How to Select An E-Bike Kit for Trikes. Electric trike cost

Electric trike cost

You may have noticed that the shipping date for some models is currently listed as several months away.

While we understand that this is a long time to wait, we wanted to make sure that these bikes were available to purchase for any rider who had their heart set on a preferred model and wanted to secure theirs well in advance.

The dates listed are as accurate as possible, but please note that the entire manufacturing world is in the middle of a global supply chain challenge. As a result, there are some variables that are out of our control (like container shortages, port delays, and the Suez Canal incident).

We know how excited you are to get your new ebike and we are continually scaling up our operations to get it to you as soon as possible.

RadTrike Electric Tricycle Assembly

Our riders say that this model is easy to assemble, however if you want help, our ebike assembly service will have you ready-to-ride.

Size Guide

What to Measure

Your “bike inseam”.- or inside leg length.- is the distance between your body where it sits on your bike saddle and the ground. This will typically be an inch or two longer than the length of your trousers, but you’ll want to measure to be sure. You’ll use this number on the chart to get a feel for how the different models will fit you.

How to Measure

Wearing your regular riding shoes and with your back to the wall, stand with your feet spread so there is about 7 inches between them. this is about the distance apart your feet would be when straddling a bike with your feet on

Place a hardcover book against the wall with the spine of the book facing upward. Slide the book upwards towards your groin until it is solidly against your body. This may be a bit awkward, but is way more comfortable.- and safer!- than trying to ride a bike that is too big.

If you have a buddy helping you, get them to measure from the floor to the top of the book spine while you hold the book in place. If you’re going it alone, carefully hold the book in place and measure from the ground to the top of the book spine.

How to Select An E-Bike Kit for Trikes

If you own a trike and have been contemplating switching from manual pedal power to the new age of personal electric vehicles (PEVs), this article is for you. (Also, check out the video at the end of this post.) The steps below outline how to select an e-bike kit for trikes to gain electric pedal power. Often the plunge into the world of electric bikes is quite daunting. Though not a new market, the market segment has exploded in the past two years in the United States. This has generated tons of kit options and combinations to retrofit your current ride into the PEV you desire. The price for these kits varies from 350-1200 and is predominantly affected by the type and quality of battery as well as the type of motor chosen.

The Trike

There are quite a few models of tricycles (trikes) on the market. The model trike above is a common economical and versatile option available in several variants from online retailers including Amazon for around 300-400.

For this conversion we don’t want to exceed 1000 in total costs, including the original cost of the trike.

The key component for conversion is understanding your trike in relation to the kits available.

Wheel size is the most important. The motors are programmed specifically to the diameter of the whole wheel, tire included. It’s important to know what the full diameter of the wheel and tire combination is. The wheel size for this trike is 26” which is the diameter of the wheel from tire tread to tire tread across the middle of the wheel.

Brakes

The brakes are a vital factor for consideration. Disc brakes are optimal for e-bike conversions due to the increase in stresses to the trike wheel, brakes, and frame. The trike discussed in this post has v-brakes on the front wheel and Band brakes for the rear wheels. This style of brakes puts the kit selection into another specific group. Therefore, it’s important for the PEV to have enough stopping power. 36V motors would keep the trike near the limits of braking capability. Simply put, don’t get a motor more powerful than the rider’s perceived pedaling power. Get a motor that simulates the rider’s power for a sustained period of time.

Brake Handles

The structure of the brake handles on the trike is important. Some kits come with Hall sensors that are attached to the existing brake handles when installing the e-bike kit. These sensors detect when the brake handle is pulled and cuts off the motor. However, another kit may include full replacement of the handles with built-in sensors. Either way it is important to understand your options and whether or not the sensors will work with your brake handles or whether the replacement handles with built-in components are picked.

Handlebar Real Estate

Though not an integral decision point for all e-bike conversions, it’s important to understand what is on your handlebars. The accessory space is needed and is required to add components like a display and throttle new or different. This trike has a twisting Shimano Revoshift Shifter for the rear derailleur. They can be purchased at multiple online retailers like Amazon.

Battery and Controller Placement

Take inventory of potential places to store your controller, motor (if mid drive) and battery. This trike is a bad candidate for a mid-drive motor. The addition of the motor would drastically reduce ground clearance below the bottom bracket. There is plenty of storage in the rear basket area of the bike and beneath the basket but occupying good usable space is not ideal. The installation should not overburden the available usable space or structural integrity of the trike.

