Sun Seeker Fat Tad Electric Trike Review - 2.4k
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- čas přidán 6. 03. 2017
- The Sun Seeker Fat Tad is a full suspension, fat tire, recumbent electric trike designed for off-road fun on trails, sand or snow, powerful 500 watt rear-motor with throttle and pedal assist modes. Adjustable length boom and tilting seat accommodate a range of riders, large backlit display offers adjustable speed and power settings but isn't removable. Rear-mounted battery and motor make the bike rear-heavy but afford space for bags and there are four pairs of bottle cage bosses for fluids or accessories. Heavier and a bit flexy due to the larger wheels and battery rack mount design, this is a conversion ebike vs. purpose built so there's more wire clutter, key must be left in to ride but collides with the rack if you pull the battery out for independent charging.
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I found this to be a good sound review about the bike, the company, customization, etc. I don’t understand why some are complaining about the time - he talks pleasantly - not fast, not too slow. He is doing a review - not a boom bang used car deal. I think some people today just don’t have the art of conversation - making or understanding. In addition, their attention spans are deficiently - I assume it is due to texting, twitter, facebook, snapchat whatever with all the abbreviations, memes, etc that they just can’t absorb normal conversation - I find it very sad. The bad thing is most of these people just zone out and aren’t able to retain what is given to them - oral or written. Anything over 5-10 minutes is too much for them. They have the same issue in being able to read articles, books, watch a movie and tell you later what the fine points were. They can’t even carry verbal messages accurately. You can almost watch their eyes roll back in their heads - like a stoner from the 60s. Ask them a question - “I don’t know man - what happened dude”. This review was long, but a lot of information was provided - it was like sitting around with a friend as opposed to a robot or a news report. At the price for these bikes - I like getting a thorough discussion and not being rushed. I like his going over the bike and then the test ride(s) and having the input of the other guy too. As he talked, in several places he made me think of some other bikes I needed to reinvestigate before making a purchase. Good job - will check out more of your reviews. Nice job young man from a “old lady”.
haha...great comment. I have this fat tad. Some people (on this thread) are simply not worthy of owning such a great recumbent. It's an honor and a privilege to be able to ride this beast and not for anyone with a poor attitude. Anyone who gets impatient with someone giving a comprehensive review about such an amazing product best stay off the internet.
rosebudforglory -Well, said 👏🏽
Exactly. Want videos of bikes/trikes/ebikes? How many gazillion out there.
Want lots of details, specifics, and also the Professionals that Build the bikes/trikes, because you ain’t here for CZcams biking video #1142...within just the last year.
Me, I’m doing high level Adulting Fun Research, for a companion to my RAD Mini. Maybe I’ll go look at some stock film videos of just bicycles moving later, but prob I’ll be actually riding one. Just the way I roll, and great content guys. We appreciate your effort, time, wisdom, and editing f’g video. Such an odd chore, said the filmmaker guy. Peace...
When he points out the obvious like "it's red", that to me isn't telling something I don't already know.
I'm really glad I found this channel. Great reviews and fantastic personalities. I have mild cerebral palsy and have been through my fair share of Trikes. I'm hoping to get a Fat Tire eTrike in the near future. Been focusing on the Electric Mid-Drive Fat Trike. Might take awhile but I really want to make it happen.
as always great review Court!
xD this is the most unique design I've ever seen for a bike
i have this fat tad....put thousands of miles on it the last 1 and a half years. It's a serious head turner that will make you seek out crowds regardless of where you live. it's great having thousands of people cheer you one when you're riding. highly addictive quite frankly. lol I also dropped 70 lbs in a year riding this thing. yep ....i was and continue to be...fanatical.....Shoot me any questions you have as i will see the notification. i read a couple comments here with the dumbest one being 'too expensive'. Maybe if you're a homeless bum it might be but in fact it's one of the cheapest recums on the market *and* makes you look more bad-ass than the expensive ones. If you're after speed and nothing but speed then don't get this...or get it but make sure you get the e-assist. Im going to stop now or I will write a book. ;>
What's the RANGE on one charge, full speed? Why didn't he say that - that's what electric cars always say - the RANGE. Holy smokes. Listened to the WHOLE vid and no mention of the range?
