e-trike retrofit for Gekko?

[ColoBiker]

A year+ ago I got a Specialized Vado 4.0. Beautiful bike, wonderful to ride, but ... I kept having minor crashes. Long story, but I figured out I have Parkinson's, which does bad things to your balance. I also discovered I have osteoporosis, so crashing the bike is a Very Bad Idea.

Couldn't find a buyer, so I donated the Vado to my daughter. Now what? I got myself a used hp Velotechnik Gekko fx 20. Seems to work OK so far, but... I'm lazy. I'm allowed, I'm 70. I don't want to do all the work.

So what is a good electric retrofit for the Gekko? I don't need anything fancy, don't need a ton of power. I just want some help on the hills. I prefer a torque-sensor setup. Throttle would be nice but not necessary. Modest price is preferred. Suggestions?

Gary

 

[RunForTheHills]

I don't have any experience converting trikes and that is a folding trike on top of that. You could mount a mid-drive motor to the crank. Like the DM02 or the TSDZ2B. They have an integrated torque sensor. But I am not sure how that would affect the ability to fold it. You could also get a rear hub motor kit like the GMAC or All-Axle from Grin with a bottom bracket torque sensor.

 

[EMGX]

You might want to look into a Keyde hub motor. I have a standard axle S110 with a 135mm O.L.D. but they also make a 142mm thru axle version. Simplest possible installation as the controller is built into the hub, only one wire to battery and a wireless (or wired option if you prefer) display/control) using their display and/or button control or your phone and an app if you prefer. In a 20" wheel it should provide better torque vs larger wheel diameters. It isn't torque sensing but the power isn't intrusive either. Weight is listed same as Mahle x35 which has been marketed in premium bikes. There is a good seller on Ebay and I can say he does consider offers.

 

[Bicyclista]

If you are interested in buying a used eTrike, I have one listed: iZip Tristar eTrike. Buying a used eTrike might be less expensive than converting your Gekko, and fewer headaches as well. I am located in San Diego. Pick-up only.