Mooncool TK1 Folding

The Mooncool TK1 Folding is a 500W e-trike with a folding frame, single-speed gearing, and fat tires. This is the first electric tricycle we’ve tested at BikeRide.

In this review, we test the performance and ride quality, give the bike’s pros and cons, and assess the trike’s overall value. However, as we’ve never reviewed an e-trike before on BikeRide, we can’t yet say how it compares to other electric tricycles.

What Is the Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike?

Mooncool is a relatively new electric bike brand. Like many e-bike companies targeting the entry-level market, it doesn’t have an established headquarters in North America and only has three third-party retail partners in the US. Interested buyers can test-ride their bikes at these sites. Otherwise, Mooncool sells directly to consumers. The current lineup includes three e-trikes and two e-bikes.

The TK1 Folding comes with two large baskets. The trike can support a payload of 350lb (rider and cargo), and it has a parking brake to keep it steady while mounting it or loading cargo.

The top speed is 16mph, which is sufficient for e-trikes. The TK1 Folding is stable at low speeds, but riding over bumpy pavement can cause instability, especially for taller riders.

Pros

Stability

Again, the TK1 is stable when riding at low speeds over smooth pavement. It’s also perfectly balanced when parked, making it easy to mount or load with cargo. This stability makes trikes like the TK1 Folding excellent e-mobility vehicles for balanced-impaired riders.

Cargo Space

The TK1 comes with cargo baskets in the front and rear. Combined, they provide lots of space for carrying items of various sizes.

The trike is easy to load, thanks to the third wheel, the parking brake, and the low rear platform. The bike comes with a net to keep larger items in place while riding.

Throttle-Only Range

The TK1 Folding has a 14.5Ah battery that returns surprisingly good throttle-only range. In testing, we covered over 30 miles with minimal pedaling.

Cons

Poor Ride Over Bumpy Terrain

Overall, I didn’t enjoy how the TK1 rides. While it’s stable on smooth pavement, the ride quality is poor over bumpier surfaces, which causes the trike to jerk side to side, making you feel off-balance. Given this characteristic, riders should take care when riding over broken pavement and avoid going off-road.

I also found that brake pads would rub the rear brake rotor when my weight was leaning to one side, for example, while turning, resulting in a squeaking noise.

Impractical Folding Design

The TK1 trike is large and heavy at 97.5lb. One person alone will not be able to lift and maneuver it, limiting the practicality of the folding frame. Buyers should also be aware that increased storage space is required compared to a regular bike, even if folded.

Ghost Pedaling

The TK1 Folding’s has a single-speed drivetrain with a small chainring, so pedal cadence becomes uncomfortably fast at speeds over 10mph. A slightly larger chainring would allow pedaling closer to the 16mph top speed.

What Does It Do Best?

The Mooncool TK1 Trike is easy to balance when riding at low speeds over smooth pavement, even while loaded with cargo. This will appeal to those who struggle to balance on two wheels.

The TK1’s large cargo area and stable platform make it a solid utility vehicle. It’s easy to load and easy to mount with cargo onboard. This 30-mile throttle-only range is also a noteworthy feature.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The TK1 Folding feels unstable when riding over uneven terrain, and cornering must also be done slowly to avoid tipping.

The lack of gearing leads to ghost pedaling above 10mph, so users will primarily rely on the throttle.

Finally, the folding mechanism has limited utility due to the trike’s weight.

Conclusion

Electric tricycles like the TK1 Folding will appeal to a specific type of rider: one who values stability and cargo-carrying capacity but doesn’t need to go fast.

The trike fulfills these core functions well, offering stable riding and ample cargo capacity with two included baskets. The parking brake is a helpful feature that stabilizes the trike for loading cargo or mounting.

If you are looking for a low-cost electric trike with included cargo accessories, the Mooncool TK1 is worth considering.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2
Warranty: 1 year
UL Certification UL 2272, UL 2849
Water Resistance: IP65
Total Weight: Claimed: 115.7lb – Actual: 97.5lb
Motor Brand: Unbranded
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 500W
Max Torque: 55Nm
Battery: 48V 14.5Ah (696Wh)
Range Claimed: 60 miles
Range Tested: 30.53mi – 1,004 ft. – 14.2mph avg.
Top Speed: 16mph
Throttle: Twist grip
Pedal Assist: 5 levels
Charger: 54.6V 2A
Charge Time: 7 hours
Display: LCD
Frame: 6061 aluminum
Fork: 50mm coil suspension
Brake Levers: 5-Star 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Calipers: 5-Star 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180mm
Crankset: 170mm aluminum, 36t
Derailleur: N/A
Shifter: N/A
Freewheel: 18t
Rims: 20″ Aluminum
Tires: 3″ Chaoyang H5183
Fenders: Aluminum
Headlight: Yes
Taillight / Brake Light: Yes, brake indicator, turn signals
Grips: Plastic
Saddle: Comfort padded seat
Pedals: Aluminum platform
Handlebar: Alloy BMX Style 660mm, 120mm rise
Kickstand: No
Payload Capacity: 350lb

