Sun Seeker Fat Tad Electric Trike Review - 2.4k
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- Опубліковано 6 бер 2017
- The Sun Seeker Fat Tad is a full suspension, fat tire, recumbent electric trike designed for off-road fun on trails, sand or snow, powerful 500 watt rear-motor with throttle and pedal assist modes. Adjustable length boom and tilting seat accommodate a range of riders, large backlit display offers adjustable speed and power settings but isn't removable. Rear-mounted battery and motor make the bike rear-heavy but afford space for bags and there are four pairs of bottle cage bosses for fluids or accessories. Heavier and a bit flexy due to the larger wheels and battery rack mount design, this is a conversion ebike vs. purpose built so there's more wire clutter, key must be left in to ride but collides with the rack if you pull the battery out for independent charging.
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR. - Авто та транспорт
I found this to be a good sound review about the bike, the company, customization, etc. I don’t understand why some are complaining about the time - he talks pleasantly - not fast, not too slow. He is doing a review - not a boom bang used car deal. I think some people today just don’t have the art of conversation - making or understanding. In addition, their attention spans are deficiently - I assume it is due to texting, twitter, facebook, snapchat whatever with all the abbreviations, memes, etc that they just can’t absorb normal conversation - I find it very sad. The bad thing is most of these people just zone out and aren’t able to retain what is given to them - oral or written. Anything over 5-10 minutes is too much for them. They have the same issue in being able to read articles, books, watch a movie and tell you later what the fine points were. They can’t even carry verbal messages accurately. You can almost watch their eyes roll back in their heads - like a stoner from the 60s. Ask them a question - “I don’t know man - what happened dude”. This review was long, but a lot of information was provided - it was like sitting around with a friend as opposed to a robot or a news report. At the price for these bikes - I like getting a thorough discussion and not being rushed. I like his going over the bike and then the test ride(s) and having the input of the other guy too. As he talked, in several places he made me think of some other bikes I needed to reinvestigate before making a purchase. Good job - will check out more of your reviews. Nice job young man from a “old lady”.
haha...great comment. I have this fat tad. Some people (on this thread) are simply not worthy of owning such a great recumbent. It's an honor and a privilege to be able to ride this beast and not for anyone with a poor attitude. Anyone who gets impatient with someone giving a comprehensive review about such an amazing product best stay off the internet.
rosebudforglory -Well, said 👏🏽
Exactly. Want videos of bikes/trikes/ebikes? How many gazillion out there.
Want lots of details, specifics, and also the Professionals that Build the bikes/trikes, because you ain’t here for UA-cam biking video #1142...within just the last year.
Me, I’m doing high level Adulting Fun Research, for a companion to my RAD Mini. Maybe I’ll go look at some stock film videos of just bicycles moving later, but prob I’ll be actually riding one. Just the way I roll, and great content guys. We appreciate your effort, time, wisdom, and editing f’g video. Such an odd chore, said the filmmaker guy. Peace...
When he points out the obvious like "it's red", that to me isn't telling something I don't already know.
I'm really glad I found this channel. Great reviews and fantastic personalities. I have mild cerebral palsy and have been through my fair share of Trikes. I'm hoping to get a Fat Tire eTrike in the near future. Been focusing on the Electric Mid-Drive Fat Trike. Might take awhile but I really want to make it happen.
as always great review Court!
With a backup petrol generator, I can travel around the country with this beautiful trike. Great job.
You could build a sunroof from flexible Solarpanels and a small wind deflector in front. This way you can get about 150 watt solar on it. Since its possible to get away with a consumption of 150 watt per hour if you doing some pedaling by yourself and a low electric assistance it might be possible to extend the range to infinite
i have this fat tad....put thousands of miles on it the last 1 and a half years. It's a serious head turner that will make you seek out crowds regardless of where you live. it's great having thousands of people cheer you one when you're riding. highly addictive quite frankly. lol I also dropped 70 lbs in a year riding this thing. yep ....i was and continue to be...fanatical.....Shoot me any questions you have as i will see the notification. i read a couple comments here with the dumbest one being 'too expensive'. Maybe if you're a homeless bum it might be but in fact it's one of the cheapest recums on the market *and* makes you look more bad-ass than the expensive ones. If you're after speed and nothing but speed then don't get this...or get it but make sure you get the e-assist. Im going to stop now or I will write a book. ;>
What's the RANGE on one charge, full speed? Why didn't he say that - that's what electric cars always say - the RANGE. Holy smokes. Listened to the WHOLE vid and no mention of the range?
