Convert Your Own Trike to a Comfortable E-Bike!
People cycle for many reasons. For some, it’s the primary or only mode of transportation they use – they don’t even own a car or they live in a city that makes car use more cumbersome than bicycling.
For others, bicycling represents a form of recreation and a means for exercise. Competitive cyclists, while showing it as a grueling demand of physical prowess, enjoy the career challenges and financial gains to be had.
No matter what the purpose, the greatest level of comfort and efficiency of the bike or trike inspires more riding. A rider can look forward to a comfortable and fun ride!
In the pedal-power bike and trike world, there are many, many choices of styles, materials, and accessories so the rider can create the system that works best for his or her budget and comfort needs. Choices can be made on weight of the bike, strength of the frame, number of speeds, size and format of the frame, type of handlebars and pedals, with and without fenders, the addition of lights, speedometers, and racks or panniers for cargo, and even colors for self expression.
The choices are less profuse in the electric bike and trike world. Some of that is due to the lower demand for electric bikes, so there’s not a consumer-defined need for a variety of sizes, colors, and style differences. Another issue is the price. It already feels like an expensive product, simply because consumers have an expectation about how much they’re willing to spend for a bicycle (based on use – transportation, recreation, competition), so when a new paradigm is applied such as a motor, battery, or controller, it’s hard to understand what cost is attributed to the bike itself, and what is attributed to the electronics system.
Manufacturers “play” with the balance of cost and quality in an effort to gain more customers. For example, a manufacturer may create a cheapest-possible-to-be-structurally-sound quality of frame to house a cheapest-possible-to-be-structurally-sound electronics system, and sell a lower-priced product, primarily through big box stores. Often, customers can expect a shorter life for this product, and poor or inaccessible customer support when something goes awry.
On the other hand, a manufacturer can use high cost materials for the bike frame and wheels, and high cost components for the electronics system. In this case, the consumer may get great customer support, but it will be at such a high price, the manufacturer attracts a significantly smaller market. And then, there’s everything in between.
In his recent article, “Simple comfort trumps all other e-bike features“, Ed Benjamin, a long-term voice in the e-bike industry, discusses the importance of comfort. He describes the future of electric bikes heading toward the “smart” model in which the rider uses a smart phone to interact with the electronics system of the bike. He believes that since all e-bikes will offer that feature, the brands will need to set themselves apart by designing e-bikes with stylish or
comfortable frames, pedals, seats, and handle-grips. In addition, manufacturers will need to keep an eye on issues associated with vibration.
We agree with Mr. Benjamin’s concerns. That’s why we designed an electric assist conversion kit that can be attached to the bike that’s the quality and comfort of the rider’s choice. The bike or trike has been designed by frame, wheel, and component experts, and the electric assist boost has been designed by electrical, mechanical, design engineering experts at Ridekick International.
With the Ridekick trailer, you
- use the bike or trike that’s the right fit for you,
- attach the trailer when you want to use it,
- don’t have to dedicate one cycle to electric assist,
- can apply power when and how much you want it,
- and can carry cargo.
As Bryan at cardealexpert.com describes it, “The e-bike market has exploded in recent years, from conversion kits to ready-made models. The Ridekick company takes it one step further by allowing your bike to interchange between motorized and manual pedal models in minutes,” on the bike or trike that’s right for you!
The Ridekick trailer gives you the benefit of the electric assist boost with the comfort of the bike or trike of your choice. Looking for a comfortable e-bike? Put a Ridekick trailer on your own bike or trike and you’ll have the most comfortable e-bike around!
Ridekick is born in Colorado, USA where we proudly design, source, and support your riding experience.