Understanding Why the Liberty Trike Doesn't Have Pedal Assist
LibertyTrike Support
June 15, 2023
The concept of pedal assist on electric bikes and trikes has been popular for a while now. It's a feature that many riders find handy and convenient, often aiding the ease of their cycling experience. However, at Liberty Trike, we've made a deliberate decision not to incorporate pedal assist into our designs, despite having the experience and ability to do so.
You may be wondering, why would we choose to exclude a seemingly beneficial feature? Does it make the Liberty Trike less effective? Is it because the technology is too expensive or too difficult to install? The answer to all these questions is a resounding no. In fact, the choice to exclude pedal assist from our Liberty Trike models is entirely intentional and driven by the desire to provide the safest and most comfortable ride for our users, primarily seniors.
For over fifteen years, we've been in the electric bike and trike business, continually innovating and tailoring our products to suit our customers' needs. We've worked with a multitude of models, many of which do include a pedal assist feature. We could easily install a pedal assist system on any electric bike or trike, but when it comes to the Liberty Trike, we've made a different choice.
Let's dive into the technical aspects a bit. Pedal assist systems often involve what's called a Cadence Sensor. This sensor, which includes a disc with magnets, is attached to the crank of the bike or trike. As you pedal, the sensor tracks the rotation speed of the magnets, essentially measuring your cadence or pedaling rate.
So, how does it assist you while cycling? The sensor is programmed in such a way that every few clicks or rotations will trigger an automatic propulsion boost to your ride. Sounds pretty great, right?
Well, not always. The primary issue with pedal assist lies in the word "automatic". While this feature can make cycling more effortless, particularly uphill or over longer distances, it can also lead to unexpected surges in speed. This automatic, and sometimes sudden, propulsion can prove problematic, especially for our primary demographic - senior riders.
Safety is paramount when designing our Liberty Trikes. For senior riders, maintaining control and stability is essential. Unexpected surges can be disconcerting, leading to potential safety issues, or at the very least, an uncomfortable ride. We want to eliminate any risk of such occurrences, ensuring that each ride on a Liberty Trike is smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
It's important to clarify that pedal assist isn't inherently a bad feature. For younger riders or those seeking a boost in their cycling experience, it can indeed be a beneficial addition. However, for the Liberty Trike and its riders, we believe the potential risks associated with pedal assist outweigh the benefits.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide a trike that is not only reliable and durable but also safe and easy to use for our riders. We've put much thought and consideration into each feature we include (or exclude), always with the best interest of our users in mind. That's why we stand by our decision not to incorporate pedal assist into our Liberty Trike design.
So, if you've ever wondered about the absence of pedal assist in your Liberty Trike, we hope this explanation clears up any queries. As always, we're dedicated to ensuring the best riding experience for you, and we're here to help with any questions or concerns you might have. Feel free to get in touch with us anytime.
In the meantime, happy riding on your Liberty Trike!
Liberty Trike is a subsidiary brand of Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. Users must follow the instructions and warnings contained on this page, in supplied videosand manualwhere provided for safety. DO NOT attempt to operate your electric bicycle, tricycle, or conversions system from Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. until you have adequate knowledge of its control and operation. Damage caused by failing to follow instructions is not covered under warranty. Failure to read and understand instructions and warnings specific to this product could result in dangerous situations, accidents, damage to the electric tricycle, damage to property, injury to you and others, or death. If you have any questions about assembly or operation, contact Liberty Trike at1-866-894-4620or by email atsupport@libertytrike.com.
It is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that can occur while riding; Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. makes no representations about the safe use of electric tricycles under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any electric tricycle that cannot be predicted or avoided and are the sole responsibility of the rider. You and any user assume such risks.
Risk-Free Trial Period
In the spirit of our "No Risk" program, we invite you to try the Liberty Trike for 21 days. If you don't absolutely love it, give us a call or email to arrange a return. We'll then issue you a full refund, minus the cost of shipping. Please note that the shipping cost is $40 each way, totaling $80. This applies even if your original purchase was made during a free shipping promotional period.
