Falco eDrive on the Catrike Villager — full conversion guide
The Catrike Villager is the most rider-friendly trike Catrike has ever built. Its 12.5-inch seat height — the highest of any Catrike model — means you sit upright, mount and dismount with minimal effort, and see the trail ahead clearly. It's the reason the Villager is the first choice for seniors, returning cyclists, and anyone who values confidence over aerodynamics.
But the Villager's stability and comfort come at a price: it's heavier than the Pocket or Trail, and on anything but flat ground, the effort required can become a barrier. That's exactly where the Falco eDrive f7.7 750W system changes the equation entirely.
Why electrify the Catrike Villager?
The Villager attracts a very specific type of rider — someone who wants to keep cycling for the long haul, stay active with a partner, and not let hills or distance dictate what routes are possible. Electric assist doesn't make the ride easier; it makes it longer, the terrain negotiable, and the experience one you'll do every single day.
Doug and Janet Steed of Warsaw, Ohio, are the proof:
"We have enjoyed our two Catrike Villagers with Falco f7.7 48V 14Ah 672Wh systems for over two years with no major issues — 5,200 miles and approximately 180 recharges."
— Doug & Janet Steed, Warsaw, Ohio. Purchased from Lisbon Rail to Trail, March 2022.In 2023 alone, the Steeds rode 2,200 miles. Together. On the same trails, at the same pace, thanks to two matched Falco systems. That's not a weekend hobby — that's a lifestyle transformation.
Dropout and axle compatibility (Quick Release Models)
This is the first question every Catrike Villager owner asks, and the answer is simple: the Villager uses a 135mm quick-release dropout — the most common format in the Falco lineup. No adapter is needed, no special hardware to source, and no surprises during installation.
The Falco hub motor wheel drops directly into the Villager's rear dropout, the torque arm engages with the frame immediately upon insertion, and the integrated torque sensor begins working the moment you pedal. Wayne at Lisbon Rail to Trail, who has installed more Falco systems on Catrikes than virtually any dealer in the US, specifies 18-inch extension cables for the 20-inch Villager wheel — worth noting before your install day. (For Catrike thru-axle models, an adaptor is available.)
Recommended Falco system
For the Catrike Villager, the Falco f7.7 48V 750W is the right choice. Here's why the numbers matter: a typical Villager loaded with accessories and a rider in the 180–270 lb range puts between 280 and 360 pounds on three wheels. That's not unusual — it's the norm in this community. A 750W motor at 48V delivers the sustained hill-climbing power that a 500W system starts to struggle with on grades above 6–8%.
If your rides are predominantly flat — Florida rail trails, neighborhood loops, coastal paths — the e5.3 500W 36V system is a capable and more affordable option. But for anyone riding with elevation change, riding long distances, or simply wanting headroom, the f7.7 is the right call.
Battery choice
The f7.7 system ships with the Falco Li 7 battery — 48V, 672Wh, 14Ah. Real-world range on a Villager at a moderate assist level (level 3 of 5) runs 40 to 70 miles depending on rider weight, terrain, and how hard you're pedaling. Doug Steed's data — 5,200 miles across approximately 180 charges — works out to roughly 29 miles per charge on average, which reflects conservative assist use and varied terrain in Ohio.
One detail worth knowing from the Steed experience: after 27 months and 400 charge cycles, one of their batteries began showing a failure symptom — the blue indicator light wouldn't stay lit when plugged into the trike. The battery was not repairable, but Wayne at Lisbon Rail to Trail had a replacement in stock the same day. Plan for battery replacement after 3–5 years of heavy use and budget accordingly.
Falco eDrive vs Catrike eKIT (Bosch)
Catrike's official electric upgrade, the eKIT, uses the Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor. It's a quality system. But there are five specific areas where the Falco hub motor wins for Villager owners:
| Feature | Falco f7.7 | Catrike eKIT (Bosch) |
|---|---|---|
| Works on all Villager years | Yes — any year | 2005+ only; model-limited |
| Full 30-speed gear range | Preserved completely | Reduced — drivetrain torque loss |
| Hub torque at all speeds | 45Nm at the hub in all gears | Drops to ~13Nm in the highest gear |
| Throttle (Power on Demand) | Yes — thumb throttle included | No — pedal assist only |
| Zwift / smart trainer | Full integration | Not supported |
| Reverse operation | Yes — unique to Falco | No |
| Derailleur wear | None — motor bypasses chain | Increased — force runs through drivetrain |
| Motor warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
The Bosch system has one advantage: it's available factory-fitted on new Villagers, which makes it easier for buyers who want a turnkey solution from day one. But for anyone who already owns a Villager, the Falco retrofit delivers more capability at a comparable or lower cost.
Installation overview
The Falco f7.7 on a Catrike Villager is a three-component install: the hub motor wheel, the battery with mounting bracket, and the controller/display. The process: remove the existing rear wheel, transfer the cassette, tube, and tire to the Falco wheel, re-insert into the 135mm QR dropout (the torque arm self-engages), bolt the battery mount to the frame, route and zip-tie the wiring harness, and attach the controller to the left or right SRAM shifter.
Li9 Battery mounted directly onto the Catrike Villager frame.
The Falco Catrike-configured battery mount is purpose-built for this install and is the recommended hardware. Lee Nelson, who completed his own Villager conversion, specifically called out the battery mount as working "great".
Plan for 1–2 hours on a first install. The most thorny issue is installing the tube and tire on a Falco wheel once you receive it. Rest is easy.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Falco system work on older Catrike Villagers?
Yes. The Villager has used the same 135mm QR dropout format across its full production history. Whether your Villager is a 2008 original 9-speed model or a current-production unit, the f7.7 wheel drops directly in with no adaptation required.
What if my Falco console keeps reverting to a 26-inch wheel setting on my 20-inch Villager?
This is a known calibration issue that can occur after riding on bumpy terrain. One documented fix: switch to cruise mode and ride 40–50 miles to stabilize the setting. Sara Frato in Ohio resolved this issue after riding in cruise mode for a week — her Villager has held the correct 20-inch calibration since.
How long does the Falco battery last on a Catrike Villager?
Based on real-world data from Doug and Janet Steed in Warsaw, Ohio, approximately 600 charge cycles over 51 months of heavy use. Battery replacement is straightforward and available same-day from stocking dealers like Lisbon Rail to Trail. The Li 7 replacement mounts identically to the original Li 9.
Can I use Falco eDrive to connect my Catrike Villager to Zwift?
Yes — this is one of Falco's unique advantages over the Catrike eKIT. The f7.7 system includes Zwift integration, allowing you to use your Villager as a smart trainer indoors. The Bosch-based eKIT does not support Zwift.
Do I need to go to a dealer, or can I install this myself?
Most mechanically confident riders complete the install themselves in 1–2 hours. The process requires no specialized tools beyond standard bike mechanics. That said, Wayne at Lisbon Rail to Trail (330-424-3214) and Joel at Get Back Trikes in South Florida are both highly experienced with Catrike + Falco installs and offer same-day dealer installation if you prefer a hands-off approach.
Ready to electrify your Catrike Villager?
The Falco f7.7 48V 750W system with the Catrike-configured battery mount is everything you need. Use the code below for a discount on your order:
Shop the Catrike battery mount →