|
Any experience with electric trikes?
01-31-2016, 06:42 PM
|
#1
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2008
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 8,765
|
Any experience with electric trikes?
DW has been looking into electric trikes recently, and there doesn't seem to be a ton of information out there. I personally think she's jumping the gun, both on the new tech as well as her capabilities. But she doesn't feel stable and secure enough to ride on the roads (or sidewalks) around here, and thinks having a battery assist would help. She is taking her time and doing the research, but I know the people here have a vast amount of experience and knowledge so I thought I'd throw it out for comment.
Here are the two she's most interested in at this point.
PT3CB-HUB-ENG
Electric Tricycle - Liberty Trike
The big differences seem to be the battery type (lithium vs. lead acid) and wheel size (16" vs. 20"), plus some things like foldability and such. Plus the Liberty is still a concept (indiegogo), although it should be available soon.
Any experiences or opinions would be appreciated.
__________________
"Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." - Anonymous (not Will Rogers or Sam Clemens)
DW and I - FIREd at 50 (7/06), living off assets
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
02-01-2016, 05:32 AM
|
#2
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,434
|
Has she seen this one?
Organic Transit | Exercise Your Power! ELF Solar Pedal Power
Actually, I've been looking at these too but there doesn't seem to be a lot of them. I guess you could get a trike you like and add the battery. Even that seems costly.
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 06:30 AM
|
#3
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 11,327
|
Can't help you with recommendations but I am interested in the topic. Companies are making great strides with ebikes (and I assume trikes as well). This should only improve with technological advances (particularly batteries) and the demand caused by the aging of us boomers. I don't anticipate needing an ebike for 15 years or so (if all goes well, not even then) but I hope there will be a broad selection when and if I do need one.
__________________
Idleness is fatal only to the mediocre -- Albert Camus
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 07:25 AM
|
#4
|
Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 135
|
Can't help with a specific recommendation either, but here is a great information resource on the topic: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 07:53 AM
|
#5
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 47,500
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by harley
DW has been looking into electric trikes recently, and there doesn't seem to be a ton of information out there. I personally think she's jumping the gun, both on the new tech as well as her capabilities. But she doesn't feel stable and secure enough to ride on the roads (or sidewalks) around here, and thinks having a battery assist would help. She is taking her time and doing the research, but I know the people here have a vast amount of experience and knowledge so I thought I'd throw it out for comment.
|
Love this topic! I have not ridden one but have been thinking about them because eventually I'd like to stop driving completely, as I grow older.
First, I think I would personally feel much safer on one if I limited myself to quiet residential streets, where I wasn't out in heavy traffic. I think the latter could be unwise.
Second, I'm not sure that one could adequately secure such a bike at one's destination so that it won't be stolen, whether one is headed for a grocery store or k-mart or whatever. These bikes are not cheap IIRC and if even normal bikes locked to bike racks with the best of locks are being stolen, I'd think these would be an even more likely target for thieves.
Third, I'm also not sure that the battery or other source of power is needed or even desirable. The exercise from leisurely peddling is not extreme, and would be good for almost anyone. However, the stability provided by having three wheels would be a must for most seniors, I would think. Also the three wheel designs often allow for more cargo space.
__________________
Already we are boldly launched upon the deep; but soon we shall be lost in its unshored, harbourless immensities. - - H. Melville, 1851.
Happily retired since 2009, at age 61. Best years of my life by far!
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 09:08 AM
|
#6
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2008
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 8,765
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tadpole
|
Nice idea, but definitely a bit more than she's looking for. And you're right, the mod kits seem just as expensive as the pre-builts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by boog
|
Thanks! Wayyyyy too much info on there. It's going to take a while to filter it. Looks mostly like DIYers, but definitely a good resource.
Quote:
Originally Posted by W2R
Second, I'm not sure that one could adequately secure such a bike at one's destination so that it won't be stolen, whether one is headed for a grocery store or k-mart or whatever. These bikes are not cheap IIRC and if even normal bikes locked to bike racks with the best of locks are being stolen, I'd think these would be an even more likely target for thieves.
|
From what I read about the Liberty, you would lock the front tire to the rack, slip out a clevis pin in the frame, and lock or take the battery. The bike couldn't be ridden, and having to carry two 30 lb. pieces would deter most thieves. But anything can be stolen if someone wants it bad enough. I'm not sure that's a reason not to own something.
Quote:
Third, I'm also not sure that the battery or other source of power is needed or even desirable. The exercise from leisurely peddling is not extreme, and would be good for almost anyone. However, the stability provided by having three wheels would be a must for most seniors, I would think. Also the three wheel designs often allow for more cargo space.
|
That would depend on the individual. If you are just cruising around in the flat on your own, I'd agree with you. But if you are trying to ride with other people and want to keep up, or if you have hills to deal with and are carrying a load of groceries or whatever, it's possible a battery boost would be a nice thing. There are plenty of oldsters here in FL on pedal trikes, and they definitely are more stable on three wheels. But seeing the speed many of them display crossing a road at a light, a little battery boost could be a nice improvement, and possibly even a safety feature.
We're still doing research, and probably will be for months, as this is an expensive item. If I find more useful info I'll post it, since there seems to be some interest.
__________________
"Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." - Anonymous (not Will Rogers or Sam Clemens)
DW and I - FIREd at 50 (7/06), living off assets
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 09:10 AM
|
#7
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: West of the Mississippi
Posts: 17,255
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by W2R
Third, I'm also not sure that the battery or other source of power is needed or even desirable. The exercise from leisurely peddling is not extreme, and would be good for almost anyone.
|
Well..... we don't all live in Flatland.
