Electric Assist for Recumbent Bikes and Trikes

Definitely!! Talk to us to find out which kit is best for you!

No. As air transport of lithium batteries is expensive and difficult, an original equipment e-trike is price prohibitive in our region.

Yes. We can supply and fit an E-kit as part of your trike assembly.

No. Common kits are arranged for the standard upright bicycle, and the parts and wiring, in the main, do not just “bolt on” to a recumbent!

Typically, you will need extension cables, and be prepared to cut and splice longer wiring, make or source special brackets to mount the battery, keypad and display.

Depending on the type, A Standard kit has all the essentials: either a new wheel and motor or crankset and motor, battery, display/keypad, electronic control module, and assorted wiring. Optional extras include brake sensors, gear change sensors, and various extension leads.

Depending on battery and kit style, from $1200 - $1600.

Around $900 to install a kit, including battery and display mounts.

A Hub Motor is a motor built into a wheel.
A Mid-Drive motor is built into the bottom bracket and crankset, and uses the bikes chain and gear systems to drive the wheel.

We presently use Bafang mid drives.

Electric Assist bicycles in Australia are limited to 200 watt power, unless the bike complies with European directive EN15194 and is certified as complying. (Commonly termed a Pedelec, 250 watt max.) Queensland further limits all electric assist bikes to 25kmh with power assistance. This rules out any DIY kit from complying with the 250 watt requirement as the certification applies to the whole bike.

Queensland law limits motor only speed to 6kmh or less. Our installations come with a “walk assist” option only.

Electric assist kits weigh around 6kg including battery.

Difficult to say, much depends on riding style, terrain, weight, bike style, and how much assistance is used. Typical installations return 40 – 60 kilometers using moderate assist.

In most cases yes.

The preferred position on a trike is on the main frame, behind and below the seat.

Where possible we try to locate the control pad on one handle bar. On the Bafang mid drives this often means separating the display from the keypad and splicing in a long wire to suit. We have several standard locations for the display: on an accessory post, on the front derailleur housing, or on the main frame forward of the seat.