E-trike questions

FlimsybutFeisty

FlimsybutFeisty

New Member
I'm new and hopefully not too confused. I did a search within the forums for "trike" but nothing much came up - I just hope I'm not asking questions that have already been answered. (Fyi, I did skim the post and replies to the woman with health issues but she seemed wary of trikes and my questions are specifically about trikes)

Here's why I want/need this trike:
I am only 37 years old and am relatively fit but I have a health problem that causes severe fatigue and pain in my joints (it's not arthritis but a genetic disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility). I don't need a wheelchair yet (hopefully never!) but my search for an urban transportation alternative has been frustrating. I've found my options fall in only two categories: products for sport (electric bicycles or toy electric scooters) or products for very old people (electric wheelchairs or traditional adult tricyles). It also means I have to choose between something I can only ride outside or something that can only be used indoors (like a shopping mall).

Here's what I'm looking for:
An affordable, compact, relatively lightweight electric/pedal assist trike that has some cargo carrying capability and been tried/tested by someone independent. And no recumbents! (Yes, I'm aware I'm basically asking for a unicorn)

I'm very interested in the Kiffy (http://www.kiffy.fr) and according to the president of the company, they'll offer an electric version in 2015. (I would order it but the language barrier was becoming problematic. Does anyone here speak French?)

I am open to other, similar trikes and would love to get recommendations. I saw someone suggested the Helkama E-Trike 3 Gear but it seems equally difficult to procure as the Kiffy. I live in Georgia (USA), and I must be practical as far as shipping and maintenance goes. A big problem is that it seems like most of the modern e-trikes (aka not Grandpa's Schwinn) are made and sold overseas and I really don't want to have to shell out $2-4K for something I've never laid eyes on. (but I will if I must!)

Aside from suggesting trikes, can anyone suggest a tried-and-true retail store or website that is knowledgeable about and offers trikes? I'll even consider traveling if it means I can see and test a trike in person!

Thanks in advance for any help!!
 
Love the Kiffy. I have a daughter that has never been able to ride due to balance issues. This trike with a Flyky would be great. Doesn't look like a granny bike.
 
I have seen the ELF in person. It is not something that would fit on a bike path and really doesn't have a bike feel to it. Not something you can pick up or transport. It does have its place though.
 
An old buddy of mine got a pair of Kettweiesels (it's a German trike) a leftover model for him and a new one for his wife. They weren't exactly cheap but neither are good eBikes. Hase (the builders of the Kettwiesel) now have an option for the Shimano STEPS motor, which might be worth looking into.
Good luck in your search.
Allen
 
This thing looks awesome! I'm thinking of bringing some into my shop. I reached out to them and they said they should be available in the next couple of months. My new shop opens in February so it could work well. If they can't ship direct to US customers maybe there is something we can work out.
 
Chris - thanks for checking out the Kiffy. Did they give you any ideas about price? What ideas do you have for electrifying it?
 
Shea N Encinitas said:
Since Unicorns are so rare why not pick a trike and have it converted with the help of your local e-bike shop. The bionX systems are popular. -S
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info but it seems this "store" is a total scam. I called their number and it was disconnected so I called a different, well established bike store in Savannah and they said, "Stay away. We've been trying to track down the owner. We have no idea who this guy is and there's definitely no actual physical location. All we can find about him are police reports and business complaints."

Yikes!
 
MLWilcox said:
Flimsy - did you find out whether the Kiffy is available to order and have shipped to US?
Click to expand...
Yes, the owner said he would sell and ship to me directly. But I'm nervous to do it sight unseen.
I just emailed via their website and happened to get my reply from the owner. Looks promising!
 
MLWilcox said:
Chris - thanks for checking out the Kiffy. Did they give you any ideas about price? What ideas do you have for electrifying it?
Click to expand...
Kiffy will be offering an electric version next year, according to the email I got from the owner. I will post a copy of the email in this thread.
 
This is the reply I received from the owner of Kiffy:

Hello Kate,
Thanks for your interest for our product.
According to the different versions the prices will be 1100 up to 1600 € VAT included + transport.
We will be able to deliver the first units end of 2014 beginning of 2015 .
We are working on an electrical version for beginning of 2015. The price will be 1900 € upto 2500 €.
You get the possibility to reserve your KIFFY now. If you are interesting we are at your disposal to give you all the possibilities.
We keep you inform.
Have a nice day.
Kind regards.

NP INNOVATION
Norbert Peytour
5, Bld de l'eglise
42600 MONTBRISON
Portable:06 20 52 85 42
Téléphone:04 77 58 33 86
fax: 04 77 24 28 04​

The email address I sent my original query to is [email protected]
 
OMG! I really hope you decide to get the Kiffy! Have you heard back from them yet? I live in Atlanta but would definitely come up to LI if you wind up carrying it.

I've just signed up for email updates from your shop, but please don't hesitate to contact me directly as soon as you know if/when you'll get them in stock!
Thanks!!
 
Chris Nolte said:
This thing looks awesome! I'm thinking of bringing some into my shop. I reached out to them and they said they should be available in the next couple of months. My new shop opens in February so it could work well. If they can't ship direct to US customers maybe there is something we can work out.
Click to expand...
OMG! I really hope you decide to get the Kiffy! Have you heard back from them yet? I live in Atlanta but would definitely come up to LI if you wind up carrying it.

I've just signed up for email updates from your shop, but please don't hesitate to contact me directly as soon as you know if/when you'll get them in stock!
Thanks!!
 
Thanks guys, I have been in communication with them and I'm working on the details. I'm not sure what their electrifying plans are yet, but I still need more details on the bike before I figure out conversion options, which may or may not be a better option than what they're offering. I'll update here soon as I learn more, but feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns in the meanwhile.
 
That Noomad looks awesome! I just reached out to them. I would love to have that product available in the US
 
Chris Nolte said:
This thing looks awesome! I'm thinking of bringing some into my shop. I reached out to them and they said they should be available in the next couple of months. My new shop opens in February so it could work well. If they can't ship direct to US customers maybe there is something we can work out.
Click to expand...

What will be your new location?
 
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