Our drive systems

Drive concepts are crucial components for easy and carefree mobility.

We rely on various systems for a wide range of requirement profiles for our tricycles.

In principle, only motor systems that provide electric assistance at a maximum speed of 25 km/h (20mph in USA) while pedalling are suitable for tricycles.

Vehicles with these motor systems are also known as pedelecs (pedal electric bicycles).

A pedelec motor system consists of the following components: Motor, battery, controller, sensors and the display/control element.

When the sensors detect a pedal movement, the signal is passed on to the controller. There are two different types of sensors: force sensor and motion sensor. A force sensor measures the force exerted on the pedals. The more force is exerted on the pedals at a certain cadence, the more the rider is supported. Unlike the force sensor, the motion sensor measures the crank movement. As soon as a movement is measured, the motor recognises that the bike is in motion and activates its support.

Based on these measurements and the settings selected by the rider via the display/control element, the controller delivers the appropriate power to the electric motor, which supports the bike and makes pedalling easier for the rider.

The electric motor converts the electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy in order to get the vehicle moving.

We install front motors and mid motors in our pfautec electric tricycles.

Front motors are installed in the front wheel and therefore, supports from the front wheel directly. This solution is a particularly important support when starting off the bike. This is due tot he built-in motion sensor, which releases the motor assistance when the pedal arms start to move.

The following models are equipped with a front motor: Ally FM, Napoli, Comfort FM, ScooterTrike FM, S3

The advantage of the front motor is that it provides immediate assistance when starting off the bike, regardless of the selected gear and the force applied to the pedals. Compared to other drive systems, it is also more cost-effective and has a smaller weight.

The mid-motor is installed centrally in the frame of the bicycle/tricycle. Pedal arms and pedals are mounted directly on the motor. The sensor system in the motor registers the force applied to the pedals and immediately releases the corresponding motor assistance.

Our Asolo, Roma, Grazia, Combo, Scoobo, Scoobo+, Tibo+ and Passo models are equipped with a mid-motor.

The most significant advantage of the mid-motor is that the power is transmitted evenly to the bike. This creates a stable and natural riding behaviour.