E-trike selection advice needed (disability issues)

Greetings. After many many hours online and some calls, I think I have to have some experience-based advice, or at least suggestions about how to find it. 2 questions -- the first is the serious one, the second is one of those usually unanswerable "why-not" questions.

1. Me: Retired male 80 yrs, pretty healthy considering my age and condition(s), which include: balance problems (occasional falls, common near misses), very weak left leg (post-polio syndrome), and some pulmonary hypertension (maximum sustained exercise rate something like 3 mph walk). Can walk pretty normally, but can't run, only climb very slowly, couldn't pedal a bike uphill even if I could stay on one.
Situation: Retirement community built on/around a steep hill. I live at the bottom; all of the common facilities are at the top (half a mile and at least 500 ft elevation change). I want to get exercise w/o going to the gym, be able to go uphill w/o car, and also to have some local transport when I have to stop driving. Would be willing to spend several K$ for the ideal machine, but I hate hassling with refunds, returns, repairs etc. so I would really like to get it right the first time. Local e-bike stores don't seem to have e-trikes or expertise, and nearest e-trike dealer is several hours away.
Issues: A trike would need: (a) to be able to carry a 250 pound payload up a 50-200 yd stretch of 20-30 degree upgrade (there are three such stretches on the way up) ON ELECTRICITY ONLY; (b) to have good brakes because we would have to go down again; (c) to have at least a 5-6 mile range in addition to the hill climbs; and (d) to be reasonably comfortable and convenient to ride.
Knowledge and ignorance (please correct as needed): (e) I understand that higher volts, watts, and torque are better for what I want, but that they don't necessarily predict specific performance; (f) if I get a front-wheel drive I will need to have a fairly upright, weight-forward design to maintain traction; and (g) I know that there is more than one design for combining pedal power and electric assist, but I can't tell what might be best for a mostly one-legged pedaler (if it matters).
So,
The question: Is there a trike or trikes that will work for me?
If yes, make/model/dealer? (and how do you know?)
If maybe, suggested specifications and sources?
If no, see question 2. I realize I could probably get a custom build for >10K$, but my price resistance sets in below that.

Question 2: It seems to me that an e-bike with good adult stabilizer ("training") wheels should work, but I can't find any auxiliary wheels that aren't either kiddie things or not recommended for electric bikes. ?????

Thanks very much for any and all suggestions or useful information (negative or positive!). I have a below knee amputation on 1 leg. I don't have balance issues, but I get a lot less strength from 1 leg.

There are a few manufacturers of electric trikes, https://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/product/trike/ and Worksman.
Spinlife sells https://www.spinlife.com/EWheels-EW-29-Recreational-Scooter/spec.cfm?productID= (they don't manufacture it).
I bought my wheelchair from them - they are very helpful on the .

It sounds like you need a throttle for getting up the steep sections - not all e-bikes have a throttle.
I think you want disc brakes for the downhill stopping power.
You are going to want the battery positioned low, and not on the top of a rear rack, to help with the front wheel staying down.
Things you need to find out are where you can store the trike when you're not using it, whether it's easy to remove the battery and bring it indoors to charge. If you park a trike outdoors, you will want a cover for it. If you want to park indoors, can you live the trike up any steps?

You might be a candidate for an ELF - there are some used ones for sale at https://anyonecanbike.com/adverts/
I actually own an ELF. It's about 49 inches wide, so it can only go thru a garage door. The ELF has a throttle. I use a mobile bike mechanic, so I don't need to find a bike store which can get this into one of their doorways.
Mine is not for sale.
You would need to find someone near you to do a test ride - the ELF is a little tricky to get into. I only get in from the side where I can have my healthy leg on the ground, and lift the prosthetic side into the trike body. I only mount my 2-wheel bikes from that side also.

