Electric Trikes and Bikes: Bridging The Gap Between Cars and Pedal Power
Nowadays, electric tricycles and eBikes are popular options for adults from all walks of life. Whether it’s due to soaring gas prices, trouble finding parking spots or busy commute traffic, people are choosing eBikes and eTrikes to keep up with their daily activities. While electric tricycles and eBikes are convenient, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Things like battery range, weight capacity and weather protection can still hold them back. So what’s the solution? Is it better to stick with an electric bike/trike, or should you combine cars and electric bikes depending on your needs? Let’s find out.
Benefits of Using Electric Trikes and Bikes
The main benefit of electric trikes and bikes is that they provide electrical assistance, allowing riders to travel longer distances with less effort.
Also, this level of electrical assistance is fully customizable. Riders can adjust the level of pedal assist and take it easy or pedal harder and get some exercise. With some eBikes, riders can use the throttle, riding it like a moped without pedaling. This is what makes electric tricycles and e-bikes so versatile. Anybody can ride them easily without worrying about physical fitness or being late to their appointments.
Benefits of Using Electric Trikes and Bikes
The main benefit of electric trikes and bikes is that they provide electrical assistance, allowing riders to travel longer distances with less effort.
Also, this level of electrical assistance is fully customizable. Riders can adjust the level of pedal assist and take it easy or pedal harder and get some exercise. With some eBikes, riders can use the throttle, riding it like a moped without pedaling. This is what makes electric tricycles and e-bikes so versatile. Anybody can ride them easily without worrying about physical fitness or being late to their appointments.
eBikes VS Cars and Push Bicycles: What Sets Them Apart?
The main benefit is the electrical assistance provided by the battery and motor. Along with it, 3-wheel electric bikes and 2-wheelers offer a range of benefits, making them viable alternatives for both gas-powered cars and push bicycles.
The main benefit is the electrical assistance provided by the battery and motor. Along with it, 3-wheel electric bikes and 2-wheelers offer a range of benefits, making them viable alternatives for both gas-powered cars and push bicycles.
So a few things that highlight electric tricycles and eBikes are:
Sustainability: Electric bikes and e-trikes have a lower carbon footprint compared to gas cars. This means you can travel comfortably
while minimizing your impact on the environment.
Cost-Savings and Efficiency: Electric alternatives can help you save money. Their running costs tend to be lower compared to
gas-powered cars.
Speed and Convenience: A push bicycle can be too much of a hassle. Meanwhile, an eBike or electric tricycle can help you ride more comfortably, beat the traffic and reach your destination in time.
Sustainability: Electric bikes and e-trikes have a lower carbon footprint compared to gas cars. This means you can travel comfortably
while minimizing your impact on the environment.
Cost-Savings and Efficiency: Electric alternatives can help you save money. Their running costs tend to be lower compared to
gas-powered cars.
Speed and Convenience: A push bicycle can be too much of a hassle. Meanwhile, an eBike or electric tricycle can help you ride more comfortably, beat the traffic and reach your destination in time.
Other Benefits of Using An Electric Trike or Bike
Health Benefits: Electric trikes can help you exercise more efficiently. You can adjust things like the PAS level or throttle control to adjust the intensity. You can also ride the throttle when you need to rest.
Accessibility: Seniors and people with limited mobility can use electric tricycles as mobility scooters. They can ride e-trikes indoors and rely on them instead of cars or public transportation.
Utility: Thanks to the electrical assist, people can use a 3-wheel electric bike to carry supplies, transport passengers, and make deliveries.
Health Benefits: Electric trikes can help you exercise more efficiently. You can adjust things like the PAS level or throttle control to adjust the intensity. You can also ride the throttle when you need to rest.
Accessibility: Seniors and people with limited mobility can use electric tricycles as mobility scooters. They can ride e-trikes indoors and rely on them instead of cars or public transportation.
Utility: Thanks to the electrical assist, people can use a 3-wheel electric bike to carry supplies, transport passengers, and make deliveries.
Switching to An Electric Trike/Bike: Ideal Use Cases
One of the most common questions people have when considering an eBike or electric tricycle is whether they can sell their car or bicycle if they switch to an electric alternative. With push bicycles, the answer is somewhat obvious; but with cars, it’s not so clear. Even so, this decision mostly depends on your needs and use cases. So to help you get a better idea, let’s look at some preferred use cases and not-so-ideal situations.
