electric trike: anybody got an opinion?

[simoto]

Bit niche but worth a shot...
Due to a progressive health condition my leg power and stability are diminishing. I'm considering how best to achieve local transport, (my walking is limited to a mile or so at best) and am not ready for a curb crawler yet.
An electric trike could be an option, particularly like the idea of getting a bit further afield, perhaps via some gentle off road. A few about, second hand ones often come up with very low miles that may imply they are not doing what the seller hoped they would!
Any first hand knowledge would be apricated

 

[Santa-2512]

Bit niche but worth a shot...
Due to a progressive health condition my leg power and stability are diminishing. I'm considering how best to achieve local transport, (my walking is limited to a mile or so at best) and am not ready for a curb crawler yet.
An electric trike could be an option, particularly like the idea of getting a bit further afield, perhaps via some gentle off road. A few about, second hand ones often come up with very low miles that may imply they are not doing what the seller hoped they would!
Any first hand knowledge would be apricated

Are you talking mobility scooter or electric motorbike, trike

 

[John RTW]

Not electric, but I looked into the Piaggio MP3 style scooter or a Can Am for my road going issues, the Harleys was out of my price range. Unfortunately it's not going to happen now. There are also companies that do trike kits, if you want to adapt your old bike. If you you can handle 8mph or even 4mph, a mobility scooter (They also come in 3 wheel trike style, my Uncle has one like that) on the pavements around here would give you that off road thrill factor.

 

[steve hughes]

A lad I ride with had a really nasty bicycle accident, woman took him out big style. He ended up off work for more than two years with physio 2/3 times a week. At one point they said he could maybe walk, never run and never cycle. Undaunted he bought an electric trike. It was a long low thing with two wheels at the front and one at the rear. The rear has panniers which he carried his charger. So at pub stops he use to recharge his battery.

It kept up well with us probably going upto 25/30 mph down hill and certainly averaging 12 -14 mph easily. It looked expensive and was well built. It never broke down. The only issue we had was the metal barriers they put on cycle paths sometimes to deter motorcycles stopped it. We got around that by picking it up and turning on its side, took a few of us though.

It looked like these , from memory.

ICE Recumbent Trikes - Bikes, E-Bikes, 3 Wheel Adult Folding Tricycles, Adult Tricycle, Adaptive Cycling

ICE Recumbent Trikes, Inspired Cycle Engineering, E-Bike, 3 Wheel Adult Folding Tricycles, Adult Trikes Tricycle, Adaptive Cycling

www.icetrikes.co

On a positive note he is now on a normal bike , recently completed a 600km bike ride and did his first 10k in Chester two weeks ago

 

[Davey B]

No knowledge or experience but the best of luck finding a solution that works for you.

Quality Electric Adult Tricycles | Jorvik Tricycles

The UK's leading adult tricycle providers. We offer a range of quality electric adult tricycles in both folding and rigid frames. Free UK delivery.

jorviktricycles.com

 

[simoto]

Not electric, but I looked into the Piaggio MP3 style scooter or a Can Am for my road going issues, the Harleys was out of my price range. Unfortunately it's not going to happen now. There are also companies that do trike kits, if you want to adapt your old bike. If you you can handle 8mph or even 4mph, a mobility scooter (They also come in 3 wheel trike style, my Uncle has one like that) on the pavements around here would give you that off road thrill factor.

Thanks for responding. I am considering the three wheel motorcycle options (alongside the 'local transport requirement) but it is less likely to happen as time passes.
Not ready for a mobility scooter yet, I probably need to get over myself but here we are.

 

[simoto]

A lad I ride with had a really nasty bicycle accident, woman took him out big style. He ended up off work for more than two years with physio 2/3 times a week. At one point they said he could maybe walk, never run and never cycle. Undaunted he bought an electric trike. It was a long low thing with two wheels at the front and one at the rear. The rear has panniers which he carried his charger. So at pub stops he use to recharge his battery.

It kept up well with us probably going upto 25/30 mph down hill and certainly averaging 12 -14 mph easily. It looked expensive and was well built. It never broke down. The only issue we had was the metal barriers they put on cycle paths sometimes to deter motorcycles stopped it. We got around that by picking it up and turning on its side, took a few of us though.

It looked like these , from memory.

ICE Recumbent Trikes - Bikes, E-Bikes, 3 Wheel Adult Folding Tricycles, Adult Tricycle, Adaptive Cycling

ICE Recumbent Trikes, Inspired Cycle Engineering, E-Bike, 3 Wheel Adult Folding Tricycles, Adult Trikes Tricycle, Adaptive Cycling

www.icetrikes.co

On a positive note he is now on a normal bike , recently completed a 600km bike ride and did his first 10k in Chester two weeks ago

Thank you for responding, they look like great fun, unfortunately i would struggle to get my self in and out of the low sat. Already being challenged by sofas!

 

[simoto]

Are you talking mobility scooter or electric motorbike, trike

Probably should have said electric tricycle in the heading.

 

[Flintlock]

I hire out Cube electric MTB's every now & again - a good brand a quick search reveals they do trikes

Cube Trike Cargo Hybrid 2023 Electric Tricycle

<p>The Trike Cargo Hybrid is part of our vision for the future of cleaner urban transport. A brand-new concept in its own right and a co-development with input from BMW, it combines the easy handling of a 'normal' hybrid bike with the versatility

winstanleysbikes.co.uk

Not cheap mind!

