Mooncool TK2 Folding Electric Trike Review | Bold & Steady

Range is often one of the most common subjects a potential e-trike buyer asks about, and the answer can make or break a buying decision. After all, a trike’s range determines everything from how riders plan a route to whether it can realistically be used to replace a car trip.

To determine a trike’s real-world range, we test each one the same way: we ride until the battery is depleted on a paved, mostly flat path, and record the distance traveled on a single charge.

For e-trikes, we run the range test at maximum assist only, since riding for several hours at slow speeds in low power can be difficult in hot conditions (we live in SW Utah). This approach provides a realistic minimum range: if the trike can do this when we’re going hardest on the motor, any lower setting will go farther, all other factors being equal.

One important thing to note is that, as always, we performed our test with no cargo, so riders carrying loads should expect somewhat fewer miles.

Our max-assist result came in at 36.8 miles, against a category average of 34.3 miles for similar electric trikes. With a small lead of 2.5 miles, we consider its performance relatively average, but the TK2 does have an advantage. Its 720Wh battery is larger than the 669Wh category average, so it’s capable of covering more miles before the well runs dry.

There is one area of critique I want to mention: the battery readout on the TK2’s display drops in 20% increments and can fluctuate between levels depending on the state of charge and the motor’s output in a given moment. Additionally, the range estimation feature in the display’s ride data section was not functioning on our test unit.

Both of these elements can limit the rider’s ability to plan or estimate remaining range, so we encourage Mooncool to address them for the sake of user-friendliness.

The bottom line is that the TK2’s roughly 37 miles of range at full power (with no cargo) should give most casual riders plenty of room for practical use, whether that means an afternoon or two of errand running or a couple of long leisure rides. Anyone who backs off the assist level power should be able to stretch that window further.

One final note: the included 54.6V, 2A charger takes approximately seven to eight hours to restore a depleted battery, making overnight charging the practical approach.

Our Hill Test measures a trike’s ability to sustain speed on a relatively steep, sustained climb under two conditions: throttle-only power and the maximum level of pedal assist.

At the time of testing, we haven’t tested many electric trikes at our current hill test location, so our comparison data for the category is limited. The most useful benchmark we have is the Lectric XP Trike2—one of the most popular, and similarly affordable, trikes on the market, and a reasonable point of reference given its similar specs.

Using the TK2’s throttle, our test rider Justin reached the top in 2:39 at an average speed of 11.4 mph. Under maximum pedal assist, the time was nearly identical at 2:38 with an average of 11.5 mph.

For comparison, the XP Trike2 completed its throttle run in 2:33 at 11.8 mph and its PAS run in 2:29 at 12.2 mph, making it just a few seconds faster in both tests.

The TK2’s motor matches the XP Trike2 exactly on paper: both produce 1092W peak and 65 Newton-meters of torque. Where the trikes differ is weight; at about 96 lbs, the TK2 is somewhat heavier than the XP Trike’s 91 lbs. More mass requires more force to move uphill at the same speed, so the modest time difference between the two trikes makes sense.

In my personal testing at our secondary location, Pilot Hill, I loaded the trike with an additional 60 pounds of cargo in the rear basket. On throttle, it climbed at a steady, if unhurried, pace. When pedaling, I reached the top with only light effort. I noticed some vibrations traveling through the cranks and into the pedals, though they weren’t problematic.

Ultimately, the trike felt a bit more confident on throttle as the grade steepened. This differs somewhat from most e-bikes and trikes I’ve tested, where pedaling tends to produce the stronger result.

My takeaway from this test is that the TK2 has enough power to handle typical hills and moderately-size loads of cargo with relative ease, and riders on flat to mildly hilly terrain should have no concerns about its climbing ability. Those facing larger hills may do well to rely mostly on throttle, perhaps adding some leg power if the path gets intensely steep.

In each of three test runs in our Brake test, our test rider, Michael, reached approximately 13.5 mph on the Mooncool TK2 before applying the brakes at a marked line. He then measured the distance the trike traveled before coming to a complete stop.

The TK2’s average stopping distance came in at 10’7″. The category average for similar electric trikes is 12’3″, placing the TK2 nearly two feet shorter. Speed is a legitimate factor in that comparison: a trike traveling at 13.5 mph is easier to stop than those braking at higher speeds, like most others we’ve tested. But the result is the result, and it’s a good one.

The TK2’s brake setup is relatively standard for an e-trike around its price point. It uses a two-piston hydraulic disc system with 180mm rotors—one mounted at the front wheel and a second at the center of the rear axle.

An important difference is the system’s rotor thickness: they measure 2.3mm, against the more common standard of 1.8mm. Thicker rotors dissipate heat more effectively during repeated or extended braking, and on a 96-lb trike that may be carrying cargo and a rider, that ability makes a difference. As the rotors warm up, it prevents fading and keeps the braking force consistent.

