Touring on a Falco electric trike: photos from the road

A recumbent trike is a wonderful way to see the country. You sit low and comfortable, you never fall over, and you can stop anywhere to look around. The hard part has always been the hills, and the miles at the end of a long day. That is where a Falco motor comes in.

Falco owner Earl H. sent us photos from his rides on his HP Velotechnik trike with a Falco system. They say it better than we can.

Why a hub motor suits touring

The Falco motor sits inside the rear wheel. It does not drive your chain, so your chain and cassette wear no faster than on a plain trike. When the motor is off there is no drag, so you can pedal on flat ground and save the battery for climbs. Regenerative braking helps hold your speed on long descents, and reverse makes it easy to back a loaded trike out of a parking spot.

Tips from owners who tour

• Use low assist on the flat and save power for hills. Your range depends on hills, wind, load and how much you pedal.
• Carry a second battery for long days. Ask us about a second battery mount.
• Plan where you will charge. A café, campground or motel outlet is all you need.
• Be seen. A tall flag and lights help drivers spot a low trike.

For a longer story, read how Weston rode 150 miles from Houston to Austin on his TerraTrike with a Falco.