Everyone has seen tricycles for kids, but an adult tricycle may be less familiar. Though still uncommon, adult tricycles, especially electric trikes, are gaining in popularity because of the advantages they offer over bicycles, both traditional and electric. An electric tricycle represents a significant investment, so it is important to choose the right one. Here are some things you should look for when shopping for electric trikes.
Motor Capacity
The motor for an electric tricycle can range from 250 Watts to 1,000 Watts. The more powerful the motor, the faster you can go and the less you have to pedal if you don’t want to.
You need a motor that is powerful enough to compensate for the weight of the frame. A 250-Watt motor should be sufficient if you have a lightweight frame made of aluminum. You need a more powerful motor if you intend to haul any cargo on your electric tricycle, probably at least a 500-Watt motor and possibly a 750-Watt motor. For example, if you intend to take your electric trike to the supermarket and then haul groceries home, a more powerful motor can help you make the return trip even with the added weight by helping you pedal.
However, more power isn’t always better. The laws of some communities consider electric bicycles and tricycles with 1,000-Watt motors to be motor vehicles and impose restrictions on where and how you can ride them. Furthermore, a 1,000-Watt motor typically drains your battery more quickly than less powerful motors do, especially when you ride without pedaling.
Are You Cruising or Commuting?
How you intend to use your electric hybrid trike could make a difference to the battery you choose. The electric trike’s battery powers the motor. When in doubt, it is better to have more battery life than you need than less.
Still, if you intend to use your trike primarily for commuting to and from work and the distance is relatively short, you don’t necessarily need a battery with a long life because you can recharge it when you get home, and possibly while you are at work as well.
On the other hand, if you ride for recreation and you intend to take trips that are long or open-ended, you may benefit from a battery with a longer life. That way, you don’t become stranded far from home and have to try to ride back completely under your own power.
Fun Color Choices To Choose From
When you are choosing an electric tricycle for sale, the color is not the most important consideration. Nevertheless, the trike you ultimately choose should be an expression of your personality, and color is one of the best ways to do that.
You can probably find electric tricycles in the same colors as electric bikes and traditional bikes. Here are a few examples of color choices to give you an idea of what is available.
- Black
- Navy
- Cream
- Teal
Electric tricycles are good for adults of all ages, including those who have back problems or mobility limitations. You can buy online with confidence when you find a retailer that offers free returns if the trike turns out to be not exactly what you wanted.
