Frequently Asked Questions - eTrikes Canada
Categories
Before You Ride
Before You Ride
Before you head out, it's important to take time and familiarize yourself with your e-trike and make sure that it is ready to ride. Always check your battery, major bolts, especially on the rear axle, plus brakes, quick release bolts for seat and wheels as well as tire pressure.
Pre-Ride Checklist
Check the tire pressure before every ride
Check battery levels, starting off with a low charge on your battery may affect normal operation
Check the brakes
Adjust the handlebars and seat to your height and ensure they are tightened properly in position
ALWAYS double check the front wheel, handlebars and seat to ensure all fasteners are tight and secure before riding
Check all front and rear axle bolts to ensure they are tight. This is especially important on the rear axle and differential.
Wear a helmet
General Questions
What Class are your electric trikes?
Our pedal assist e-trikes are equipped with a thumb throttle that activates when they reach a minimum speed of 3km/h. By default this makes them a Class 2.
However, the throttles are plug and play so can easily be disabled, making the trike a Class 1 when required.
Two categories of classifications apply to e-bikes in Canada.
Standard e-bike Classification
Class 1 e-bike
A Class 1 e-bike means a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling (pedal assist) and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 32 kilometers per hour and has a maximum continuous wattage output of 500 watts.
Motorized e-bike Classification
Class 2 e-bike
A Class 2 e-bike means a bicycle equipped with a motor that can be used exclusively to propel the bicycle (throttle equipped) and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 32 kilometers per hour. A class 2 e-bike is also a Motor Vehicle.
Class 3 e-bike
Class 3 e-bike means a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling (pedal assist) and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 45 kilometers per hour. A class 3 e-bike is also a Motor Vehicle.
Where are your e-trikes made?
We use brand name bike components from Bafang, Dapu, Shimano, Tektro, Bengal, Kenda, CST, Panasonic, LG and Samsung
- Shimano Nexus Gears: Japan, Sakai City
- Tektro Brakes: Taiwan, Taichung City
- Bengal Brakes: Taiwan, Taichung City
- Bafang Motors: China, Suzhou City
- Kenda Tires: Taiwan, Yuanlin City
- CST Tires: China, Qingdao City
- RST Shocks: Taiwan, Taichung City
- LG Lithium Ion Battery Cells: South Korea, Seoul
- Panasonic Lithium Ion Battery Cells: Japan, Osaka
- Samsung Lithium Ion Battery Cells: South Korea, Gumi City
We also work with a number of manufacturers to produce different frame styles from Taiwan, China and Mexico.
Final assembly and testing is done in Canada.
Do You Offer Financing?
Yes, we work with PayBright who offer terms of 6, 12 or 24 months on your purchase.
For more information see our Buy Now, Pay Later with PayBright page
How Do I Use My Gift Voucher Or Apply My Deposit
Step 1
Follow the link in the email and copy your unique 16 digit code
Step 2
Enter or paste your code into the Gift card or discount code field and click Apply
Step 3
If the voucher or deposit code is valid it will show the amount and apply it to your order total
Why are your ex-demo trikes often sold without warranty?
Our manufacturers only offer a 12 month warranty, which in most cases has expired before ex-demos are sold, so we are unable to extend this further.
Our ex-demos are nearly new, often with less than 100kms on the clock, but are usually more than 1 year old when we sell them. If they are under 1 year old they come with a 3 month warranty.
We still carry all the components and spare parts in our warehouse so if you do have an issue we can send out replacements if needed.
Do You Participate in the BC SCRAP-IT Program?
Yes. We are a participating retailer of the Scrap-It Program. For more information on the program and how it works click here.
Can I wash my eTrike?
Yes. The components of the motor and the battery are water resistant and can deal with rain, snow and a non pressurized hose wash. Do not use a pressure washer and do not submerge the battery or motor in water. If you ride your eTrike into the lake to wash it you will be pedalling all the way home.
Do I need a licence to ride an eTrike?