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 it's not so easy to give a precise answer. It depends on too many factors. If you are lazy and let the motor do all the work and you ride up a few hills the battery might be empty after 30 miles. If you use pedal assist mostly only to accelerate and drive it in flat terrain than 60 and more miles will be possible.
@@chrisridethatbloodything2044 I had an internal hub British 3 speed that I rode every day for 10 miles on average - year round for 10 years in severe winter weather also - never once had to do any maintenance on it!
I would love to ride that on fresh snow this winter. I just bought a new black new Trek Dual Sport Plus so I'm pretty stoked to ride that.
Nice I have been waiting for a official review on this one.
Good Stuff!!!!!
Sweet! Thanks for your patience, I filmed it a while back but have been mixing the trikes in steadily for variety ;)
awesome vid! Penna State Park! Beautiful place. What an incredible e bike, very futuristic! That is so cool! Feel better!
Excellent review. Keep them coming.
I really enjoy your reviews
You get the impression they are true enthusiasts and would take care of you and help you
I liked the video straight away because you told the audience when you start riding it
Your ebike reviews are awesome. I like the fact that when you review full suspension bikes you mention the flex of the rear swing arm. this is a very important detail that I believe a lot of people overlook just to say they have a full suspension bike. do you think that trike had too much Flex in its rear suspension?
With a backup petrol generator, I can travel around the country with this beautiful trike. Great job.
You could build a sunroof from flexible Solarpanels and a small wind deflector in front. This way you can get about 150 watt solar on it. Since its possible to get away with a consumption of 150 watt per hour if you doing some pedaling by yourself and a low electric assistance it might be possible to extend the range to infinite
hope you're feeling better cort. Good job. keep it up.
i like this trike a lot! this is great for an e-bike style because you can sit and basically lounge while you ride. almost a little mini car.
Nice review with the cool bike dude.
Great explanation. Of this totally awesome vehicle
Very nice! Hope the cold is better now 😀
Oh yeah, thanks Dave, this was filmed a while back but I was saving my favorite for last ;)
This is cool.
I got a 212cc engine on a kent alameda trike, goes 42Mph, and is a lot of fun.
I think strapping my engine to one of these would be just as fun
I've got a 1301cc KTM Adventure bike that makes 160+hp. It goes alright.
I had a peddle-only tad. The one problem was that quick stops would cause the rear end to flip up. With added weight from the battery and a pannier mounted in the rear, I doubt that would occur with quick stops.
Really great review.
What do you think of the Practical Pod Ride bicycle watching you guys progress for some time now really love your theories and you're different bicycles and was just curious what your opinion was on the Pod Ride?😁⭐😉
thank you sir ,feel better .
This video’s a couple years old and the trike in question has gone up to about $3200, but I need this machine.
Good thorough understandable review, and pleasant presentation. Wondered about the chain; it seemed to be bouncing very low to the ground in the rear when trike's underway. It seems hazardous for the bike and that it could use protection.
I have watched a couple of your reviews, regarding the sunseeker recumbent electric trikes. Regarding the Fat-tire model. How high from ground level can the seats be raised?
Is there any place in Florida to test ride one one of these?
Chain tube is needed for the lower part in the back to keep it from slapping the ground when on bumpy terrain.
NOW THIS IS POD RACING!
I saw problem with chain, he is jumping and jumping.... it's problem with rear derailleur ?
I need this in my life.
A Lot of people with disabilities would love to be able to get one, and heavy weight people too. Sadly it is too expensive. I would love one, I love bikes, definetively with a cargo behind.
Quick question;
I've been going through most of your videos to learn about electric bikes as I'm hoping to get one soon.
Problem being that I live in Europe and most of the bikes you're reviewing aren't available here. And a surprising amount of manufacturers don't ship to Europe either (I asked....)
