I've mentioned before that the wife and I used to walk 2 miles a day and pick up returnables for something to do while getting some exercise.

Between health issues (now resolved, thankfully) and weather, she has been unable to get out since early last Fall. We'd like to start again but that long layoff and her...ahem..."degree of maturity" (She's 81) it's going to be a while getting back into something resembling condition.

So, I was thinking that as a compromise, a electric assisted pedal trike (bicycle is out of the question) might be a way to go. I'm seeing prices from $700-ish to well over $3K. I'd like to stay under $1K and still have something durable with decent power. Range isn't a huge issue as it'd be less than 3 miles per day, but power for the hills is.

Suggestions/Experience/Sources/Advice appreciated.

We purchased an older model of this trike on Amazon for my dad a few years back. The seat was good for him with the back rest. After purchasing it we found out we were lucky. Many folks in their later years need a comfortable seat or they won't ride it. If at all possible hit a store that sells them and have your other half get one that's comfortable or they won't use it.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
Many folks in their later years need a comfortable seat or they won't ride it. If at all possible hit a store that sells them and have your other half get one that's comfortable or they won't use it.

Definitely a factor. Haven't had any luck finding a brick-and-mortar sales point yet.

Reading elsewhere about them recently and the owners of them didn't seem terribly hot on them. Mostly having to do with tricycles wanting to do tricycle things.

quote:

Originally posted by cas:
Reading elsewhere about them recently and the owners of them didn't seem terribly hot on them. Mostly having to do with tricycles wanting to do tricycle things.

I see they make electric recumbent trikes, that may be the way to go to avoid tricycle things.

Step 1: Remove the speed limiting governor.

I remember see that one company makes bikes for four companies.

There was a news story that said NOT to recharge them indoors, especially unattended.

The fires they start are an absolute bitch to put out.

That all may have been resolved.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
We purchased an older model of this trike

the low seat and fat tires would be good, There was an octogenarian here with a pedal trike, one wheel got off the sidewalk in a 90 corner, I stopped and helped her get it back on the sidewalk. She loaded the heck out of that thing too, don't know how she got around. E assist would be perfect.

BTW some of those things are covered by Medicare, providing the doctor prescribes it. See them running around my dads "adult" subdivision, that and a lot of folks drive around using golf carts. They are mobility scooters, and there are some seriously decent ones on Amazon

You might look into an older Club Car DS they use gas or lead acid, you can convert them to Lithium. Should be able to get the golf cart for $1000 to $2000, they are from the early 90's, Just sold mine and got a new cart.

With a new Lithium battery you could get 20+ miles and you could get it upgraded to hit up to 25 MPH or more.

This is the DS we bought in 1991 new, and have had it all this time, after I stopped golfing it became the kids, then grandkids to drive around.

Club Car uses aluminum for the frame, a major plus so no corrosion with the fiber glass body (hey like your vette)

You would need to check the rules for LSV's or Golf carts on roads.

My wife recently sold her e-bike and after visiting brick and mortar stores in San Antonio and Lancaster (SE Dallas), bought a Catrike Villager e-trike from Utah Trikes. The folks there were very helpful in helping her decide what she needed/wanted and then put together the perfect trike for her. They're not cheap but she's very happy with it. She's now training to ride the Katy Trail across Missouri to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Here's an actual picture of her trike on their website...

Lectric makes a good electric trike for the money. I’ve assembled a few of them for customers at our local bike shop. I like Lectric because they are reachable and stand behind their product when things break. They also make warranty work easy and pain free as it should be when things go wrong.

Only downside is that it’s a single speed so if you have a lot of hills to climb it would be nicer to have a 6-8 speed cassette out back to help with climbs.

They were having a sale last week though I am not sure if that sale is still going.

Not electric but....



.

Golf carts are a no-go due to traffic regs.

I can't see them bitching about a tricycle without including bikes.

There are signs everywhere about "sharing the road" with bikes.

Top speed is a non issue, if it'll move at a decent walking pace that's all that's needed.

I'd try and get short walks in to build back up. going from 2 miles to zero sucks, but depending on a stupid bike for 20 years would be worse than the rehab.

Go for it. I'd look at amazon and see what the reviews are and the features are. Focus on good tires, disc brakes, watts/speed (cause you still need acceleration up hills etc.)

I just went through this but for a scooter with a seat.

I’ve had an e-bike for a couple years, got my wife a Lectric brand trike and she loves it.

A little higher than you’re hoping for ($1500) but it is a solid company with good reputation.

https://lectricebikes.com/products/xp-trike-graphite

After a bit of research and seeking advice (thanks, all) I came to the conclusion that the best approach - as is often the case - was "buy once, cry once".

Then I showed Mrs. PHPaul the choices and she gasped at the prices and decided it wasn't going to happen.

I'm good either way.

Check local FB marketplace classifieds, like the Vette one will turn up where someone bought it and decided they didn't like it..

Either way get one of those tall flags they put on trikes and recumbent bikes. So drivers will have a better chance of seeing you.

Though Mrs PHPaul might not want to wear one if she goes back to walking...

Ebikes are fun. I can’t tell you how many people have come into our shop singing their praise and loving the ability to ride 4x the distance they are used to riding.

I rode about 4,000 miles on mine last year. The ebike haters are only robbing themselves of a great time.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Ebikes are fun. I can’t tell you how many people have come into our shop singing their praise and loving the ability to ride 4x the distance they are used to riding.

I rode about 4,000 miles on mine last year. The ebike haters are only robbing themselves of a great time.

I bought a scooter with a seat, 11" offroad tires, 34 mph, 28 mile range 53 pounds. I carry it on yachts that I run to places on week or longer trips. I needed it folding and more compact, hence the scooter over the bike.

BUT, you're right, it greatly expands where you can go, is super convenient to park (like in busy cities like Key West where parking is big $$$ everywhere), and expands where you can go.

I use it at home a lot now, I ride it to the park which is 1/2 mile each way but on a busy street and it's currently 91F outside with the dog in a doggy back pack. Then I walk her around the park a bunch of times, which is more interesting in both the view, the people to see and talk to, and then we ride home on the street.