At the time of writing, in most provinces of Canada, you do not need a licence to ride an electric assist bike or trike. In Quebec riders between the ages of 14 and 18 require a moped licence and in PEI riders require a licence and registration. Transport Canada has restricted the top speed of electric bikes / trikes to 32 km/h and maximum motor size to 500W. eTrike Canada products all adhere to Transport Canada rules. All eTrike riders and passengers should always wear a safety approved helmet.
NB: Individual municipalities have the authority to establish local laws for pedal and electric bikes and trikes. As governments across Canada are recognizing the cycling benefits to infrastructure costs and the environment, laws are changing rapidly. Please check with your local municipality to update current regulations.
How old do I have to be to ride an eTrike?
Minimum ages to ride electric bikes in Canada vary per province. In most provinces the minimum age is 16. However Alberta allows 12 yr old riders and in Quebec the minimum age is 14 but if younger than 18 the rider requires a moped licence.
Do you have a retail store?
No. We are currently only online sales for customers across Canada to keep our prices as low as possible.
We have a showroom in Kimberley BC and will be doing demos across Canada starting later in 2019
Follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to get notified of upcoming demo events.
Are You A Canadian Company?
eTrikes Canada is operated out of beautiful Kimberley, BC. We love it here, it's laid back and a good place to be!
Our electric trikes are imported then tested locally before they ship from Canada directly to you, so no unexpected customs duty or border delays. Our etrikes meet Transport Canada standards for allowable motor and battery size for use on Canadian roads (normal bike rules apply) and are covered by warranty. Our clocks are set to Mountain Time.
eTrikes Canada - 100% Canadian owned and operated.
Is the 12 month manufacturers warranty transferable?
This Warranty applies only to the original owner and does not transfer to subsequent owners.
What is the difference between a speed sensor, torque sensor and pedal sensor?
On a pedal assist e-bike, the speed sensor, cadence sensor, and torque sensor are different types of sensors that measure different aspects of your pedaling and provide input to the e-bike's motor for assistance. Here's a breakdown of each sensor and how they work:
Speed Sensor: A speed sensor, as the name suggests, measures the speed at which the e-bike is traveling. It typically uses a magnet and a sensor that is mounted on the frame or the fork of the bike. As the magnet passes the sensor with each revolution of the wheel, it sends a signal to the e-bike's motor to provide assistance based on the current speed. The speed sensor is not directly measuring your pedaling effort but rather the speed of the bike itself.
Cadence Sensor: A cadence sensor measures the rate at which you are pedaling or the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the cranks. It is usually mounted on the bottom bracket or crankset of the e-bike. The cadence sensor provides input to the motor to determine the level of assistance based on how fast you are pedaling. It helps the motor to know when to engage and how much power to deliver based on your pedaling cadence. The cadence sensor does not measure the force you apply to the pedals, only the speed at which you are turning them.
Torque Sensor: A torque sensor measures the amount of force or pressure you are applying to the pedals. It is usually integrated into the bottom bracket or the drivetrain system. The torque sensor detects the pressure you apply to the pedals and sends a corresponding signal to the motor, which then provides assistance proportional to the force you exert. This type of sensor can provide a more natural and intuitive riding experience as it responds to your pedaling effort in real-time. The more force you apply, the more assistance the motor will provide.
Manuals and LCD Error Codes
Cruiser e-trike LCD Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Cruiser LCD Operation English version manual.
For the French version Click Here.
Cruiser e-trike User Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Cruiser User Manual (English).
For the French version Click Here
Companion e-trike LCD Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Companion LCD Operation manual.
