Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Adult Trike
No one bike is the right choice for everyone. There are things you need to consider, whether buying an adult trike for yourself or someone you care about.
Storage
There are many benefits to having an electric tricycle, but storage isn’t one of them. These bikes will take up more room than the standard two-wheeler. Consider where you might store the bike when you are not riding it and if you can get to it easily.
The combination of the extra wheel and frame plus the motor means it will be heavier. Ideally, you will have storage space you can ride into, like a shed or garage.
The Motor
The motor is a critical feature whether you are shopping for a two or three-wheel bike. It determines how fast the bike will go. It can also impact the lifespan of a battery charge. You’ll find many of the top-rated electric tricycles has a 250W or larger motor.
The Battery
The battery is also a critical consideration when choosing an electric bike. Many things affect how far the battery will go between charges. Does the trike offer full-throttle assistance, for example? This is a fun option for seniors, but it does use more battery power.
You can expect a 250 Watt Hour battery to take you about 15 miles if you use full-throttle. You will get farther with pedal assist.
Throttle
Most electric tricycles, unlike electric bicycles, do not have preset electric assistance levels but instead employ either a thumb-driven throttle or a twist-throttle incorporated into the handlebar. Some riders like the twist throttle because it is simpler to manage, especially when traveling rapidly on uneven roads.
The Display
The display provides all sorts of interesting information, including how much time you have left on the battery, how far you ride, and your speed. Some displays are difficult to read, though. Look for one in a place where it is easy to see and offers a large enough display so seniors can read it.
Cargo Space
The benefit of converting to an electric adult tricycle for many riders is that it is simpler to peddle swiftly when carrying loads of groceries or other stuff throughout town. In such a situation, having one or more large cargo baskets to hold all of that stuff might make or break whether your trike is usable on a daily basis.
Accessories
Of course, you want to consider what accessories you might add to the adult electric trike. For example, they may not all come with headlights. You might also want a horn. It may be possible to add more cargo space, as well.
Most e-trikes on the list have at least one basket, but you might add a second to the front or back, depending on your needs.