Best Electric Tricycles for Adults
Electric tricycles for adults are becoming increasingly popular as the world moves toward more sustainable modes of transport.
These machines can easily replace a car for short to medium-distance journeys and are an excellent alternative to standard e-bikes as they offer more stability, comfort, and carrying capacity.
Riders with limited mobility or impaired balance and those who aren’t confident on two wheels will appreciate the benefits of e-trikes.
With their rising popularity, there are now many adult electric trikes to choose from, so we’ve reviewed seven of the best models for 2023 and finished with a short guide to help you choose the perfect one for your needs and budget.
Lectric XP Trike
- Motor: 500W hub, 65Nm
- Battery: 672Wh, 48V
- Gears: Single-speed
- Brakes: Hydraulic discs
- Features: Differential wheel axle, rear-wheel drive, lightweight, folding frame, 415lb capacity
The Lectric XP Trike folding electric trike is the cheapest option on this list, coming in at 1,000 below the RadTrike. Of course, the design and componentry won’t be as robust at this price, but affordability and functionality help it stand out.
Firstly, the XP Trike is sold without accessories, but it only costs 149 for the cargo package with front and rear baskets and a front rack, which support 110lb of cargo (3575).
The ride quality is slightly bumpy due to the small-diameter 20″ wheels, narrow 2.6″ tires, and rigid aluminum frame. However, these features keep the weight lower (69.5lb), resulting in a longer range (60 miles) than other electric tricycles for adults.
Lectric designed its tricycle with a dual differential wheel axle, so the wheels spin independently, improving stability while turning. However, unlike similar models, the XP Trike has a hub motor that drives both rear wheels and is the only model on this list with hydraulic disc brakes.
Don’t look past the XP Trike if you want a lightweight adult electric trike and you have a tight budget.
Buzz Cerana T
- Motor: 350W mid-drive
- Battery: 374Wh, 36V
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano Tourney
- Brakes: Mechanical discs
- Features: Mid-drive motor, 10-year frame warranty, two baskets included
The Buzz Cerana T three-wheel electric bike is another cheap sub 2,000 option for those on a budget, like the XP Trike.
Unfortunately, this model lacks long-term reviews, but it has an impressive spec for the price, as it is the only mid-drive option on this list. The 350W mid-drive motor provides a superior ride quality that’s smoother and more capable of carrying heavy cargo.
Buzz sells the Cerana T with two baskets pre-installed. The rear rack supports just 40 lb of cargo and can fold down when not being used.
The small 374 Wh battery provides a limited range of 20-40 miles, but the 7-speed drivetrain gives you more options to pedal and extend the battery life compared to the single-speed RadTrike and XP Trike.
Another disappointing feature of this model is there is no backrest on the seat, nor an option to add one, which takes away from the comfort appeal.
All things considered, the Buzz Cerana T is a decent, light-duty choice for those with budget constraints.
Rad Power Bikes RadTrike
- Motor: 750W hub
- Battery: 480Wh, 48V
- Gears: Single-speed
- Brakes: Front mechanical disc, rear coaster
- Features: Seat with backrest, 415lb capacity, folding handlebars, reverse mode, parking brake
The Rad Power Bikes RadTrike demonstrates the keen attention to detail that the brand is known for but sits at the higher end of the pricing for e-trikes.
Each design feature and component choice is cleverly thought out, such as the handy reverse mode, adjustable seat and backrest, folding handlebars, and sturdy fenders.
The disappointment of the RadTrike is that you must purchase accessories separately, and realistically, you won’t own it without buying a basket at a minimum. That said, there is a broad selection of accessories and combinations you can choose from, giving you more customizability than other models.
This heavy-duty electric trike has a heavy yet shock-absorbent steel frame which helps make up for the relatively narrow 2.25″ tires; it weighs 82 lb without accessories.
Finally, the single-speed drivetrain reduces maintenance requirements but makes you more reliant on the motor and throttle. You can expect up to 55 miles of range from the RadTrike.