Companion e-trike LCD Error Codes
02. Brake Issue - Check Brake Lever
03. Brake Issue (Power) - Check Brake Lever
04. Throttle not initialized - Check Throttle
05. Throttle is damaged - Replace Throttle
06. Battery Low Voltage Protection - Check Battery Voltage
07. Battery High Voltage Protection - Check Battery Voltage
08. Hall Sensor Issue - Check the Hall Sensor
09. Motor Phase Line Issue - Change Motor
10. Controller Temperature Protection - Motor Overheating. After Cooling Motor Will Work Again
11. Controller Temperature Sensor Issue - Motor Will Still Work. Replace Contoller
12. Current Sensor Issue - Replace Motor
13. Battery Temperature Warning - Check Battery
14. Motor Temperature Warning - Check Motor
21. Speed Sensor Issue - Check Speed Sensor
22. BMS Issue - Check BMS
23. Lighting Issue - Check Lights
24. Lighting Sensor Issue - Check Lights
25. Parking Brake Engaged - Release Parking Brakes
30. Communication Issue - Replace LCD Display
Companion e-trike User Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Companion User Manual.
Setting up the Companion after shipping
The Companion ships with some assembly required. Before riding the front fender, headlight, front wheel, front basket need installing. The rear tires need topping up.
Click Here to download a PDF outlining instructions on how to complete this installation and setup.
Cargo e-trike User Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Cargo User Manual.
Cargo e-trike LCD Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Cargo LCD Operation manual.
Cargo e-trike LCD Error Codes
1. Current error or MOS damaged. There is a problem with the controller
2. Throttle error (start detection)
3. Motor no phase position, Hall sensor problem inside motor
4. Hall Sensor Error (motor)
5. Brake error (start detection)
6. Under voltage - usually indicates a problem with the battery
7. Motor stalling
8. Communication controller receiving error
9. Communication display receiving error
Limited Edition Cargo e-trike LCD Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Limitd Edition Cargo LCD Operation manual.
Commuter e-trike LCD Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Commuter LCD Operation manual.
Commuter e-trike User Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the Commuter LCD Operation manual.
Commuter e-trike LCD Error Codes
04. Throttle not returning to zero state
05. Throttle abnormality
06. Low voltage protection
07. Over voltage protection
08. Hall sensor abnormality in motor
09. Phase line abnormality
10. Controller overheat
11. Temperature sensor in controller abnormality
12. Current sensor abnormality
21. Speed sensor abnormality
22. Communication abnormality in Battery Management System
City e-trike User Manual
Click Here to download a PDF version of the City Operation manual.
City e-trike LCD Error Codes
21. Current Abnormality
22. Throttle Abnormality
23. Motor Phase Abnormality
24. Motor Hall Signal Abnormality
25. Brake Abnormality
30. Communication Abnormality
Riding Tips
Powering up your electric trike. Turning the LCD controller on and off
Ensure all batteries are switched on and indicator lights are showing full power
Cargo
- Make sure the key on the battery is in the 'ON' position.
- Press and hold the M button on the LCD for 2 seconds (if the tricycle is not used for more than 10 minutes, the controller automatically turns off)
- Release when the LCD powers on
Commuter
- Press the Power button on the battery, the indicator lights will illuminate to show approximate charge level
- Press and hold the Power button until the LCD screen powers up
Selecting the level of pedal assist
Depending on the model of tricycle, there will be up to 5 levels of assistance indicated from 0 to 5
Level 0 allows you to drive without assistance, levels 1 to 5 switch on the electric assistance, 1 being a low assistance and 5 being the highest (you will pedal less but consume more battery)
To select the different levels, briefly press the buttons – or +
(the default level at startup is 1)
Switching on the tricycle lighting
Cargo Model
Use the red button on the left side of the handlebars to turn the front and rear lights on and off
City Model
Press and hold the M button for 2 seconds then + for 2 seconds to switch on the front and back lighting of the tricycle. Hold down the + button for two secondsagain to turn the lights off
Commuter Model
Press the LCD controller button with the headlight icon located on the handlebars to turn the front and rear lights on and off
The lighting of the tricycle is powered by the battery of the electric assistance; it may be prudent to have battery-powered emergency lighting in the event that the battery of the assistance is empty during the journey.
Cargo - Adjusting The Handlebar Position
The handlebars will have been lowered for shipping. To adjust use a 3/16 Allen Key to loosen the single bolt and lock plate below the handlebar just enough that the handlebars move up and down.
