How to Handle Steep Hills on Your E-trike
Maybe you’re like me and live in an area filled with hills. Or perhaps you live in the flatlands with almost no hills, such as the coastal plains of Florida. Probably most e-trike riders encounter a mixture of terrain, including a few hills. This is just one of the things I love about Mooncool e-trikes…hills are not a problem.
Fortunately for Mooncool owners, there is plenty of power for hill climbing. The super-strong hub motor peaks at 750 watts. Indeed, the Mooncool Folding TK1 has absolutely amazing power for a 750 peak watt e-trike. I ride mine regularly, and believe me, it feels more like a 1200 peak watt motor that delivers 90+ Nm of torque. That’s the equivalent of torque coming from an 800cc motorcycle, and more than adequate for any e-trike!
Know Your Options
Hills with a slight incline will never be a problem. The same is true for moderate inclines, even in the lowest PAS setting. But if you encounter an extremely steep hill, perhaps with an 8% to 14% grade, it can be a workout depending on which model you are riding.. You might need to select PAS 4 or 5 for the steepest hills. I have pedaled up hills with an 18% grade riding the Mooncool Folding TK1 and it has always been up to the challenge.
You have some choices in how to climb hills with your e-trike. Be aware of the options so that you are ready to choose the approach that is best for you at the particular time you are riding. Always be aware of traffic and weather.
The No-Sweat Method
If you are commuting on your way to work, or perhaps just out for a leisurely ride before dinner, you may prefer to avoid sweating. In most cases, you can do that with no problems. However, for a truly long and steep hill, you might have to sweat just a little.
The long and steep hill seen at a distance in the photo below was a no-sweat hill on the Mooncool Folding TK1. However, in hot weather that would not be the case!
For a slight uphill climb, throttle-only is a great no-sweat approach. Just before you reach the hill, shift into first gear if your trike has multiple gears. Your Mooncool has more than enough power to zip up that hill, even with a heavy load. For a moderate hill, first gear and throttle-only is also an option. If it is a really long uphill climb, it is best to do some light pedaling to save wear and tear on your motor. Select a pedal assist level appropriate for climbing the hill with minimal effort and no sweating.
If you are climbing a short steep incline, you can likely get to the top in first gear and using only the throttle–no sweat. For those who ride for exercise, keep on pedaling and adjust the PAS as needed. If it is a long and steep hill, I recommend adding some pedal power so as to not overwork your motor. Stay in first gear and select your highest pedal assist level and pedal your way to the top.
If you have the Mooncool Folding TK1, you never change gears and I have never found a hill that it cannot climb.
The Small-Sweat Method
Let’s assume you are wanting a little moderate exercise, and so moderate sweating is not a problem. This calls for a different approach.
If you are coming up on a slight uphill climb, select your lowest pedal assist level. This will get you to the top easily, regardless of the length of the incline. Sweating should be only moderate, perhaps even none, unless outdoor temperatures are exceptionally high.
For moderate uphill runs, try a pedal assist level near PAS 3 for perfect assistance. Again, if your trike has gears, be sure you are in first gear as you approach the hill. If you discover that the hill is not as steep as it looks, you can always shift to a higher gear for a little more exercise. For the Mooncool Folding TK1, simply adjust your level of exercise effort with the PAS.
When you find yourself approaching a very steep hill, prepare for first gear and your maximum pedal assist level. If it is a long incline, even with full pedal assistance, some genuine effort is required to reach the top.
The Sweaty Exercise Method
The majority of my rides are for exercise purposes. By intentional design, I choose routes that are challenging, and I expect to sweat profusely.
For the ultimate exercise, you can opt to ride without pedal assistance, but only on level ground and slight, short inclines. Anything more and it is prudent to use at least PAS 1. On moderate uphill inclines, select first gear before you reach the hill and try your lowest pedal assist level. For most hills this is quite doable, but takes some work. Change gears or pedal assist level as needed.
As you come to a really steep hill, you know it will require intense effort in your pedaling. Again, before you reach the hill, shift into first gear and maximum pedal assist level. This is important–-do not wait until you are already climbing the hill. When already on a steep hill it is often difficult to properly engage a higher PAS level or a lower gear. Maintain your best effort in pedaling until you reach the top. If possible, do not back off on your exertion.
If You Make a Mistake
Of course, it is possible to misjudge the incline of a hill. If in doubt, just turn around before you are on the hill and take an alternative route. But what if you are already on the hill before you find that you’re not going to reach the top?
If you see that you cannot maintain enough speed for comfort and confidence…it’s time to get off. For me, this is 4 mph — it could be different for you. Experiment to find your minimum speed. It is always preferable to take action BEFORE the steep incline brings your trike to a stop.
If you have to dismount your e-trike on a steep hill, don’t wait until your safety is questionable. If possible, turn your trike a little and come to a stop. If you are still on the trike, complete the turn around with small advances using your throttle. If possible, just dismount your trike and push it to a position where you can remount. Remember, you are on a hill and your trike wants to roll! Keep one hand on a brake lever at all times. If needed, walk your trike back to the bottom of the hill, or push it to the top of the hill.
Safety First
Whenever you ride, and I do mean every time you ride, safety should be your first priority. This includes knowing how to handle your e-trike on hills. Of course, always wear a bike helmet. If you ride at night, be sure you have proper lighting for visibility.
Enjoy your Mooncool, and if you don’t have one yet, now is a great time…check out the very nice discounts and use the coupon code CRAIG100 for a bonus $100 discount.
