Mooncool’s TK1 folding electric trike is the latest newcomer to the rapidly growing market for full-size electric tricycles.
As the e-bike market has experienced significant growth, electric trikes have witnessed accelerated development, driven by an increasing demand from riders opting for the stability and security of three-wheeled electric bicycles.
Among seniors and families alike, electric trikes have gained popularity for their safe and accessible mode of transportation. Parents, in particular, appreciate the added security of not having to worry about balancing at stop signs or intersections – as long as speed is kept in check, that is! The addition of entrance and rear racks enhances the bikes’ cargo capacity, making them ideal for transporting loads without compromising stability or requiring constant adjustments by the rider.
While the Mooncool TK1’s power output may not quite match the benchmark set by modern high-performance e-bikes, its surprisingly robust motor tone sets it apart from many quieter e-trikes currently available.
The 500W continuous-rated electrical motor delivers a peak output of 750W, enabling the bike to achieve a top speed of 16 mph (25 km/h), ideal for riders seeking a thrilling experience. The trike’s 55 Nm hub motor, housed in a jackshaft configuration akin to the Lectric XP Trike, offers the flexibility to power a rear wheel, deviating from the typical front-wheel motors often found in many trikes. One significant advantage of all-wheel drive is that it eliminates the problem of identical tire spinning points in low-traction situations common to front-wheel drive e-trikes, providing improved stability and control.
The electric bike boasts a mid-mounted motor propelled by a detachable 48-volt, 15-ampere-hour lithium-ion battery pack offering an impressive 720 watt-hours of usable energy. Within our corporate framework, we interpret this to mean a coverage range of 35 to 60 miles (56 to 96 kilometers) per unit of cost. The actual world varies greatly depending on whether riders use the additional eco-friendly pedal assist or rely solely on throttle power, implying a complete lack of pedaling.
The Mooncool TK1 features 20-inch wheels and comes equipped with 3.0-inch-wide broad tyres, offering a balance between traditional and fat tyres.
The 90-pound (41-kilogram) e-trike is capable of supporting loads up to 350 pounds (159 kilograms). The kit arrives nearly 95% pre-assembled, streamlining the process for homeowners to start enjoying their new furniture promptly.
The 6061 aluminum frame eschews rear suspension in favor of a front-fork setup that incorporates a spring-based suspension system with a lockout feature for added control.
The hydraulic disc brakes feature 180mm rotors and typically come equipped with a parking brake, ensuring the bike remains stationary on inclines—a consideration not typically relevant for many e-bikes that rely on kickstands for parking.
Available in a palette of five vibrant hues – orange, white, black, teal, and pink – the TK1 can be purchased today for a competitive price of $1,599 USD. As soon as we can, we’ll take a ride and get a feel for how it handles.
Electrek’s Take
While the folding mechanism of this trike has its charm, one might reasonably wonder how frequently users actually deploy it. Would you consider holding onto an automotive or SUV, it could potentially provide a compact enough footprint for your needs, but I don’t think that’s a key selling point here.
The Lectric XP Trike, a top-selling electric trike in the country, also happens to be a foldable model, suggesting that the appeal of folding trikes might not be an isolated phenomenon after all.
While similarities with the XP Trike are undeniable, can we fairly claim that this product is essentially a carbon copy of its predecessor? I reviewed that electric tricycle nearly a year ago to the day, and I still believe it’s the e-trike to beat in the budget market.
While it’s refreshing to note that Mooncool offers entrance suspension, allowing for slightly faster speeds, the brand also thoughtfully provides additional color options. As an enthusiastic advocate for bold bicycle colors, I appreciate not just their aesthetic appeal but also the enhanced safety they provide through increased visibility, and that striking orange trike is a perfect exemplification of this principle.
Will I be thrilled to inspect this product and determine whether it meets the specifications of the XP Trike. Despite my reservations about Mooncool matching Lectric’s exceptional service team, I’ll remain vigilant until I secure that coveted orange XP Trike.