There is a front wheel conversion kit which has the battery mounted in the wheel - name is Goplus or iMortor. Even though it seems like a 20lb front wheel with motor and battery might be a great way to convert a tricycle, I recommend AGAINST it. I bought one when it was a kickstarter. It's not water sealed and it doesn't have enough torque for your hills. Seems like you have most of your info right. Front wheel drive up a 30 degree incline with no pedaling will be very tough for a 250 lb payload. Power and traction are both issues.

The obvious answer for traction is a reverse trike (AKA tadpole trike) which means two wheels in front and one in the rear. I’m almost done building one for a customer and they’re great! They tend to be lower than standard trikes, so they’re harder to mount, but some are higher than others. I don’t know whether your specific leg issues will work with these or not.

Regarding power, let me first talk about motor options. I wouldn’t recommend a direct drive hub motor. You will likely need to run a crazy amount of power to make your hills. A geared hub motor might do the job. A powerful mid-drive would do it for sure, but most mid-drives are low power and won’t do e-power alone, only pedal-assist.

There are a number of custom installation options that will do the job, and there are some professionals who will do the work for you. I don’t know if there are any in your area. Finding them is difficult.

If you want an online e-trike vendor, check out electrictrike.com. They have a wide variety of options. Most of their trikes are professionally converted, so they’re kind of in between custom and production trikes. You might want to contact them to see whether any will meet your needs. I’ve done business with them, and they’re great. They’re a great value. They make the Liberty Trike that @Dewey mentioned.

Oh, and a full custom installation of an electric system would likely be well under the $10k you mentioned. A decent reverse trike might cost $2k to $4k, a conversion kit might cost under $1k to $. Installation should be a few hundred or so. Of course, depending on your needs and wants, you could spend a lot more, but it doesn’t sound like you’re looking for high-end stuff.

Regarding putting “training wheels” on an ebike, some people like them, but they’re not that stable. You sit high on an ebike and the wheels tend to not be far enough to the side. I wouldn’t recommend it for most. I wouldn’t want my 80ish-year-old parents on them. My mom has a Pedego Trike, but she doesn’t climb steep hills and she’s only 100 lbs.

Electric tricycles are gaining popularity as an environmentally friendly and convenient mode of urban transportation. However, for beginners looking to purchase their first e-trike, there are often some confusing questions around features, specs, and options. Read on as we address the 5 most common dilemmas for e-trike newbies.

For more information, please visit Future Electric Vehicles.

Foldable or Non-Foldable Frame?

Foldable frames make storage and transportation more convenient. But they tend to be less sturdy and have weight limits. Non-foldable frames are heavier but more durable for daily use. Consider your usage - a foldable frame is ideal if you need to store it in a small space or take it on a car.

Front, Rear or All-Wheel Drive?

Front-wheel drive models are the most common, providing good maneuverability. Rear-wheel drive offers more traction and stability. All-wheel drive allows even power distribution and traction, but is less common. Consider your riding terrain and needs.

Fat Tires or Thin Tires

Fat Tires
Fat tires are over 3 inches wide and designed for stability, traction and shock absorption. Their balloon-like profile cushions the ride by conforming over bumps and dips. Fat tires provide grip on loose or uneven surfaces like sand or snow. They are ideal for taking e-trikes off-road. However, the large tread results in more drag which reduces range per charge.

Thin Tires
Thin tires of around 1 inch wide are best suited for smooth roads and pavement. They have less rolling resistance which improves range. But they do not absorb impacts as well. Thin road tires offer a more direct feel of the terrain. Most urban e-trike models will have narrow tires optimized for commuting and errands.

For more information, please visit electric tricycle manufacturer.

Disc or Drum Brakes?

Disc brakes provide stronger braking power and are less affected by weather. They require less maintenance too. Drum brakes are cheaper but less powerful. Go with disc brakes for superior safety and braking.

Suspension or no Suspension?

Suspension absorbs bumps and shakes for a smoother ride. But it also adds weight and cost. No suspension gives a simpler, lighter e-trike. Evaluate your comfort needs and budget considerations.

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