Choosing a Foldable E-Trike for RV Travel

[grashley]

It's been awhile since this thread appears to be addressed, sooo...
Back in the day, pedal power was my transportation. I loved the freedom. I did buy a GenZe bike right before they closed up shop. I enjoyed it, but wife riding a pedal power at 6 or 7 mph was quite frustrating for me. The battery is now shot. Last month, we rented e bikes in Arkansas. My DW Loved the e bike, as did I. However, after a hour and a half, I could ride fine, but could not keep the bike upright when I stopped. I was too tired. If I had a trike, I could have continued.

As previously discussed, there are many options, and I think I have answers to most of those questions. Foldable trike to be carried in the back of the toad (Inside), 500W motor, disc brakes, some type of suspension, rear wheel motor, lights, baskets, fenders, 48V 13Ah min battery, PAS and Throttle. Here are my remaining questions
24"-25" vs 30" rear track. Does this make a big difference in stability?
18" vs 20" tires. Is there a big difference?
Single speed vs multi speed on an e trike?
Wide tires?
What brands are good? Any bad brands?
It appears to me that Lectric is the gold standard in lower priced e bikes and e trikes. Are they worth the premium?
I am looking at: 30" rear track Lectric XP Trike2 $1500; Vivi T01 $800
Narrow rear track: NARRAK N3 or N6 ESKUTE T300 both around $650
Are there other brands I should consider?

As always, thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Bought a pair of lectric e-bikes last year. Great bikes. Solid built. Wife and I looked at different ones past two years. The lectric bikes beat all of them. 8 speed, 5 different power levels, and good accessories. You won’t go wrong buying lectric. Do a thorough inspection to insure no damage if you buy lectric. Packaging is good but just make sure. FYI, be careful on the turbo mode. Takes off like a rocket if you hit the throttle.

 

[Kittykamper]

It's been awhile since this thread appears to be addressed, sooo...
Back in the day, pedal power was my transportation. I loved the freedom. I did buy a GenZe bike right before they closed up shop. I enjoyed it, but wife riding a pedal power at 6 or 7 mph was quite frustrating for me. The battery is now shot. Last month, we rented e bikes in Arkansas. My DW Loved the e bike, as did I. However, after a hour and a half, I could ride fine, but could not keep the bike upright when I stopped. I was too tired. If I had a trike, I could have continued.

As previously discussed, there are many options, and I think I have answers to most of those questions. Foldable trike to be carried in the back of the toad (Inside), 500W motor, disc brakes, some type of suspension, rear wheel motor, lights, baskets, fenders, 48V 13Ah min battery, PAS and Throttle. Here are my remaining questions
24"-25" vs 30" rear track. Does this make a big difference in stability?
18" vs 20" tires. Is there a big difference?
Single speed vs multi speed on an e trike?
Wide tires?
What brands are good? Any bad brands?
It appears to me that Lectric is the gold standard in lower priced e bikes and e trikes. Are they worth the premium?
I am looking at: 30" rear track Lectric XP Trike2 $1500; Vivi T01 $800
Narrow rear track: NARRAK N3 or N6 ESKUTE T300 both around $650
Are there other brands I should consider?

As always, thanks for sharing your experience.

Thanks for this post. I didn’t know they made E trikes. Pretty neat!

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

One thing to consider when buying an E-bike: if you're not mechanically inclined, or simply don't have the time or inclination, then buying from a local bike shop gets you a place for warranty and non-warranty repairs. We went that route and I got an Aventon Level3 e-bike and my wife got a Buzz Cerana e-trike. Both were sold through a LBS and that shop covers warranty, and non-warranty, work.

 

[RV_Lee122]

Just sold my fat tire folding e-bike (Sondors Fold XS) as I didn't use it enough to warrant carting it around back and forth to the south west (75lbs and took up lots of space in the trunk).

I replaced it with a 1600 watt 45lb E-scooter and I already use it WAY more because its so easy to pull out and set up / then put away again after use.

 

[pipepro1]

I bought a ECOTRIC fat tire for myself and a LECTRIC trike for my wife love both of them.

 

[grashley]

Alan, that Buzz Cerana is exactly what I would build if I could - except it is not foldable to carry in the CRV. Did you ever test ride a 23" - 25" rear track trike? How does the stability compare?

Thanks all for your responses.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

Alan, that Buzz Cerana is exactly what I would build if I could - except it is not foldable to carry in the CRV. Did you ever test ride a 23" - 25" rear track trike? How does the stability compare?

We bought the Buzz without a test ride, and I've only tested it out once since we bought it so I can't compare it to any other brands.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

I ride an Ice Trike, non electric. The 2 wheels up front and rear larger tire is so much more stable! Recumbent is the way to go! I use skinny high pressure tires to help with rolling resistance… I know they have electric versions as well. Not the cheapest but so much better! Folds very small.

Bill

 

[garyb1st]

We bought two Trek Step Through bikes and a Kuat bike carrier about 5 years ago. Used them maybe 5 or 6 times while traveling. Don't use them much in the city because it's L.A. and not exactly a bike town. Works out to about $500 each time we took them with. I've thought about electrics but am concerned with falling. Age 83 on two wheel bike not good idea. However I really need a better form of exercise than walking and think the trike may be the way to go. Ideally an electric trike that can be peddled that doesn't break the bank. Suggestions for those that have gone this route.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

We bought two Trek Step Through bikes and a Kuat bike carrier about 5 years ago. Used them maybe 5 or 6 times while traveling. Don't use them much in the city because it's L.A. and not exactly a bike town. Works out to about $500 each time we took them with. I've thought about electrics but am concerned with falling. Age 83 on two wheel bike not good idea. However I really need a better form of exercise than walking and think the trike may be the way to go. Ideally an electric trike that can be peddled that doesn't break the bank. Suggestions for those that have gone this route.

Have a look at recumbent bikes! Much easier on the body, can’t fall and still get the exercise. Quite a few brands out there. Catrike, ICE, (folding) Terra trike, are the best known but there are cheaper versions.

 

[garyb1st]

Have a look at recumbent bikes! Much easier on the body, can’t fall and still get the exercise. Quite a few brands out there. Catrike, ICE, (folding) Terra trike, are the best known but there are cheaper versions.

That's my plan. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

You bet! Let us know what you finally pick!
Happy riding! There are many rail trails around the country which are great for a nice “path thru the woods” enjoyment.
Bill