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 it's not so easy to give a precise answer. It depends on too many factors. If you are lazy and let the motor do all the work and you ride up a few hills the battery might be empty after 30 miles. If you use pedal assist mostly only to accelerate and drive it in flat terrain than 60 and more miles will be possible.
@@chrisridethatbloodything2044 I had an internal hub British 3 speed that I rode every day for 10 miles on average - year round for 10 years in severe winter weather also - never once had to do any maintenance on it!
You get the impression they are true enthusiasts and would take care of you and help you
I would love to ride that on fresh snow this winter. I just bought a new black new Trek Dual Sport Plus so I'm pretty stoked to ride that.
i like this trike a lot! this is great for an e-bike style because you can sit and basically lounge while you ride. almost a little mini car.
awesome vid! Penna State Park! Beautiful place. What an incredible e bike, very futuristic! That is so cool! Feel better!
Nice I have been waiting for a official review on this one.
Good Stuff!!!!!
Sweet! Thanks for your patience, I filmed it a while back but have been mixing the trikes in steadily for variety ;)
I liked the video straight away because you told the audience when you start riding it
Excellent review. Keep them coming.
This is cool.
I got a 212cc engine on a kent alameda trike, goes 42Mph, and is a lot of fun.
I think strapping my engine to one of these would be just as fun
I've got a 1301cc KTM Adventure bike that makes 160+hp. It goes alright.
Great explanation. Of this totally awesome vehicle
I really enjoy your reviews
I had a peddle-only tad. The one problem was that quick stops would cause the rear end to flip up. With added weight from the battery and a pannier mounted in the rear, I doubt that would occur with quick stops.
What do you think of the Practical Pod Ride bicycle watching you guys progress for some time now really love your theories and you're different bicycles and was just curious what your opinion was on the Pod Ride?😁⭐😉
Your ebike reviews are awesome. I like the fact that when you review full suspension bikes you mention the flex of the rear swing arm. this is a very important detail that I believe a lot of people overlook just to say they have a full suspension bike. do you think that trike had too much Flex in its rear suspension?
xD this is the most unique design I've ever seen for a bike
hope you're feeling better cort. Good job. keep it up.
Nice review with the cool bike dude.
I have watched a couple of your reviews, regarding the sunseeker recumbent electric trikes. Regarding the Fat-tire model. How high from ground level can the seats be raised?
Is there any place in Florida to test ride one one of these?
Quick question;
I've been going through most of your videos to learn about electric bikes as I'm hoping to get one soon.
Problem being that I live in Europe and most of the bikes you're reviewing aren't available here. And a surprising amount of manufacturers don't ship to Europe either (I asked....)
Bikes like the radrover/populo/juiced bikes crosscurrent(or Air)/voltbike yukon/etc are the ones that really interest especially at the pricepoint of those bikes (1000-1500) and the design of the bikes.
Do you have any experience with perhaps European equivalents to those bikes? or list a few I can have a look at?
Cheers.
Chain tube is needed for the lower part in the back to keep it from slapping the ground when on bumpy terrain.
thank you sir ,feel better .
Really great review.
Very nice! Hope the cold is better now 😀
Oh yeah, thanks Dave, this was filmed a while back but I was saving my favorite for last ;)
I saw problem with chain, he is jumping and jumping.... it's problem with rear derailleur ?
Thanks for this interesting video Bro ! Greetings from France .
Can an inverter be installed to provide the power, and also for additional power?
Starting some research on a fat tire trike. Looking for a better way to get some winter exercise. Out of curiosity, does the battery pack come with a way to use with accessories? i.e., can you charge a phone from it or power a lighted safety flag for roadway rides?
This video’s a couple years old and the trike in question has gone up to about $3200, but I need this machine.
