Electric Motors in Electric Tricycles: Key to Efficient Urban Mobility

As urban logistics and area logistics continue to develop, electric tricycles are one of the more cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and adaptable options for last-mile delivery, community transport and municipal cleaning. The most significant component of electric tricycles is the motor. The way that the electric motor performs indicates both the panache of the driving experience centralizing its energy use and durability.

1. Technical Requirements of Motors for Electric Tricycles

Due to electric tricycles being used in frequent cycling operations and limited distance, going uphill and sometimes carrying plenty of cargo, the electric tricycle motor must meet the following challenge:

High starting torque to enable smooth take-off under full load;

High efficiency to provide greater driving range and to help avoid energy wastage;

Wide speed adjustment range for cruising and climbing loads;

Heavy-duty build with robust construction to accommodate bumpy or dusty operating conditions;

Ability to adequately manage heat, preventing overheating after long duration use;

Water and dust-resistant (IP54 and above), enabling reliable operation in a range of operating circumstances for the purposes of tricycle ownership.

2. Common Motor Types and Strengths

AC induction motors and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) represent the two common types of electric tricycle motors.

a. AC Induction Motor

AC induction motors are easy to find at acceptable price points in markets where costs must be kept low. AC induction motors have the following advantages:

Well-established and reliable; low manufacturing costs;

Limited parts for maintenance and high tolerance to load change; and

Great durability in high-vibrational environments.

b. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)

PMSMs would generally be found in higher-end models. They also provide higher efficiency and responsiveness with the following advantages:

Potential for high efficiency; (up to 90% means increased distance may be travelled);

Ability to accelerate smoothly through lower frequencies to improve acceleration speeds and torque quickness;

Noise and vibration reduction for comfort;  

3. Installation & Matching Systems

Motor installation should depend on the type of vehicle. Some configurations are:

Mid-mounted motors with either a chain or shaft drive. This is typical to cargo tricycles.

Hub motors. These are compact, ready to be installed in most passenger vehicles.

It is important to ensure that the motor is suitably matched with the battery system and controller as well as ensuring proper voltages compatibility and current draw to ensure for total protection against an electric system failure.

4. Future Trends

The direction for electric tricycle motors is towards heavier energy efficiency, lighter structures and smarter controls. Integrated sensor technology is becoming common place, with capabilities like intelligent speed regulation, while enabling useful performance data recording and improved energy consumption.