Choose the RadTrike if you want a high-quality, versatile electric tricycle for adults and don’t mind the higher price.
Malisa Electric Trike for Adults
- Motor: 750W Bafang
- Battery: 624Wh, 48V
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano
- Brakes: Mechanical discs
- Features: 440lb capacity, two integrated baskets, seat with backrest, fat tires
The Malisa Forte is a high-capacity fat tire electric trike for adults from a small-scale US manufacturer specializing in electric mobility products.
The Forte has a powerful 750W motor with a somewhat dangerous top speed of 26 mph. The 624 Wh battery allows you to travel up to 38 miles using the throttle alone or up to 50 miles with pedal assistance.
The 4″ fat tires give you plenty of grip and shock absorption for riding on bumpy surfaces, but the powerful front hub motor can lose traction on loose surfaces or steep inclines. The mechanical disc brakes are slightly underpowered for such a heavy machine with a high top speed.
A weight capacity of 440 lb makes this one of the highest on the market, equivalent to heavy-duty cargo e-bikes. In addition, Malisa includes front and rear baskets with the bike, so it’s ready to be the perfect electric cargo trike straight out of the box.
Overall, this is a solid choice if you want a fast electric trike with a huge payload capacity and don’t mind the extra cost.
Emojo Electric Tricycle for Adults
- Motor: 500W,
- Battery: 749Wh, 48V
- Gears: 7-speed
- Brakes: Mechanical disc
- Features: Two integrated baskets, fat tires, cruiser handlebars, seat with backrest
The Emojo Caddy is a fat tire electric trike equipped with baskets and comfort-focused components.
Firstly, you get a seat with a removable and adjustable backrest, a suspension seatpost, wide 4″ fat tires, swept-back handlebars, and a low-step frame. These features make for a smooth ride quality.
The Caddy weighs 90lb but has a low max capacity of 320lb, almost 100lb less than the similarly-priced RadTrike. Power comes from a 500W motor with a max speed of 20mph. This motor pairs with a 749Wh battery but only lasts up to 35 miles because of the inefficient fat tires and high weight.
Many reviewers of this bike complain about the time-consuming and challenging assembly process, so if you’re not a competent home mechanic, you may want to take it to a professional.
Consider the Emojo Caddy if you don’t require a high payload capacity and you want a cruiser-style electric tricycle for adults.
DWMEIGI 750W Adult Electric Trike
- Motor: Bafang 750W, 80Nm
- Battery: 874Wh, 48V
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano
- Brakes: Tektro MD300 mechanical discs
- Features: Fast charging, 58L waterproof storage bag included, puncture-resistant fat tires
The DWMEIGI MG1703 is another off-brand three-wheel electric bike with fat tires and a relatively high price.
This e-trike has a powerful Bafang hub motor with 80Nm of torque which can easily handle pulling heavy payloads. A large 874Wh battery can achieve up to 45 miles of range using the throttle only and 60 miles with pedal assistance.
The max capacity is below average, at just 330lb, but DWMEIGI includes front and rear baskets with a waterproof 58L bag for carrying your valuables.
The 4″ wide tires and fork suspension give this model plenty of shock absorption for riding on bumpy roads and light off-road tracks, but the mechanical disc brakes are underpowered for a heavy e-tricycle.
Many users complain about the MG1703’s complicated assembly process, so we recommend having it assembled by a professional if you’re not a competent home mechanic.
All things considered, this model is slightly overpriced compared to the other electric trikes for adults on this list, but it comes fully equipped and has a solid max range.
ADDMOTOR Electric Adult Trike
- Motor: Bafang 750W
- Battery: 960Wh, 48V
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano Altus
- Brakes: Tektro MD300 mechanical discs
- Features: 85-mile range, fat tires, 100lb rear basket capacity, seat with backrest
The ADDMOTOR M-360 is the only electric recumbent trike we’ve picked for our list of the best electric tricycles for adults.
