Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike review

REVIEW – I have been fortunate to test and review several E-bikes with most being similar in design. Recently, some flavor has been added to my opportunities in the form of an e-bike built on a motorcycle frame. Now I get a treat with the chance to take a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic but relevant Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike.

What is it?

The Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike is an electric trike that comes 95% pre-assembled. The necessary tools and clear instructions are provided. The trike is designed with ease of use and stability in mind, making it a great choice for older adults and persons with disabilities who are looking for a safe and comfortable riding experience. The TK1 Folding electric trike is designed for riders between 5’-6’3’’ tall for optimal comfort and performance.

What’s included?

• 1 x Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike
• 1 x Tools and Accessories
• 1 x User Manual

Tech specs

Motor: 48V*500W Peak Power 750W
Battery: 48V*14.5Ah
Range: 35~60 Miles
Charger: 110-240V 54.6V 2A
Charging: Time 6-8 Hours
Max Safe Speed: 16 Mph
Controller: Sine Wave FOC 48V 20amp Peak
Pedal Sensor: 24 Signals Cadence Sensor
Throttle: Twist Throttle
Front Light: Big Led eBike Version with Horn Function
Rear Light: 3 Tail Light, Brake Highlight Function & Turn Signals Function

Design and features

Helical Motor: Featuring a 48V*500W Helical Motor, with peak power at 750W and a whopping 55Nm peak torque. Expect nothing less than a powerful and smooth ride.
Battery Power: Equipped with a powerful Hailong Plus 48V*15Ah lithium battery, the trike offers reliable power & an ideal solution for short commutes. Plus, the battery’s removable feature adds convenience & reliability.
Speed Differential Mechanism: Features a rear differential mechanism that enhances control and stability on turns. This key element ensures a safe and secure ride on an electric trike.
Parking Brake: A parking brake is a safety device that prevents a trike from rolling. It is equivalent to a “kickstand” and increases the safety of the trike.
Folding Structure: Boasts a Folding Structure, a convenient feature for easy storage and transportation. This compact design element enhances the practicality of the electric trike, making it a perfect fit for urban living.
Turn Signals & Horn Function: Presents Turn Signals & Horn Function, improving visibility and promoting safety on the road. These features help communicate your intentions to other road users, enhancing safety for everyone involved.
Large Front & Rear Baskets: Features Large Front & Rear Baskets, providing ample storage space for your belongings. Whether for shopping trips or personal items, these baskets add a layer of practicality and convenience to your electric trike experience.
Brake Highlight Function: Includes 3 tail lights with brake highlight function. Ensures your trike is easily noticed when braking, thereby increasing road safety.

The Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike is solidly built and features a step-through folding frame, a horn, turn signals, brake lights, a headlight, and front and rear brakes. There are cargo baskets on the front and the rear. The seat is removable with a quick release and the battery is also removable.

Assembly, Installation, Setup

The Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike arrives 95% assembled in a big box. The bike is quite heavy, so the shipping package is heavy. The following photos provide some snapshots from my assembly process:

COMPONENTS:
Frame: 6061 Aluminum+Hiten Steel, Folding Structure, Rear Differential Mechanism
Fork: Suspension, Coil Spring Structure, Mechanical Lockout
Handle Bar: Alloy, BMX Style, Barboe 31.8mm, Length 660mm, Rise 120mm
Stem: Alloy, Barboe 28.6*31.8mm, Folding, Extension Tube 178mm
Saddle: Comfortable Big Vacuum Foaming Seat
Seat: Post Alloy 31.8*500mm Length
Chainwheel: Alloy Crank 170mm, Steel Chain Ring 36T
Freewheel: 18T
Display: Multifunctional G51，LCD Gray Screen
Brake: Hydraulic Disc Brake, Alloy, Rotor 180mm
Brake Level: Alloy 3 Fingers, Hydraulic Disc Brake with Electrical Cut-off Function
Rim: Alloy 20 Inch*30*13G*36H, AV
Tire: 20″ * 3.0 CHAOYANG H5183
Spokes: Stainless, 13G
Parking Brake: With
Fenders: With
Rear Rack: With
Front Basket: With
Rear Basket: With
Assembly: 95%
Colors: 5 Colors
Weight: G.W. 115.7lbs, N.W. 89.9lbs
Carton Size: 101.5*76*74cm
Load Capacity: 350LBS
Recommended Height: 5′-6’3″

Performance

The Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike is a solidly built e-trike that features adequate power, is comfortable to ride, and offers the benefit of stability and carrying cargo. Once I finished the easy assembly process, I charged it overnight and the next day I was ready to take it for a spin.

Initially, riding the Trike took some getting used to because of perception. Since the Trike has a basket that does not turn with the handlebar, my mind was suggesting that I was going straight while my hands were turning the wheel. Just in case this all sounds confusing, take a look at the video below. Once I resolved that mental confusion, riding was a breeze and enjoyable. I love the safety features that are built in. These days, e-bikes are becoming a part of everyday traffic as people look for financially economical and environmentally friendly ways to commute and enjoy nature. This e-Trike features a horn, turn signals, brake lights, a taillight, and a headlight. There are also reflectors. When a company builds a bike and includes safety consciousness, that is a winner. The baskets have adequate cargo space for a quick grocery shopping trip, a picnic, or a day out with supplies. This is the way to do it right, and now older folks, or even folks who cannot ride a 2-wheel bike, can enjoy the same fun outdoors.

The display is black and white and I do wish it was color. I find color displays to be easier to see in various light conditions. So far the battery seems to last a long time and the bike has enough power and adequate speed for safe riding. The brakes work well and the bonus of being able to fold the bike frame and handle makes it suitable for people with storage concerns. Overall, this is a well-done job of designing and building an e-Trike. go Mooncool!!

What I like about the Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike

• The amazing build quality
• The safety features and accessories like the lights, horn, turn signals, etc
• It has adequate power
• The seat is comfortable
• It is shipped 95% assembled
• The baskets are big enough to be of practical use

What needs to be improved?

• Nothing other than I wish the display were color.

Final thoughts

The Mooncool TK1 Folding Trike is a pleasure to ride. It is solid, safe, and comes with many bells and whistles. It can carry a nice amount of cargo, and for folks concerned about balance and stability, this is a great answer that allows anyone to enjoy the outdoors in an eco-friendly way.

Price: $1599.99
Where to buy: Mooncool website and Amazon
Source: Mooncool provided a free sample for this review. Mooncool did not have a final say on the review and did not preview it before it was published.