The Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike is built for riders who want errands and local rides to feel simple and steady—without worrying about balancing at every stop. You get three-wheel stability, big baskets, and a 450 lb load capacity, paired with a 48V 500W motor (1000W peak) and a conservative 16 mph max safe speed.
This isn’t a “go fast” machine. It’s a confidence-first utility trike—the kind of ride that feels calmer at stops, easier when loading cargo, and less stressful for riders who don’t want to balance a two-wheeler every time they slow down.
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👉 View the current price and full specs of the Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike here.
TL;DR – Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike at a Glance
| Item | Key info |
|---|---|
| Best for | Stability-first riders, errands, neighborhood routes, cargo runs |
| Motor | 48V 500W (1000W peak) |
| Torque | Not listed by Mooncool (confirm with the brand if this matters) |
| Battery | 48V 14.5Ah (≈696Wh) |
| Claimed range | 35–70 miles (varies with load/terrain/assist/throttle use) |
| Top speed | 16 mph (max safe speed) |
| Assist + throttle | 24-signal cadence sensor + twist throttle |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes + e-cutoff levers |
| Suspension | Front suspension fork (coil spring, lockout) |
| Tires | 20″ x 3.0 |
| Utility | Front basket + rear basket; 450 lb load capacity |
| Folding | Helps storage footprint (not necessarily easy lifting) |
👉 View the current price and full specs of the Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike here.
Core Performance: Power, Speed, and Real-World Riding
The TK1 rides like you’d expect from a utility trike: steady, controlled, and practical.
- Cadence assist makes it beginner-friendly: start pedaling, assist kicks in.
- The twist throttle is a big quality-of-life feature for trikes—especially when starting from a stop with cargo.
- The 16 mph cap is intentional: it keeps the ride calmer and more manageable, especially in turns and around driveways/parking lots.
Hill performance (honest expectations)
Trikes generally work harder than two-wheel e-bikes, especially when loaded.
- Moderate hills: manageable if you keep your pace realistic and contribute some pedaling
- Steeper grades + heavy cargo: expect slower climbing and more rider input; treat throttle as a helper, not a scooter mode
Key Specifications
| Feature | Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike |
|---|---|
| Motor | 48V 500W (1000W peak) |
| Torque | Not listed by Mooncool |
| Battery | 48V 14.5Ah (≈696Wh) |
| Estimated Range | 35–70 miles (claimed; varies heavily with load/assist) |
| Top Speed | 16 mph (max safe speed) |
| Bike Weight | N.W. 89.9 lb (G.W. 115.7 lb listed) |
| Payload / Max Rider + Cargo | 450 lb load capacity |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes + e-cutoff levers |
| Rotor size | 7.09 in rotors (listed) |
| Suspension | Front suspension fork (coil spring, lockout) |
| Tire Size | 20″ x 3.0 |
| Frame Type | Folding structure; 6061 aluminum + Hi-ten steel; rear differential mechanism |
| Pedal Assist Sensor | 24-signal cadence sensor |
| Throttle | Twist throttle |
| Controller | Sine wave FOC, 48V 20A peak (listed) |
| Lights | Front light with horn + rear light w/ brake highlight + turn signals |
| Assembly | 95% pre-assembled |
| Fit highlights | Recommended height 5’–6’3″; seat height 30.3″–39″; handlebar height 43.7″–45.7″ |
| Folded size | 39.4″ L x 30.3″ W x 29.5″ H |
👉 Check the latest availability and offers on the Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike here.
Value for Money: Where This Folding Electric Trike Fits in the Market
You’re paying for utility + stability, not speed. The value is strongest if you actually plan to use what the TK1 is built for:
- Cargo: baskets + high load rating means you can run real errands
- Confidence: three wheels reduces “balance stress,” especially at stops
- Convenience: 95% pre-assembled lowers setup friction
- Storage footprint: folding helps you make it fit in a garage/shed corner more easily
The biggest tradeoff is straightforward: 48V 14.5Ah is practical, but not huge. If you’re hauling heavy cargo and leaning hard on throttle, plan your range accordingly.
The Evolution of Folding Electric Trikes
Electric trikes have gotten popular for one reason: they make riding feel more accessible.
- Stability-first mobility: better for riders who don’t love balancing
- Cargo-first design: most buyers use trikes like mini utility vehicles
- More “vehicle-like” safety: turn signals + brake highlighting + horn is becoming normal
- Folding matters: trikes take space—folding helps storage decisions feel possible
Challenges to Consider with This Type of Ebike
Real-world range (especially with cargo)
The claim is 35–70 miles, but range swings depending on:
- load weight
- hills/wind
- assist level and throttle use
- tire pressure and stop-and-go riding
If you’re heavy-load + throttle-heavy, plan for the lower end.
Charging routine
Mooncool lists a 54.6V 2A charger and 6–8 hours charge time. Make sure you have a consistent charging spot and a simple “plug-in habit.”