When in the position you want tighten the two bolts on the main stem – one on the left, one on the right. Once the side bolts are tightened proceed to tighten the single lower bolt and plate to lock the bars in place
Can the battery handle cold weather riding?
Lithium-ion batteries are designed to handle a wide range of temperatures, including sub-zero temperatures. However, when exposed to extremely cold temperatures, the battery's performance may be affected.
The battery's capacity may decrease, meaning it may not hold a charge as well as it would in warmer temperatures. The battery may also take longer to charge in sub-zero temperatures. Additionally, the battery's internal chemistry may be affected, which could potentially lead to a shorter overall lifespan.
To protect the battery from sub-zero temperatures, it is recommended to store the battery in a warm, insulated location or to use a battery warmer. It is also important to avoid charging the battery when it is extremely cold as this can damage the battery's internal components.
Tire Pressure
Maximum tire pressure is 30psi, however the recommended pressure is between 25psi and 28psi for an optimal ride.
Always check the sidewall of the tires for the maximum recommended tire pressure, exceeding this can cause the tire to pop off the rim.
Check The Rear Axle Differential Regularly
The rear differential on the Cargo and Commuter work hard to add cornering stability when you ride. As a result these bolts should be checked regularly before you ride.
The differential will vary slightly with each model but generally will look similar to the photo below.
My trike pulls to the left or right when the slope of the road changes
On a traditional two wheel bike, the rider can be riding on a noticibly sloped road that is straight, and their bike will still generally be in a straight vertical alignment with the road. This is because bikes have two wheels. By adding the 3rd wheel on an electric trike it makes this impossible unless you have a tilting trike, which still will not entirely eliminate this sloping camber effect.
An e-trike will sit vertically with the camber or slope of the road. If you are on the right hand side of the road that slopes to the right and downwards, you will always feel like you're being pulled towards the curb. To counter this effect, you will have to steer your handlebars slightly towards your opposite side. You will eventually have to get used to this if you start riding an electric tricycle.
Pedestrian Mode function
This function allows the tricycle to run at a fixed speed of 6 km/h without pedaling.
Use it only on private roads and clear of obstacles. It must only be started if the cyclist is stationed on the tricycle.
To switch to pedestrian mode, press the button - for two seconds, to turn it off, press the button again.
Online Orders
Can I return my e-Trike if I change my mind?
To submit a Return Request claim go to the Helpdesk and click the link to the Return Request Form.
We offer a 14 day money back guarantee on all purchases. You are responsible for arranging any return shipping and postage costs and the product must be returned in an unused, re-saleable condition, in its original packaging and must include any extras. Items with clear signs of damage or wear and tear will be refused.
More information can be found on our Terms of Service page.
Can you ship to PO Boxes?
No, we are unable to ship to a Post Office Box. Must be a valid home or business street address.
What type of warranty do your electric trikes have?
Our products carry a 12 month warranty against manufacturing defects and faults for residential use and a 3 month warranty for commercial use. Under this warranty we are not responsible for any losses to you or any 3rd party resulting from the malfunction of the product, and we are not responsible for any accidental damage to the product.
More information can be found on our Terms of Service page.
Do your eTrikes ship assembled or unassembled?
Our etrikes come 100% assembled, just cut the straps, lift off the box, do your pre-ride checks and you are ready to go
How much do you charge for shipping?
We charge a flat rate shipping fee of $350 + tax per Trike Canada Wide - trikes ship fully assembled.
Do you sell anywhere besides Canada?
At this time we are currently only offering sales in Canada. For orders to the US or EU please contact us.
Pricing
All prices shown are in Canadian dollars, you will be billed in Canadian dollars. Our website, etrikescanada.com, does allow you to change the currency to another currency for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for typographical errors or omissions, all prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Goods and Services tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or Harmonized Sales Tax (HTS) will be charged where applicable.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
General Maintenance
Our e-trikes use standard bike components, so service and maintenance is straight forward. This includes but is not limited to, Shimano Gears, Tektro brakes, Kenda Tires, Bafang Motors, Samsung and Panasonic Lithium Ion Batteries.