In my personal experience when riding with cargo, the brakes controlled my speed well and responded predictably. Downhill braking required relatively firm lever pressure, but the brakes never felt as though they were working hard to keep up.

Overall, the TK2 proved safe and well-equipped with a confident braking feel and an admirable test score.

Ride quality is a diverse subject, including factors such as a trike’s sizing and fit, its comfort factor, its handling, its motor engagement, and its user interface. Overall, the TK2’s ride quality was solid, though it is not without some areas with room for improvement.

Mooncool rates the TK2 for riders from 5’0″ to 6’3″, and at 5’11” I had no trouble dialing in a comfortable fit. The handlebar and seatpost both have a decent adjustment range: roughly 3 inches in the former and 9 inches in the latter. Considering the trike’s cadence sensor and single-speed drivetrain, which result in low-effort pedaling, I wasn’t worried much about full leg extension, so I set my saddle height to give me a comfortable bend at the knee.

As with many similar e-trikes, the TK2’s riding position is upright and very relaxed. The saddle has a backrest, which helps to make extended stretches comfortable. Overall, the 40mm suspension fork and saddle did well in smoothing the ride, but some riders may prefer a suspension seatpost. Unfortunately, no option was listed on Mooncool’s website at the time of writing, so you may need to look elsewhere.

We’ve seen many similar e-trikes adopting a pavement-only approach, but I appreciated that the TK2’s CHAOYANG 20×3.0 tires were more flexible. Their knobby tread gives riders the ability to roll onto grass or gravel, which opens up opportunities for riding on country roads or multi-use trails.

Frame flex was present but moderate, consistent with other folding alloy trikes I’ve ridden. The narrow rear wheels are worth flagging: without cargo, the TK2 can feel like it wants to lift a wheel through turns. In my experience, loading the rear basket with some extra weight made that feeling mostly go away, and it felt more planted and stable.

Handling felt predictable and controlled, which, once again, felt appropriate and consistent with similar models I’ve tested. I felt some sway while riding, but this is common and expected when riding on three wheels.

The single-speed drivetrain was easy to push once moving, and the throttle was useful for starting up and for effort-free cruising. I appreciated the TK2’s reverse throttle function for backing out of tight spots—this is something we haven’t seen often enough on e-trikes of any variety!

Another area of critique was the smoothness and consistency of the motor’s power delivery. When performing the largest part of our Range Test, I experienced some brief, unpredictable instances of the power dropping off, resulting in unexpected drops in speed. Fortunately, these were relatively minor, but I do encourage Mooncool to address them.

Overall, I felt that the trike was well-equipped right out of the box. It ships with front and rear baskets, a cargo net, a bottle cage, and a lock. We also tested the insulated cooler bag and handlebar bag Mooncool sent along; both were solid.

I liked the TK2’s build quality, features such as the integrated rear turn signals, and the color display. The screen is a 3.5-inch TFT, centrally mounted on the handlebars, and it was easily readable in daylight. The interface is relatively simple and straightforward, making it easy to learn for new riders.

Having tested the earlier TK1 model, Mooncool’s TK2 felt and rode better than its predecessor, and it stacked up well against similarly-priced models I’ve tested.

At $1,500, our testing showed that the Mooncool TK2 makes a strong case for itself. Its price point makes it one of the most affordable models we’ve tested, yet it goes toe-to-toe with similar trikes in terms of features, build quality, and overall capability.

In testing, its Range and Brake Test results beat the category averages. Our Hill Test showed a motor matched well to the trike’s weight and price point. Its Speed Test showed that it has approachable power levels with a useful and intuitive range of power levels. Ultimately, these results mean that it’s a great performer, and its price makes it even more attractive.

The included features and accessories make it practical for enjoyment, exercise, and errand running. Solid brakes and turn signals add safety, the reverse throttle function improves maneuverability, the included cargo baskets grant utility, and the knobby tires add versatility and flexibility in where the TK2 can be ridden.

There are two main areas we encourage Mooncool to improve: the display and the consistency of the trike’s power delivery. The battery meter drops in 20% steps and fluctuates with motor load, making range estimation difficult in daily use. Unpredictable drops in motor output and speed decrease the overall ride quality. Improvements to both would make the TK2 more enjoyable and user-friendly to use.

Ultimately, we consider the TK2 Folding Electric Trike well suited for older riders seeking an affordable, stable, and low-effort way to get around. It’s also a great choice for people with limited mobility who need three wheels rather than two and casual riders who want to run errands without breaking a sweat. For around $1,500, it’s a solid deal and a tough act to follow.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Mooncool TK2 Folding Electric Trike down in our comments section.