Searching for an outstanding personal mobility device? You have plenty of choices on the best electric bikes on the market for mobility, one of which is the TopMate Mini Electric Tricycle (updated version).
If you want to gain back your ability to be with your loved ones during outings and vacations, this 3-wheeler mobility vehicle is worth checking out. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Aviation-Grade Aluminum Body
Around 98-percent of the structure of the TopMate Mini Electric Tricycle is made from aviation-grade, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, which markedly reduces its weight. This material is also known for its good strength, which allows this vehicle to carry up to 220.46 pounds (100 kilograms).
This upgraded version only has a taillight. It doesn’t have a headlight, horn, and reflectors to warn others of your presence. If you plan to use it to ride at night, the Goplus Folding Electric Bike is a good alternative.
It has three tires: an 8-inch front tire and two 6.22-inch plastic rear tires. The distance between the two rear tires is 8 inches. In this upgraded model, the rear tires have fenders for better protection.
Vertically Folding Design
This mini electric tricycle won’t probably fit in your backpack. But, it’s still easy to store inside your car, any public transportation, your office, or other small spaces.
The pedals, which are placed at each side of the fully encased lithium battery, has a folding design. The frame stands up vertically when you fold it up, so it’s easy to pull it like a wagon or lift with one hand.
The seat of the TopMate Mini Electric Tricycle is 11 inches long and 7 inches wide, while the package dimensions is 36 inches by 17.9 inches by 13.9 inches. It only weighs around 30.86 pounds (14 kilograms).
Built-In 7.5Ah Lithium Battery
With a built-in 36-volt/7.5 amp-hour lithium battery, the TopMate Mini Electric Tricycle is ideal for short trips. On smooth, flat, and hard roads, it could reach a maximum speed of 12.43 miles per hour and a total mileage of 18.64 miles. Just twist the throttle on the right handlebar to propel the trike forward.
It doesn’t go on reverse. So, be prepared to use your feet to push it backwards.
On the manual, it says it could climb roads with an 8- to 10-degree incline. Keep in mind that climbing steep roads might reduce its speed and mileage.
It takes around 3 hours to fully charge the battery (weighs 3.53 pounds or 1.6 kilograms). With proper care, the battery’s life could reach 7 years.
Approval for Flight
If you expect to travel a lot, whether here or abroad, be sure to do a ton of research. Since the lithium battery is fully encased and has a key switch, you can usually bring it with you for domestic flights. Each airline company could have different safety requirements on flying with this mini electric tricycle for international flights.
The Good
A Great Mobility Aid
Most people with impaired physical mobility—perhaps you’re one of them—use this mini electric tricycle to help them enjoy the great outdoors and keep up with loved ones. As long as you use it on smooth and hard surfaces, this will allow you to go on tours, mall hopping, museum visits, or multi-city trips without problems.
Reminder: Don’t forget to put handicap stickers on the front and rear of this vehicle, so it’s easier to get an airline acceptance.
Portable and Lightweight
It folds easily. It’ll probably take only half a minute to do that, if you’re slow.
It’s a non-intrusive vehicle, so it’s perfect for anywhere you need to go, from the mall, to your doctor’s office, cruise ship, or farmers’ market. The weight of this vehicle is simple to handle because it’s lightweight and converts into something like a carry-on luggage.
Good Battery Life
The battery holds a charge well. If you weigh 120 pounds or below and are less than 5’9” tall, you can probably go to different malls on this for 3 hours and use only 20-percent of the battery’s power. And, what’s good about it is the charging time is fast, around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Get where you need to be and enjoy your family vacations with the TopMate Mini Electric Tricycle.
The Bad
Stability Issues
The center of gravity is above its rear tires and the wheel base is narrow, so on turns, the rear wheels come off the ground. So, you’ll mostly likely tip over and hurt yourself. It also doesn’t have the shock absorbers that the TopMate ES31 Electric Scooter Mini Foldable Tricycle has, which could’ve helped make it more stable during riding.
Still Needs a Few Improvements
For starters, it needs a horn and headlight to warn people of your approach. You may also want to get a wider seat with a built-in suspension to make your rides a lot more comfortable. Just to make sure it keeps folded when you hand it at the gate check-in at the airport, buy a strap for it.
Not for Heavy and Tall Riders
This is probably a good choice for someone who’s under 5’10” in height and weighs less than 170 pounds. However, if you’re heavier or taller, it might not fit you and could become unstable when turning corners. The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-7 Elite Folding Electric Bike weighs more, but it can accommodate taller people.
Who Is It For?
The TopMate Mini Electric Tricycle could be a better fit for someone under 120 pounds and 5’10”. People with physical limitations due to different reasons (e.g. old age and injury) could benefit from this the most. If you just want an easy way to get around during an outing or vacation, if you’re young (teenager or young professional), this is still worth your consideration.
Conclusion
This updated version is better than its predecessor, but it’s not without its own issues. Instability of the structure due to its rear wheels is the most common complaint.
However, overall, it’s highly recommended for people who are looking for a short-term mobility vehicle. It’s durable, compact, lightweight, and has a long battery life.
Physical limitations will not stop you if you have the TopMate Mini Electric Tricycle. Get it now.