EKKO EK16A-216Li 3-Wheel Lithium Forklift — 3,500 lb Capacity at 18 ft Lift Height for Tight Indoor Spaces
The EKKO EK16A-216Li is a 3-wheel electric rider forklift designed for contractors and warehouse operators who need high-reach lifting performance in space-constrained indoor environments. With a 3,500 lb load capacity and a maximum lifting height of 216 inches (18 ft), it is purpose-built for loading docks, stock rooms, manufacturing floors, and warehouse aisles where maneuverability and vertical reach are critical. The 3-wheel configuration and 58.9-inch turning radius make it well-suited for narrow aisle operation. It is recommended for indoor use on flat surfaces only.
Unlike many comparable forklifts that require separately purchased charging equipment, the EK16A-216Li ships complete with a 24V/50A charger and battery included, reducing upfront setup cost. Its Zapi® controller and AC drive motor platform place it alongside higher-tier commercial equipment in the EKKO lineup, while its compact footprint and hydraulic power steering keep it accessible for budget-conscious operations.
Key Features & Benefits
216-Inch (18 ft) Maximum Lift Height with 31.5-Inch Free Lift
The 216-inch maximum lift height allows operators to reach upper racking tiers that are inaccessible to standard warehouse stackers. The 31.5-inch free lift height enables the forks to rise without extending the mast, which is essential when working under low overhead obstructions such as mezzanines, doorframes, or dock canopies. A lowered mast height of 95 inches further supports movement through standard interior doorways.
Zapi® Controller with 24V AC Drive Motor
The Zapi® controller is a recognized industrial-grade control system that manages motor performance, braking, and load handling. The 24V AC drive motor delivers responsive acceleration and directional changes, which translates to faster cycle times during repetitive loading and unloading tasks. AC motor technology generally requires less maintenance than DC brush motors, reducing downtime in high-usage operations.
Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS)
Hydraulic power steering reduces operator fatigue during extended shifts by minimizing the physical effort required to navigate turns and reposition the forklift in confined spaces. Given the 3-wheel layout and tight turning radius, HPS improves precision when maneuvering through narrow aisles or around staging areas.
Adjustable Side-Shifting Forks (7.9–26 in Adjust Width)
The side-shifting fork mechanism allows operators to laterally reposition the load without repositioning the entire forklift, improving placement accuracy on racking and reducing the number of repositioning moves per cycle. Fork adjust width ranges from 7.9 to 26 inches, accommodating a variety of pallet sizes and load configurations.
Battery and Charger Included
The EK16A-216Li ships with a 24V/200Ah lithium battery and a 24V/50A charger, eliminating the need to source compatible charging infrastructure separately. This is a practical advantage for operations standing up a new material handling fleet or adding a unit to an existing site without a dedicated battery room.
Steel Construction with Robotic Welding
The frame is fabricated from high-quality steel using robotic welding processes, which produces consistent weld quality and structural integrity throughout the chassis. This construction approach is designed to withstand heavy usage, impacts, and frequent directional changes in demanding indoor work environments.
3-Year Limited Warranty
The included 3-year limited warranty provides contractors and fleet operators with documented coverage against manufacturing defects, supporting total cost of ownership calculations when comparing equipment options.
Common Applications
Warehouse Racking Operations
The 216-inch lift height makes the EK16A-216Li suitable for stocking and retrieving palletized loads from high-bay racking systems. The side-shifting forks and adjustable fork width improve placement precision across varied pallet configurations.
Loading Dock Operations
The forklift is designed for loading and unloading trucks at loading docks, where compact dimensions and tight turning radius allow efficient movement between trailer and staging area. Its 3,500 lb capacity covers the majority of standard palletized freight.
Stock Room and Inventory Management
In stock rooms with limited floor space and narrow access aisles, the 3-wheel layout and 58.9-inch turning radius allow the EK16A-216Li to operate where 4-wheel counterbalanced forklifts cannot maneuver efficiently.
Manufacturing Floor Material Handling
The unit supports moving raw materials, sub-assemblies, and finished goods on flat manufacturing floors, with cushion tires suited for smooth interior concrete surfaces.
Truck Loading and Unloading
The free lift height of 31.5 inches allows the operator to elevate loads inside a trailer without raising the mast, enabling safe and efficient loading in height-restricted trailer interiors.
Compatible Materials
- Standard wood pallets
- Plastic pallets
- Metal skids and steel pallets
- Palletized boxed goods and packaged materials
- Flat indoor concrete surfaces
- Smooth warehouse and manufacturing floor surfaces
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | EK16A-216Li |
| Drive Type | Lithium Electric |
| Type of Operation | Rider |
| Load Capacity | 3,500 lbs |
| Load Center Distance | 24 in |
| Lifting Height | 216 in (18 ft) |
| Free Lifting Height | 31.5 in |
| Lowered Mast Height | 95 in |
| Fork Size (Thick / Width / Length) | 1.4 / 4 / 42.1 in |
| Fork Adjust Width | 7.9 – 26 in |
| Side Shifting Forks | Yes |
| Tilt (Forward / Backward) | 3° / 6° |
| Lift Speed (Laden / Unladen) | 4.71 / 10.2 in/s |
| Lowering Speed (Laden / Unladen) | 11.8 / 15.7 in/s |
| Gradient Performance (Laden / Unladen) | 6 / 10% |
| Service Weight | 5,470 lbs |
| Wheel Base | 49.2 in |
| Overall Length | 65 in |
| Overall Width | 42.1 in |
| Turning Radius | 58.9 in |
| Drive Motor | 24V AC |
| Lifting Motor | 3.3 kW |
| Controller | Zapi® |
| Battery | 24V / 200 Ah (included) |
| Charger | 24V / 50A (included) |
| Tires | Cushion |
| Steering | Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) |
| Construction | Steel with Robotic Welding |
| Recommended Use | Indoor, flat surfaces |
| Warranty | 3 Year Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the EK16A-216Li come with a charger and battery?
A: Yes. The unit ships complete with a 24V/200Ah lithium battery and a 24V/50A charger included at no additional cost.
Q: What is the maximum lift height of this forklift?
A: The EK16A-216Li lifts to a maximum height of 216 inches (18 feet).
Q: Can this forklift be used outdoors or on uneven surfaces?
A: No. The EK16A-216Li is recommended for indoor use on flat surfaces only. It is equipped with cushion tires, which are designed for smooth interior floors rather than outdoor or rough terrain.
Q: What fork adjustment range does this unit support?
A: The forks adjust from 7.9 to 26 inches in width and include side-shifting capability for precise load placement without repositioning the machine.
Q: What controller does the EK16A-216Li use?
A: The forklift uses a Zapi® controller paired with a 24V AC drive motor, the same control platform found on other commercial-grade models in the EKKO lineup.
Q: What warranty is included?
A: The EK16A-216Li is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.