We recommend retaining your Liberty Trike box and repackaging the trike with the utmost care for the return process. For detailed instructions on how to pack your Liberty Trike for shipping, please review this article outlining the process.
Please note that sales outside of the contiguous USA are final and are not subject to our return policy.
Refurbished Liberty Trike There is no 21 days trial program for an refurbished Liberty Trike. These refurbished trikes are very lightly used and/or have minor cosmetic blemishes.
Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. uses a combination of United Parcel Service (UPS), FedEx, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) for all of its shipments. Liberty Trikes ship via UPS Ground or FedEx Ground from our warehouse in Pennsylvania. All smaller parts ship via USPS Priority Mail unless otherwise requested.
Shipping Rate Zones
1.Contiguous USA –Liberty Trikes are shipped with a discounted flat rate of $40 (all products are shipped from Croydon, PA 19021).
2.Canada –The shipping cost will automatically be calculated by UPS during checkout along with an automatically applied discount equivalent to the flat-rate discount for domestic shipping. Please note that UPS will bill you for the brokerage fees and GST/PST taxes. These fees are outside of our control and subject to change. For more information on Canadian shipping, click here.
3.Outside of the Contiguous USA –International (except Canada) or any UPS ground address does not serve: Not available for checkout on our website. We can ship a Liberty Trike to a non-domestic address in some cases. Contact us at1-866-894-4620for more details.
Liability for Delivered Items: Please be advised that Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. is not responsible for items that have been confirmed as delivered by the shipping company but may have been stolen or misplaced after delivery. This includes scenarios where an item was left in a common area for delivery and subsequently went missing. Our responsibility ends once the item is confirmed delivered by the shipping company. We strongly advise customers to provide a safe and secure delivery location. Signature required shipping is available by request only.
The Liberty Trike is warranted to the original retail purchaser to be complete and free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty only covers the frame, fork, and electronic components: motor, battery, display (hereinafter: Electric Bike Tech products). The warranty only covers new Electric Bike Tech products that were purchased from Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. All other parts and components are excluded from this warranty. Electric Bike Tech products warranties are effective from the date of purchase by the end-user provided the product is purchased in new condition.
What Isn't Covered by the Liberty Trike Warranty
Spin Out - This is spinning out the axles inside your dropouts. The torque arm must be installed at all times. When fixing a flat, make sure your mechanic correctly re-installs the torque arm, or damage can occur.
Over Voltage - Connecting a larger battery, as in larger than the supplied 36-volt battery, can damage the controller and other system parts. Only purchase replacement batteries from Electric Bike Technologies, Inc.
Improper Battery Maintenance - Is damage to the battery and or battery cells due to improper care and overcharging, undercharging, punctures, dropping the battery, or using a charger that has not been approved for use by Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. Lithium-ion batteries require proper charging cycles to maintain the life and integrity of the cells. Failure to adhere to the proper care and upkeep directions laid out in the manual could potentially fail the battery and cause damage to the cells, which could result in bodily injury or death.
Damage - Caused by the weather, exposure to water, dropping, or any collision is not covered under warranty.
Altered Parts - Is the use of unauthorized service, parts, and/or components, or altering of any and all provided parts or components, including battery and/or electric systems.
Other Manufacturers - Parts from other manufacturers may carry a warranty with their respective manufacturer, and it will be the purchaser's responsibility to pursue such warranties.
International Sales (Excluding Canada) - The Liberty Trike warranty does not extend to international customers or domestic customers that have taken their Liberty Trike abroad. Regardless of defects in materials or workmanship, Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. will not cover the cost of replacement parts, shipping, or repairs outside of the 48 continental United States. All sales outside of the contiguous USA are final and not subject to our return policy.
