EVELO Compass Electric Trike

My husband (@tricyclejoe) bought this trike used in July 2023. He is a stage 4 cancer patient and wanted this bike to assist him if he became fatigued during rides or on windy days. When he bought the bike it had 100 miles on it, and it now has 420 miles. This bike is the one thing keeping him going through his cancer journey, especially with a recent diagnosis of a metastasis to his spine. He is concerned that the battery is going to start to not hold a charge and he will require a new battery. He would also like to see suspension in the seat post but I guess that’s something we could upgrade aftermarket. This bike is a fan favourite at the farmers market and overall versatility for his uses. He rides it all around town. Thank you evelo for making an electric trike that has definitely served its purpose.

I am happy with the purchase it is an ok smaller adult trike. I have been riding a T-326 Husky for sometime I am 6'2" almost 300# man, and I needed a industrial type 26" tire trike not only for weight (600# rated) but for comfort. I have been looking at the Evelo Compass for several years, and when the price hit 3k felt it was worth that price. I am modifying my T-326 for longer runs so I need a second trike for transportation, I can no longer drive for health reasons so is my only way around town. My goal was to have a trike I felt safe leaving town, even the 10 or 20 mile range, and returning. The Evelo Compass is not it, below is my review please remember my size, and to add this is a hilly open area (windy) in all the trike is well built, and probably would serve many very well.

1.) Putting the trike together was very easy, what they don't show is that you will have to air the tires, and charge the battery mine was at 62% tire pressure did not register but there was some. This is not uncommon in all delivered bikes. The pedal assist and or speedometer reader cable on the front fork pulls when the steering is almost full turn I'm a bit concerned this could be a problem in the future. I used wire cutters to cut wire ties etc. I chipped the powder coat on basket pretty easily.

2.) The battery would not charge past 95% I used the charger that came with it, and another that green lit as soon as I plugged it in. The first day I took it .9 of a mile with 2 hills, the lights were on, and it went to 86%, that spooked me a bit. I left the battery plugged in for 24 hrs. It green lit within an hr. and still stayed at 95%.

3.) I had to change seats (I'm a big guy) I prefer solid/single piece seat posts but this one is ok. I had left the battery inside, and checked charge was green lit still showed 95% I went 1.2 miles very flat, and level tried peddle assist (which I like) about half way on throttle. I did get up to full throttle approx. 18 mph for a short distance was at 88% when returned. Also a very calm day (wind really matters).

4.) The differential makes some noise, not bad noise yet it's there. The main reason I purchased this trike was for the differential, but unless you are very agile with the acceleration it makes little difference in the turns. I will leave my T-326 as a single wheel drive.

Summation: This is a very good trike my only complaint is the battery size, and life to include cost. I do have a second coming which will make me feel much more secure using it in town but I would not use it on long hill climbing rides. The motor is torquey it will lift the front wheel if you tap the throttle, but honestly not a whole lot better climbing than my front wheel direct drive which I don't have to worry about chain problems.

Update: I have gone as far as I feel comfortable on a full charge. The percentage jumps up, and down quite a bit, and zeroed at one point using the throttle. Using the throttle really takes a lot of power. It was at 4% when I stopped came back to 13% while I got my camera out. I have seen this in all ebike systems but not quite so much difference. As you can see along way from 20 miles on one battery, on pretty level ground minimal breeze if any. I would say I could probably get maybe 2 more miles but do not feel safe doing so. I will see what the second battery does when delivered it is on back order. Definitely an in town trike, would be great if not for the size, and cost of batteries.

Now that we’ve had some decent weather I’ve been able to spend more time on the trike. Having the throttle is a real bonus when I find myself at the bottom of a hill. The Pedal Assist levels I’ve just started testing. I found that Level 3 was a bit fast initially. Having the rear differential makes it feel so stable when turning although I do keep the speed in check.
Recently I got myself in a pickle going down a trail to the beach and discovering there was no place to turn around. With some judicious use of the throttle I was eventually able to turn it around. Having a reverse gear would have been better. Now I just send my two wheeled friends to check things out.
I use the trike as my everyday driver. I have a waterproof container with a lid in the rear basket that I use for grocery shopping, carrying equipment for meetings, etc. I’m planning on propping the container up a bit so I can have two levels for goods. Then I will make a waterproof cover for the whole basket.
With the balance issues I have I would certainly recommend this trike. It’s very well built and always attracts lots of attention. My cat will be riding with me soon too.
During the process of getting the trike into Canada from Seattle I had exemplary service from all the people I spoke with at Evelo. And the missing cover was shipped at no cost right away. I had a good feeling about this company right from the start & so far I haven’t been disappointed. They will take care of you. I just wish they would export them to Canada. I did lots of research before choosing the Evelo Compass but couldn’t find anything in Canada that met my requirements. I would buy it again.🤓

Like several customers, you never have enough information to be 100% comfortable when spending this much money. It took me more than 6 months of research and reading reviews and multiple emails and phone calls to a few manufactures to even decide to say, yes I am buying a trike. Now, which one?
This is my first bicycle/tricycle in at least forty years. Additional I am not able to stay upright on two wheels an balance issues are my primary concern. Only one arm will work for steering. Will I be able to ride with my grandkids on bicycles rides?

When I picked up the trike from the dealer who assembled it and set it up, it was my second time on a trike. 4 minutes on a different manufacturer. The first thing I tried was tipping it over to see has easy it was. The other brand did.
Did I make a mistake?
No.
I am 200 lbs, 6 ft and, in my opinion, if I ever flip it over, it would be too fast and too tight a turn to make that happen. With power, think I could easily overturn at speed with a tight turn but speed is a problem for anything moving. It's the driver, not the machine.
The peddle pace is GREAT for me and touch the brakes and the motor cuts off. As others said, I suggest ride without power first for a bit before you use the power.
Delighted. Completely.
Very strong, great quality, and now, after a few weeks, my only complaint is that I waited too long to by it.

The team at Evelo are very knowledgeable, responsive, willing to take time to help me explain the questions so I get it.
Nothing I have connected to this purchase was anything but delightful. Thank you, guys.

BTW, the dealer team all were impressed and a few asked to ride it before loaded into my pickup.

Fantastic I am disabled and use the trike for hunting and shooting sporting clays. Its easy to keep up with my bird dogs. and loads easily on my hitch carrier