Liberty Trike 20 eTrike Review

Alright, folks, let’s talk about the Liberty Trike 20″ eTrike. I’ve been putting this thing through its paces, and let me tell you, it’s a mixed bag. You know, you see the pictures, you read the specs, and you think, “Yeah, that could be handy.” But then you actually get your hands on it, and… well, let’s just say reality has a way of kicking in. So, buckle up, because I’m about to give you the lowdown, no sugarcoating.

Liberty Trike 20″ eTrike Specifications

• Motor: Front-Mounted, Direct-Drive Hub Motor with 750 Watts
• Battery: UL 2271 Certified 36V 8.7Ah Lithium-ion
• Range: 8-20 Miles per battery (Based on Rider Weight, Input, and Terrain Contingent)
• Top Speed: 16 MPH Forward / 3 MPH Reverse
• Brakes: Front: Hydraulic Brakes & 160mm Rotor, Rear: Coaster
• Maximum Payload: 420 lbs
• Tires: (3) 20 x 2.5 inches
• Pedal Extenders: 1/2-Inch Thread and 21mm Length
• Lights: Headlight & Smart Tail Light Available (separate accessory)
• Total Weight: 97 lbs
• Charge Time: 3 Hours (From 0-100%)
• Special Features: Foldable design, easy to disassemble, comfortable seat, 5-Level Throttle-on-Demand with Speed & Power
• Colors: Red, White, Blue, Teal, Yellow

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First Impressions: Simple, Stylish, but Assembly? Seriously?

When I first laid eyes on the Liberty Trike 20″ eTrike, I’ll admit, it looked clean. Simple, even. No gaudy nonsense, just smooth lines and a modern color scheme. It’s the kind of eTrike that tries to blend simplicity with practicality, and visually, it mostly succeeds.

Now, about that assembly… let’s just say “assembly required” is a bit of an understatement. You’re not just popping on a wheel here; you’re essentially putting together a decent chunk of the trike. Sure, Liberty Trike’s “helpful” installation video on the product page exists, and yes, it’s better than nothing. But honestly, it shouldn’t be this involved. It’s not rocket science, but be prepared to spend a good chunk of time wrestling with parts. Once it’s done, you’re good to go, but getting there? A bit of a headache.

All in all, the Liberty Trike 20″ is a no-nonsense, visually appealing ride that balances style with simplicity… after you’ve spent an hour or two putting it together.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets… Well, Sort Of

The design of the Liberty Trike 20 centers on practicality, or at least, that’s the intention. The 20-inch wheels strike a nice balance, providing smooth rolling performance, which is decent for urban environments and casual cruising. They’re stable enough, but don’t expect a miracle on rougher terrain.

One of the standout features? The foldable hinge design. Liberty Trike is all about convenience, and its patent-pending hinge system does make it compact for storage or transport. The removable basket, seat, and folding handlebars are nice touches, but honestly, the whole folding process is a bit more cumbersome than it looks in the videos. It’s portable, sure, but “unmatched”? I wouldn’t go that far.

Comfort-wise, the seat is… adequate. It’s got cushioning, and it’s ergonomic enough, but let’s be real, after a longer ride, you’ll still feel it. It’s not terrible, but it’s not exactly a plush armchair on wheels.

Storage and Convenience: Basket and Bag

So, the Liberty Trike 20″ features a rear basket. It’s there, and it’s functional. They highlight its “well-designed” nature, and it does offer adjustability, allowing you to shift it back a few inches. This could be useful if you’re particular about your riding position. Plus, it’s attached with thumb screws, making it easy to remove if needed. It’s a basket, and it provides storage.

Then, there’s the included “dry bag.” It’s water-resistant, which is a practical feature, especially if you encounter wet conditions. It’s designed to hold your battery, or batteries if you opt for the additional one. It also features collapsible compartments, which help keep things organized. The bag has a zipper, and you have the option to add a lock for extra security. It’s a bag, and it serves its purpose.

Power and Performance: Solid, But Don’t Expect a Speed Demon

The Liberty Trike 20″ is equipped with a 750W front-mounted direct-drive hub motor, and it delivers a decent amount of torque—up to 60Nm. The front-mounted motor provides a pulling sensation, which some might like, especially on flatter terrain. It’s solid, but don’t expect to be blown away.

With a top speed of 16 mph, it’s clear this trike isn’t built for speed. It’s more for leisurely cruising, commuting, or running errands. The throttle-on-demand function with 5 levels of speed and power is a nice touch, allowing you to adjust the performance based on your needs. It’s flexible, but again, don’t expect a thrilling ride.

While the 16 mph top speed might not be ideal for everyone, it does strike a balance between power and practicality. If you’re looking for something reliable for everyday use, it’s fine. If you want to feel the wind in your hair? Look elsewhere.

Oh, and here’s a neat little feature: that red button on the throttle? That activates a unique reverse function. Hit it, and it limits your reverse speed to 3 mph, which comes in handy for safe maneuvering in tight spots. A thoughtful little addition, if you ask me.

Battery and Range: Fine for Short Hops, Not Much More

The Liberty Trike 20″ is powered by a 36V 8.7Ah lithium-ion battery, providing a range of around 10 miles. It’s enough for daily commuting or casual trips, but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly a long-haul solution.

The battery is UL 2271 certified, which is reassuring. You can charge it on the trike or remove it, and a full charge takes about 3 hours. Convenient enough.

For riders who stick to short commutes or local errands, the Liberty Trike 20″ offers a practical power solution. For longer journeys? You’ll be looking at a recharge.

Braking Performance: A Mix of Old and New

The Liberty Trike 20″ comes with a braking setup that’s… interesting. You’ve got a hydraulic disc brake up front, which, yeah, that’ll stop you. Good stopping power, especially when you’re moving a bit faster. Reassuring, for sure.

But then there’s the coaster brake on the rear. Now, that’s a bit of a throwback. Back-pedaling to stop? Feels like something out of my childhood. It’s nice to have the option, sure, but let’s be real, it’s not exactly winning any awards for stopping power. Doesn’t quite match the front disc brake.

It’s convenient for a quick dab, sure, but let’s be real, it doesn’t quite match the performance of the front brake. Works fine at lower speeds, no argument there, but it doesn’t offer the same level of control and reliability as that front disc brake. I found it’s better suited as a backup. A good feature to have for added safety, definitely, but I wouldn’t count on it as the primary braking system when coming to a full stop.

Overall, the braking system is… a mix. You’ve got modern up front, and then you’ve got this old-school thing going on in the back. It’s reliable enough, and it gets the job done, just don’t expect it to be perfectly balanced.

Riding Experience: Simple, Relaxed, and Uncomplicated

Riding the Liberty Trike 20″ is a relaxed experience. I personally like setting the power mode to level “5” for easy throttle control. It’s great for those moments when you just want a little extra push.

I appreciate the flexibility to control my speed. Cruising at 8 mph or accelerating to 15 mph is easy, and having the option to pedal or rely on electric power is a nice touch. It’s smooth, and the ride is pretty stable.

The biggest appeal? Its simplicity. No complex systems, just intuitive controls and straightforward functionality. It’s a no-fuss, easy-to-use trike that lets you focus on enjoying the ride. If you want something practical and uncomplicated, this is it. But don’t expect a luxury ride. And be ready for some minor annoyances.

Final Thoughts