Electric trikes are built to be durable, but they perform at their best when they are looked after properly. Over time, normal riding conditions, rough roads, heavy loads, and exposure to the elements can take their toll on a trike's components. It is best to prevent this wear and tear to keep your electric trike running smoothly, safely, and efficiently for many years to come.

No matter if you use your electric trike every day or just at weekends, a few simple maintenance habits can protect your investment and keep it performing as the manufacturer intended.

Common Causes of Wear and Tear

The first step of preventing wear and tear on your electric trike is understanding what causes it in the first place.

Terrain and Usage Habits

The type of surface you ride on is a more significant factor than you may realise. Paved roads, gravel, and uneven surfaces place different demands on your tires, suspension, and frame. Also, the environment you ride in makes a difference. For example, if you ride in a built-up area, often frequent stops, sharp turns, and uphill climbs can add strain to your motor, drivetrain, and breaking system.

You can reduce the stress on your electric trike by adapting your riding style to the environment. Riding consciously at a steady speed, avoiding unnecessary braking and using pedal assist instead of full throttle when tackling steep inclines, is much kinder to your trike. On a side note, it also makes your riding more efficient, extending your battery's range.

Poor Storage Conditions

Exposure to the elements is one of the most significant contributors to long-term wear. Leaving your electric trike outside, especially in direct sunlight or rain, can cause corrosion and rust on metal parts. Extreme temperatures, cold or hot, can also affect the lifespan of your battery.

Whenever possible, store your electric trike indoors in a cool, dry place. If this is not possible, we recommend that you buy a high-quality trike cover to protect it against moisture and UV damage. This may seem like a small step but it goes a long way to how your trike looks and performs over time.

Preventive Measures

When you understand what causes wear and tear on your electric trike, it makes it much easier to take proactive steps to prevent it. Here are a few things that you can do at home to look after your trike:

Regular Cleaning and Inspections

Dirt and debris make your electric trike look messy but the more important issue is that it can wear down components. Grime gets into your drivetrain and gears and acts like a grinding paste, wearing them out. Water and traffic film can also corrode components and the frame.

Therefore, after a few rides wipe down your trike with a soft microfibre cloth. Clean the frame, wheels, and moving parts using mild detergent or bike cleaner. For the chain and drivetrain, use a degreaser to remove old lubricant before reapplying a new layer.

When you clean your electric trike, you have the perfect opportunity to inspect it. Take time to check bolts to ensure nothing has loosened. You should also check the brake pads to see if they still have enough material on them to work correctly. You can also spin the wheels to listen for unusual noises or rubbing. Identifying these minor signs early can help prevent costly repairs later.

Proper Battery Charging and Storage

The battery is one the most expensive parts of your electric trike. There are a few things you can do to keep it performing well and extend its lifespan.

•       Avoid overcharging: Once your battery is fully charged, unplug it.

•       Store partially charged: (around 60%) if you won't be riding for several weeks.

•       Keep it at room temperature: avoid leaving it in hot or freezing conditions.

•       Check connections: to ensure they remain clean and dry.

The Mooncool TK Pro has a long-range battery that can last for years when charged and stored correctly. If you follow these simple steps, you can get the most range out of your battery as possible and avoid having to replace it prematurely.

Use Accessories Like Trike Covers

By using protective cover, you have a simple but effective way of preserving your electric trike. It shields your frame, seat and electrical components from rain and sun damage. You can also fit mud guards or fenders to help keep dirt and water away from sensitive parts during wet rides.

How to Identify Early Signs of Damage

Even with the best care, it pays to be able to recognize when something might be going wrong with your electric trike. Early detection allows you to address problems before they become more serious.

Unusual Noises

Never ignore an unusual or new noise coming from your electric trike, even if it sounds small. Squeaking grinding or rattling can be assign that something needs attention. Common causes of these noise noises include dry chains, loose bolts, or misaligned brake pads. If you lubricate the drivetrain and ensure bolts are tight, you will fix these issues quickly. However, it is vital to not over tighten bolts as this can cause other problems.

Reduced Performance

If your electric trike feels unusually underpowered, it may be time to inspect the battery, its connections, or the wiring. Often, cleaning the terminals and ensuring cables are secure restores performance. If not, there may be an issue with your motor or battery which may need more specialist attention.

Excessive and Premature Tire Wear

You should regularly check your tires for smooth spots, cracks, or uneven tread. These are signs that your tires could be old, or you've been riding with incorrect tire pressures. If your tire pressures are too low, you'll notice more wear on the outside of the tire; if your tire pressures are too high the tread down the center of the tire will be more worn. Worn tires reduce traction and increase the risk of punctures.

Poor Braking Performance

If your electric trike takes longer to stop, check your brake pads and cables. The brake pad material can wear down gradually so replacing pads early keeps your breaking smooth and dependable. If your cables have stretched it may take more effort to come to a stop. You can adjust the cables to take up any slack restoring braking power.

Conclusion: Proactive Care for Peace of Mind

You can easily prevent wear and tear with small habits that keep your electric trike performing at its best. Regular cleaning, battery care, and mindful riding help protect your trike's components. 

Mooncool trikes are built for long-term performance, and they respond well to regular care. Riders who clean, inspect, and store their trikes properly enjoy smoother rides, fewer breakdowns, and more confidence every time they ride.

Check out Mooncool's selection of replacement parts, covers, and maintenance accessories to help you protect your trike from everyday wear.