__________________
Comparison is the thief of joy
The worst decisions are usually made in times of anger and impatience.
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 09:50 AM
|
#8
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 47,500
|
That's true. We don't even have the smallest hills to deal with down here in South Louisiana.
I wouldn't want to be peddling a three wheeler up some of the steeper hills in San Francisco or some other cities. That would be too hard for some seniors including me.
__________________
Already we are boldly launched upon the deep; but soon we shall be lost in its unshored, harbourless immensities. - - H. Melville, 1851.
Happily retired since 2009, at age 61. Best years of my life by far!
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 09:54 AM
|
#9
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 47,500
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by harley
From what I read about the Liberty, you would lock the front tire to the rack, slip out a clevis pin in the frame, and lock or take the battery. The bike couldn't be ridden, and having to carry two 30 lb. pieces would deter most thieves. But anything can be stolen if someone wants it bad enough. I'm not sure that's a reason not to own something.
|
That sounds like it might work, unless the thieves have a pickup truck but I'd think most of them wouldn't have one readily available. I do think that sadly, for many people crime is a quite valid reason to have to alter one's lifestyle. One would wish that wasn't ever the case.
__________________
Already we are boldly launched upon the deep; but soon we shall be lost in its unshored, harbourless immensities. - - H. Melville, 1851.
Happily retired since 2009, at age 61. Best years of my life by far!
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 10:41 AM
|
#10
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hooverville
Posts: 22,983
|
Would this be for solo leisure, group leisure, or practical things like groceries, etc?
Seattle is a very bike heavy city, but I have never seen a trike. Some parks may have fixed pylons to prevent cars from entering, and I think that least some of them may be too narrowly spaced to admit trikes. These things clearly could not corner very well, so must be very careful on downhill runs. W2's point about theft is important. People are even reluctant to ride decent bikes on errands where they will have to park. Places where I normally go all have bike racks, but nowhere where you could park a trike. I guess in more suburban areas you could park a trike in the car park.
Trikes may be excellent in the sort of Florida flat senior community where people go around in golf carts, but then why not just buy a golf cart?
IMO, in most places mainly a toy, and not a cheap toy either.
Ha
__________________
"As a general rule, the more dangerous or inappropriate a conversation, the more interesting it is."-Scott Adams
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 02:00 PM
|
#11
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2008
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 8,765
|
You can't drive a golf cart on the roads around here, but you can a trike. Although around here, most bikers and trikers ride on the sidewalks. Couldn't take a golf cart there either. You can take the trike pretty much anywhere you can ride a bike.
DW would want to ride it to the grocery store, and maybe the beach, as well as just for leisurely trips around the neighborhood. It should be easily parkable at a bike rack, although if the racks were crowded it might be a little obnoxious taking up extra room. She likes the idea of getting some exercise while having a backup option in case she gets too tired.
Personally I think she's jumping the gun, as she's pretty stable on a bike still. But she doesn't feel safe on them and is looking for an alternative. Also when I take the car for half a week or so for a camping trip or music festival, she would have this as an option as opposed to a second car. Whether I think it's a good idea or not doesn't really matter, as it's her decision. I was just hoping for some real life experiences/issues that might be worthwhile to think about.
__________________
"Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." - Anonymous (not Will Rogers or Sam Clemens)
DW and I - FIREd at 50 (7/06), living off assets
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 05:21 PM
|
#12
|
Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 230
|
What about something like this? It could be installed on a regular bike or an e-bike if she wants the boost.
Bike Stabilizer Kit
|
|
|
02-01-2016, 05:24 PM
|
#13
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,328
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudd
What about something like this? It could be installed on a regular bike or an e-bike if she wants the boost.
Bike Stabilizer Kit
|
I think a sidecar would be cooler.
|
|
|
02-02-2016, 08:07 PM
|
#14
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 13,566
|
I like the cargo capacity thing with the trike, but you could gain that with a trailer. The stabilizers on a "boosted" regular bike would be a good option if she's unsure of a two wheeler.
Honestly, though, my impression of trikes is permanently and irrevocably tainted by childhood memories of seeing an old man in our 'hood riding around on one in nothing but his tightey whiteys! Aaacckkk!
__________________
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching.”
Gerard Arthur Way
|
|
|
02-03-2016, 08:13 AM
|
#15
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,328
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarah in SC
............
Honestly, though, my impression of trikes is permanently and irrevocably tainted by childhood memories of seeing an old man in our 'hood riding around on one in nothing but his tightey whiteys! Aaacckkk!
|
You knew my dad?
|
|
|
02-03-2016, 09:06 AM
|
#16
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2008
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 8,765
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarah in SC
I like the cargo capacity thing with the trike, but you could gain that with a trailer. The stabilizers on a "boosted" regular bike would be a good option if she's unsure of a two wheeler.
Honestly, though, my impression of trikes is permanently and irrevocably tainted by childhood memories of seeing an old man in our 'hood riding around on one in nothing but his tightey whiteys! Aaacckkk!
|
I'll make sure if I ride it I'll wear my best dress boxers.
__________________
"Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." - Anonymous (not Will Rogers or Sam Clemens)
DW and I - FIREd at 50 (7/06), living off assets
|
|
|
02-03-2016, 09:25 AM
|
#17
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 13,566
|
LOL, both of you!
We also saw him occasionally sporting a very stained white undershirt that did nothing to improve the vision.
Y'all put on some clothes! Unless you are Matthew McConaughey, in which case remain shirtless for the foreseeable future.
__________________
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching.”
Gerard Arthur Way
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Quick Links
|
|
|