3 wheeled e bike will great for carrying heavy loads and tackling big hills. If you are a rider over 250lbs, a 750 watt motor may be the best option if you will also be riding up a lot of hills on your rides. A 750 watt motor will be able to hit top speeds of 20mph with just using the throttle and 28mph when using the pedal assist. Not all trikes will come equipped with a throttle, if that is a feature you'd like on your electric trike bike make sure to check the specs before purchasing. All three wheel e bikes will come with pedal assist. When you start pedaling the motor will turn on and give assistance during the ride. When the rider stops pedaling the motor will stop assisting. All trikes that have an electric motor will come with pedal assist, usually five levels.
A 500 watt electric tricycle will also be able to achieve the same speeds on flat ground, but won't perform as well with heavy loads. If you plan to frequently ride up hill and your weight is over 250lbs, then a 500 watt etrike may not be the right choice. Riders under 250lbs will have more than enough power with a 500 watt motor. If you plan to primarily ride on flat ground a 500 watt motor will be more than enough power for all rides. If your primary objective is to have the motor give you some assistance while pedaling, but you still want to give your legs a workout, then 500 watts would be perfect.
250 watt etricycles are great for path and street riding around neighborhoods and communities. This size e trike is perfect for the rider that just wants some assistance but still enjoys the work of pedaling. An electric trike for adults or seniors with this size motor will have a stop speed of 15 miles per hour. This will still feel fast on a three wheeled bike and will be great for flat ground riding. Usually 250 watt tricycles will have a front hub motor. Opting for this size motor on your trike will save you some money and it will still be enough power for most rides.
Motor Location on Adult E Tricycles
The motor on etrikes are usually mounted in three possible locations. Either inside the front wheel, in the middle of frame by the crank, or in the rear. Each motor location has different pros and cons. Front hub etrike motors are great because they provide great power but are also very easily replaceable. If your motor were to ever break, you can simply buy a new front wheel with the motor in the inside of the hub. It will plug into the cable and you'll be off and riding again.
Mid drive mounted motors have a lot of torque, but trikes with this type of motor location are typically more expensive. If you are going to ride up a lot of hills or pull very heavy loads then a mid drive mounted motor is a great option. The extra torque may not be worth the extra dollars though, you'll have to make that choice. Consider the typically routes you will ride on your tricycle and also how much weight will usually be on the adult tricycle during rides.
Finally, there are rear mounted motors on e tricycles. These will perform nearly the same as a front hub motor. The challenge with a rear mounted motor is placing it will be more challenging than replacing a motor inside the front hub. But the power will be good and they will function great. They may be more costly than a front hub motor etrike but less expensive than a mid drive mounted one.
3 Wheeler EBike Lithium Ion Battery
The lithium ion batteries on electric trike bikes play a big part in the price. The bigger the battery the more expensive the electric tricycle for sale will be. There are other factors that dictate the cost of the e trike as well, including the brand of battery. Samsung and LG both make electric bike batteries but they will be more expensive than non brand name batteries. The size of battery you need for your three wheel ebike depends on the distance you plan to ride and also the terrain you will be riding. If you can match the battery size to your desired riding habits you'll prevent yourself from over spending on your etrike purchase. Also, fat tire etrikes require larger lithium batteries because they will drain the battery quicker. If you plan to ride hills frequently, opt for a larger battery. If you are over 250lbs, opt for a larger battery also. If you are under 250lbs and plan to do most flat ground riding you'll do just fine with a smaller battery.
Batteries on e-trikes should be easily removable so you can bring them inside to charge if you so choose. Also, you can reduce the weight of your adult etrike by taking off the battery if you'd like to ride manually without any electric assist. A key will lock the battery to the frame of the tricycle to ensure no one can steal the battery when your bike is unattanded.
E Tricycle Throttle
Throttles are a common feature on electric tricycles. There are two types of ebike throttle, a thumb throttle or a twist throttle. The thumb throttle works like a gas pedal in a car, the harder you push it the fast the etrike goes. The difference is the ebike throttle you press with your thumb, not your foot. A twist throttle on an etricycle works just like a throttle on a motorcycle. The rider twists their wrist back and that engages the motor. The more the rider twists their wrist the more power the motor gives the rider. Having a throttle on your 3 wheeler ebike is a lot of fun and can be quite beneficial in many situations. Using the throttle to get moving is simple and easy. It helps to get all three wheels rolling and then if you'd like you can start pedaling. Also, using the throttle to navigate in tight spaces is great, you can decide how little or how much power you give the trike by pushing or twisting the throttle.
