If you are new to the world of e-triking and considering your first purchase, the advantages vs disadvantages of e-trikes is an important topic. What disadvantages will be experienced if I choose to get an e-trike rather than a “”normal” trike? The positives are many…more efficient exercise, hill-climbing power, plus great speed for crossing busy intersections. And don’t forget ease of use for people who suffer with arthritic knees, sore backs, degrading hips, etc. But what about the negatives e-trike ownership?

Advantages vs Disadvantages of E-trikes

Most e-trike riders are enthusiastic about the advantages of their electric vehicles. It’s also important to be aware of the disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at those few disadvantages worth mentioning: weight, price, range, and maintenance.

Weight
They are big and beautiful, and in general, e-trikes are heavier than conventional tricycles of the same size. A 20″ e-trike similar to the Mooncool TK1 Fat Tire pictured above can weigh upwards of 90 pounds. If handling that much weight is difficult for you, then you might have to get creative with some details of e-triking. For example, if you expect to transport the trike, make sure you have a plan for loading it onto a vehicle.

Be wary of e-trikes that weigh less than 80 pounds. Unfortunately, this type of e-trike normally has much less motor power and a less capable battery. Also, it is often more expensive.

Mooncool e-trikes provide greater stability, traction, power, range, and comfort. That additional comfort, power, and safety means greater weight is a necessity. You can’t have the combination of a sturdy frame, powerful motor, and long-lasting battery without the accompanying weight.

Price
The ancient adage “you get what you pay for” can certainly be applied to e-trikes. To get all the advantages that come with a high-powered motor, strong battery, and comfortable fat tires — well, we have to dig a little deeper into the wallet. The very things that we love the most about e-trikes, including the amazing fuel economy, are the same things that add substantially to the price!

The Big Bucks Components
Motor
Battery
Brakes

These three items account for a significant portion of the increase in price as compared to buying a conventional tricycle. The electric motor, preferably at least 500 watts, ads $350 – $500 to the price you pay for your e-trike. A decent battery adds $500-$900 — varying with size, quality, volts and amp hours.

The heavier weight of an e-trike makes disk brakes very advisable…either mechanical or hydraulic. And that will add another $50 – $250 to the cost of your e-trike.

A little quick addition tells you an e-trike can easily cost $1000 more than a conventional tricycle of similar quality. But what a difference! That $1000 expense makes cycling possible for many people who thought they would never ride again. This would not be possible without the assistance of a motorized tricycle.

Range
Naturally, everyone wants an e-trike that can handle a long ride. Technology will eventually catch up with demand. Sadly, at the moment, we must be satisfied with lesser ranges. It is possible to configure your e-trike for carrying two batteries (also more expensive). Without 2 batteries, you can forget about riding more than 40-50 miles on a single battery charge.

If you are not content with a 40-50 mile range, then range must be considered a disadvantage. On the positive side, many riders find that they rarely have the need or desire to travel more than 20-30 miles on one ride. On average, with light-to-medium pedaling, most e-trikes can achieve a range of at least 30-50 miles. Also of real importance, range varies from person to person. It is vastly affected by terrain, wind, tire pressure, and rider weight plus gear weight.

If you are a commuter, an e-trike may well be a great solution to rising fuel prices. A 30-mile round trip could cost you $3-$6 in gasoline. The same trip will require only 4 cents in electrical costs for riding your e-trike. Every time you make a quick trip to the local grocer, that’s another $2-$3 saved in fuel expense. Over time, it adds up to a substantial savings!

Maintenance
Owning an e-trike is a significant investment in better health, exercise, and enjoyment. Certainly, it follows that good maintenance is important. As noted above, motors can be expensive, and so can motor repair. Tires, battery, chain, frame, brakes…it all requires good maintenance habits.

Indeed, an annual trip to a local bike shop is a good idea, just to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything. Perhaps the most important consideration for your e-trike is safety–your personal safety as a rider. Of course, that makes regular and careful maintenance a priority for every e-trike owner.

So there you have it–weight, price, range, and maintenance. All four are very important, and all four require extra expense for both the manufacturer and the consumer. Taking all that into consideration, here’s the big question:

All in All, do I Want an E-trike?

For most riders, the answer is an unequivocal “Yes!” The pleasures of e-biking are phenomenal, and the fuel savings are quite significant, accumulating quickly. Then, when you consider the health benefits, the pendulum swings far in favor of e-triking.

Additionally, many physically challenged people find that an e-trike makes all the difference. Suddenly, they can once again enjoy outdoor cycling, even as they gain in strength and flexibility. Senior adults who thought they would never enjoy any sport again are now riding e-trikes daily! Of course, for those with balancing problems, riding on 3 wheels instead of 2 wheels makes cycling possible again!

Lowering the Price Barrier
Mooncool has a strong commitment to customer support. That commitment includes providing a high-quality electric trike at the lowest possible price point. Etrike shoppers will quickly recognize that choosing Mooncool is a sound financial decision. Get yours now while sale pricing is still available, and save an additional $100 with coupon code CRAIG100. Click here to choose Mooncool.