E-trikes enthusiasts increase each day. This is because they are eco-friendly and they function with battery-powered motors and advanced technologies.
With e-trikes, you can travel with less environmental impact. You can go to work, visit friends, and pick food items from a grocery store. You no longer have to drive your gas-powered vehicle or use public transport every time. No doubt, you are already buzzing with joy with this fantastic commuting alternative.
Furthermore, e-trikes have ergonomic designs. This makes them an excellent choice for adults and people with disabilities. Also, you don’t need to spend on gas or break a bank for maintenance when riding an e-trike. They are an ideal transportation means for you to elevate your traveling experience.
However, with many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your needs. Here, you will learn about the things to consider when buying an e-trike.
Battery Capacity and Type
An electric trike uses a battery as a source of power, which you can charge at any power outlet without stress. For this reason, an e-trike does not emit greenhouse gasses like fuel-consuming vehicles. Therefore, you will see many people who want to reduce their environmental impact opting for these three-wheeled innovative wonders.
With how significant a battery is in an electric trike; you must ensure you choose the right one for your needs. The two criteria you must check in a battery when buying an e-trike are the battery capacity and type.
The battery capacity is measured in watt-hours. It determines the distance you can travel per charge. Understand that you can travel far when your e-trike has a battery with high capacity. Therefore, where you will be traveling with your e-trike will determine your battery capacity. If you go for a high battery capacity, ensure your e-trike can handle the weight because it is often heavier than the batteries with low capacity
Furthermore, you must consider the battery type before purchasing an e-trike. Common electric trike battery types are Lithium-ion, Lead-acid, and Nickel-cadmium batteries.
The most durable, lightweight, and efficient battery type is lithium-ion, but you may need to spend more to get one. Lead-acid batteries are more affordable but are relatively heavier and less efficient than lithium-ion batteries. To balance the features of Lithium-ion and Lead-acid batteries, go for a Nickel-cadmium battery.
Motor Size and Position
Another crucial part of an e-trike you must evaluate before making a purchase is the motor. The motor size is responsible for your electric trike performance and top speed; you want to choose a suitable one. The motor size has wattage measurements. A high-wattage motor will give you maximum assistance to overcome challenging terrain.
Furthermore, check where the motor is placed in your electric trike. It can be a mid-drive or front-hub motor. The mid-drive will help you distribute weight evenly and climb hills effortlessly, while the front-hub motor has a simple design and requires little maintenance.
Overall, you must balance between motor efficiency and size to maximize electric trike range and performance and preserve the battery’s life.
Consider the Weight and Storage Capacity
The weight capacity determines the number of passengers and the amount of load you can safely travel with on your e-trike. Can you see why you must consider this factor when buying an electric trike? You can find e-trikes models with weight capacity between 250 to 350 pounds based on their frame materials and size.
Never cut corners with weight capacity. Ensure your e-trike is capable of handling your load without reducing its performance and efficiency.
Furthermore, buy e-trike models with enough storage space for your load. A recreational electric trike might not be ideal for your daily commute to work or grocery shopping due to minimal storage space. Examine your daily needs and buy an e-trike with sufficient storage space to meet them. Prioritize buying e-trikes with baskets, panniers, and racks to carry items as you travel.
Consider Extra Features
You can get beyond comfort, efficiency, and durability from electric trikes. They come with additional features to enhance your riding experience. Such accessories include a step-thru frame for convenient mounting and dismounting, fat tires for improved traction and stability, GPS for smooth navigation, and removable batteries for easy charging.
Furthermore, e-trikes can come with digital displays such as LED, LCD, and touchscreen displays for optimal efficiency. LCD shows battery level, distance covered, power mode, and speed. You can easily see this information even in sunlight.
The LED display performs a similar function as the LCD but with fewer details. However, they are energy efficient and visible even in the dark. Touchscreen displays support interactive controls and it is found in more advanced e-trikes.
Examine all these features and choose the e-trike best suitable for your needs.
Prioritize Safety
When buying an e-trike, you must check safety features like lights, bells, reflectors, a sturdy frame, and an efficient braking system. Other things you may want to look out for are adjustable seats and handlebars for convenient riding position.
Moreover, buy an e-trike with a safety flag for enhanced visibility for pedestrians and other motorists. In fact, never read your e-trike on the road without a safety flag to prevent accidents.
Furthermore, you can buy an e-trike with a speed limiter to help you check your speed and stop you from over speeding and losing control. A speed limiter may be best for adults and disabled people for improved safety.
Buy From Reliable Brands
When you buy from a reliable brand, you will get beyond the value of your money. Trustworthy brands employ quality components and detailed construction processes to maximize performance and efficiency.
Choosing a reliable brand keeps your mind at rest for warranty after-sales support to protect your investment. Also, you can access quality replacement parts and people with technical know-how if your e-trike develops any fault.
Buying the Best Electric Trike
Now that you have decided to live sustainably and travel without leaving a carbon footprint, an e-trike can be your best solution. However, while purchasing an electric tricycle, you need to consider the things covered in this guide.
Consider your needs and preferences and if the electric trike meets them. Evaluate the trike’s weight capacity, battery, motor specifications, safety features, comfort, flexibility, storage capacity, and extra features. Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time to examine all factors and choose the best electric trike that serves your purpose.