Best trike for me?

[Jeff B.]

I would like to get suggestions on what brand & model of trike would fit my needs as listed below. Thank you for any suggestions & precautions.

To give me exercise I’m thinking about getting a:
-Trike - due to my balance difficulties.
-Tadpole – for stability & to avoid damaging derailleurs on edge of cycling paths like I have done on a quadracycle.
-A motor that will guarantee I do not have to strain going up hills (due to back problems). Mid drive motor best on hills? What brand & power would work well & stay below future regulations in the southeastern U.S.
-Fat tires & possibly suspension since rough rides increase back pain but I do not want to be limited to pavement/concrete & would like to ride local paths (but NOT major off-roading).
-Seat not very reclined since leaning back worsens neck pain,
-I’m interested in stability & cushioned ride, not speed.
-Best if trike will fold.
-Best if trike is low weight (40-50 lbs.).
-I believe a low boom angle / crank lower than seat would be good.
-Under seat steering due to problems with shoulders.
-20 miles / day is my maximum.
-I’m wondering about a way to load trike into/on back of SUV without straining.
-Also wondering if placement of battery on trike (near drive wheel?) matters for traction since I’m all of 120 pounds.
-Buying made-in-America would be nice but seems pricy.
-At this point (without any test rides) Trident Terrain or Trekker seem like a good fit.
-A test ride (of a motorized version) seems difficult to find anywhere near Chattanooga/Atlanta. The locations I called have the non-electric versions only.

Thank you again,
Jeff B.

 

[Dewey]

Check out https://www.electrictrike.com/collections/recumbent-electric-tricycles, they are Sun Trikes converted with a rear hub motor by a company in Pennsylvania, Court has reviewed some of these models here on EBR.

Or consider converting either a TerraTrike made in Hastings, Michigan https://www.terratrike.com/product-category/trikes/ or a Catrike made in Florida https://www.catrike.com/. Lots of options including mid-drive Bafang BBS02 or TSDZ2, or a rear hub motor kit.

I use a loading ramp to push a mower into the back of my Forester but it's heavy work so easier on your back to tow a low trailer with a loading ramp. If you had a pickup you could consider a utility winch mounted on a toy loader to haul it up a ramp and onto the truck bed.

 

[Jeff B.]

Thank you Dewey. I like the ramp idea because trying to find a parking place for a trailer eliminates some bike path access points. I've experienced this on the Silver Comet Trail near Atlanta. Very nice multi-use path! This link (https://tadpolerider2.wordpress.com/category/transport/ ) seem like the way to go with ramps.
Your mention of converting a trike by adding a motor, etc. also seems like a good idea as some suppliers of e trikes use a default motor to keep cost down but they may not be the best for the (long run) job. I hear some people like Dapu or Panasonic? over Bafang.
Is there a measurement(s) used to easily compare the seat height with the crank height? I need the crank at seat level or lower. Pictures can be deceiving.
Obviously I have a steep learning curve at this point.

 

[Dewey]

Nice light solution there. I’m afraid I can’t advise on trike height but I know a shop local to me Bikes@Vienna in Vienna, Virginia, is a specialist trike shop and very helpful, I’m sure they will be able to advise email to [email protected] or call 703-938-8900.

 

[Jeff B.]

Well, about height, I should have thought about seat height vs BB height. Now, if I can find a trike that has a large seat angle (=sitting near upright). Terra Trike has 65 degrees but no models that take fat tires (& 20" desired). ICE & Azub are too expensive.

 

[Jeff B.]

Great info. Thank you to all.

 

[Deleted member 4210]

Just completed a Terratrike Traveler, that is a folding Recumbent. Added the BBS02 750 watt, 48 v mid drive at the crank. 17 amphour battery mounted behind the seat using TerraTrikes low Rider rack as the battery support. It's based on their Rambler design with a Chromoly steel frame. Both tried and true for a number of years. Fire engine Red color, looks sweet. Removed the front 3 chain rings, and kept it simple. 1 ring is enough with e assist. Typically the Recumbents with this drive can reach 25 mph. I stick to 44 T or 46 T chain ring.

Terratrike also offers their Rambler EVO, with Bosch Mid drive. That's $4499. It does not fold. Battery is also only 400 watthours, versus the 816 watthours I put on the Traveler.