Good thorough understandable review, and pleasant presentation. Wondered about the chain; it seemed to be bouncing very low to the ground in the rear when trike's underway. It seems hazardous for the bike and that it could use protection.
What about battery under/behind the seat? (I looked and saw someone else said the same thing).
I need this in my life.
Question at the beginning of this review you made the comment that this trike with the fat tires can be a " lot of work" to pedal. Am I understanding that correctly?
I want ride this to my office..so cool..I like it
That thing looks like a blast to ride around.
it doesn't suck
I would like to know if the pedals can be brought in closer for the short people???
Plus, those handle bars are so far apart that I don't know if everyone could even reach them ..
I don't believe that I could..
😦
Can you use a solar charger with that trike, Can you run other electric items from the batter
This is what Professor X and Logan were saving up for.
Ha! Loved that movie... laughed at your comment ;)
Pedaling seems pointless. Why bother?
“I’m You: Pedaling seems pointless. Why bother?”
The answer seems quite easy. Wanting to exercise as much as possible is why most folks would be glad the manufacturer bothered. For folks who are relatively healthy but just starting out on an exercise program: they could find the electric motor quite helpful when maybe they reach their endurance limit sooner than expected; maybe they decided to go a little further than originally planned (visit a friend, go to the library/store, etc.); or maybe a new route had more hills. There could be many reasons for even healthy folks to enjoy the the option to pedal or use full electric. However, for those who are medically and/or physically disabled - a bike such as this can be a vital component of their exercise program and drastically improve their lifestyle. Let’s say you have a severe autoimmune disease with multiple co-morbidities with no way to gauge which days will be good or bad - you just take them as they come. Some days, you may have more breathing difficulty; other days may bring severe cramps throughout your body; if you have stenosis/sciatica - a simple turn or bend can cause it to flare w/o warning and almost incapacitates you. In addition, there are days where you think you can handle the heat, cold, or humidity and you find yourself more affected than expected. Maybe the weather changes abruptly, or you become dizzy, or nauseated and you want/need to get home faster. Whatever the issue, and they can be numerous when you are ill with severe/chronic disease(s); however, because you know exercise is vital to your mental and physical being - you want to be able to do so with as much security and independence as possible. A bike such as this, where you have the option to either work hard, or sit back and enjoy the view, can be a definite life changer! So Mr/Mrs I’m You - hopefully, you can now see why many people are glad the manufacturer “bothered” to give them a dual function device.
@@plips71755 Yes indeed. I'm in a wheelchair and I wish I could have a bike like that. I could do a lot more.
I want the other trike with the basket! I hope Sondors comes out with one!
that bracket over the right rear axlenut is to protect the motor cable from getting cut
Much agreed on the weight concerns of the back rack. Overall this thing has the right power and price. Looks like it rides hard even with fat tires. I have an ELF and the front suspension looks similar. Meaning it may suck off road ride-wise. A good pot hole is worse than anything in this video. I like the gearing. I've had bad luck with internal gear systems. A nice thumb throttle that can be adjusted in small increments is a major plus...nice advantage to buying American. Love the open system mode for techies. My big issue with trikes is I like getting as far onto the side of the road as possible, even country roads. And 2 wheels get you like 3 feet further off the road and out of the travel lane. I still want one of these tho. PS: faster is safer on public roads..fewer cars catch up to pass close by the direction you're going. You can squirt fast through certain situations too. Just one opinion. It's nice to also have a bike you can ride with traffic, right out in the road, in 25mph zones but that's kind of a pipe dream even with faster ebikes.. Friggin guy still giggles like a kid on these things and despite riding hundreds of e bikes has not become smug or jaded
J Clar I'm afraid I have to disagree with several of your points. Firstly, riding as close to the kerb/edge as possible is asking for trouble whatever cycle you use. You need room to maneuver and be away from grit, stones, mud, glass and drains that tend to be at road edges. Secondly, these trikes tend to be 30-34 inches wide at their widest point. Bicycles tend to be widest at their handlebars, and in practice most bikes are only a couple of inches narrower than trikes. A bike is only as narrow as it's widest point, no matter where the wheels are. Thirdly, speed is not that important with traffic. What really matters is predictability, combined with common sense and conspicuity. I can assure you, trikes get noticed by motorists, they tend to be given far more room and shown a lot more consideration than normal upright cycles. I speak from experience and almost everyone who rides one says the same.