This model is the ideal tricycle for seniors with disabilities thanks to the laid-back and relaxed ride quality with full support from a powerful electric motor and large battery.
ADDMOTOR chose a padded seat with a backrest and long rider-facing handlebars to put you in the perfect position for a day in the saddle. The 4″ fat tires also help absorb road vibrations and enhance the ride quality.
The M-360’s electronics are impressive, featuring 750W of power that will take you up to 22mph and easily flatten any hills. Unfortunately, most of the bike’s weight is over the rear wheel, meaning the powerful front-wheel drive can cause traction issues, so be careful on steep slopes or loose terrain. The 960Wh battery lasts up to 85 miles on one charge.
As a recumbent trike, the M-360 isn’t compatible with a front basket, but it has a 100lb-capacity rear basket and a 350lb total payload capacity.
Choose the ADDMOTOR M-360 if you want one of the best electric trikes for seniors or those with disabilities, and don’t mind the higher price tag.
Buying Guide for the Best Electric Tricycles for Adults
Electric tricycles for adults are ideal for riders with limited mobility, impaired balance, or who aren’t comfortable navigating busy areas on two wheels. However, the different designs and specs can make deciding tricky. This section will detail the characteristics and features to look out for when choosing an adult electric trike.
Payload Capacity
One of the major draws of an electric tricycle for adults is the ability to haul heavy cargo loads without worrying about stability. The space between the two rear wheels also increases surface area for adding a large basket than can hold your items.
The bikes on our list can support 320lb up to 440lb. However, each rack has its own weight capacity, so it’s important to factor this into your decision. Heavier riders should choose a model with a higher total payload capacity, so they’re not limited when carrying cargo.
If you’re a fan of the best electric cargo bikes for their carrying capacity but want more stability, an e-trike is a better choice.
Comfort Features
Comfort is another universal characteristic of adult electric trikes. Most models come with a comfortable padded seat with a backrest that allows you to sit back and upright in a completely relaxed position.
The small-diameter wheels typically used on e-trikes transfer much more road chatter, so another valuable feature is high-volume tires that can absorb road vibrations.
There is one recumbent model among our list of seven electric adult trikes. This design is incredibly comfortable and even more accessible for riders with limited mobility.
Range
Throttle mode is almost ubiquitous on e-trikes sold in the US. The throttle allows you to start easily from a stopped position and use the tricycle as a mobility device akin to an electric scooter.
The problem with throttle use is that it uses the battery quickly, so if you expect to use the throttle regularly, choose an electric tricycle with a higher max range. Models like the DWMEIGI MG1703 and ADDMOTOR M-360 have high max ranges.
Motor Position and Speed Limit
Most electric tricycle motors are positioned in the front wheel’s hub. However, the Lectric XP Trike uses rear-wheel drive, and the Buzz Cerana T has a mid-drive motor.
The position of the motor in the front wheel and the rear-heavy weight distribution of electric tricycles means it can be hard to get traction on loose surfaces or steep hills, especially if conditions are wet. This effect is compounded for high-power motors such as the 750W hubs used on some of the models on our list.
Another consideration is the speed limit of the tricycle. Brands like Rad Power Bikes and Lectric limit their electric trikes to 14mph to ensure the safety of their riders. Tricycles are unstable when turning at speed, so riding over 20mph can be dangerous. Thankfully, you can usually modify the max speed of your motor through the settings in the display.
We wrote more about this in our hub motors vs. mid-drive motors guide, so consider checking it out if you want to learn more.
Baskets and Extra Accessories
As you’ve seen in our list of the best electric trikes for adults, most of these products come with pre-installed cargo baskets, so you’re ready to run errands when the bike arrives. Some brands even include a waterproof bag or a basket liner.
Rad Power Bikes chose to ship its RadTrike without any accessories, but it has a wider range of purpose-built options to purchase from its online store, allowing greater personalization for different jobs.