The Kit

The trike used in our review of how to select an e-bike kit for trikes will be an introduction for the user into the PEV arena. It doesn’t need to beat any speed records and won’t be going any further than 20 miles at most. The location, Florida, is flat. So, the stress of extreme vertical inclines is minimal to non-existent. Remembering that our total budget is less than 1000 including the trike, a 36V Electric Bicycle 26″ Front Wheel Conversion Kit was chosen. The battery is small and stored in the wheel/motor/hub itself eliminating the need for space. Average travel distance for this kit is approximately 12 miles with an unassisted top speed of 15 mph. The necessary installation position, or angle of the battery side of the wheel might require the removal of the fender mount location for the fender. This will require a modification to the fender mounts if the fender is desired after the installation.

Lectric XP Trike Review: Lectric Goes All in On Ebikes For All

Every time Lectric launches an ebike they surprise in one way or another. This time it’s an ebike with not two, but three wheels. Enter the Lectric XP Trike with a price of just 1,499 which joins the Lectric lineup. And yes, like every other Lectric ebike, it still folds for easy shipping, assembly and transport. Read on for our written review and stay tuned for our Lectric XP Trike video review.

Lectric XP Trike Video Review

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An etrike is all about accessibility and thus the XP Trike has the lowest standover height of the Lectric lineup at just 13.8 inches. It’s a step-thru design that takes nods from the popular Lectric XP 3.0. Due to the trike’s aluminum frame, it weighs in at just 64 lbs with the battery removed. This is lighter than most electric trikes on the market today. With the battery installed, the XP Trike will weigh just over 70lbs. This is in line with many two-wheeled ebikes with similar batteries and motors. Up front is a steel rigid front fork.

Like most of the Lectric lineup, the Lectric XP Trike is foldable. The handlebars fold down similar to what we see from nearly every folding ebike. Next, the frame folds in half, tucking the front wheel in front of the rear left wheel.

A less noticeable change are the BMX-inspired handlebars. This allows for customization either toward the rider or further away depending on comfort and preference. the handlebars can also be raised or lowered depending on rider height. The dimensions of the Lectric XP Trike when folded are 38.5″ x 30.5″ x 30″. In the unfolded position the XP Trike is 63.5″ x 30.5″ x 43″ at the lowest handlebar position.

Lectric XP Trike Motor and Battery

The XP Trike is powered by a 500-watt nominal, 1092-watt peak motor. Unlike most electric trikes, the motor is located in the rear instead of in the front wheel which allows for more traction. Lectric has included a 20 amp controller with sensors to eliminate damage due to overheating. The battery is an average-sized 14Ah battery, that is mounted externally behind the seat tube. For those that already own a Lectric XPremium, the batteries are cross-compatible.

Due to moving to a current-based pedal assist (as opposed to speed-based) and the lower top speed compared to most ebikes, the range is estimated at 50 miles.

Like all Lectric ebikes, there is a right-hand twist grip throttle paired with a large LCD display. Riders have 5 pedal assist levels and the motor is engaged with a cadence sensor. The electrical components are IP-65 rated for water and dust resistance.

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Is the Lectric XP Trike Safe?

Ebike companies are carefully considering the design of these new electric trikes to ensure safety. Lectric has decided to go with a dual differential axle. This means that each rear wheel can spin independently to ensure safe turning. Another key safety feature is top speed. Trikes can be extremely safe when ridden at reasonable speeds. At high speeds the chance for tipping increases which is why the XP Trike has a top speed of 14 mph.

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Components

Because of its low top speed electric, electric trikes are the perfect use case for a single-speed. Plus they’re simple and low maintenance. The XP Trike has a 36 x 16T drivetrain. A guide wheel helps keep the chain taut.

This trike sits on 20″ x 2.6″ inch tires with reflective sidewalls for increased maneuverability and visibility. For stopping power Lectric equipped this trike with 5 Star Hydraulic disc brakes. They perform well and both the front and rear have parking brakes since trikes do not have kickstands.

A sleeker saddle is included which will be sufficient for some riders. Others may want to consider other options such as those on our electric bike accessories list or the seat with back which will be offered from Lectric.

Paint-matched fenders give the Lectric XP Trike a finished look and Lectric is even including its brighter integrated elite headlight. In the rear, there are three LED lights for increased safety. One in the center which operates as a brake light and one on each fender.

Accessories

Trikes lend themselves to hauling cargo due to the space between the rear wheels. Lectric has you covered as they are including the cargo package for those that preorder the XP Trike. This includes the front rack, front basket, and rear rack, all pictured below. The rear of the trike was intentionally built up to make it slightly easier to load cargo.

Pet lover? Lectric has you covered with a small welded mounting plate in the center rear of the Lectric XP Trike. This allows for connection to their Wag-Along pet carrier. View all of the available Lectric XP Trike accessories.

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Our Take

While it isn’t completely surprising to see an electric trike from Lectric, it is surprising that they are offering it at such a low price. In fact, 1,499 is what you can expect to pay for the average ebike, let alone one with three wheels.