This company wants their customers very happy and also safe. Options for "needs" that are necessary for "awesome people"!
Does it wants it workers happy? assembled in slave labor conditions probably.
Can you move the seat more backwards? You're sitting nearly upon the front wheels -what will happen when you must stop urgently?
I'm in love with this bike👏👏❤❤😍😍, I live in Brazil and I want to know if the store makes international sales
Despite appearances, this beast has design flaws. Rear traction is terrible, it desperately needs mudguards on all three wheels. Here's a pic of mine
ua-cam.com/video/u_ui_NG34bs/v-deo.html
Awesome bike bro - looks so fun! If you dont mind my asking, what do you film your videos with? Have you done a piece on your setup? Cheers mate.
Sure, I use a combination of motorized gimbals and GoPro cameras (one that clamps to the frame and another that is just a wand). Here's the list:
- GoPro Hero 4 Silver: amzn.to/1U6HAJy
- Micover Sticker: amzn.to/1XClfYP
- Motorized Gimbal: amzn.to/1XCkHC8
Thanks for the fast reply brother. Great results from that setup and thanks for the all informative vids! Watched over 20 of them so far and learned a lot! :)
Great vid. Thanks
Does the bike have pass-through charging so that you can retrofit solar or 900 watt generator or something
I wonder about the handlebar position. It looks like it forces your hands way high, with your elbows splayed out and back. Also, if you rode in wet weather, it looks like your hands and armpits would catch the main spray from the front wheels. It looks like the rear suspension puts the wheel way, way behind the seat. Maybe the battery over the rear wheel is needed for traction.
Great vid. Nice bike. I think I would be more comfortable with the seat back further though. Looked front heavy
It's steering handlebars are way too high is there any way around that
Now that looks like fun!
Is there a light kit available for this. I will probably not ride in the dark but the lights can add to your safety.
Great review
Anyone know who makes the rack they have on the back of this trike?
How was your back after going over those bumps and stuff?
Крутой байк. Очень хороший канал. Спасибо за видео
Move battery to behind seat. Add tire fenders, better rear suspension bearings ( way too much sideways movement), better chain tensioners& chain guards. Also, would 4 wheels be better at this point? It's already pretty heavy, much more turning stability..
Where can I buy this I'm from New York and I need one
Do you ship to Canada.
I'm on the west coast and this looks good to me but this video is four years old.
What is the clearance from the ground?
What is the max speed and range?
Seems like a lot to twist in that rear fork assembly when off road. Not sure how durable that would be long term if you spend a lot of time off the pavement.
NOW THIS IS POD RACING!
Can I install engine on this?
I have an EZ Tad. How much is your converter kit? Thanks.
Is there a plastic cover so it can be stored outside?
Has anyone put a 2-stroke on one of these?? Seen 4 storke friction and hub motors that should work fine. A 2 stroke would take some mods but still one of these doing 35-40 would be crazy fun
on average how many miles does a full battery make?
Anybody selling an E-version of the Catrike 700 or ICE Vortex? I'd like to see just how "racecar" one of these can get.
Awesome review and trike. I want one. I do have one question is rear axle long enough to accommodate the installation of a Cargo Trailer like the Burley Nomad?
Great question George, I'll try to get someone from the team to answer you directly here ;)
George Herman,
Yes, you could use a Burley trailer with the fat tad, there is enough spare axle. Because of the oversized (12mm) axle, though, you would need to file out the axle mount in order to fit over the axle for some trailers.
But burley does make a 12.2mm hitch, so that should fit the axle without modification - ex: www.amazon.com/Burley-Design-12-2MM-Steel-Hitch/dp/B011TLU5J4
The fat tad also has rear fender/rack mounts, so you could screw a hitch receiver directly to the frame.
There may be other slight complications since trailers are not usually designed with electric or trikes in mind, but it should be quite possible. In any case you should be able to get most trailers to fit after maybe a trip to the hardware store.
Thanks Court
Seems pretty durable.. Rear chain slap seems excessive-- Very surprised the chain didn't come off.. Surprised the software is so open to the end user..