Bikes like the radrover/populo/juiced bikes crosscurrent(or Air)/voltbike yukon/etc are the ones that really interest especially at the pricepoint of those bikes (1000-1500) and the design of the bikes.
Do you have any experience with perhaps European equivalents to those bikes? or list a few I can have a look at?
Cheers.
That thing looks like a blast to ride around.
it doesn't suck
Starting some research on a fat tire trike. Looking for a better way to get some winter exercise. Out of curiosity, does the battery pack come with a way to use with accessories? i.e., can you charge a phone from it or power a lighted safety flag for roadway rides?
This is what Professor X and Logan were saving up for.
Ha! Loved that movie... laughed at your comment ;)
Pedaling seems pointless. Why bother?
“I’m You: Pedaling seems pointless. Why bother?”
The answer seems quite easy. Wanting to exercise as much as possible is why most folks would be glad the manufacturer bothered. For folks who are relatively healthy but just starting out on an exercise program: they could find the electric motor quite helpful when maybe they reach their endurance limit sooner than expected; maybe they decided to go a little further than originally planned (visit a friend, go to the library/store, etc.); or maybe a new route had more hills. There could be many reasons for even healthy folks to enjoy the the option to pedal or use full electric. However, for those who are medically and/or physically disabled - a bike such as this can be a vital component of their exercise program and drastically improve their lifestyle. Let’s say you have a severe autoimmune disease with multiple co-morbidities with no way to gauge which days will be good or bad - you just take them as they come. Some days, you may have more breathing difficulty; other days may bring severe cramps throughout your body; if you have stenosis/sciatica - a simple turn or bend can cause it to flare w/o warning and almost incapacitates you. In addition, there are days where you think you can handle the heat, cold, or humidity and you find yourself more affected than expected. Maybe the weather changes abruptly, or you become dizzy, or nauseated and you want/need to get home faster. Whatever the issue, and they can be numerous when you are ill with severe/chronic disease(s); however, because you know exercise is vital to your mental and physical being - you want to be able to do so with as much security and independence as possible. A bike such as this, where you have the option to either work hard, or sit back and enjoy the view, can be a definite life changer! So Mr/Mrs I’m You - hopefully, you can now see why many people are glad the manufacturer “bothered” to give them a dual function device.
@@plips71755 Yes indeed. I'm in a wheelchair and I wish I could have a bike like that. I could do a lot more.
Can an inverter be installed to provide the power, and also for additional power?
Great vid. Nice bike. I think I would be more comfortable with the seat back further though. Looked front heavy
What about battery under/behind the seat? (I looked and saw someone else said the same thing).
I want the other trike with the basket! I hope Sondors comes out with one!
Much agreed on the weight concerns of the back rack. Overall this thing has the right power and price. Looks like it rides hard even with fat tires. I have an ELF and the front suspension looks similar. Meaning it may suck off road ride-wise. A good pot hole is worse than anything in this video. I like the gearing. I've had bad luck with internal gear systems. A nice thumb throttle that can be adjusted in small increments is a major plus...nice advantage to buying American. Love the open system mode for techies. My big issue with trikes is I like getting as far onto the side of the road as possible, even country roads. And 2 wheels get you like 3 feet further off the road and out of the travel lane. I still want one of these tho. PS: faster is safer on public roads..fewer cars catch up to pass close by the direction you're going. You can squirt fast through certain situations too. Just one opinion. It's nice to also have a bike you can ride with traffic, right out in the road, in 25mph zones but that's kind of a pipe dream even with faster ebikes.. Friggin guy still giggles like a kid on these things and despite riding hundreds of e bikes has not become smug or jaded
J Clar I'm afraid I have to disagree with several of your points. Firstly, riding as close to the kerb/edge as possible is asking for trouble whatever cycle you use. You need room to maneuver and be away from grit, stones, mud, glass and drains that tend to be at road edges. Secondly, these trikes tend to be 30-34 inches wide at their widest point. Bicycles tend to be widest at their handlebars, and in practice most bikes are only a couple of inches narrower than trikes. A bike is only as narrow as it's widest point, no matter where the wheels are. Thirdly, speed is not that important with traffic. What really matters is predictability, combined with common sense and conspicuity. I can assure you, trikes get noticed by motorists, they tend to be given far more room and shown a lot more consideration than normal upright cycles. I speak from experience and almost everyone who rides one says the same.