Three Wheel Electric Bicycle Pedal Assist
The pedal assist on e trikes for adults is a really great feature. If you have the motor turned on and in an assist level higher at one or above when you start pedaling the motor will turn on and give you assistance as you pedal. Generally there are five levels on pedal assist on an electric tricycle. One gives you the least amount of assistance and five gives you the most assistance. You can easily change pedal assist levels while you are stopped or while you are pedaling. You can start from a complete stop in any pedal assist level you choose. However, it is recommended to start in a lower assistance level so to be prepared for the jolt the motor will give. You can also ride your 3 wheel bike without the motor on. You turn the electric off completely and pedal with no assistance if you choose. Many riders prefer to use some combination of the pedal assistance, throttle and no motor at all on rides. For the hills keep the pedal assist in level five, on flat ground turn it down to maybe level one or two. Then if you are looking to really work hard, turn the motor off completely and give your body a workout.
3 Wheel EBike LCD Display
Different types of LCD displays exist on electric trikes. Some have large center mounted displays and others have smaller, sleek displays located closer to the grips. The display won't have an impact on the performance of your three wheeled electric bicycle but it can offer some beneficial features. The lcd display on your electric three wheeled bike will tell you how much battery you have left, what level of pedal assist you are in and how many miles you've traveled.
Whether a large or small display, generally the info displayed will be the same. It's really a choice of what kind of display you like and where you prefer it is mounted. Sometimes the display on the tricycle will also tell you your power output, the weather, and also indicate if the light on the bike is turned on or off. Large, glass displays can sometimes shatter easier, which is something to consider when choosing your etrike. Remember, the performance of the trike is more important than the display. The LCD Display is simply there to give you information about the performance of your e tricycle for adults and seniors.
E-Trikes for Sale Pricing
The pricing of adult e tricycles can vary greatly depending on the features of the trike. Prices can start as low as $1,000 and go as high as $5,000 plus. The price depends mainly on the battery size, motor size, and frame design. Fat tire trikes with big motors and batteries will be more costly. Electric tricycle rickshaws that can carry passengers will have the highest price tag for a 3 wheel bike. Remember when shopping for an electric tricycle for adults to check over the specs and ensure you'll be paying for the specs that you absolutely need. There are very unique three wheel bikes in the market and those usually carry a higher price tag. The more unique the frame and style generally the more expensive your tricycle will be. There are etrikes with specially seats that can provide ergonomic seating positions. Remember, choose your features wisely so you don't pay for the features you don't need.
E-Trike Tires
Tricycles for adults come with many different tire sizes. Common tire sizes are 16", 20", 24" & 26". A 26" adult tricycle used to be one of the most common sizes for trikes, until recently. Now there is a vast selection of adult trikes in a wide array of tire sizes. A large diameter wheel on a trike will be better for longer rides if the rider prefers to pedal. The larger tire will roll easier and build momentum easier during rides. Smaller tires will require the rider to pedal much fast to keep the trike moving. If you plan to always use the throttle or a very high level of pedal assist at all times, the tire size won't have a huge impact on your rides. But if you like to ride long distances and enjoy pedal with a low level or pedal assist than a tire at least 20" in diameter is recommended. Smaller tires will also provide a lower step over height. This can be beneficial if mounting or dismounting your etrike is something you are concerned about. The lower to the ground the frame is the easier it will be to get on and off. This is a feature many seniors prefer on their tricycle and what makes small tire tricycles some of the best for seniors.
In addition to the diameter size, e tricycle tires also come in varying widths. Ranging from approximately 2" to 4" in width. The same is true for the width, the wider the tire is the harder they will be to pedal under your own power. If you find enjoyment in pedaling, opting for a medium range thick tire is probably best. Two inches wide is a great width for trikes, they are thick enough to balance the tire but also narrow enough to still allow the tires roll easy and smooth. Four inch wide etrike tires are great for going off road. The extra width can roll over any bumps whether on the road or off road. Also, the added width does mean more rubber contacting the road, which will mean more balance. You'll have to decide when buying an etrike what will best suit your etricycle riding needs.
