Powerful Folding E-trikes

Two-wheeled and three-wheeled e-cycles are similar in many ways. Yet, each is unique. The three-wheeled e-cycle is known as an electric trike, or e-trike. It is becoming more and more popular with each passing month. E-trikes are powered by an electric motor and an accompanying battery, usually lithium-ion.

The e-trike industry is growing very quickly. Strong increases in e-trike sales are being noted all around the world. In the US, electric trike sales exceeded $6 billion last year. add are projected to top $19 billion by the year 2030.

E-trikes are great fun to ride on a variety of terrains, but their sheer size often makes them difficult to store or transport. Folding trikes are less common than more traditional frames, but they conveniently open the door to new possibilities for transport and storage.

Let’s compare two folding e-trikes, the Mooncool TK1 and the Eunorau NEW-TRIKE.

Mooncool Folding TK1

Eunorau NEW-TRIKE

Power and Torque

Appearance is important to e-trike shoppers, but they also want plenty of power. With power to spare, the Mooncool TK1 will get you where you want to go. Its 48 volt 14.5 amp battery powers a 500 watt rear hub motor. Very importantly, the Mooncool’s motor puts out 55 Newton Meters of torque. 

Torque is important because of its relationship to power. You can think of torque as the power available for turning the rear wheel on your e-trike. The torque can be provided by a motor or by the pedaling of the trike rider.

The harder the rider pedals, the more torque is applied for turning the rear wheel. In the same manner, the more powerful the battery and the better the motor design, the more torque is available for turning the rear wheel and propelling the e-trike forward.

The Importance of Torque

A motor with 55 Nm of torque gives your e-trike quicker starts and more powerful hill-climbing ability than a lesser motor with a lower torque output. To summarize, higher torque provides quicker takeoff, easier starts on an uphill incline, and greater ease of climbing hills.

How much power is enough? This varies with the individual rider. For example, a 300 pound rider needs more power than a 150 pound rider. In general, riders who live in an area with hills are happier with a 500 watt motor than a less expensive 350 watt motor. The same preference applies to riders who weigh in excess of 175 pounds, or who carry heavy gear when riding.

Power Comparison

At first glance, you might think these two trikes have equal power. If you look more closely, the Mooncool has the advantage over the Eunorau. Like the Mooncool, the Eunorau has a 500 watt hub motor. Unfortunately, it is mounted on the front wheel. In terms of traction, especially on hills or in gravel, that’s a definite disadvantage.

The Eunorau also has a 48 volt battery, but it only yields 12.5 amp hours…compared to Mooncool’s 15 amp hours.

Battery Range

Even the best motor is useless without reliable battery power. The Mooncool folding e-trike is equipped with a strong 48 volt 15 amp hour lithium ion battery. It is ideal for treks of up to 60 miles. Of course, range always varies with terrain, wind, the amount of peddling, plus gear and rider weight. If you like longer trips, the Mooncool comes equipped with a spacious rear basket where you could carry a second battery.

The Eunorau, with its lower 12.5 amp hours, only enjoys a range of up to 40 miles. It also has a rear basket where a 2nd battery could be stored.

Drive and Traction

The Mooncool TK1 folding e-trike features rear wheel drive with a differential-equipped axle. The differential means that the two rear wheels rotate independently so that when making a turn each wheel rotates at a different speed. This vastly improves stability and tire wear.

The rear wheel drive also is great for traction. The majority of weight rests on the rear wheels which improves traction significantly. Most riders encounter frequent loss of traction on a trike with front wheel drive.

Eunorau riders must settle for front wheel drive, which is prone to losing traction. Experienced e-trikers prefer rear wheel drive.

Horn and Turn Signals

The Mooncool TK1 has conveniently located buttons on the handlebar to activate either a warning horn “beep” or a directional turn signal. The turn signal controls brightly flashing rear signal lights. Of course, it also comes with a bright headlight and taillight.

The Eunorau offers neither a horn nor turn signals, but it does have a headlight and taillight. Both trikes are also equipped with integrated brake lights.

Availability and Price

Both of these folding e-trikes are usually in stock, but price will likely be a factor in you choice. The Mooncool is listed at $1899 and the Eunorau at $2499. Shoppers are likely to find a sale price on either e-trike if they monitor the relevant websites, but it will be difficult to overlook the significant price disadvantage on the Eunorau.

Choosing a Folding E-trike

As you make a decision, carefully consider the features that are important to every e-trike shopper.

• Build Quality
• Safety Equipment
• Power and Traction
• Range
• Comfort
• Price

All things considered, the Mooncool Folding TK1 fat tire e-trike is a wise choice. Get more information and choose your favorite color at Mooncool Electric Trikes