Question at the beginning of this review you made the comment that this trike with the fat tires can be a " lot of work" to pedal. Am I understanding that correctly?
Great vid. Thanks
I just bought an electric bike ... I'm 7 miles from Neshaminy State park ... will have to go visit. Thanks for the video
This company wants their customers very happy and also safe. Options for "needs" that are necessary for "awesome people"!
Does it wants it workers happy? assembled in slave labor conditions probably.
Cattrike are the only tadpoles I recommend. Besides having the most models they also have the best support..which EVERYBODY is going to need.
Can you use a solar charger with that trike, Can you run other electric items from the batter
I would like to know if the pedals can be brought in closer for the short people???
Plus, those handle bars are so far apart that I don't know if everyone could even reach them ..
I don't believe that I could..
😦
Now that looks like fun!
Can you move the seat more backwards? You're sitting nearly upon the front wheels -what will happen when you must stop urgently?
Seems pretty durable.. Rear chain slap seems excessive-- Very surprised the chain didn't come off.. Surprised the software is so open to the end user..
Awesome bike bro - looks so fun! If you dont mind my asking, what do you film your videos with? Have you done a piece on your setup? Cheers mate.
Sure, I use a combination of motorized gimbals and GoPro cameras (one that clamps to the frame and another that is just a wand). Here's the list:
- GoPro Hero 4 Silver: amzn.to/1U6HAJy
- Micover Sticker: amzn.to/1XClfYP
- Motorized Gimbal: amzn.to/1XCkHC8
Thanks for the fast reply brother. Great results from that setup and thanks for the all informative vids! Watched over 20 of them so far and learned a lot! :)
that bracket over the right rear axlenut is to protect the motor cable from getting cut
How was your back after going over those bumps and stuff?
Does the bike have pass-through charging so that you can retrofit solar or 900 watt generator or something
Thanks for this interesting video Bro ! Greetings from France .
Looks like an awesome ride! What is the battery life like?
I rode the Auzb Fat trike for 10.000 km across Europe and Africa. And a Auzb tricon 20" for 30.000 km across Europe and Asia. No motor on both. I will soon start a new long trip across Europe and Asia on a Azub Fat
Move battery to behind seat. Add tire fenders, better rear suspension bearings ( way too much sideways movement), better chain tensioners& chain guards. Also, would 4 wheels be better at this point? It's already pretty heavy, much more turning stability..
I wonder about the handlebar position. It looks like it forces your hands way high, with your elbows splayed out and back. Also, if you rode in wet weather, it looks like your hands and armpits would catch the main spray from the front wheels. It looks like the rear suspension puts the wheel way, way behind the seat. Maybe the battery over the rear wheel is needed for traction.
Great review
@23:40 such wonderful footage in thrid person view - especially when he pedals towards your camera
I want ride this to my office..so cool..I like it
I was planning on buying one of these but they are out of stock and expect a limited incoming supply at end of July. Inventory management is critical in the retail business.
Mounting the battery high on a swingarm will make it wobble constantly. Consider mounting acrossways behind the seat as low as possible- an adapter bracket will need to be made obviously. Best not to have a high centre of gravity over the rear wheel- just makes it easier to tip.
Myself I'd try to buy 2 batteries and mount and mount one on either side of the wheel. Double the range with added stability.
Seems like a lot to twist in that rear fork assembly when off road. Not sure how durable that would be long term if you spend a lot of time off the pavement.
It's steering handlebars are way too high is there any way around that
Is there a light kit available for this. I will probably not ride in the dark but the lights can add to your safety.
