Electric Assist|Solar Trikes
Additional $2000 | Solar assist $2600
Any of our trikes can be built with an electric pedal assist. We use the 750 watt Bafang system, and reprogram it specifically for tricycle riding. The motor is at the pedals, and gently increases your power as you pedal. A speed limit is set at around 12-16 mph for most uses. We usually limit the total power output as well for longer battery range and component lifetime. There’s a throttle for getting started from a stop without needing to pedal, and all power buttons, controls and a display are on the handlebars for ease of use. Information like current speed, trip miles, battery percent, etc. are shown on a screen in the middle of the handlebars. The battery is usually mounted and locked inside the box itself, but can be easily removed so the battery can be charged away from the trike. A plug-in wall charger is included.
The gearing is low for more power when starting, especially with a lot of weight. It’s also easy to ride with the motor off, or even with a completely discharged battery so you won’t be stranded. The top speed isn’t much faster than you can ride a standard bike, but with the ability to ‘flatten’ hills while moving cargo. Also included are high quality disc brakes on both front wheels (so you can safely get down the hills that you can now climb), stronger front wheels, and a tougher rear wheel and rim. The metal frame around the front wheels and the pivot under the box are strengthened for moving weight at higher speeds on rough roads.
Our Solar Assist trike has the same motor and battery system, with a solar panel mounted onto the lid of the trike that will charge the battery in sunshine. The trike can be a completely off-grid electric delivery vehicle while riding with mostly low assist settings, switching to higher assist when needed. The trike will actually gain electricity while out and about. If you ride consistently in higher settings, or very long distances the panel will extend the battery range miles farther than without. All the parts are designed for better charging in low light, and can also be charged with the wall charger at night if needed.