General maintenance for an electric tricycle for the most part is the same as any normal e-bike and most competent bike shops will be able to help you with this.
If you have a warranty question or issue with your trike within the warranty period of purchase please visit our Help Desk and open a support ticket.
Please note we do not offer telephone support without a support ticket linked to a valid Order ID.
How To Videos
A growing archive of simple guides can be found on our YouTube channel.
Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss new guides.
Where can I get my e-trike serviced?
Our electric trikes use standard brand name bicycle components so most bike shops are able to service them.
If you are in an area covered by their service, Velofix is another option.
We carry spare parts that can be shipped directly to your local bike shop.
Do you offer technical support over the phone?
If you have a question or issue with your electric trike purchase please visit our Helpdesk to submit a support ticket.
We are unable to offer technical support by telephone.
E-Trikes Canada Warranty
While all of our e-trikes go through quality assurance and testing both during manufacture and assembly prior to shipping from Canada, occasionally components may malfunction, break or not work as intended.
Your e-trike is covered by a 12 month manufacturers warranty which covers major components for defects not caused by riding. These include the battery, motor, LCD, controller and frame.
Standard wear and tear parts like tires, tubes, nuts and bolts, chains, brake cables or hydraulics, disc brake wear are not covered by warranty.
For full warranty details visit our Terms of Service, Shipping & Returns page.
Charging Your Battery
The charger must not be covered during charging, it must be in a ventilated and secure place. The charger is for indoor use only, keep out of the reach of children moisture, extreme heat or cold. Do not use a different charger than the one provided to charge your battery.
For regular and long-distance use, it is recommended to recharge the battery before each trip, even if you do not regularly use the tricycle.
Fully charge the battery before the first trip and after each use, even after a short trip, is ideal.
Charge the battery in a temperate environment (15-25 C)
Plug the charger connector into the battery socket
You can charge the battery either by removing it from its housing on the frame or plugging it in while still attached
Plug the main plug into a suitable 120V electrical socket
When fully charged, remove the mains plug from the socket
Remove the connector from the battery socket
WARNING - Danger of electric shock
Do not operate the charger at temperatures above 50°C and relative humidity.
Excessive humidity can lead to an electrical malfunction.
No metal objects should touch the contacts or the battery socket.
Avoid dirt and contact With chemical cleaning substances and products.
Do not cover the charger.
Do not charge under direct sunlight.
Do not charge the battery at temperatures below 0C.The battery must always be charged in a ventilated area.
The battery must be clean and dry before charging.
To disconnect, start with the mains plug, then the battery.
Do not use the battery if it emits an unusual smell or heats up abnormally.
Do not disassemble the charger.
Do not expose charger and battery to flames.
Riding in wet weather
Your tricycle is not designed to ride on water, this could damage your battery, motor and trike. If you drive or park in the rain, make sure you cover your tricycle and the entire electrical part with a specially designed tricycle cover.
Ensure your e-trike is fully dried after riding if you get caught out in inclement weather!
Adjusting Shimano Nexus Gears on your e-trike
Over time your gears may need adjusting as parts wear in. If you hear a clicking in the gears or shifting gears up and down is not smooth it is likely that they are due for an adjustment
Click Here To Watch This YouTube Video Showing How To Adjust Shimano Nexus Gears
Cargo Model Tightening Torques (Nm)
Component: (Nm)
- Handlebar: 18~25
- Handlebar stem: 18~25
- Saddle: 18~25
- Seat Post: 18~25
- Front Hub: 20~30
- Rear Hub: 40~45
Commuter Model Tightening Torques (Nm)
Component: (Nm)
- Pedals on the cranks: 30
- Tightening the handlebars on the stem: 10
- Tightening the stem: 14
- Tightening the headset: 23
- Brake levers: 3.5
- Brake calipers: 7
- Derailleur lever: 3
- Seat on its trolley: 20
- Seat post collar: 10
- Wheel with motor: 30
- Wheel without motor: 25
- Baskets and luggage racks: 8
How far can my e-trike go on a single charge?