I'm in love with this bike👏👏❤❤😍😍, I live in Brazil and I want to know if the store makes international sales
Despite appearances, this beast has design flaws. Rear traction is terrible, it desperately needs mudguards on all three wheels. Here's a pic of mine
czcams.com/video/u_ui_NG34bs/video.html
Anyone know who makes the rack they have on the back of this trike?
Well...I ride both. I think you are right that a bicycle is wider than people think a matter fact they're bigger than people think in general but obviously it's substantially less wide than a three wheeler. But here's the thing. I'm trying to imagine why I said what I did because it just seems a lot narrower and the more I think about it the more I realize that when the roads have just a little margin on the side only about a foot wide... I'm happier riding in that little area on my bicycle then I would be on my trike. I feel like I'm protected by that white line. To an extent that's just subjective but I think it's also subjective to the drivers and it creates a nice Line in the Sand for us. But moreover, bicycles take up much less space on side of the road then trikes then their size is smaller than them because to ride so close to the edge on a trike would require one wheel hanging off into the dirt
The little post that is cut off right above the rear shock... if that were extended in a swooped out, flowing line towards the rear... that would be the place to mount the battery and rack mounts. Not on the suspension arm.
It would be perfect for an ultra-light airplane kit
Has anyone put a 2-stroke on one of these?? Seen 4 storke friction and hub motors that should work fine. A 2 stroke would take some mods but still one of these doing 35-40 would be crazy fun
This video is from 2017 and they mention a base price of $2,500. Now in 2021this same trike has a base price of a little over $4,000 and if you start adding a few options your looking at $4,500 plus shipping.
& it's one of the cheaper tads
Im 6'3 ….Would I fit in this tricycle ...Do you have to put this together or is it preassembled?
Anybody selling an E-version of the Catrike 700 or ICE Vortex? I'd like to see just how "racecar" one of these can get.
Awesome review and trike. I want one. I do have one question is rear axle long enough to accommodate the installation of a Cargo Trailer like the Burley Nomad?
Great question George, I'll try to get someone from the team to answer you directly here ;)
George Herman,
Yes, you could use a Burley trailer with the fat tad, there is enough spare axle. Because of the oversized (12mm) axle, though, you would need to file out the axle mount in order to fit over the axle for some trailers.
But burley does make a 12.2mm hitch, so that should fit the axle without modification - ex: www.amazon.com/Burley-Design-12-2MM-Steel-Hitch/dp/B011TLU5J4
The fat tad also has rear fender/rack mounts, so you could screw a hitch receiver directly to the frame.
There may be other slight complications since trailers are not usually designed with electric or trikes in mind, but it should be quite possible. In any case you should be able to get most trailers to fit after maybe a trip to the hardware store.
Thanks Court
19:12 you’re welcome.
From a distance it looks like a off road wheel chair! 😂
traxxxasdude15 As the Electric Trikes guy said, they get a lot of varying disabilities type folks for these. It’s a large part of this market, and many quad and tricycle bikes - also not just bikes vehicle - have come out in part or entirely for the market. There’s some wild machines out there being show all over YT, but they’re like $5K to $18K etc.
on average how many miles does a full battery make?
that thing is awesome!! looks like u could almost fit a passenger
That...
That is just nice.
Really nice...
Where can I buy this I'm from New York and I need one
Is there a plastic cover so it can be stored outside?
Can I install engine on this?
Questions-how fast and how far??
looks good practical no sore bottoms,, does it have front brakes..well done...congradulations..
@Electricbikereview.com any chance you can talk about AG Farm bike stuff?
Is it 24 speed with electric or 24 speed peddling only?
This nice very nice specially those fat tires. Peace and love to all...
Thanks for an entertaining and informative review. My question is how would you transport this trike to various trails or into the shop for a tune-up?
I think you'll need a long bed pickup truck or a cargo van, something pretty big.