Part of Lectric’s challenge will be helping customers understand that a low price doesn’t equate to low quality. It’s simply in Lectric’s DNA to offer ebikes at affordable instead of inflating for larger margins. Given the price and specs, we anticipate the Lectric XP trike will be the best-selling electric trike on the market. And given this only gets more people outside on bikes, this is something we’ll be happy to see. Learn more about the Lectric XP Trike.

Review of Pedego Trike Electric Tricycle

Pedaling outside is not reserved only for fit young people and athletes with powerful legs and perfect balance. With an electric tricycle for adults like Pedego Trike, anyone can enjoy a spin around the town and get a good exercise.

This tricycle puts you in a comfortable upright riding position, and its low-step frame lets you get on and off with ease. Thus, it is very accessible.

  • Powered by a 250W geared front hub motor with 30Nm of torque.
  • The 396Wh (36V 11Ah) battery can take you up to 33 miles on 10 cents worth of electricity.
  • Disc brakes front and back ensure the best possible braking performance.
  • A 3-speed internal gear hub lets you shift at standstill.
  • Comes with a spacious storage container that can carry all of your necessities.

Pedego Trike is a versatile three-wheeled machine that can help elderly people or riders with injuries reclaim their freedom. However, it can also be used by everyone else as a cargo hauler or just to have some fun.

Is it worth the money? Let us find out.

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  • MSRP: 2,995
  • Class: Class 2
  • Motor: 250W brushless geared hub, 30Nm
  • Battery: 396Wh (36V 11Ah) with Panasonic cells
  • Range: 25 to 30 miles (estimated)
  • Read more on Pedegoelectricbikes.com

Frameset, Geometry

Pedego Trike is built around a low-step aluminum frame with a high tensile steel fork. The frame has a forward pedaling position, which puts the rider closer to the ground while giving them full leg extension. This provides more stability, and it makes it easier to hop on and off the saddle.

The frame is pretty bulky and strong, though the company does not disclose what the maximum carrying capacity is. All we know is that they say ‘most’ of their bikes have a 250 lb. weight capacity, but that there are examples of heavier people riding without any issues.

The geometry puts the rider in a relaxed upright position, while the wide saddle with a padded backrest provides extra support.

Pedego Trike is heavy, but not extremely so. The total weight of this tricycle is around 80 lbs, with the battery included. That’s not bad at all, considering the size. There are even some electric bicycles that weigh the same.

Pedego Trike Motor and Battery

Pedego Trike is a Class 2 electric tricycle, which means it offers both pedal-assist and throttle functions.

The company chose to equip it with a 250W geared hub motor, placed inside the front hub. Due to the unique frame design, there was no room for the motor on the rear axle. With 30Nm of torque, this motor performs decently, but there is an occasional wheel spin when you use the throttle too hard. The reason is that most of the weight sits over the two rear wheels.

Pedego Trike’s battery capacity is not impressive, but the low maximum speed means that you can still get a manageable range out of it.

Pedego Trike is powered by a 396Wh removable battery that’s neatly integrated into the frame. capacity would certainly be nice, but a 30-mile range you get from it is far from negligible. Depending on how often and how far you ride, you’ll probably charge it once or twice a week. The battery comes with a lock and a battery charge indicator, so you can track how much farther you can go.

An important thing to point out is that Trike’s maximum speed is limited to 7 mph in throttle mode and 11 mph in pedal-assist mode. Tricycles are very stable when riding in a straight line, but they can flip over when cornering too fast. That’s why Pedego limited the top speed for safety reasons.

Components

Pedego did a really good job when it comes to the components they chose to include on the Trike model.

Firstly, this tricycle has mechanical disc brakes on both front and rear wheels. That’s a big plus as it’s not very common; many similar trikes have rim brakes on the front wheel. This setup gives Trike great braking performance, especially when riding downhill with a heavy load.

Both brakes on Pedego Trike can also function as parking brakes, which will help you get on and off the saddle and load and unload the rear bucket.

Next, Pedego Trike drives with a 3-speed internal gear hub that requires no extra maintenance. It shifts smoothly, and the three gears provide enough range to pedal with ease on flats, downhills, and moderate climbs. Best of all, you can shift gears while standing still, so you can start pedaling from a full stop without stomping the pedals.

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What’s also important to point out is that this trike rolls on 20″ wheels with Schwalbe Big Ben 2.15″ tires. They feature puncture protection and a slime inner tube sealant, so you don’t have to worry about flats.

Spacious Storage Container

Pedego Trike includes a massive, custom-built storage container mounted atop the rear wheels that can carry all of your necessities. It’s made of lightweight, but durable plastic, textured with an “orange peel” tread that masks any scratches.