Frame and Geometry

The TK1 has a folding aluminum frame with a deep, wide step-through shape. The handlebar height is adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune fit. Mooncool lists a height range of 5′ to 6’3″.

The trike has front and rear baskets that are well integrated into the frame. The rear basket is low to the ground, so loading it is easier. The payload capacity (rider and cargo) is 350lb, which seems low given many e-bikes can support up to 400lb.

Seat Tube: 17“ (432mm)
Reach: 13.5” (343mm)
Stack: 19” (483mm)
Stand Over Height: 16” (406mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 30” (762mm)
Min Saddle Height: 30.3” (770mm)
Max Saddle Height: 39” (991mm)
Wheelbase: 36” (914mm)
Total Length: 66” (1676mm)
Total Width: 29” (737mm)
Recommended Rider Height: 5’ – 6’3”
Folded Dimensions: Length – 39.4″ (1001mm) | Width – 30.3″ (770mm) | Height – 29.5″ (749mm)

Display and Control

The TK1 Folding has a 2.5″ LCD display with a three-button control pad. On the right handlebar, there are buttons for the turn signals and horn.

The display shows current power output, current speed, battery level, assist level, and an odometer. Pushing the Mode button cycles through trip odometer, voltage, output current, and a timer.

The battery level is shown as a six-bar graphic. The battery level indicator seemed reliable throughout testing.

Motor

The TK1’s 500W motor has a peak torque output of 55Nm. The motor has enough power to push the trike along at 15.5mph. However, the modest torque, the trike’s high weight, and the single-speed drivetrain make it a slow climber, and acceleration can be jerky despite the low torque rating.

The motor was powerful enough to overcome both of our hill climb tests, though at a slow pace. The TK1 is best kept to relatively flat routes but can handle a hill when necessary.

Battery and Charger

The TK1 Folding has a 48V 14.5Ah (696Wh) battery, and the electronics are UL-certified (UL 2849 and 2272). I was impressed by the 30.5-mile range with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and an average speed of 14.2mph.

The charge tapers reliably, making it easy to estimate remaining range. However, the TK1 didn’t offer a low battery warning. After reaching a single bar, the motor reduces power gradually until it stops completely.

Drivetrain

The TK1 Folding has a single-speed drivetrain with a 36t chainring and 18t rear cog. This limited gearing means pedaling at speeds over 10mph is uncomfortable.

Overall, the pedaling experience on this trike wasn’t enjoyable. The one highlight is the responsive pedal assist thanks to the 24-magnet cadence sensor.

Brakes

The TK1 has generic dual-piston hydraulic brakes from the Chinese brand 5 Star. Both the front and rear lever can be locked to stop the trike from moving when parked.

The brakes performed reasonably in testing. Our brake test is usually done at 20mph, so the shorter-than-average stopping distance is partially due to the test being done at the bike’s max speed of 16mph.

Wheels, Tires

The Mooncool TK1 has basic 20″ x 3″ Chaoyang tires with light tread. These offer good traction, but they don’t have puncture protection.

Accessories

The TK1 has a front basket mounted to the head tube and a rear rack with another basket. This gives it considerable cargo capacity, and the low rear platform is easy to load.

Mooncool also includes three aluminum fenders, a horn, a bright headlight, and a rear light with a braking indicator and turn signals.

Touchpoints

The plastic grips are not the most comfortable, and swapping them may be challenging because the right side grip is integrated with the half-twist throttle.

The padded saddle is pleasant and was relatively comfortable throughout the 30-mile range test. Finally, the TK1 Folding has basic aluminum platform pedals.

… for the price, I think it’s pretty decent…

The bike is very comfortable… 

For the tricycle skeptics out there like me, give this one a try, and you’ll be surprised at how fun this 3-wheel e-bike rides.

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed riding this trike… it is a smooth-riding bike.

I really enjoy riding this trike… I have 750 miles clocked on it.

… an affordable option for those seeking an electrifying ride without breaking the bank.