Looking to convert my wife's fat tire Sun Baha trike to front wheel direct drive. Looking at the Leeds and the e-trike kits. Would like to know which or these two, or another, you all would recommend and why. Thanks.
I thought about a front hub motor to start with but ultimately went mid drive. It sounds like we are both pleased with our outcomes. Ebike (and E-Trike) conversions RULE!
I put a mid drive motor on my schwinn Meridian Tricycle (battery bolted to the basket and it works great! Saw to many video examples of front wheels spinning out on startup. I just feel like I get a better peddle-assist experience with a mid drive.
I converted a 26", single speed model with Bafang BBS02 750w motor, and a 48v Hailong battery. In my experience you will require a slightly longer chain, and a bottom bracket lockring wrench like a Park Tool HCW-5 or channellock pliers. Also, you will need to add an extension cable for the speedometer sensor.
Thanks! That's great information. One thing I've been told is that you really can't pedal much faster than 10 mph or so at which point pedal assist isn't going to be helpful and you're letting the motor do all the work. Is that your experience? Also, do you have an inkling of range? I assume the battery you have a 650-ish Wh?
No, you're right. I usually stick with PA between 1 - 3 depending on the amount of fussing my knees are making that day. The only times above that is when personal safety (being forced to "take the lane" or being in to a situation without so much as a painted lane) is a concern. Then I gladly thumb the throttle and my nose at the critics 😇!
Mostly I am more concerned with utility than speed. I don't think anyone rides a trike, short of gas powered, for the thrill of it. I would be on a bicycle towing a trailer if I could but I have vestibular problems.
i doubt anyone here hasexperience with those kits. youll only find mid drive kits sold and promoted here. we recommend against hub motors or any bikes with them, and premade ebikes in general
Ended up putting a Bafang 500 hub motor on our Baja fat trike and it works great. Thing about a mid-drive on a trike is you only have power to one rear wheel and typically that means poor traction. With front hub drive the pedals still drive the rear wheel so you have two wheel drive instead of just one.
I thought about a front hub motor to start with but ultimately went mid drive. It sounds like we are both pleased with our outcomes. Ebike (and E-Trike) conversions RULE!
I put a mid drive motor on my schwinn Meridian Tricycle (battery bolted to the basket and it works great! Saw to many video examples of front wheels spinning out on startup. I just feel like I get a better peddle-assist experience with a mid drive.
i doubt anyone here has experience with those kits. youll only find mid drive kits sold and promoted here. we recommend against hub motors or any bikes with them, and premade ebikes in general