this post was submitted on 01 Jun 2024
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Cripes, the prices on electric trikes.
Also where I live the bike infrastructure is 'there' and has a good reputation but was not actually that great in my personal experience. (Back when I was still strong enough to somewhat ride.) Bike lanes can have parked cars encroaching on them, obstructions like cracked asphalt or tree roots, or still force you to ride across an intersecting road. Some merge unexpectedly into a main road and there can be long stretches of pedaling uphill.
On the few rides I was able to manage before selling my (heavy, unpowered) trike on, I was literally riding on the road with the cars and having to chuck Ueys across lanes just to get to the local shop and back. That was before having a pet. I don't think I'd feel ok doing that with Melbcat on board.
And knowing my area the thing would probably get stolen, either from outside the vet/shop or out from under me.
It'd be great if there was more bike friendly infrastructure like in the Netherlands. Or some alternative to mobility scooters, which don't let you carry anything.
It's not cheap bit have a look at the Cube hybrid trike. It has cargo storage and a joint in the middle to be a bit more nimble. Otherwise there are a bunch of electric cargo trikes. If you're already paying a premium you might as well get some storage space
It looks cool but holy heck that's a lot of dough!
I remember when I test rode it I felt it would suit a few people perfectly.
I know Gomier do surprisingly cheap trikes and they have an electric model:
https://cargocycles.com.au/product/gomier-electric-cargo-trike-red/
This place also sells a tricycle that fits a wheelchair in the front. Become an NDIS provider and you could get work taking wheelchair bound people for rides as part of their care package
That's so cool, it's a similar style to what I had but with an optional motor. Maybe in future