Practical Use Cases For an Electric Trike or Bike
Commuting in Urban Areas: A 3-wheel electric bike or 2-wheeler can help you beat traffic and reach your workplace on time. That said,
it’s only recommended if your commute is short-distance and you can find someplace safe to park your eBike/trike.
Running Errands or Getting Groceries: Electric bikes and e-trikes tend to have higher weight capacities thanks to the electrical assistance. You can use it to carry groceries and ride comfortably.
Mobility for Seniors: An electric tricycle can double as a mobility scooter; allowing seniors and the mobility-challenged to ride indoors
and outdoors without injuring themselves.
Situations Where It’s Better to Use a Car or Push Bicycle Instead
Long-Distance Travel: Electric trikes tend to have a limited range. This means you can’t travel long distances on it without swapping batteries or stopping to recharge. So when you’re taking longer trips, it’s better to stick to a regular car.
Extreme Weather Conditions: Trikes and bikes won’t offer the best level of protection from the elements. So whenever the weather is bad,
it’s better to use a vehicle that protects you from harsh rain, snow or mud.
Travelling Off-Grid: Maybe you’re camping away from civilization with no access to power or gas. If so, it’s better to stick with a push bicycle because an electric bike will be too heavy to pedal manually.
One of the most common questions people have when considering an eBike or electric tricycle is whether they can sell their car or bicycle if they switch to an electric alternative. With push bicycles, the answer is somewhat obvious; but with cars, it’s not so clear. Even so, this decision mostly depends on your needs and use cases. So to help you get a better idea, let’s look at some preferred use cases and not-so-ideal situations.
Practical Use Cases For an Electric Trike or Bike
Commuting in Urban Areas: A 3-wheel electric bike or 2-wheeler can help you beat traffic and reach your workplace on time. That said,
it’s only recommended if your commute is short-distance and you can find someplace safe to park your eBike/trike.
Running Errands or Getting Groceries: Electric bikes and e-trikes tend to have higher weight capacities thanks to the electrical assistance. You can use it to carry groceries and ride comfortably.
Mobility for Seniors: An electric tricycle can double as a mobility scooter; allowing seniors and the mobility-challenged to ride indoors
and outdoors without injuring themselves.
Situations Where It’s Better to Use a Car or Push Bicycle Instead
Long-Distance Travel: Electric trikes tend to have a limited range. This means you can’t travel long distances on it without swapping batteries or stopping to recharge. So when you’re taking longer trips, it’s better to stick to a regular car.
Extreme Weather Conditions: Trikes and bikes won’t offer the best level of protection from the elements. So whenever the weather is bad,
it’s better to use a vehicle that protects you from harsh rain, snow or mud.
Travelling Off-Grid: Maybe you’re camping away from civilization with no access to power or gas. If so, it’s better to stick with a push bicycle because an electric bike will be too heavy to pedal manually.
Optimizing Travel with Cars and eBikes
As you can tell, relying entirely on an electric tricycle or eBike is not the best solution. Most people can’t ditch their cars or push bicycles entirely in favor of EVs, especially when it comes to highly specific situations like long-distance and off-grid travelling. The recommended approach is to define your use cases. Then, combine these modes to fit your needs and lifestyle. Here are some useful tips for doing that:
Plan Your Routes: Use your car for long-distance travel and park it in a central location. Then, use an eBike or trike to travel short distances efficiently.
Go For a Foldable Trike/eBike: Pick a folding electric trike or bike that can fit inside your car, truck or SUV. Check the folded dimensions against your car’s trunk space. If possible, take a test ride to confirm this.
Invest in a Bike Rack: Alternatively, you can install a bike rack in your car. However, make sure the rack is compatible with your car and the eBike you plan to use.
Keep a Spare Charger or Battery: A good idea is to keep an extra battery or charger inside your car. This way, you can recharge the eBike or swap its battery overnight or while you’re at work.
Stock Up On the Necessary Safety Gear: Keep helmets, reflective gear, lights, raincoats and repair kits in your car. This way, you can prepare for emergencies and ride safely whenever you switch to your eBike or tricycle.
Combine with Public Transportation: You can also take the bus or train and travel shorter distances with an electric bicycle. Make sure the eBike is light enough to carry and can fold up to save space.
Plan Your Routes: Use your car for long-distance travel and park it in a central location. Then, use an eBike or trike to travel short distances efficiently.
Go For a Foldable Trike/eBike: Pick a folding electric trike or bike that can fit inside your car, truck or SUV. Check the folded dimensions against your car’s trunk space. If possible, take a test ride to confirm this.
