Electric trikes offer a stable and user-friendly alternative to regular electric bikes. However, understanding the weight and load capacity of electric trikes is essential to helping you make the most of using one for running errands and commuting while carrying loads.

What Affects The Weight Of An Electric Trike?

Before we go into loading up your electric trike with lots of weight, let's talk about the trike itself. This is important to understand if you're new to electric bicycles, as it will help you adapt to the differences between traditional trikes and electric ones.

 The Motor And Battery System

The battery of an electric trike weighs between 5 and 10kg, depending on its capacity. For example, a 48V 15A battery should weigh around 5kg, but most tip the scales at about 4.5kg.

More powerful batteries weigh more, as they have more or larger cells, which increases the trike's overall weight. Usually, the extra weight would reduce how far you can ride on a single charge. However, electric trike manufacturers do their best to pair motors and batteries to complement each other, creating an efficient package with a long range.

 

Frame And Components

Electric trikes have more robust frames than regular ones. The extra engineering of chunky frames allows them to cope with the motor's power, torque, and weight. In addition, there needs to be a suitable place to mount the motor. This is usually low down within the frame or directly under the rider for a low center of gravity and even weight distribution.

 

The demands of riding with electrical power also mean that the trike's components must be upgraded. For example, a quality electric trike would have stronger brakes, wide wheels, and a more robust drivetrain. These tougher components contribute to the weight of your electric trike, but they are more durable and make you safer.

Load Impact on Electric Tricycle Performance

One of the best reasons to buy an electric trike is to make load-carrying easier. The versatility of an electric trike means you can leave your car at home when you go shopping or do anything else that requires you to carry something. But there are a few things you need to know when adding weight to your electric tricycle:

Excessive Load Affects Power, Range, And Handling

The first thing you need to know about the weight and load capacity of electric trikes is that adding more weight affects their performance. Extra weight means your motor has to work harder, which draws power from the battery much more quickly. Therefore, your battery won't last as long before you need to recharge it compared to riding with little weight. If you need to carry loads long distances, consider a higher capacity battery or carrying an additional charged one you can switch to for your ride home.

In extreme cases where you carry a lot of weight, you may notice that your motor is straining. The telltale signs that your electric trike motor is struggling include overheating and a reduction in power. If you experience these symptoms, we recommend stopping for a while to let your motor cool down and shed weight if possible. You may also be able to remedy the problem by riding with less assistance, so the motor isn't working as hard.

It's important to be kind to your motor when it struggles. When your motor overheats from dealing with too much weight, its windings, and other internal components may become damaged. Therefore, you'll need to replace it to regain the performance you enjoyed when your electric trike was new.

Another thing you need to understand about the weight and load capacity of electric trikes is that they affect handling. When you load up your electric trike with too much weight, you'll notice that it will become more challenging to steer and control. This is especially the case when climbing steep hills or riding on rough or loose surfaces.

Proper Load Distribution

Before you ride your electric trike with extra weight, it's essential to think about how the weight is distributed. If you were to load your trike up incorrectly, you may experience instability when riding. For example, if you place a heavy item on one side of your trike, you run the risk of tipping over when cornering. You should always aim to balance your trike by evenly distributing the weight around it.

 

Using cargo racks, panniers, and baskets is the best way to ensure your trike is balanced. These may come with your trike or be an optional extra, but they make your load-carrying easier and safer.

Recommended Maximum Load Capacity For Passengers/Cargo

Electric trike manufacturers provide recommended maximum load capacity figures for their products. The figures given include the rider, cargo, and passengers. Depending on the model, electric trikes can safely cope with 220 to 400 pounds. For example, the Mooncool City Adult Trike has a load-carrying capacity of 350 pounds.

When loading cargo onto your trike, you should always remember the load-carrying capacity. In addition to the safety aspect, overloading can void warranties and damage the trike. Stick within the recommended limits to ensure longevity and safety. If you know you'll carry heavy cargo or passengers often, make sure your next electric trike is designed for the job.

Final Thoughts On Weight and Load Capacity of Electric Trikes

As you can see, the weight and load capacity of electric trikes will affect your riding experience. Therefore, understanding weight impact on electric trike performance will help you to stay safe, enjoy your ride, and increase the lifespan of your trike.

The main things to remember are that excessive weight affects power, range, and handling. You should also ensure proper load distribution to ensure you're balanced and in control while riding. Remember to always stick to the manufacturer's recommended maximum load capacity to keep your trike in top condition.