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6 Things to Know Before Buying a Three Wheeled Electric Bikes
On any sunny day, you might see someone on the street – an adult on a three-wheeled bike. It’s also possible that there’s more to this adult tricycle than meets the eye.
Consumers are looking for better ways to get to work, school and even on holiday. This is leading to an increase in e-bikes and tricycles.
Statista reports that the e-bike industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12.27% between 2022 and 2027. People are becoming more environmentally conscious and concerned about their health. Owning an e-bike is the best of both worlds. They can help the planet by driving fewer petrol-powered cars and getting more exercise at the same time.
Three-wheeled e-bikes offer an elegant solution for those who are uncomfortable or uninterested in riding a traditional two-wheeled vehicle. Cycling is fun but less risky. However, there are a few things you need to know before purchasing an electric three-wheeled bike.
What is a three-wheeler?
If you are considering purchasing a three-wheeled electric bike, you should learn more about what makes them so great. An electric tricycle for adults is similar to the tricycles you rode as a child, only bigger. It’s the same size as a traditional bike, but has two wheels on the back instead of one.
The goal of an adult tricycle is no different than a small tricycle either. It’s all about balance. To ride a two-wheeled bike, you must be able to balance while getting on, pedalling, stopping and getting off. For some people, this is a big ask; others just don’t want to get into trouble.
A three-wheeled bike is a perfect solution because it eliminates balance. You don’t have to tilt the bike to get on or stop at a red light to jump off the seat. The three-wheel design ensures that it stays balanced and stable without your help.
Why buy an electric three-wheeled bike?
I think the better question is, why not buy an electric one? If you are planning to invest in a new adult tricycle, why not buy one that suits you best? The motor and battery pack that comes with an electric bike means that you can get some help when performing the following manoeuvres:
Climbing hills
Travelling against the wind
Getting tired
This means you can ride your adult trike further without having to worry about whether you have the stamina to get home. E-bikes usually have two different modes: pedal assist and full motor or throttle.
Pedal assist mode is exactly what it sounds like – the motor kicks in when you pedal to give you extra support. You control when the motor provides assistance and when it doesn’t. Some people use the motor for the entire ride. They still get the physical benefits of cycling, but are more comfortable on a bike.
Full throttle means you don’t have to pedal to drive an electric tricycle. It works similarly to a moped. This is a good thing when riding is a little more difficult than expected. If you are too tired to do it on your own, an electric tricycle will get you home safely.
Buying an electric three-wheeled bike is a considerable investment. It’s not something you want to do on a whim. Take the time to find the right electric tricycle for your needs. There are a few things you should know before you start shopping.
How Electric Tricycles Work
Electric tricycles utilise two unique sensors: torque and speed. When you pedal, the sensors send a signal to the motor when you reach the correct speed. It then kicks in and powers the pedals as you move them.
The torque sensor matches your pedal speed. If you pedal faster, the motor accelerates to match your effort. The engine controls the torque based on the pedal assist mode setting. A lower setting means it provides less assistance. A high setting means you get more. Some trikes don’t require pedalling if you turn the throttle.
Motor position
For example, you won’t see a motor like a lawnmower on an electric trike. Usually, it is located in one of the following three positions:
Rear wheel hub
Mid-drive, located near the pedals
Front hub
The hub is the centre where the wheel attaches to the bike. The location of the motor is not as important as the location of the battery.
Getting the power
E-bikes and tricycles come with rechargeable batteries. The battery can be removed or integrated into the frame. For three-wheeled bikes, you may find the battery near the seat. It may be located under the bar, attached to the back of the bar, or in front.
The motor draws power from the rechargeable battery. You can charge it the way most batteries are charged. Then, plug it into a charging station connected to an electrical outlet. Some batteries are also solar powered, although these are less common.
Six Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Three-Wheeled Electric Bike
Finding the right three-wheeled electric bike takes some research. However, here are some things you should consider when shopping.
1. two-wheeled electric bikes vs three-wheeled electric tricycles
It’s easy to mentally group these two designs together because they are both electric. In fact, the different frame styles mean they are not the same. A three-wheeled bike can feel very different to ride. Everything from mounting and dismounting to turning will feel different to you.
Turning is a good example of this. If you ride a two-wheeled bike, you simply adjust the handlebars and ride through the turn. A three-wheeled bike will feel different when turning because it has a unique centre of gravity. You need power to turn, just like a two-wheeled bike, but it’s different. A classic two-wheeler is powered by speed. On an electric tricycle, the power is you leaning to turn.
You also have to adjust to the weight of a three-wheeled bike, which is why it’s wise to buy an electric model. A tricycle will accelerate slower because you are pushing more weight. The weight can also make going downhill difficult if you can’t control your forward momentum.
The point is that there is a learning curve associated with riding an electric three-wheeled bike. This is generally true, but may be even more so if you are used to a two-wheeled vehicle.
2. Battery size
It is normal to be more concerned about the size of the motor than the battery. The engine controls how fast you can travel in each mode. The battery is critical because it determines how far you can go on a single charge.
Battery power is usually measured in watt-hours or Wh. The greater the Wh, the longer the bike will last on two charges. You may need a larger battery for longer rides or plan to use your new electric trike to commute to work. If you plan to ride recreationally, then a smaller one may be fine.
Also, consider the type of battery. Is it removable or integrated? A removable battery is the best option, especially for electric tricycles that are heavier than two-wheelers. If the battery is integrated, you will have to park the bike near a charging station, such as in a garage. If it is removable, you can store your electric tricycle and charge the battery inside.
Removable batteries also provide you with some security. Most of these batteries are locked in the frame. You’ll need a key to remove them, but that doesn’t mean someone determined to steal your key won’t figure it out.