Easy-Load Ramp up into a truck/van/mini-van or Easy-Load Tray rack on the back of a vehicle.
Why kind of maintenance does the suspension need? Are brakes post mount? This for great review!!!
The peddling starts at 19:20.
I saw it in the beginning 😂
Pedalling. Peddling is selling.
Most folks can’t afford all the time and effort to make serious quality just for “fun”. Said nobody ever that wasn’t a glutton for esp editing punishment...and I AM NOT ENTERTAINED! All Me type of insightful and helpful feedback, commentary.
I’m a spoiled American too...just not like that, and I know how surviving via ways like here, elsewhere, well good luck surviving by posting Bikes Moving content. Besides, what most come here for isn’t for pretty pictures, but critical Facts, Information, Details esp from pro’s and builders, mechanics.
If there’s any confusion it seems, Search “bike videos”. You may get some little kids videos I’m there, but hey it’s mostly all superficial anyway, unless it’s a Road Teat video, Esp Off Road test video. Hint: savvy content creators communicate a Lot in the title, graphics, helps load.
Apparently, there’s an Insane amount of videos of bikes/trikes/ebikes, well again, Moving and shit. Across crazy things like pavement & grass, in large part. Like all our childhoods just, on TV or soemthing🤔 IDK, not my fascination, but many gazillions for those that need movement.
Many prob not of us at these levels of investment and also many times already invested in ebikes, we Want lots of details, specifics, facts, things to know not known and think of not thought of, Basic Bike Research 101 really.
And ESP here straight from the Professionals that actually Build the bikes/trikes? Forgeddaboutit it!
L
Because we ain’t here for (an obviously not a big road test nor snow nor sand nor off-roading etc) CZcams biking video. I think I’m at video #1142 of Watching Bikes Move videos...within just the last year. It’s has its place, again esp in videos actually made for such purpose not this video’s purpose.q
Me, I’m doing high level Adulting Fun Research, for a companion to my RAD Mini. Maybe I’ll go look at some stock film videos of just bicycles moving later, but prob I’ll be actually riding one. Just the way I roll, and great content guys. We appreciate your effort, time, wisdom, and editing f’g video. Such an odd chore, said the filmmaker guy. Peace...
And gosh, I hope your algorithms stay healthy, while all these people just skip over 20 Entire Minutes of your content measured so detailed by YT. And right over all actually important stuff, at least for those that didn’t come here to be visually stimulated. Hope not huge changes to your stats. Tough crowd, but hey...America, gotta love us!
@@manicirishwriter Calm down my man.
So they're going out of business, and that's lucky because they definitely have a plan for you to buy your spares elsewhere for about 1 year then throw the whole thing away and buy your kid a new one. ;)
and your kid will need to get used to the rear axle chattering, tilting, rotating around the longitudinal axis, causing himself to have more "off roading fun" than you had planned! XD
You ALMOST caught some AIR little bro! 🤏😏
Looks like a fun Christmas present for those who can afford, and I have no problem with that at all!
SMILES , like good roast potatoes, are priceless. 🎄🎉🥰
recumbent trikes are nice if you have back issues.
I noticed the chains bounced around alot when you were in the grass and gravel, just thought you'd like to know.
That guy looks like the comic book store guy from the big bang theory lol
Ha! love that show
Bang on - but should have gotten a bit closer face up so we could see nose hairs and black heads better :)
Cheers, Patrick
Stewart! LMFAO
I was wondering who else thinks this.
Jordan Smith people
I.
Do you ship to Canada.
I'm on the west coast and this looks good to me but this video is four years old.
What is the clearance from the ground?
What is the max speed and range?
I need to get one of these I am a disabled vet.
Where is this available for $2500? I'm not finding it for less than $3000
lonestar-ebikes.shoplightspeed.com/fat-tad-cx.html?source=googlebase&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrszdBRDWARIsAEEYhrftZvV0mbOeVw40tx2Woup96Cf-VerYk0aSwnPeHJOyGg8uhiGl4KkaAmZxEALw_wcB