I was planning on buying one of these but they are out of stock and expect a limited incoming supply at end of July. Inventory management is critical in the retail business.
This nice very nice specially those fat tires. Peace and love to all...
Questions-how fast and how far??
Cattrike are the only tadpoles I recommend. Besides having the most models they also have the best support..which EVERYBODY is going to need.
How is the tire drag on this vs the Electric Eco-Tad SX? Do the fatter tires cause significantly more road drag? I'm more of a road biker, and although this looks more comfortable I was wondering how much the fat tires suck out of the equation?
Hi Tark, when inflated to their ~20 PSI level the drag isn't so bad but you do hear the knobby tires buzzing on the road. I haven't done an official range test side by side but the overall weight of this trike is higher and the contact patches add up... though it might not be as much as you think because the wheel diameters are larger (with the thicker tires on).
Tark McCoy,
We also offer the fat tad with a slick tire option - we can remove the knobbies for you and ship it with 4.0" wide Kenda slick tires. You can keep the original knobbies for installing for off-road use if you want. Just let us know when ordering and we can set that up.
The slick tires are much quieter and smoother than the knobbies, and do roll freer on the road. It's all about what you want to do, I think. Slicks are always going to get you more speed on-road, but it's hardly night and day.
At the same time, the difference between 4.0" slicks and 1" slicks is not much, though, when both tires are properly inflated. That little difference doesn't seem significant to me when riding recreationally or commuting, but i wouldn't bring the fat-tad to a club ride, though.
Riding for fun and not trying to set a record? The Fat tad is super fun if you're at all curious about big tires.
How do you transport this model? I didn't hear you address this. Does it come apart or fold up?
That...
That is just nice.
Really nice...
Looks like an awesome ride! What is the battery life like?
A Lot of people with disabilities would love to be able to get one, and heavy weight people too. Sadly it is too expensive. I would love one, I love bikes, definetively with a cargo behind.
It would be perfect for an ultra-light airplane kit
Why kind of maintenance does the suspension need? Are brakes post mount? This for great review!!!
@23:40 such wonderful footage in thrid person view - especially when he pedals towards your camera
What do people mainly use these for?
I wonder the difference between catrike and these trike?
Is catrike better?
that thing is awesome!! looks like u could almost fit a passenger
Where is this available for $2500? I'm not finding it for less than $3000
lonestar-ebikes.shoplightspeed.com/fat-tad-cx.html?source=googlebase&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrszdBRDWARIsAEEYhrftZvV0mbOeVw40tx2Woup96Cf-VerYk0aSwnPeHJOyGg8uhiGl4KkaAmZxEALw_wcB
soooo cool. im inspired. great price
I agree not a bad price. When u compare it to a carbon fiber 12 speed these days. Ur paying sometimes twice as much. For actually so much less. And the comfort level. No comparison lol
Im 6'3 ….Would I fit in this tricycle ...Do you have to put this together or is it preassembled?
Great Information
Is not CG out a little to front?
From a distance it looks like a off road wheel chair! 😂
traxxxasdude15 As the Electric Trikes guy said, they get a lot of varying disabilities type folks for these. It’s a large part of this market, and many quad and tricycle bikes - also not just bikes vehicle - have come out in part or entirely for the market. There’s some wild machines out there being show all over YT, but they’re like $5K to $18K etc.
Is there supposed to be that much movement in the chain?
@Electricbikereview.com any chance you can talk about AG Farm bike stuff?
If you mostly ride on paved roads with a little dirt road riding (with a little gravel), would the eco tad or the fat tad be better?
eco-tad is more for road riding. That said fat-tad is fun and there is a road tire upgrade for $100. You can see a video on this on electrictrike.com. we put either set on before shipping and include the other set of tires in the box when shipped.
We're did you get this bike
Can anyone tell me the range on these sort of electric trikes. Even if we went like on the lowest assist mode, how far would we go on a more or less plain road?
With a 500Wh battery around 30-40 miles, with 700Wh around 50-60 miles. With hills and higher assist half the distance.
Is it 24 speed with electric or 24 speed peddling only?
looks good practical no sore bottoms,, does it have front brakes..well done...congradulations..