How Durable Are Electric Trikes? An Assessment

The extra wheel on an electric trike comes with several advantages. Alongside the fun factor of a regular bike, electric trikes are easy to use and provide lots of stability. They are also incredibly versatile with their enhanced load-carrying capacity. However, people considering buying an electric trike should understand the importance of durability. In this article, we will be assessing the durability of electric trikes. We will focus on materials, build quality, and long-term reliability so you understand what to look for when assessing how sturdy your next electric trike will likely be.

Why Durability is Crucial for Electric Trikes

It is tempting to buy an electric trike based on its appearance, but it needs to be able to handle daily wear and tear. When you ride an electric trike regularly, especially on rough roads or in bad weather, you need to have peace of mind that it will withstand everything you put it through.

A durable electric trike is more reliable and resilient to unexpected repairs and replacements. It also means that your electric trike will perform well consistently, safely, and comfortably. Let's take a look at the main areas where durability really matters when it comes to electric trikes.

Frame Material and Construction: What to Look For

The frame is the main component of an electric trike. The material it is made from significantly affects durability and performance. This is because different materials offer varying levels of strength, weight, and longevity. Here are some common frame materials you will come across:

1. Aluminum Frames

Aluminum is one of the most popular frame materials for any bicycle. Manufacturers choose it due to its lightweight nature, natural resistance to rust, and strength. The downside of aluminum is that, over time, aluminum bike frames are prone to dents or fatigue, especially if you regularly carry heavy cargo or ride on rough terrain. But it often takes many years for these problems to materialize, so there's a good chance you will be OK with an aluminum frame.

2. Steel Frames

Steel is also used by electric trike manufacturers for their frame materials. Steel is incredibly strong and more robust than aluminum. Therefore, it copes better with being bashed around, impacts, and heavy loads. However, steel rusts and is much heavier than aluminum, but it dramatically reduces the costs of an electric trike.

3. Carbon Fiber and Other Materials

Carbon fiber and other composite materials are used to construct high-end bicycle frames. Carbon fiber frames are extremely strong and lightweight but expensive. They are durable but may not be cost-effective for most electric trike riders compared to steel or aluminum frames. The other downside of carbon fiber frames is that they can crack with a significant impact. A considerable crack may not be repairable, meaning the whole frame must be replaced.

Battery Durability

The durability of your electric trike's battery is crucial as it directly impacts how long you can enjoy your trike before you need to replace it. The lifespan of an electric trike battery is determined by several factors, such as build quality, how you look after it, how often you ride, and proper charging practices. Most electric trike batteries can last between three and five years or 500 to 1000 charge cycles. You'll need to replace the battery once you notice a decline in performance.

Motor Reliability

Your electric trike motor is just as important as the battery. A quality motor should run smoothly and reliably for many years. Electric trikes typically have either hub-mounted motors or mid-drive motors, which both have their advantages and disadvantages:

Hub Motors

Hub motors are mounted in the center of a wheel. They are the most simple types of electric trike motor, which makes them less likely to fail. However, they don't offer the same level of power or torque as a mid-drive motor, especially when riding uphill or on challenging terrain.

Mid-Drive Motors

Mid-drive motors are mounted in the center of the trike between the cranks. The central position gives you a more balanced ride and a lower center of gravity, providing more stability. This type of motor is also directly connected to the drive train, giving you superior torque distribution, which is better for hill climbing. In addition, mid-drive motors use a torque sensor rather than the hub motor's speed sensor, giving you a more natural feeling through the pedals.

Motor Longevity and Maintenance

How long your electric trike motor will last largely depends on the quality of the motor and how you use it. High-quality motors from recognized brands are generally more reliable and durable. If you constantly ride in the highest assistance mode with your trike fully loaded, there is a good chance your motor will overheat, causing long-term damage. You also need to ensure that vents and drainage holes are free of debris to extend your motor's lifespan. It is good to know that higher-powered motors say 500 W or more, tend to be more durable as they don't have to work as hard as low-power ones.

User Experiences with Long-Term Use

One of the best ways of assessing the durability of electric trikes is to check reviews and testimonials from long-term users. These real-world experiences can give you a good picture of how well an electric trike will last before you buy one.

A quick Internet search will allow you to see feedback from users who have ridden their electric trikes in various conditions. They will highlight wear and tear, design flaws, and other things they are not happy with.

Common long-term issues include:

• Battery degradation, especially if not properly maintained.
• Rusting or frame wear, particularly in areas prone to rain or saltwater.
• Motor failure or decreased performance after extended use.

Choose a brand with a good reputation for durability to give you peace of mind. Mooncool prides itself on excellent build quality and good warranties on all products.

Conclusion: Invest in Durability for Long-Term Satisfaction

When buying an electric trike, you want it to be as durable as possible to give you a satisfying long-term experience. Durability comes from quality frame material, design, and good components, including the battery and motor.

Check out our online store to see our excellent electric trikes. For example, the TK1 Folding electric trike has an incredibly powerful 1000 W motor and large battery, making it a fantastic, versatile electric trike for anyone who wants to carry heavy loads. You may even prefer the extra grip and stability of the TK1 Fat Tire electric trike. On the other hand, our MC350 provides a more traditional style, lots of comfort, and economy.