 

[John RTW]

Thanks for responding. I am considering the three wheel motorcycle options (alongside the 'local transport requirement) but it is less likely to happen as time passes.
Not ready for a mobility scooter yet, I probably need to get over myself but here we are.

I think you might be in the same sort of boat as me. I hoped to get back onto 2/3 wheels but as time progresses my pain issues (chronic) have gone up, so even driving the car can be an episode to recover from. So seven years on I very much doubt I'll be back riding, so this year I'll have to put my 4 motorcycles on the market.

 

[SBD]

I just looked at the thread title “anyone got an opinion?”

Fuck me, on GSER??? No, no opinions here…

 

[simoto]

I hire out Cube electric MTB's every now & again - a good brand a quick search reveals they do trikes

Cube Trike Cargo Hybrid 2023 Electric Tricycle

<p>The Trike Cargo Hybrid is part of our vision for the future of cleaner urban transport. A brand-new concept in its own right and a co-development with input from BMW, it combines the easy handling of a 'normal' hybrid bike with the versatility

winstanleysbikes.co.uk

Not cheap mind!

Ooo! Now we are talking, didn't know cube made a trike. Will try and get a go one. (Not that I can afford it.)

 

[Kritou]

I have a Topmate ES35 electric reverse tricycle that I bought last month direct from China. It cost me a total of £750 delivered and am delighted with how much freedom it has given me back (severe osteoarthritis both ankles) and it’s small footprint



It’s 10” wheels won’t allow off road capability but the battery gives about a 15 mile range and it quickly folds up it’s 17kgs to store indoors or put in the car boot

Not strictly a Class 2 mobility scooter as it has three speed selections of 4, 8 and 15mph but no-one so far has questioned it’s use on pavements or the aisles of M&S

 

[simoto]

I have a Topmate ES35 electric reverse tricycle that I bought last month direct from China. It cost me a total of £750 delivered and am delighted with how much freedom it has given me back (severe osteoarthritis both ankles) and it’s small footprint

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It’s 10” wheels won’t allow off road capability but the battery gives about a 15 mile range and it quickly folds up it’s 17kgs to store indoors or put in the car boot

Not strictly a Class 2 mobility scooter as it has three speed selections of 4, 8 and 15mph but no-one so far has questioned it’s use on pavements or the aisles of M&S

Interesting, first time i have seen such a thing!

 

[Greenman14]

I was at a cyclist’s cafe yesterday and a guy rolled in on a custom built steel trike, 700C wheels and derailleur gears; it was a thing of beauty. He had a an electric conversion kit fitted at the bottom bracket. That’s the stylish option for a cyclist, IMHO.

 

[Davey B]

I was at a cyclist’s cafe yesterday and a guy rolled in on a custom built steel trike, 700C wheels and derailleur gears; it was a thing of beauty. He had a an electric conversion kit fitted at the bottom bracket. That’s the stylish option for a cyclist, IMHO.

It wasn't a George Longstaff was it? Used to see many of them at Mildenhall Cycle Rally every August bank hol weekend....lovely things.

https://www.longstaffcycles.com/

 

[peepingtom]

my father in law has had one of these for the last couple of years and its been very good. no need to pedal if you can't or don't want to. good for shopping

Jorvik Electric Mountain Trike JMT3 (500w)

The essential mountain trike. Trail-proven electric power designed for all-day, all-terrain riding. The ultimate expression of freedom. *Please note, images are for illustration purposes only and can vary as designs are updated*

jorviktricycles.com

 

[Greenman14]

It wasn't a George Longstaff was it? Used to see many of them at Mildenhall Cycle Rally every August bank hol weekend....lovely things.

https://www.longstaffcycles.com/

I don’t think it was. Maybe an older design. I’m pretty sure it was a lugged frame and it didn’t have a sloping top tube. Should have taken a closer look really.

 

[andysdad]

my father in law has had one of these for the last couple of years and its been very good. no need to pedal if you can't or don't want to. good for shopping

Jorvik Electric Mountain Trike JMT3 (500w)

The essential mountain trike. Trail-proven electric power designed for all-day, all-terrain riding. The ultimate expression of freedom. *Please note, images are for illustration purposes only and can vary as designs are updated*

jorviktricycles.com

I thought road bikes must be 250W max, plus thumb throttle is not legal (was pre-2014ish)?

Although look at any food delivery guy - 3000W homebuilt with throttle. Cops never see them - must also have a Invisibility button too.

Trike looks fun, and a great price, though.

 

[Kritou]

I thought road bikes must be 250W max, plus thumb throttle is not legal (was pre-2014ish)?

Although look at any food delivery guy - 3000W homebuilt with throttle. Cops never see them - must also have a Invisibility button too.

Trike looks fun, and a great price, though.

Yes, the price/feature ratio is impressive but they do only mention off road use (apart from the video) and include these provisos:-

“ All tricycles that do not meet EAPC regulations (500w and 750w) must be used only on private land to which the public does not have unrestricted access, and with the landowner's permission - so it is not even legal for a farmer to use one e.g. on a public right of way which crosses their private land - but also on the possible penalties and risks of illegal use on the public highway (prosecution of course but also the near-certainty that any insurance will be invalidated by riding an illegal vehicle - so potential life-changing liabilities in the event of an accident where a third party is injured...). For more information on the EAPC regulations and legal riding age limits please see link - https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules”

Being UK built and supplied is a big plus and I suspect plod would presume anyone on a trike and the road to be an old git with a disability and legal …