The Economics of Electric Trike Ownership: Maintenance Cost

Every mode of transport has costs associated with it, and some are more expensive than others. If you are working to a budget, it is wise to know what you're getting into if you are looking into alternative ways of getting around. More people are now seeing electric trikes as cost-effective transport, as insurance, maintenance, and the energy required to power them is much less than using a car. On top of this, they are comfortable and user-friendly while being less intimidating than two-wheeled electric bikes. In this blog, we will go into the economics of electric trike ownership. We will highlight the costs involved and anything you need to budget for during ownership.

Main Costs: Battery, Brakes, and Tires

Battery

Let's start with the battery. When you choose an electric trike, the battery makes a significant difference to the cost. Larger capacity batteries make an electric trike more expensive, but it does mean you can ride further between charges. Larger batteries mean you can use your electric trike for big days out and know you have enough power to return home.

Brakes

Your electric trike brakes are one of the few things that occasionally need replacing. Brake pads and brake discs wear out with usage. This is something you need to keep an eye on to ensure you stay safe when riding. Brake pads are not that expensive and are easy to change; you just need to make sure you buy the correct ones and have a basic tool kit. If your electric trike uses brake discs, you will need to replace them at some point. This is slightly more involved but nothing too taxing.

Tires

The next thing that is regarded as a consumable item on an electric trike is its tires. Your tires are constantly in contact with the ground and will eventually wear out. You can change your tires yourself with a set of tire levers in a few minutes.

Cost Saving Tips

Electric trike batteries are robust and take a while before they need replacing. However, you can extend the lifespan of your battery by storing it correctly. For example, avoid storing your battery in extreme cold or heat, as it can negatively affect its cells, shortening its lifespan. Instead, keep your battery at room temperature if possible.

You can also improve your battery's lifespan by using recommended charging techniques. This will be illustrated in the owner's manual. But, in general, you should not store your battery fully charged or empty; instead, charge it to about 30% (this depends on the model) to balance and not stress the cells. Also, don't charge your battery as soon as you get back from a ride. Wait around 20 minutes for the battery to transition from its discharging state before plugging it into your charger. On top of this, avoid overcharging by leaving it plugged in for extended periods.

How quickly and often you need to change brake pads and discs depends on the terrain you ride and your riding style. For example, if you ride aggressively, causing you to break hard all the time, your pads and discs will wear out more quickly than if you rode smoothly. Also, if you ride in a hilly area, you'll use your brakes more, wearing them out more quickly.

How quickly your tires wear out depends on how often you ride, the surfaces you ride on, and if they are correctly inflated. Over or underinflated tires will wear out prematurely and have compromised performance. Therefore, we recommend using a tire pressure gauge every week or so to ensure your tires are inflated to their recommended pressures.

You should also consider your tire choice, as different terrains demand different tires. Commuters often stick to paved surfaces, so they should ride with suitable tires for urban settings. On the other hand, you may ride on rougher surfaces and require sturdier tires that can take the punishment.

One particularly underrated maintenance trick is to clean your electric trike regularly. Doing so reduces wear and tear while also giving you the opportunity to spot and deal with minor problems before they turn into bigger ones.

Mooncool's Durability and Warranty

A great indicator of build quality is when a company offers an excellent warranty for its products. This is something we, at Mooncool stand by. Our electric trikes serve cyclists who want reliable quality without overspending. Our design philosophy ensures we build trikes with robust frames and dependable components. This approach helps reduce long-term maintenance hassles.

With this in mind, we offer excellent warranty terms to add peace of mind. It covers certain defects and ensures support when needed. This coverage can protect you from unexpected expenses. It also underscores our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Details on our manufacturing approach can be found at https://www.mooncool.com/pages/about-us. This resource explains why we invest in quality materials and components. Battery packs often represent the highest expense. Yet their prices have dropped as technology improves and demand grows.

Some electric trike owners choose extended warranties on batteries to reduce long-term worries about unexpected replacements. If you need to replace your electric trike battery, it is best to buy the same model from the manufacturer. You may find cheaper alternatives online that seem compatible. However, their quality may not be as good as the original and could potentially be dangerous due to poor build quality.

Photo Credit: Dawn Gale

Conclusion: Mooncool's Value for Money

Mooncool's focus on robust engineering gives our customers confidence. Durable frames and solid components are trustworthy and reliable, leading to fewer breakdowns. That reliability directly reduces electric trike maintenance costs. Less downtime means more enjoyable rides and fewer headaches. Buyers who want affordable transport appreciate this balance of cost-effectiveness and peace of mind.

On that note, Mooncool's warranty coverage adds extra protection. It ensures that issues get addressed without draining your savings. Feel free to explore our product range and warranty details. Investing wisely in any electric trike means balancing upfront fees with projected upkeep.

Many electric trike owners enjoy an increased sense of independence. They can take short trips without hunting for parking spots or paying high fees. In addition, the electric assist makes hills and carrying cargo much more manageable.

Compare that to car ownership. Repair bills, insurance, and fuel all stack up faster than electric trike upkeep. That difference reinforces the appeal of these fantastic three-wheeled machines.