The boom of eBikes has redefined mobility for many, but not all riders are able to or comfortable with riding a two-wheeler. Fortunately, a whole new crop of electric trikes offers extra stability and power assistance for older riders or people with limited physical capabilities.
What Is an Electric Trike?
Electric trikes, or eTrikes, have three wheels, typically two in the rear and one up front, and like electric bikes, they are powered by a motor and battery. Oftentimes they feature an upright seating position for improved rider comfort and visibility.
Stability and powered assist for greater mobility
Electric trikes are ideal for older people or those with limited physical abilities who have trouble balancing or pedaling a conventional bicycle.
eTrikes provide a stable, comfortable mobility platform that eliminates the need to balance. These vehicles are easier to control on rough or bumpy terrain. They're also easier to mount and unmount than a traditional bike. And loading and carrying cargo is more manageable with three wheels instead of two.
The electric motor provides pedal-assist or throttle power for those who lack the strength to pedal. This is especially helpful when climbing hills, bringing home a load of groceries, or giving the grandkids a lift.
Common eTrike Features
The area behind the rider and above the rear axle on a trike often features a basket or rack for carrying cargo. Some models even have a rear seat for passengers.
Credit: Buzz Bikes
Some eTrikes have a backrest on the rider’s saddle for additional comfort.
Credit:Rad Power
Another standard feature is integrated front and rear lighting, improving visibility when riding at night.
Disc brakes provide superior stopping power for heavy loads and can be found on many eTrikes.
Best for Durability
The Emojo Caddy Pro is a versatile eTrike that can adapt to your lifestyle. The large 4” wide tires and front suspension provide a cushioned ride. A rear brake light is connected to the hydraulic brakes to let others know when you are stopping.
A heavy-duty rear basket is standard, but you can attach an optional bench, complete with a seatbelt, if you want to carry passengers.
Motor: 500W front hub motor
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 35 mi (56 km)
Drive: Multiple levels of Pedal Assist and throttle
Speeds: 7-speed
Battery: 48V 15.6Ah removable
Max load: 330 lbs
Frame: Aluminum 6061
Weight: 90 lbs
Suspension: Front
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Wheels: 24” x 4” front, 20” x 4” rear
Warranty: 1 year
Color: Anthracite Gray, Apple Red, White
Best Go Anywhere eTrike
The AddMotor GrandTan Plus is the SUV of eTrikes. Big, wide tires and a front suspension will easily take you over dirt, sand, snow, or rough terrain. A hefty 48V/20Ah battery powers the front hub motor for 40-85 miles of range.
You can confidently carry everything you need with a 450 lb weight capacity and standard front and rear baskets. An extra wide saddle and an adjustable backrest provide a comfortable cockpit for riders of all sizes.
Motor: 750W front hub motor with 80Nm of torque
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: 40-85 mi (64-137 km)
Drive: 7 levels of Pedal Assist
Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 48V, 20 Ah removable
Max load: 450 lbs
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 83 lbs (29 kg)
Suspension: 80mm front
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes, 180mm rotors, automatic motor cutoff
Wheels: 26” x 4” front, 24” x 4” rear
Warranty: 1 year
Color: Neptune Blue, Army Green, Pearl White, Rose Gold, Cyan Green, Starry Blue
Best Box eTrike
Bunch founder’s trip to Sweden inspired the Original. He loved how box trikes were a common form of transportation around the city. This European-style trike has a large box positioned over the front two wheels, making it easy to carry pets, kids, and cargo. The front positioning of the box also allows the rider to interact with passengers sitting in the box.
The Original has seatbelts for kids, clips to harness pets, and powerful hydraulic brakes to protect your precious cargo. The box comes in black or white paint, stained for natural wood, and can be customized with your own graphics or artwork.
Motor: 500W rear hub motor with 45Nm of torque
Range: 20-35 mi (32-56 km)
Drive: 7 levels of Pedal Assist and thumb throttle
Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 48v 13.6Ah
Max load: 350 lbs
Frame: Steel
Weight: 152 lbs
Suspension: Rigid
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotors
Wheels: Front(2) - 20" x 2.15", Rear(1) - 24" x 2.00"
Warranty: 1 year
Color: Sedona, Honey, Black, White, Custom Graphics
Best Premium eTrike
The Evelo Compass is a more high-end eTrike option. You’ll be able to easily climb hills and haul heavy loads with the generous 105Nm of torque. The Compass comes standard with one battery but has a mount to add a second, which extends the range to over 80 miles. Evelo stands behind the trike with an impressive 4-year warranty.
Motor: 500W mid-drive motor with 105Nm of torque
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Single battery - Up to 40 mi (64 km), Double batteries - Up to 80 mi (129 km)
Drive: Multiple levels of Pedal Assist and throttle power
Speeds: 3 internal gear hub
Battery: 48V 10.5Ah removable, dual battery option
Max load: 350 lbs
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 71 lb (29 kg)
Suspension: Rigid aluminum
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes, 180 mm rotors
Wheels: 24” x 2.4” front/rear
Warranty: 4 year
Color: White
Best eTrike for Commercial Cargo Delivery
If you're reading this and looking for a trike for your business, the Gleam Escape is the right choice for you. With loads of advanced features, it’s specifically designed for couriers carrying all types of cargo. Dynamic Tilting Technology and full suspension in the front and rear provide a stable and comfortable ride.
Individual specs aren’t listed here because of the multitude of ways you can customize the Gleam Escape to haul deliveries for your small business.
Bonus: RadTrike
Best for Customizing Accessories
Rad Power Bikes is one of the most well-known eBike companies in the U.S. and now they are getting into three-wheelers. Rad Power developed the RadTrike in response to extensive customer requests for a vehicle with more stability and comfort than a regular two-wheeler. The RadTrike aligns with Rad Power’s new focus on safety for its riders. Rad Power offers multiple accessory bundles so you can configure the RadTrike to meet your needs.
Motor: 750 W front hub motor
Top speed: 14 mph (23 km/h)
Range: 20-55 mi (32-88 km)
Drive: 5 levels of pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: Single
Battery: 10Ah 450Wh removable
Max load: 415 lb (188 kg)
Frame: Cromoly steel
Weight: 82 lb (36 kg)
Suspension: Rigid steel
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes, 180 mm rotors
Tires: 18” x 2.25” front/rear
Warranty: 1 year
Color: Gray
Double Bonus: Lectric XP Trike
Best Bang for Your Buck
At $1,499, the Lectric XP Trike gives you a lot of value. The rear differential axle delivers 65NM of torque to both rear wheels. The Lectric’s signature XP folding frame design makes the Trike more portable to transport in a vehicle or store in tight places.
Motor: 500W rear axle hub motor
Top speed: 13 mph (21 km/h)
Range: Up to 50+ mi ( 80 km)
Drive: 5 levels of pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: Single
Battery: 48V 14Ah removable
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 64 lb (29 kg)
Suspension: Rigid steel
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotors, parking brake
Wheels: 20” x 2.6” front/rear
Warranty: 2 year
Color: Graphite