Some notes as I'm not done getting it "quite right" yet.
Certain things that were ordered are not working well - like a twist throttle.
My wife hadn't considered all the nuances of her choices, and I was firmly asked to "leave it up to me".
Some things we know we'd likely have to modify.
For example - the Q factor isn't quite fitting her well, especially with her "drop foot".
On her old bike, I'd installed some "Kneesaver" pedal extenders - she'll need those again and they will be ordered once we do a bit more riding and measuring.
I'll be adding different handlebars and also a stem extender to get her into a more comfortable position.
I am strongly considering an externally wired dropper.
I'd really hoped that the seat post was going to 30.9mm, as then I'd have transferred mine from my MTB and ordered a OneUp internally wired one for myself.
The trike rides really well - very stable when the tilt locking mechanism is un-engaged.
When it is engaged (non tilt) and with brakes applied, getting on and off is doable for someone with physical issues like MS.
Also when it's locked out, the turning radius is VERY wide, but it rides OK for the speeds she is currently going at.
The engineering of the front end is pretty neat - I've run it around the local area a few times, and it's an absolute hoot to ride.
Some issues - some minor, some not so much:
- Either PAS isn't working, or it wasn't wired for it. I suspect it was not wired as I think my wife told them throttle only.
That defeats the purpose of using the trike for leg strengthening and health. Major issue.
- Tied to that is the brake cut-outs were wired up - once again I think it was an uninformed decision. Major safety issue.
- The cockpit is extremely crowded, and I will need to rejig it once we get the throttle sorted - we'll go to a thumb throttle and it will have to be moved to the left side as she has very little feeling in her right side. Minor issue.
- Shipping damages - the chain stays were squeezed a bit and I simply could not get the rear wheel (w/hub drive) in.
Car scissor jack, carefully used, solved that. They need to either ship with the wheel in place or insert a spacer. Minor issue.
- Some other minor issues from shipping - I'm pretty handy so I just had to think things through and fix them myself.
The manufacturer (well the owner) has been super.
We're still compiling a list of things that we will ask him to assist with, but a lot of stuff will likely go to a local e-bike shop that specializes in conversions.
They'll have the parts and the knowhow to do the little tweaks we need.
This is a relatively cheap drivetrain - what you're paying for is the engineering of the tilting front end.
My wife and I both had reasonable expectations about the overall suitability for her condition. We knew it would be close - but not perfect,
It's very close and IMHO is a viable option for riders with balance and mobility issues.
Shipping and receiving pics:
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Build - built:
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Right side cockpit - you press the red button to turn power on, then twist throttle.
That cannot stay - you can't reach the shifter easily.
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Custom pedal for left side - drop foot has her slipping off pedal.
She has a shoe we've removed a section of the sole, and epoxied super magnets in.
Works OK, but I may need to upsize the pedal and go to a MTB platform style with pins removed and metal plates applied.
We'll decide once we get the Kneesavers installed, and see if the foot stays on better.
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Lot's more to come, including some video ...