The dimensions of the container are 20” W x 13” L; Overall Width: 30”. Pedego also included drainage holes on the bottom, so you can easily wash it and keep it clean.

The container is pretty large, so you can easily fit all of your weekly groceries inside or a large backpack with all of your necessities.

The good news is that the basket has a regular shape, so most of the space can be used. The bad news is that the container’s shell protrudes too far, so you can scrape your heels on it, especially if you have large feet. If this happens, I recommend just cutting off the part that protrudes since it’s there just for style, not for function.

Pedego Trike Assembly

Depending on where you buy it, you may receive your Pedego Trike fully or partially assembled. If you buy from one of Pedego’s local dealers, they will assemble the trike for you, adjust and tune all the components, and make it ready and safe to ride.

However, if you buy Pedego Trike on the company’s official website, you’ll receive it in a box, partially assembled. But don’t worry, you’ll receive all the tools necessary for assembly and detailed instructions on how to do the last few steps.

Pedego Trike is easy to assemble. It takes about 30 minutes or less, with just a few tools that come in the box, with the trike.

All you need to do is attach the stem to the frame using the 6mm Allen key and align the handlebar. Next, attach the pedals using the 15mm wrench, making sure to pay attention to the left and right size denomination. Finally, insert the battery in place, and lock it with the provided key.

After you check that everything else is in place and tightened up, you can take your Pedego Trike for its first real ride!

People Also Asked For:

Do you have some burning questions? You’re likely to find the answers below.

Is Pedego Trike safer than a bicycle?

Thanks to its three-wheel design, Pedego Trike feels very stable to ride. It’s easier to maintain balance and get on and off a Pedego Trike than a bicycle. However, keep in mind that tricycles are not very stable when cornering; if you go too fast, you might tip over.

How fast can Pedego Trike go?

Pedego Trike has a 7 mph maximum throttle speed and an 11 mph maximum pedal-assist speed. This is lower compared to most electric bicycles, but Pedego lowered the maximum speed to make Trike safer in corners.

Is Pedego Trike worth the money?

Yes, Pedego Trike is worth the money. It provides really good value for your investment with excellent components and a practical design. Pedego Trike features a high-quality motor and battery, as well as reliable mechanical components.

Why are Pedego bikes so expensive?

Pedego bikes are more expensive than similar bikes made by competition because they come with a 5-year warranty and a lifetime warranty on the frames. Pedego also offers seamless customer support through their massive dealership network in the US. Their bikes also have great components, made by reputable cycling brands such as Shimano.

Is it hard to ride a 3 wheel bike?

It is very easy to ride a 3-wheel bike. It is much easier to get on and off compared to a traditional bicycle. You also do not need to worry about keeping balance, as tricycles support themselves. Therefore, riding a trike is easier than riding a bike, overall.

Pedego Trike Size Recommendations

Pedego Trike comes with a one-size-fits-all frame. This is a low-step frame with a pedal forward position, so short riders should be able to ride with ease. You can raise the saddle quite a bit, so riders taller than 6 feet can pedal comfortably as well. You can also raise the handlebar using the adjustable stem.

Unfortunately, Pedego does not provide any type of size chart for the Trike model, so we can’t recommend it to you based on your height. It’s advisable to visit a local Pedego dealer and try the Trike if possible, to see whether or not it fits you.

Alternately, you can take a look at the geometry chart below to get a feel for the dimensions of this trike.

Accessories

The accessories you get with Pedego Trike are definite standouts. This tricycle features a front fender and a cargo bucket that doubles as a rear fender. Therefore, you will be completely protected from water, mud, or grit when it starts raining.

Trike also comes with bright front and rear battery-powered lights that will illuminate your way and make you more visible at night. The headlight is adjustable, so you can raise or lower the beam, improving visibility.

A few other handy accessories include a chainguard, a comfy saddle with a backrest, and adjustable stem, and the storage container that we’ve already talked about above.

Therefore, as you can see, Pedego Trike comes with all the necessary accessories to enjoy riding it in the city or around the block.

Bottom Line: Ride or Pass?

With a 2,995 price tag, Pedego Trike is far from being a budget-friendly buy. Still, once you look at what this electric tricycle offers, you realize you’re not paying through the nose. You’re getting your money’s worth back.

Pedego Trike provides maximum stability and comfort, which makes all the difference. If you’re not riding, getting the exercise, and spending time outside because you don’t feel confident on a traditional bicycle, you will love the freedom that Trike comes with.

Though there is some room for improvement, this trike has great components, an accessible design, good accessories, and a nice paint job.

We recommend it to elderly people, those looking to lose weight, riders with injuries or disabilities, or anyone else who fancies a relaxed three-wheeled ride!

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