What Isn't Covered by the Limited Liberty Trike Warranty Warranties are limited to the replacement of parts and/or products determined by Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. at its sole discretion to be defective.
Warranties do not apply to normal wear and tear; any damage, failure and/or loss caused by accident, shipping, misuse, neglect, abuse, and/or failure to follow instructions or warnings as stated on the product or in the applicable owner’s manual or other printed materials provided with the product; damage, failure, and/or loss caused by the use of the product for stunt riding, ramp jumping, competition, off-road use, acrobatics, trick riding or other similar activities, or use in any other manner for which such products were not specifically designed.
Rentals, Commercial Use, and Non-Authorized or 3rd Party Sellers The Liberty Trike limited warranty does not cover or apply to any Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. product used for rental or commercial purposes unless the specific product is designated, labeled, or marketed by Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. as acceptable for rental or commercial use. The Liberty Trike Limited Warranty does not cover or apply to any Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. product sold by a non-authorized reseller or retailer.
WARRANTY CLAIMS
Those parts and/or products that are determined by Electric Bike Technologies, Inc., to be defective and to qualify for warranty replacement will be provided at no charge, only after a valid warranty claim is processed by Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. customer service department.Warranty claims must be made by the original purchaser by contacting the Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. customer service call center for the Liberty Trike at1-866-894-4620 within the warranty period (stated above). Shipping and handling fees will paid by Electric Bike Technologies, Inc.
Electric Bike Technologies, Inc., at its Sole Discretion, has the Option of Replacing with a New Part or Factory Re-Certified Part.The limited warranty stated herein is in lieu of and expressly excludes all other warranties not expressly set forth herein, whether expressed or implied by law or otherwise, including, but not limited to, any warranties for merchantability and/or fitness for any particular purpose. Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. shall in no event be liable or responsible for incidental or consequential losses, damages, or expenses in connection with their products. The liability of Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. hereunder is expressly limited to the replacement of goods complying with this warranty or at the sole discretion of Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. to the repayment of an amount equivalent to the purchase price of the product in question.
Risk-Free Trial Period As part of our"No Risk" program, try the Liberty Trike for 21 days, and if you're not in love with Liberty Trike, give us a call or email to arrange to return. Please note that the shipping cost is $40 each way, totaling $80. This applies even if your original purchase was made during a free shipping promotional period.
We recommend retaining your Liberty Trike box and repackaging the trike with the utmost care for the return process. For detailed instructions on how to pack your Liberty Trike for shipping, please review this article outlining the process. All sales outside of the contiguous USA are final and not subject to our return policy.
Returning After the 21 Day Trial Period Buyers may return any undamaged and unused products within thirty days of delivery for a full refund minus a 20% restocking fee. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping and insurance are the responsibility of the buyer. Please save your Liberty Trike box and take extreme care in repackaging the trike.
Items must be received at Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. in Croydon, PA, no later than thirty days after our original shipping date. If the Liberty Trike is returned in poor condition (to be determined solely by EBT) or refusal of delivery; in that case, Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. reserves the right to deduct for any wear or damages, including excessive mileage or extra shipping costs due to refusal. Please save your box and take extreme care in repackaging the Liberty Trike.
Repairs and Replacements
All returns for repair or replacement should be preceded by contacting Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. at 1-866-894-4620for approval. Upon approval, we will open a service ticket to track and communicate the progress of the claim or service. Please note all shipping charges related to returns or repairs covered under warranty are the buyer's responsibility.
Cancellations Any order that has been processed will have a 3% processing fee. Any order that has been shipped cannot be canceled. All cancellations and modifications to the original order must be made in writing or by email. Send your email to support@LibertyTrike.com.
Refunds Refunds are issued within two days of receipt of the returned merchandise. Please allow 3-6 business days for the credit to appear on your credit card. Any type of refunds, including but not limited to cancellations, refused items, etc., will be made back to the credit card or however the consumer paid.