Recumbent trikes have always been a very unique type of bicycle. Riding one is a lot of fun thanks to the low seating position and the incredible comfort of sitting in a chair-like seat. It's an ideal solution for those who love to cycle but have specific needs. Trikes are perfect if you have back issues, find it difficult to balance on two wheels, or simply want to have maximum comfort while seated and pedaling. These three-wheeled bicycles are suitable for everyone, but they are an especially great choice for older cyclists.
This was also true for one of our customers, who owns a Terra Trike Rambler. She loves her trike, but recently she found it difficult to ride on Colorado’s hilly landscape, especially on long uphill rides. The optimal solution was to add electric assist – in other words, to convert her standard trike into an e-trike.
The first question was which conversion kit to choose. What is better? A hub motor or a mid-drive motor? While hub motors are usually cheaper and easier to install, we went for a mid-drive motor. Why? Because our priority was safety and balance. We wanted to have maximum stability and make her ride as smooth as possible.
Additional to standard assist, our customer critically needed a throttle for the next six months. So, we chose the Bafang BBS02 Mid Drive eBike KIT, which offers a reasonable price, a quality mid-drive motor, and the ability to be programmed – allowing us to adjust torque and power levels. This motor for e-bikes also allows for throttle use.
So, we ordered the Bafang BBS02 Mid Drive eBike KIT, which was delivered within a week, and we started working on converting her standard trike into an e-trike. The conversion itself takes about 1.5–2 hours, with an extra hour for high-quality wiring: setting up the speed sensor, connecting the battery to the motor, and ergonomically placing all elements on the handlebars. This is just as important as motor installation, as it impacts both the appearance and usability.
Let’s be honest: during use, we pay less attention to the motor itself than to whether the display with controller is conveniently positioned, whether the brakes are easy to reach, and if the gear shifters are accessible and easy to use. After conversion, a bike or trike shouldn’t look like a DIY high school project.
There is always a bit of a challenge in using original engineering solutions to neatly route the wires along the frame and to find the best mount for the battery. With trikes you typically need to all wiring since the frame is much longer than a regular bike. We created some unique solutions, including a custom battery box.
When everything was ready, we began test rides. First on the stand, and after successful checks, we took it on the road. We always do a few test rides ourselves to fine-tune everything and ensure safe and comfortable use. Only then do we call the customer and let them know their trike is ready to go.
Our customer requested that the motor be adjusted to a lower speed with smoother performance, and for the throttle to be less sensitive. She wanted to ride slowly and smoothly, enjoying the views of Boulder and around. The main goal is to ride day without any rush. We easily adjusted these settings in the motor’s programming, leaving yet another customer happy.
So, if you want to convert a regular bike or trike into an electric one, we have several solutions for you. Call or write to us, and we’ll choose the best option for your personal needs.