Folding isn’t the same as “easy lifting”
Folding mainly improves storage footprint. If you’re trying to lift it into a vehicle often, the weight is still the weight.
Trike turning behavior is different
Trikes don’t lean like bikes. Ride slower into turns, especially while you’re learning and especially when loaded.
Street legality and local regulations
A 16 mph throttle-capable trike often feels “neighborhood-friendly,” but e-trike rules vary by location and by where you ride (road vs path). Confirm local rules.
👉 Check the latest availability and offers on the Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike here.
Gas vs Electric: How the Mooncool TK1 Changes the “Errands and Local Mobility” Game
A folding electric trike isn’t trying to replace every trip. It replaces the trips where a car feels like overkill.
| Category | Car | Electric Trike (like the TK1) |
|---|---|---|
| Short trips | Often “too much” | Built for them |
| Parking | Can be a hassle | Easier, flexible |
| Noise | Loud in neighborhoods | Quiet |
| Maintenance | More complex, higher cost | Simpler routine care |
| Cargo | High capacity | Moderate capacity, very usable |
| Running cost | Higher | Lower (charging) |
| Exercise/health | None | Optional pedaling + assist |
Utility & Everyday Use
Handling and control
Two trike-specific features matter a lot here:
- Rear differential mechanism: helps turns feel more natural than “locked axle” trikes
- Parking brake: makes loading/unloading cargo feel safer and more stable
Comfort and fit
The brand lists:
- recommended height 5′ to 6’3″
- seat height 30.3″–39″
- handlebar height 43.7″–45.7″
- front suspension fork with lockout
Near 5′, the seat-height minimum matters most. Near 6’3″, the bar/seat adjustment range matters more for comfort on longer rides.
Cargo practicality
This is the TK1’s sweet spot:
- front + rear basket setup
- high load rating
- “ready-to-use” utility vibe for groceries, supplies, and daily hauling
Visibility and safety
You get:
- front light with horn
- rear light with brake highlighting + turn signals
For neighborhood errands, that’s exactly the kind of visibility package that helps you feel more comfortable around cars.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Three-wheel stability that’s especially confidence-boosting at stops and slow speeds
- Practical cargo setup (front + rear baskets) with a high listed load capacity
- Twist throttle + cadence assist makes starts and steady cruising easy
- Hydraulic disc brakes + parking brake are well-matched to a utility trike
- Visibility features (turn signals + brake highlighting + horn) support safer neighborhood riding
Cons
- Torque isn’t listed, so it’s harder to predict hill performance under heavy loads without rider reports
- Folding helps storage footprint, but it’s still a heavy trike to lift/transport regularly
- Trikes turn differently than bikes; you’ll want a short learning period (especially when loaded)
- Real-world range can drop quickly with cargo + throttle-heavy riding
Who the Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike Is Best For
- Riders who want maximum stability for errands, paths, and neighborhood routes
- Cargo-haulers who want baskets and a high load rating for groceries, supplies, or gear
- Riders who prefer a calm, controlled top speed over performance riding
- Beginners who want easy activation (cadence assist) and simple control (twist throttle)
- Anyone who wants a folding trike primarily for storage footprint, not frequent lifting
Who Might Want a Different Bike
- Riders who need a lightweight ride for frequent lifting, stairs, or regular vehicle loading
- Buyers with consistently steep routes and heavy cargo needs who want higher power/torque specs
- Riders who want faster cruising speeds than a 16 mph cap
- Shoppers who strongly prefer torque sensing for more “natural” pedal feel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mooncool TK1 street-legal?
In many places, a 16 mph throttle-capable setup may fit within “low-speed e-bike” expectations, but e-trike rules vary. Confirm local regulations for e-trikes (and for bike paths vs road use).
How far can it really go on a charge?
Mooncool lists 35–70 miles, but range depends heavily on cargo weight, assist level, throttle use, terrain, and wind. For heavy hauling or throttle-heavy riding, plan for the lower portion of that range.
How long does it take to charge?
Mooncool lists 6–8 hours with a 54.6V 2A charger.
Is it hard to assemble?
It’s listed as 95% pre-assembled, so you’ll typically do final adjustments—but it’s less intimidating than a full build.
Will it fit in a trunk or SUV?
Mooncool lists folded size 39.4″ x 30.3″ x 29.5″. Measure your cargo opening and plan for weight/handling when lifting.
Final Thoughts: Is the Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike Worth It?
If your priority is stability + cargo + low-stress riding, the Mooncool TK1 makes a lot of sense. The best parts are the practical basket setup, strong load rating, and beginner-friendly control (cadence assist + twist throttle), backed by hydraulic braking and visibility features like turn signals.
The tradeoffs are equally clear: it’s not fast, and real-world range will shrink with heavy loads and throttle-heavy riding. But for errands and neighborhood utility—especially for riders who want a steadier platform than two wheels—the TK1 delivers the right kind of value.
