E-bikes have long since arrived in everyday life – but those who struggle with balance problems, are afraid of the two-wheeler after a fall or simply want to be relaxed and safe on the road often face a challenge. This is exactly where the MoonCool TK1 comes in: a foldable electric tricycle (e-trike) that combines stability, comfort and plenty of transport capacity in one package.
We have tested the TK1 extensively on asphalt, in the park and on forest trails and tell you for whom the trike is really worthwhile – and where there are limits.
Technical data at a glance
| Manufacturer: MoonCool | MoonCool |
| Model | TK1 (Folding E-Trike) |
| motor | Rear motor, 250 W continuous power / 500 W peak, up to 45 Nm torque |
| Battery | 36 V, 20 Ah – 720 Wh (removable, lockable) |
| Range | Approx. 40-80 km (depending on gear level and rider weight) |
| Maximum speed | 25 km/h (D-law compliant) |
| Support levels | 5 speed levels via cadence sensor |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotors, parking function |
| Tires | 20 × 3 inch fat tire, all-terrain tread (Chaoyang) |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum, foldable |
| Suspension fork | Coil-spring fork, fully adjustable (preload + lockout) |
| Total weight | 39.5 kg |
| Payload | 205 kg total according to manufacturer |
| Rider height | 155-195 cm |
| Lighting | Integrated front and rear light, brake light, indicators – powered by on-board current |
| Scope of delivery | Front & rear basket, mudguards (metal), metal pedals, net, cup holder, 2 keys, tools |
| Colors | Several colors available (e.g. cyan, black, pink, dark red) |
| Price (RRP) | approx. 2,600 € (RRP) |
Delivery & assembly
The MoonCool TK1 arrives around 95 % pre-assembled. The box contains all the necessary tools and clear instructions. The following components still need to be assembled:
- Insert the front wheel
- Attach the front basket
- Attach rear mudguards
- Mount the cup holder
Note on fitting: The easiest way to fit the rear mudguards is to first remove the luggage rack (4 screws). This can be done in a few minutes, but makes installation much easier.
The rest is already done – including baskets, mudguards in frame color, metal pedals with reflectors, cup holder and net for the rear basket. No extra purchase necessary. This sets the TK1 apart from many of its competitors, where accessories have to be ordered separately.
Note: The optional throttle grip is not fitted for use on German roads, as it is not permitted in this country.
Design & workmanship
At first glance, the TK1 makes a stable and high-quality impression. The 6061 aluminum frame is robust and at the same time light enough for a tricycle of this class. The mudguards are made of metal and are painted in the same color as the frame – a detail that adds consistency to the design.
The TK1 is available in several colors, including cyan green, black, warm pink, dark red and peacock green. Anyone who wants to set individual accents will get their money’s worth here.
The cable routing is neatly organized and clearly arranged on the handlebars. There are small deductions for the folding function: to really save space, the front wheel has to be removed – otherwise the length saving is minimal.
Cockpit & operation
The display (G51 unit) is clearly laid out and shows all relevant information: Speed, battery status, driving level, mileage and other parameters. You can scroll through the displays by briefly pressing the M button. The brightness is sufficient, even if the display is slightly reflective in direct sunlight.
The plus and minus buttons are used to navigate through the five speed levels. A long press on minus activates the push assistance up to 5 km/h – practical when maneuvering the 39.5 kg trike. A long press on Plus also starts the on-board power-operated lighting.
The handlebars are adjustable in both angle and height and can be folded down if required. The grips have a palm rest and are comfortable to hold.
Motor & drive
MoonCool’s own motor with 250 W continuous power and up to 500 W peak power works in the rear. According to the manufacturer, the maximum torque is 45 Nm. Thanks to a clever chain transmission – one chain from the motor at the front, another at the rear to the axle – the system is significantly more powerful than the rated power suggests.
The motor is controlled via a cadence sensor: as soon as the pedals are moved, the assistance kicks in – regardless of the force applied. The five speed levels cover the following speed range:
- Level 1: up to approx. 12-14 km/h
- Level 2: up to approx. 17 km/h
- Level 3: up to approx. 19 km/h
- Level 4: up to approx. 21-22 km/h
- Stage 5: up to 25 km/h
In the practical test, the TK1 mastered climbs (e.g. a bridge) in level 4 without any problems and without any noticeable loss of speed. The drive accelerates pleasantly smoothly and without jerking – exactly what you would expect from a comfort vehicle.
There is no classic gearshift. Thanks to the automatic transmission, the driving experience is nevertheless reminiscent of a torque sensor system – organic and intuitive. However, once you reach 25 km/h, there is hardly any resistance, which takes a little getting used to and can also be annoying.
