What are the reasons why an electric tricycle has power but won't move?
4 Answers
There are many reasons why an electric tricycle has power but won't move. Common causes include: issues with the handlebar; problems with the brake switch; controller malfunctions; or motor problems. Regardless of the situation, it's advisable to contact the seller or after-sales service for repairs, as these wiring issues are difficult to resolve on your own. Below is some relevant information: Electric Tricycle: An electric tricycle (Electrically-operated-tricycle) is a three-wheeled transport vehicle powered by batteries and driven by a motor, used for carrying goods or passengers. Advantages: Electric tricycles use tubular large-capacity, left-right lined, deep-discharge, traction-type batteries that can meet the requirements of prolonged continuous discharge. Under normal use, these batteries maintain their capacity for up to two years. The motor in electric tricycles is a DC series-wound traction-type brushed or brushless motor, equipped with speed-regulating and power-boosting devices inside. It is not easily damaged under normal use, ensuring strong power output.
I encountered this issue last time when repairing a tricycle. It's quite common for the vehicle to have power but not move. First, check if the motor is stuck or rusty, and listen for any unusual noises when it spins. Pay special attention to the controller—this little box manages the current output, and if it burns out, the entire vehicle will be paralyzed. Oxidation on wire connectors is also troublesome, especially rust near the battery compartment, which can drain the power. Don’t overlook the brake cutoff device; if the handbrake isn’t fully released, the vehicle will go into self-protection mode and won’t start. Also, check the dashboard—if the charging indicator light is abnormal, it means the battery is deceiving you. Finally, try turning the handle and listen for a ticking sound from the controller. If there’s no response at all, it’s likely you’ll need to replace the part.
After playing with modified tricycles for so many years, the most common issue when it won't move despite having power is a dead controller. This metal box manages power distribution and will fail if it gets waterlogged or overloaded. Short circuits in the wiring are also quite annoying, especially when the motor wire's insulation wears off and touches the frame, causing an open circuit. Loose brake harness connectors can also make the system misjudge the braking status. If the battery terminal oxidizes and turns white, current won't pass through. The most frustrating is when the throttle position sensor fails—even if you twist it all the way, the vehicle thinks you haven't applied throttle. In such cases, first use a multimeter to check the voltage and identify which part is blocking the current flow.
Just helped my neighbor fix this issue yesterday. First, check the brake return condition, especially if the foot brake pedal is stuck, it will keep the power-off switch activated. Then try rotating the rear wheel to see if there's any resistance; if the bearing is seized, the motor won't be able to drive it at all. Poor contact in the power cables is the most common issue—loose battery screws or a blown fuse can directly cut off the power supply. If the controller's cooling vents are blocked, it can trigger overheating protection. If the Hall sensor inside the throttle handle is faulty, it won't send acceleration signals. For older vehicles, watch out for broken circuits caused by aging or cracked main wiring harnesses.