3. Motor efficiency
You also need to consider motor size, especially if you plan to carry cargo (such as grandchildren or pets). For heavy loads, a larger motor is a better choice.
Batteries and motors also work together. So, a big motor with a small battery is not a good idea. The bigger the motor, the more energy it consumes and the faster the batteries run out. If you expect to use the motor a lot, look for an engine that matches the size of the battery. Some e-bikes also come with a battery backup. Check this option if you think you will run out of battery power quickly. However, for the average rider, this is not necessary.
You may also want to consider the position of the motor. The position of the motor determines how it works. A centre drive motor turns the crank on the pedals instead of one of the wheels. This makes it more powerful.
The front hub motor pulls the electric trike forward by turning the front wheel. The rear hub motor pushes the frame forward by powering the chain and gears at the back. For some people, the rear hub motor feels more natural. The front hub can slip, especially when carrying a lot of weight.
4. Models
Some models of electric tricycles offer only pedal assist modes. They may have multiple pedal assist levels, but the trike will not run on motor power alone. Consider carefully whether this makes sense for you.
It’s a judgement call, but the more you can get out of your electric trike, the better. Even if you don’t think you’ll use throttle-only mode, you may want to have it. If you only buy a model with pedal assist, there’s no turning back.
Another consideration is how many modes you need. Different levels of pedal assist give you options for the support you need. If you are just getting back into exercising and cycling, you can start with a higher pedal assist mode. Then, as you get stronger, you can go lower and use the motor when needed.
But that doesn’t mean you need seven or eight pedal assist modes. Modes are kind of like speeds on a traditional bike. You might use two or three and not touch the rest. You don’t necessarily need a lot of pedal assist modes unless you plan to ride on rough terrain. For most riders, three is probably enough.
5. Tyres
Speaking of terrain, this brings up another key consideration – tyres. Fat tyres are perfect for rough terrain or heavy loads. For example, if you’re looking for an electric trike with a passenger seat, you’ll need wide tyres to accommodate extra cargo. If you also plan to ride off-road, wide tyres are essential. If you want to commute or ride recreationally, smaller tyre diameters will do.
6. Features
What goes on an electric trike is almost as important as what goes on a model bike. Features provide enhanced safety and comfort. They make your ride more efficient and practical, so choose them wisely.
Storage space
Storage space is a good place to start when deciding which features you need and which you don’t. Of course, many buyers will naturally look for that big cargo basket in the back. However, dig a little deeper.
For example, how much weight can the basket hold? What about the size? Is it big enough to hold the items you like to carry when you travel? Can it fit a backpack? How about a lunch basket? Carefully consider all scenarios of items you might want to put in your basket to make sure it fits your needs.
Maybe the basket at the back doesn’t quite work for you. If so, there are other options. Some electric tricycles are rickshaw models. This means they have a passenger seat at the back. These seats may fit an adult and a child or children. They are large enough to accommodate a pet kennel. Again, think about what you might use the seat for and determine if it works.
Finally, how many baskets are too many? Only you know for sure. Some electric trikes have multiple baskets. Usually, this means a large one in the back and a smaller one in the front.
Technology
The technology that powers your electric tricycle is also important. These bikes are equipped with everything from the most basic display to a connection to the internet. A basic display will show the pedal assist mode you are using and that’s it.
LCD displays may go a step further and show indicators such as bike speed and battery level. Advanced displays may have Bluetooth capability to connect to an app on your phone. This allows you to log ride distances and map routes using GPS.
The type of display is a matter of choice. If you prefer high-tech options, you may pay more. Many riders find a happy medium that has an LCD display that measures speed and battery level. If you’re not worried about tech, then the most basic display will suffice for you.
Saddle.
The right saddle or seat can have a huge impact on comfort. Ideally, you’ll want a wide saddle with plenty of cushioning.
Honourable mentions
If you focus on these six things, you’ll have a good idea of what you want from your electric trike. However, other factors are also important, such as cost. Figure out your budget for a new electric bike and stick to it. It’s easy to feel calm with all the fancy features of some trikes, but they add to the overall cost, and you likely won’t need some of them.
Weight is another thing to keep in mind. By definition, a three-wheeled bike is heavier than a traditional two-wheeled bike, with or without a motor. This can be a significant factor. In addition, heavier bikes are harder to ride and store unless you can roll them into a garage or shed. However, if you’re going upstairs, weight matters.
Finally, put the brand first. If you only look at price and features, you may be buying an electric tricycle from a company with a poor reputation. Most manufacturers offer enough models of electric tricycles that you can find one that suits your needs and know you’re buying from a reputable brand.
The brand also works on more expensive tricycles. However, just because a manufacturer puts a high price tag on a trike doesn’t mean it’s not cheap. If you equate quality with high prices, it’s time to break that habit.
Start by doing research on the brand. Check out customer reviews of their bikes and see what kind of customer service they offer. For example, if you’re ordering online, how hard is it to put their bikes together and what kind of help do they offer?
Once you’ve found the right brand, check out the models of electric tricycle bikes they offer. For example, sixtwozero is one of the top bike manufacturers on the market today. We have three models of electric bikes, each unique.
Our ET500 electric tricycle is our flagship model. It allows you to cruise up to 50 miles at 16 miles per hour. We built this trike for comfort. It has an ergonomic step-through frame that ensures stability during setup and take-down.
If weight and storage are key factors, we also have the A7AH20 folding e-bike. All of this in a smaller, more compact size, perfect for commuters or flat dwellers.
Our customers rave about the customer support we provide before and after the purchase. So if you’re in the market for a three-wheeled electric bike, put the brand first and check out our website today!