As explained above the distance you can travel on a single charge has a lot to do with the size (Wh) of your battery but that is only half the story. A great many factors affect your eTrikes range on any given day. Some of these variables are:
Weight: The heavier the rider and cargo the more work the battery has to do and therefore range is reduced.
Temperature: At zero degrees battery life is reduced by about a third compared to riding your eTrike in the Summer.
Hills: Going uphill drains your battery faster.
Mud and snow: Greater surface friction means greater strain on the motor.
Headwinds: You know what it’s like pedalling into the wind. Batteries feel the same way.
Pedal Assist: The greatest factor that will determine how far you can go with your eTrike is how much work you are putting in to assist your forward motion. To get the most from your battery you need to help when the going gets tough. If you can pedal a little harder on hills, into the wind or on rough surfaces your battery will thank you for it.
Should I run the battery flat before recharging?
No. It is a common myth that you should run your lithium battery flat before recharging it. This will in fact shorten the life of your battery. It is best to recharge your battery after every ride. It is important that if you are not riding your eTrike for an extended period that you plug the battery into the charger once a month over that dormant period to keep it in top shape.
Common Terminology
AMPS
An Amp, (short for Ampere and denoted by the symbol A) is the international standard unit used to measure electric current.
Using the water-flow analogy, Amps are equal to the diameter of the water pipe. More Amps means a bigger pipe and more water flowing per second, and increased power output from the battery.
AMP Hours
The Amp Hour (AH) specification provides a measurement of battery capacity. More simply explained, it is an indication of how much energy can be stored by the battery.
Amp-Hours, or Ampere-Hours (denoted by the symbol Ah), is the measurement of amps multiplied by time. This gives us an indication of battery capacity.
A battery with 15Ah can discharge 15A continuously for an hour. Or it could discharge 1A continuously for 15 hours.
Volts
Volts (V) are the international standard unit used to measure how strongly an electrical current is sent around an electrical system.
Using the water-flow analogy volts are equal to the water pressure flowing through a pipe. A higher voltage means a “higher water pressure” flowing through the pipe. Higher Volts in the battery means increased power generated by the battery.
Watts
Watt (denoted by the symbol W) is the standard unit of power defining the rate of energy conversion and it is equivalent to one joule per second.
More Watts equals more power. Most e-trike motors define their power output in Watts.
Watt-Hours
This is the most important measurement of your etrike battery. The Watt Hours of a battery are calculated by multiplying the V x Ah.
For example a 48V, 14.5Ah battery is rated at 696 Wh. Combined with a 250 Watt motor you could expect approximately 2.8 hours of non pedal assisted riding. (696 Wh divided by 250 W)
The watt-hour (denoted by the symbol Wh) is a unit of energy equivalent to one watt (1 W) of power expended for one hour (1 h) of time.
Think of it in terms of speed and distance. The speed of your etrike would be Watts, and the distance traveled would be Watt Hours.
If your etrike battery discharges 250 W for one hour it has used 250 Wh. The same battery discharging at 250 W for 2 hours has used 500 Wh
Lithium-Ion Battery
These are the most common batteries used today in smartphones, digital cameras, laptops and more. Our etrikes use Panasonic and Samsung 18650 cell lithium-ion batteries and are combined with the most suitable motor so you do not have to choose.
How AMPS impact the way your electric trike rides
When riding your etrike, Amps translate into torque. The more Amps that the etrike motor has available means more torque and the quicker the take off speed will be. Think popping a wheelie!
How Volts impact the way your e-trike rides
Too little Volts means that you won’t have enough energy to give the etrike motor. Too many Volts and you risk damaging the motor.
The most common etrike motors are either 36V or 48V. All of our batteries are 48V.
Volts translate into speed on your etrike. The higher the Volts the higher your top speed.
Electric bicycles are tricycles in Canada are legally required to operate at no greater than 32 Km/h.