Battery & range
The 36 V battery with 20 Ah has an impressive 720 Wh capacity and is installed under the saddle. It can be unlocked and removed with a key – ideal for charging at home. Two keys are included in the scope of delivery. Alternatively, the battery can also be charged in the bike via the charging port on the side.
The realistic range depends heavily on the rider’s weight and riding level. As a rule of thumb for the 36 V system: approx. 0.5 Ah per kilometer with a higher body weight, correspondingly more range for lighter riders. In practice, the following can be said:
- Heavier riders (approx. 90+ kg): realistic 35-45 km
- Normal-weight riders: 60-80 km possible
The battery has an LED status display and can also be easily charged outside the trike.
Riding behavior & practical test
Getting used to the trike
Riding a three-wheeler is very different from riding a two-wheeler. You are never looking for balance – you are always stable, even at traffic lights or when starting off. This is the biggest comfort advantage. At the same time, cornering requires practice: the trike does not lean when you steer, so you have to learn to sit upright and use your eyes to steer in the right direction.
Professional tip from the practical test: Sit up straight, consistently keep your head in the direction of travel – then the trike remains stable and turns are intuitive. Experience has shown that 5-15 minutes of practice is enough to feel confident.
Comfort & suspension
A big plus point: the huge, well-padded saddle. Combined with the adjustable coil-spring suspension fork and the wide 20-inch fat tires, the result is an extremely comfortable ride. Bumps, cobblestones and easy terrain are well cushioned.
The fat tires with all-terrain tread work a little louder on asphalt, but provide reliable traction on forest and gravel paths. The tire width corresponds to the handlebar width – a practical orientation value when navigating through narrow passages.
Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors are fitted at the front and rear. In the braking test (full braking from 25 km/h), the trike stopped quickly, safely and without noise. The braking performance is impressive, even with the comparatively high weight of the vehicle.
Special feature: Both brake levers can be locked as parking brakes. This prevents the trike from rolling away on a slope or when parked. The lock is released automatically the next time the brakes are applied.
Lighting
The lighting concept is one of the highlights of the TK1. The very bright front light is attached to the front basket and can be adjusted in direction and angle. At the rear, three on-board power-operated rear lights illuminate the rear and mudguards. There is also a brake light function (also visible in bright light), blinker function on the left and reflectors all round.
A small detail on the side: The cable for the rear light on the left rear wheel is a little short – 1 to 2 cm more cable length would make installation and routing easier. This has no effect when riding, but is an indication for future revisions.
Transport capacity
Both the front basket (up to 13 kg) and the large rear basket offer considerable storage space. The rear basket easily swallows a large sports bag plus additional luggage. The supplied net secures the load. According to the manufacturer, the total load capacity is 205 kg – making the TK1 a fully-fledged everyday companion for shopping, touring or transportation.
Conclusion – For whom is the MoonCool TK1 worthwhile?
The MoonCool TK1 is not a granny bike – it’s a serious e-trike for anyone who values stability and comfort over agility.
The TK1 is aimed at people who are looking for a safe riding experience without balancing – whether due to balance problems, physical limitations or simply the desire for relaxed cruising. It also cuts an excellent figure as an alternative cargo bike for everyday use, shopping or leisure tours.
If you are prepared to invest the necessary familiarization time (around 15-30 minutes practice time) and have the budget, you will get a high-quality, well-equipped e-trike with excellent brakes, a powerful motor and an impressive lighting concept.
We particularly recommend the TK1 for
- People with balance problems or limited mobility
- Seniors who want to be safe and active on the road
- Transport-friendly everyday cyclists and shoppers
- Leisure cyclists who want to cruise in a relaxed manner
- Anyone who has always wanted a stable e-bike with a sofa feeling
PROS
- Very stable handling – no balancing required
- Powerful, quiet motor with 45 Nm torque
- Hydraulic disc brakes with parking function
- Excellent, comprehensive lighting package
- Large 720 Wh battery, removable and lockable
- Extensive accessories included from factory (baskets, fenders, etc.)
- Wide fat tires suitable for all surfaces
- Adjustable suspension fork for high comfort
- Generous, softly padded saddle
- Only 39.5 kg – lighter than expected
- Available in multiple colors
CONS
- Folding function only somewhat practical (front wheel must be removed)
- Rear fender installation requires removal of rear rack
- Left rear light cable slightly too short (1–2 cm)
- Getting used to three-wheel riding behavior necessary
- No throttle grip allowed for the German market
- High price (approx. $2,600)
Conclusion
The MoonCool TK1 impresses as a stable, comfortable e-trike with a powerful motor, excellent lighting, and generous cargo capacity. Getting used to the three-wheel riding behavior requires some practice – those who invest the time will be thrilled.