Three Wheeled E Bicycle Brakes
The brakes on your adult etrike are one of the most important features. Obviously having the proper braking power is absolutely imperative to enjoying a safe ride on your adult trike. Most etrikes will come with mechanical disc brakes on both the front and rear. Mechanical disc brakes operate by pulling the level on the handlebars with your hand, which pulls a cable connected to a brake pad on the rotor of either the front or rear wheel. Pull the level will pull the cable to close the brake pads down on the rotor thus engaging the brakes and stopping the tricycle. These type of brakes are very powerful, easy to use and don't require a ton of maintenance. If you are logging a lot of miles, the brake pads can wear down but they are easily replaceable for not very much money.
Lower powered trikes can also have mechanical rim brakes. These type of brakes are still activated by pull a brake lever on the handlebar, but instead of braking on a rotor they brake on the rim of the adult trike. These type of brakes will be well suited for 250 watt or less tricycles. The advantage is they are much simpler to adjust on your own. The pads will generally last a little longer also since they are typically much thicker than the brake pads on disc brakes. You'll save money by opting for rim brakes versus disc brakes, make sure to choose what is best for your riding and your pocket book.
Lastly are hydraulic disc brakes, which provide the most responsive, powerful braking of all brake types. These will always be the most expensive type of etrike brakes and potentially require the most maintenance. Hydraulic brakes will need to have the lines bled yearly or every two years depending on how frequently you ride. Most e trikes won't require hydraulic brakes but if you plan to do a lot of hilly riding and frequently travel at speeds of close to 20mph then hydraulic brakes may be a good option for you. Again, consider the consider the cost against the type of riding you plan to do.
Foldable E Trikes vs Non Folding Electric Tricycles
Folding electric trikes are great if you plan to transport your tricycle frequently or you have limited storage at your home. Generally foldable e trikes can fold in half, the pedals can fold and the handlebars can fold down as well. When folded, this type of tricycle can be taken in a hatchback car, pickup truck, or rv. This can be convenient if your favorite bike path is car trip away and out of riding distance. Foldable tricycles generally have similar features as a non folding trike, the only added benefit is that they will fold. You won't find folding etrikes with fat tires, it defeats the purpose of the trike folding up compact. The goal of a foldable electric tricycle is to have it fold small and compact. Generally they will have 20" wheels or smaller to ensure when folded they can easily be transported or store. If smaller wheels are not your preference then stay way from foldable electric trikes for adults.
Adult Tricycle Seat
Many adult tricycle riders prefer a large seat often times with a backrest. Don't fret if your adult trike doesn't come with your preferred seat, you can always change it. All seats are universal so you can shop for the seat that will best suit your needs. Since seats are easily changeable it's most important to shop for your trike with the other specs at the forefront of your mind. If you find a tricycle and love everything but the seat, just remember the seat can always be changed later.
Rider Sitting Position on Three Wheeler ETrikes for Adults & Seniors
Ensuring your back, arms, shoulders and wrists are relaxed when going for a trike ride is very important. Seniors looking for a trike bike want something that will keep them in an ergonomic riding position. This will ensure reduced pain in joints when during and after rides. Having a tricycle that can easily be adjusted is very important. Riders need to adjust elements of the bike to find the best position for their body. sixthreezero trikes have four custom adjustment points, two on the handlebars and two on the seat. These custom adjustment points on the tricycle make finding the right sitting and riding position for your body quick and easy. Seniors will really enjoy this, as arthritis or past surgeries may have greatly reduced the range of motion in certain body parts. Finding the right position for your body is essential to maximum not only your comfort but also performance.
Sixthreezero Electric Trike Design
When you mount a sixthreezero electric trike, you are free to let your body relax while you ride down the road. The frames are ergonomically designed to keep you in a riding position that is tension-free on all your major joints. The entire body gets involved when riding a bike, yet with an electric trike, your wrists, neck, knees, shoulders, and ankles don’t have to strain to keep balance or power the wheels forward. Sixthreezero offers an easy to step through frame and tires that are large about to absorb the bumps of the road yet small enough to make for a smooth glide. The design also incorporates the ever-so-important storage, with a rear basket housed between the rear two tires that is big enough to hold a backpack, sack of groceries or picnic supplies.
The team at sixthreezero wants you to be in love with your tricycle and all it has to offer. Because they believe you will love it, they offer a forever warranty on their bikes and trikes. This warrant goes so far as replacing your purchase with a new one if a part can’t be fixed. You can find all this information and order your own electric tricycle at sixthreezero.com.
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