Question Slipping handlebars

[Renie]

Hi my name is Renie and I am a newbie to electronic trike. My husband bought me a Mototric 500 which we are trying to put together. For some reason the handlebars slip when trying to turn them. We have tightened them as tight as possible but they still slip. Any suggestions?

 

[PedalUma]

Hi Renie,
There are so many brands, can you include a photo? I want to know the type of stem. There could be three places that you would need to tighten.

 

[Renie]

My husband is not here right now. Is this what you need?

 

[PedalUma]

I can see it. Thanks. It is at the nylon shim. Stack washers on to the quick release skewer so that it has more bite. You may need to also use aluminum from a beer or soda can to thicken the existing shim slightly. Stefan dresses for race day when he rides his as @Gionnirocket can attest.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Stefan dresses for race day when he rides his as @Gionnirocket can attest.

Why are you mentioning me?
Is the contraption Renie rides really an e-bike? I cannot spot pedals in the picture...

 

[PedalUma]

I had to do an insurance assessment on something similar on Saturday. Yes, it is a three wheel scooter. Surely you know I was kidding about dressing for race day to ride this thing because that would be silly. The guy claimed that a airline damaged his scooter. He said he was able to ride it to baggage claim, then it stopped working. The wire to the USB port shorted with the battery ON, the display On and the USB port ON. This zapped the controller. The thing was so poorly designed that it did not have an inline fuse. To transport it the battery needs to be Off, disconnected, and inside a plastic bag. In that case it couldn't short the motherboard inside the controller while in the care of the airline. The spark that killed it happened later. I at first declined to even look at it. They had to beg. There is no upside to getting one's fingerprints on junk.

 

[Renie]

Thanks the beer can worked. Now I have another question. What is the best tire for front wheel drive to keep it from slipping? And the best scooter seat with back to get?

 

[John from Connecticut]

I had to do an insurance assessment on something similar on Saturday. Yes, it is a three wheel scooter. Surely you know I was kidding about dressing for race day to ride this thing because that would be silly. The guy claimed that a airline damaged his scooter. He said he was able to ride it to baggage claim, then it stopped working. The wire to the USB port shorted with the battery ON, the display On and the USB port ON. This zapped the controller. The thing was so poorly designed that it did not have an inline fuse. To transport it the battery needs to be Off, disconnected, and inside a plastic bag. In that case it couldn't short the motherboard inside the controller while in the care of the airline. The spark that killed it happened later. I at first declined to even look at it. They had to beg. There is no upside to getting one's fingerprints on junk.

I did a quick Google search for the Mototric 500. I'm no expert, but this 'thing' looks extremely scary and possibly unsafe with the tiny
rear wheels and tall-ish. seat. Scary meaning could tip over while turning with very little effort. The wheelbase appears appears very short
as well. I don't like the idea that the front wheel is powered combined with such an extremely short wheelbase could add to tipping while
turning.

Your original inquiry about the handlebars slipping should be a red flag as well. Lastly, the seat post is secured at one point at
the base which cannot be overly strong. I don't mean to rain on your parade, but from what I've seen I have some real safety
concerns. Perhaps other Posters will comment ?

Renie, Is your goal to use the Mototric 500 as an e-trike or do you need it for mobility purposes ? Whichever please
be very careful.

John

 

[Renie]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your concern for my safety. It is only for riding around the neighborhood since I never had a bike and am too old to start learning now. I only ride it in first gear as that is fast enough for me.