Invest in a Bike Rack: Alternatively, you can install a bike rack in your car. However, make sure the rack is compatible with your car and the eBike you plan to use.
Keep a Spare Charger or Battery: A good idea is to keep an extra battery or charger inside your car. This way, you can recharge the eBike or swap its battery overnight or while you’re at work.
Stock Up On the Necessary Safety Gear: Keep helmets, reflective gear, lights, raincoats and repair kits in your car. This way, you can prepare for emergencies and ride safely whenever you switch to your eBike or tricycle.
Combine with Public Transportation: You can also take the bus or train and travel shorter distances with an electric bicycle. Make sure the eBike is light enough to carry and can fold up to save space.
Electric Bikes or Trikes: Deciding Between Two-Wheels or Three
Maybe you prefer the versatility and convenience of an electric tricycle but struggle with its extra bulk. On the other hand, you may be drawn to the efficiency and lightweight design of two-wheeled eBikes but find them underpowered during most situations. So if you’re unsure about which is the best pick for you: 3-wheeled electric bikes or two-wheelers, here’s a quick set of tips to help you decide:
Portability: Electric tricycles can be heavier and take up more space. So consider an eBike if you live in an apartment or mobile home.
Cargo Capacity: Two-wheeled eBikes are not self-balancing and have lower weight capacities. A 3-wheeled electric trike is better if you need to transport pets, heavy cargo and other passengers.
Stability: Maybe you have balance issues and limited mobility. If so, a three-wheeled e-trike is the safer option. An electric tricycle is safer since they are self-balancing.
Commute Distance: A two-wheeled eBike is better if you need to ride faster, and zigzag through traffic. Meanwhile, a three-wheeled e-trike is slower but tends to be more ergonomic.
Budget: Electric tricycles can have a high upfront cost and be expensive to repair and maintain. Also, most repair shops won’t take in trikes because they lack the expertise. This can be true when comparing eBikes and eTrikes with similar power ratings.
Test Ride Both: Check with local showrooms or borrow from your friends. After test-riding an eBike and tricycle, you’ll have a better idea of which one to pick.
Wrapping Up
Electric tricycles and two-wheeled eBikes are growing in popularity. Many are thinking about replacing their cars with eBikes. This is mainly because of things like affordability and sustainability. Electric bikes and trikes don’t cost as much to maintain. They are also safer for the environment and let users beat the traffic and find better parking spots. However, ditching your car entirely might not be the best option. Electric tricycles/eBikes can’t handle long-distance travel or passengers. So a good idea is to combine the two: rely on a car for long-distance trips or extreme weather conditions, and use an eBike or trike for shorter trips.
Maybe you prefer the versatility and convenience of an electric tricycle but struggle with its extra bulk. On the other hand, you may be drawn to the efficiency and lightweight design of two-wheeled eBikes but find them underpowered during most situations. So if you’re unsure about which is the best pick for you: 3-wheeled electric bikes or two-wheelers, here’s a quick set of tips to help you decide:
Portability: Electric tricycles can be heavier and take up more space. So consider an eBike if you live in an apartment or mobile home.
Cargo Capacity: Two-wheeled eBikes are not self-balancing and have lower weight capacities. A 3-wheeled electric trike is better if you need to transport pets, heavy cargo and other passengers.
Stability: Maybe you have balance issues and limited mobility. If so, a three-wheeled e-trike is the safer option. An electric tricycle is safer since they are self-balancing.
Commute Distance: A two-wheeled eBike is better if you need to ride faster, and zigzag through traffic. Meanwhile, a three-wheeled e-trike is slower but tends to be more ergonomic.
Budget: Electric tricycles can have a high upfront cost and be expensive to repair and maintain. Also, most repair shops won’t take in trikes because they lack the expertise. This can be true when comparing eBikes and eTrikes with similar power ratings.
Test Ride Both: Check with local showrooms or borrow from your friends. After test-riding an eBike and tricycle, you’ll have a better idea of which one to pick.
Wrapping Up
Electric tricycles and two-wheeled eBikes are growing in popularity. Many are thinking about replacing their cars with eBikes. This is mainly because of things like affordability and sustainability. Electric bikes and trikes don’t cost as much to maintain. They are also safer for the environment and let users beat the traffic and find better parking spots. However, ditching your car entirely might not be the best option. Electric tricycles/eBikes can’t handle long-distance travel or passengers. So a good idea is to combine the two: rely on a car for long-distance trips or extreme weather conditions, and use an eBike or trike for shorter trips.