Meet One reached out to me once again, this time to test their Meet One Tour Lite E-Trike Model. Unlike the flagship Tour model, which features dual motors and dual batteries, the Tour Lite simplifies things by using a single 750W rear motor and a single battery setup. Yes, the Tour Lite is the “pared-down” version, but that begs the question: aside from the motor and battery changes, have they compromised on other key features? Let’s dive into today’s review to find out.
MeetOne Tour Lite Tech Specs
- Motor: Single 750W rear motor;
- Top speed: 16 mph (25.7 km/h), increased to 21.5 mph (34.6 km/h) with pedal assist;
- Range: 50-60 miles (80-96 km), can be extended with dual batteries;
- Battery: Single 20Ah battery, supports dual battery configuration;
- Weight: 164 lbs (74 kg);
- Max load: 550 lbs (250 kg);
- Rear rack max load: 100 lbs (45 kg);
- Brakes: 180mm hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear);
- Price: $2,499;
- Extras: LED display; integrated front and rear LED lighting; turn signals; electric reverse mode; 7-speed gearing system; trailer mounting point; full suspension (double shoulder suspension fork and dual rear shocks); comfortable semi-recumbent seating with backrest; removable battery for easy charging.
First Impressions: A Familiar Yet Simplified Ride
When the Meet One Tour Lite arrived, it came in two separate packages, each containing part of the trike. The assembly process was a bit more involved than I anticipated. You’ll need to join the front and rear sections together first, then install the front wheel. While this isn’t a complicated task, it does add extra time and effort compared to the more straightforward setup of the Tour model. I’m not entirely sure why they chose to package it this way, but I suspect it may be a cost-saving measure—especially considering the large frame of the Tour, which is one of the biggest trikes I’ve tested. Separating the parts might help reduce shipping costs, but it does make the assembly process feel a bit more cumbersome. For anyone new to this, I recommend checking out Meet One’s YouTube tutorials for a step-by-step guide.
Once assembled, the Tour Lite looks almost identical to the Tour, with the same solid frame, full suspension, and oversized seat with backrest. The semi-reclined posture is just as comfortable, and despite being a more affordable version, the Tour Lite doesn’t sacrifice the core features that make the Tour a joy to ride.
Design and Features: Retaining Comfort, Simplified Performance
The Tour Lite takes the core design and comfort features of the Meet One Tour and refines them for a more affordable, streamlined experience. While the Tour Lite simplifies some of the specifications, its overall design remains strikingly similar to the Tour, ensuring a high level of comfort and functionality.
As mentioned earlier, the Tour Lite maintains the same semi-recumbent design as the Meet One Tour. The low, ergonomic seating position allows riders to maintain a relaxed, natural posture, while the oversized seat and backrest provide support for long rides. Just like the Tour, you can comfortably rest against the backrest while pedaling, making it an ideal choice for extended trips or daily commutes.
In terms of practicality, the Tour Lite retains the full suspension system of the Tour model. With front oil suspensions and rear spring shock absorbers, this system absorbs bumps and uneven terrain, delivering a smooth ride even on rough roads. This suspension setup, combined with the comfortable seating, makes the Tour Lite a great choice for riders seeking stability and comfort across a variety of surfaces.
While the Tour Lite simplifies the powertrain, it retains the same thoughtful design elements for storage and everyday usability. It still features front and rear baskets to carry essentials, making it perfect for errands or casual rides around town.
Power and Range: Responsive and Effortless Performance
The Meet One Tour Lite is powered by a 750W rear motor that offers smooth, responsive acceleration, making it perfect for everyday commutes or casual rides around town. The motor provides steady, reliable power, allowing you to effortlessly cruise along city streets or tackle mild inclines. With a practical speed cap of 16 mph in its default mode, the Tour Lite strikes a great balance between performance and safety.
One of the things I love about the Tour Lite is the torque sensor. Yep, it’s the same one you’ll find on the Meet One Tour, and it’s one of my favorite features on any electric trike. It lets you control your speed by adjusting how much pressure you put on the pedals. Want to accelerate smoothly? Just press a little harder. Need to slow down or ease up? It’s all in your control.
With its standard 20Ah battery, the Tour Lite offers a range of 50-60 miles, depending on the terrain and how you use the pedal assist and throttle. If you plan on taking longer rides or often ride with higher levels of pedal assist, you can add a second battery, which extends the range and gives you extra peace of mind for those longer adventures.
Braking Performance: Secure and Easy to Control
The Meet One Tour Lite comes with the same reliable braking system as the Meet One Tour, and that’s a good thing. It’s equipped with 180mm hydraulic disc brakes on both front and rear wheels, providing reliable and powerful stopping power. From the moment I tested the brakes, I was impressed by how responsive and consistent they were. Whether I was cruising on flat roads or slowing down after tackling an incline, the braking performance felt smooth and controlled.
A handy feature is the hydraulic parking brake, which keeps the trike securely in place when you need it to. It’s a small but useful touch, especially when you’re stopping to take a break or load up your bags.
Riding Experience: Smooth and Adjustable with Impressive Stability
Riding the Tour Lite is almost identical to the Tour, with the same semi-recumbent seating posture that offers great comfort.
he 7-speed gearing system, combined with the torque sensor, allowing you to adjust pedal resistance with ease. Whether you’re cruising on flat roads or tackling gentle inclines, shifting gears provides the perfect balance of effort. The transitions between gears are smooth, offering a comfortable pedaling experience in different conditions.
In terms of speed management, the Tour Lite uses a straightforward 5-level pedal assist system, giving you the option to adjust the power output based on your preference. The different assist levels allow you to fine-tune your ride—Level 1 provides a light boost for leisurely rides, while Level 5 gives you full support, making it easier to tackle inclines or accelerate quickly when needed. The top speed with pedal assist can reach 21.5 mph, depending on terrain and rider input.
While the single motor setup may not deliver the same robust acceleration and climbing power as the Tour’s dual motor configuration, it still provides ample assistance to maintain a smooth and steady pace. The PAS levels are finely tuned to offer a balanced blend of power and efficiency, ensuring that the ride remains both enjoyable and energy-conservative.
As for stability, the Tour Lite is just as stable as the MeetOne Tour. The frame design keeps you grounded, and I didn’t experience any tipping or instability, even while turning sharply or riding at higher speeds. It feels solid on both tight corners and more open stretches, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced riders.
Conclusion
In summary, the Meet One Tour Lite E-Trike successfully offers a more economical and affordable option by maintaining the core comfort and stability of the flagship Tour while simplifying to a single motor and battery configuration. Although the assembly process is somewhat more complex and the power performance is reduced compared to the dual-motor version, its smooth riding experience, reliable braking system, and excellent range still make it an ideal choice for daily commutes and leisure rides. For users seeking high cost-performance without compromising on key features, the Tour Lite is undoubtedly an excellent electric trike worth considering.
Thank you for the review. “The Meet One Tour Light is shipped in two separate boxes” Please give additional information about this. What parts are in each box?
Box A: Front frame, front wheel, rear basket, basket liner, front fender, rearview mirrors, and an accessory box (including the user manual, charger, tools, etc.).
Box B: Rear frame, rear fender, seat, and backrest.
is the seat adjustment different on the tour lite from the tour
It looks like they’ve updated the seat adjustment for all models. Now you can move it forward and backward, and also adjust the height. But I haven’t tested it yet.