Trikes are naturally heavier and electric-assisted varieties are no exception. This is why it can be argued that trikes are one of the most fitting types of pedal-driven vehicles to be integrated with e-bike technology. Every pedaling action the user does will trigger a motor assist, much like any traditional e-bike.
Trikes are naturally heavier and electric-assisted varieties are no exception. This is why it can be argued that trikes are one of the most fitting types of pedal-driven vehicles to be integrated with e-bike technology. Every pedaling action the user does will trigger a motor assist, much like any traditional e-bike.
Factoring in weight, this should give an experienced electric tricycle user a good picture of why the said factor is such a major price factor, among other things. They shall be outlined in greater detail as follows.
The overall lifespan of the electric tricycle’s battery has to be considered when considering maintenance costs. Ordinarily, a lithium-ion battery has a maximum of 700 to 800 cycles, which roughly translates to 3 to 5 years before it needs replacing. Of course, that is assuming the battery does not suffer any kind of damage from the elements (i.e. its susceptibility to the cold).
By the same token, you also need to do regular tuneups on parts that usually degrade faster like the pedals, chains, gears, tires, and disc brakes. The same goes for the motor.
As far as warranty goes, electric tricycles are similar to most e-bikes in such a way that models that have longer comprehensive and frame warranties are bound to cost more money.
Another big difference that a electric tricycle has over any other e-bike lies in the feel of its motor. Most electric trikes incorporate drivetrain motors, which is actually a perk for most riders, as it just feels more natural and does not seem like the motor is pulling or pushing you every time it kicks in. Nonetheless, some electric trikes still use front-wheel and mid-mounted motors, though.
When it comes to price, motor power (based on total watts) is a prime basis. Brands that want to assure their models will be able to reach the standard e-bike maximum speed of 20mph or even push that to 30mph do not hesitate to equip their e-trikes with 1,200-watt motors, which is already a rarity as far as e-bikes as a whole are concerned. This is because there are local motor regulations that manufacturers always have to consider.
It is not uncommon to run across electric tricycles that do not manage to reach the usual top speed of 20mph because of less powerful motors. Do not expect low-cost models (those that sell for less than $2,000) to achieve that optimal top speed, with certain models reaching only around 14 or 15 mph and riding ranges totaling a minimum of 14 miles only.
While most electric tricycle batteries are relatively large, it does not necessarily connote a higher riding range. The bigger size actually lends itself to the overall weight of the e-bike as well, which is not at all a good thing for riders. The total watt-hours of the battery may give you a good inkling of how far a specific model can go, but it will never be able to provide a precise calculation every time.
Why? Well, much like the motor, the battery life of an electric trike also mainly depends on how you use the trike. Using the pedal-assist occasionally will definitely result in a longer riding range than, for example, opting to go full-electric mode. This effectively illustrates the close relationship between the battery and the motor of not only the electric trikes but electric bicycles as a whole.
Even so, those brands with higher watt-hour batteries will certainly cost more. Certain models even have the option of adding a second battery which expands the range twofold or more. Obviously, this only means more expenses for the owner, which is not limited to initial sale but maintenance costs as well. Battery charging time is also another factor that greatly affects the price, which is only further boosted by the demand of users for quick-charging models.
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