13 best no-nonsense reasons to upgrade your Catrike with the Falco eDrive

These days, there are so many options to add electric-assist to your Catrike, including using the Catrike OEM E-Kit featuring a Bosch mid-drive motor, it can make your head spin.

Only one works on the full range of Catrikes while simultaneously preserving the original gear range and providing tremendous versatility - Falco eDrive.

Here are the 10 best no-nonsense reasons to upgrade your Catrike with the Falco eDrive electric-assist hub motor:

1. Drop-in wheel replacement: Simply remove the existing rear wheel, move the cassette, tube, and tire to the new Falco eDrive wheel, and your Catrike is instantaneously motorized. (Note: The battery and mounting bracket must be bolted on, the controller mounted to a shifter, and wiring zip-tied to existing infrastructure.)

2. Full gear range: Catrikes generally come with 3 chainrings paired to a 10-speed cassette, yielding a 30-speed system with about a 567% gear range. When using a Catrike E-Kit, you lose the lower and upper front chainrings, reducing gear range to 327%. In contrast, a Falco eDrive keeps all your front chainrings and rear cassette speeds unchanged, retaining the full 567% gear range after installation.

3. Compatible with Catrike 142mm through-axles: Falco eDrive systems are available for the 142mm through-axle format found on Catrike 26" and 700c models, as well as the 20" wheels on the MAX. They are also available in the 135mm quick-release format used by the Villager, Trail, and older Catrike models.

4. Instantaneous torque-arm engagement: Torque-arms are necessary for all motors, and with hub motors, they can be problematic. The Falco eDrive has an integrated torque-arm that mates to the Catrike frame, instantly engaging with no extra effort simply by inserting the rear wheel in its proper spot.

5. Simple installation: The Falco eDrive has three main components: the battery, the controller/user-interface, and the motor—all connected by a wiring harness. To install, simply bolt the battery mount in place, attach the display/controller to the left or right SRAM shifter, and insert the rear wheel. The wiring harness can be zip-tied to the existing frame and cable infrastructure.

6. 250W Class 1 rating: The Catrike OEM E-Kit features a 250W  Class 1 motor. The Falco eDrive is also a 750W torque-based system with 45Nm of torque in all gears, keeping within Class 1 e-bike regulations and also has the versatility to be configured for Class 2 and Class 3..

7. Higher torque across all gears: While the Bosch E-Kit outputs 50Nm of torque, this diminishes at the rear hub after being processed through the Catrike's front chainring and rear cog. Other gears drop to as low as 13Nm in the highest (fastest) gear. In contrast, the Falco eDrive delivers 45Nm of torque directly at the hub in all gears, ensuring strong acceleration at both low and high speeds.

8. Easier on the rear derailleur: Mid-drive systems, like the Bosch Active-Line Plus, send assisted force through the chain and rear derailleur, causing increased wear. In contrast, the Falco eDrive hub motor transfers power directly from the hub to the ground, so the derailleur only experiences human-powered forces.

9. No gears inside: The Falco eDrive is a direct-drive motor with no internal gears, reducing the risk of gear failures and ensuring a smoother, quieter ride.

10. Minimal moving parts or sensors: The only moving component in the Falco eDrive is the motor (hub) around the axle, with large bearings providing smooth rotation. There are no gears, grease, pivot points, or even traditional sensors. This design leads to reduced wear and extraordinary durability.

11. Power on Demand (Throttle Operation): Falco eDrive is the only system that offers Power on Demand with an advanced Pedal Assist incorporating a speed as well as a torque sensor. 
12. Reverse Operation: Falco eDrive is also the only eBike system in the market with a reverse operaiton. 
13. Virtual Reality Integration: Falco eDrive is also the only eBike system in the market with an integration with Zwift and indoor training. 

Falco eDrive systems come with a five-year warranty on the motor and two-year on the battery. It has natural energy-efficient operation, and energy recuperation capabilities.

 The above reasons are equally applicable to Ice Trike, HP Velotechnik, Terra Trike and Green Speed Recumbents.