FAQ
What Are the Benefits of an Electric Tricycle Compared to a Traditional Bicycle?
An electric tricycle has three distinct benefits over a traditional bike. Firstly, the extra wheel removes the need to balance and worry about stability when it’s loaded with cargo.
E-trikes also have higher load capacities and more space to carry cargo. Lastly, the relaxed ride position and seat with a backrest make riding a tricycle more comfortable than a traditional bike.
Are There Any Legal Requirements for Riding an Electric Tricycle?
Yes, there are legal requirements for riding an e-trike, but there are no additional legal requirements for riding an electric tricycle compared to a standard electric bike. They are subject to the same three-class system and state-by-state regulations that apply.
For example, some states have a minimum age requirement of 16 or 18 years old for riding an e-bike. Read more about this in our E-Bike Classes Guide.
Are There Any Safety Concerns When Riding an Electric Tricycle?
Yes, there is one major safety concern when riding an electric tricycle. The extra wheel creates a much more stable base when riding in a straight line.
However, this makes it unsafe to corner at speed, so you must slow down significantly when taking corners. Otherwise, the outside wheel will lift off the ground, potentially causing you to topple.
How Far Can an Electric Tricycle Go on a Single Charge?
An electric tricycle can go up to 85 miles on a single charge, based on the longest-range model we found, the ADDMOTOR M-360. However, the average range is much lower if you use throttle mode and carry extra cargo.
What Kind of Maintenance Do Electric Tricycles Require?
Electric trikes for adults have similar maintenance requirements to standard electric bikes, such as regular cleaning and lubrication, maintenance of the battery level above 20% (ideally), regular pumping of tires, adjustment of mechanical disc brakes, or bleeding of hydraulic discs.
What Kind of Terrain Can an Electric Tricycle Handle?
Electric tricycles are only suitable for use on pavement or very light gravel or dirt paths without steep gradients or tight turns because they aren’t maneuverable.
In addition, they’re bulky and lack traction due to the irregular weight distribution and placement of the motor. These characteristics do not lend well to off-road riding.
Are Electric Tricycles Suitable for People with Disabilities?
Yes, electric bicycles are suitable for people with some disabilities. For example, those with limited mobility or issues with balance will be able to ride an e-trike thanks to the extra stability and accessible ride position. However, this is highly specific to the disabled individual and their capabilities.
How Can I Choose the Best Electric Tricycle for My Needs?
To choose the best electric trike for adults, consider what you need it for, how long you plan to ride, where you will go, if you want a throttle, and how much weight it needs to be able to support. Pay attention to payload capacity, max range, tire width, motor position, and accessory compatibility.
Want to ride an e-trike? This model from Sixthreezero is tons of fun
The tricycle never really took off. With all do respect to the tiny bikes for toddlers and motorcycle sidecars, the three-wheeler never really went mainstream. But there’s a new electric trike in town looking to change the way we view the bike with an extra wheel.
The bike in question is the EVRYjourney electric tricycle from Sixthreezero. Combing through the marketing material, it’s easy to assume this model is for women as that’s pretty much all that’s pictured on the website, but it’s not gender specific (the sloped frame does resemble the rather antiquated “traditional” women’s frame, originally built to handle dresses). than anything, being a trike, it’s more for the kid residing in us.
Which brings up a point: riding a tricycle is different than riding a bicycle and that becomes abundantly clear right away. There’s more of a lateral wobble to the trike, which makes sense given your wider set. It takes some getting used to, but it won’t take long. Turning is a different animal, as traditional cyclists like to pedal into a turn. With a trike, you’ll want to slow into more turns to keep all three wheels grounded. Once you get the feel of it, riding the EVRYjourney is a breeze.
What we like about it
There’s a lot to like about this trike. For starters, it looks sharp. Looks aren’t everything but when you’re dealing in the realm of the tricycle — again, most synonymous with toddler toys — that added cool factor appeals to the adult rider. The synthetic leather accents, multitude of frame colors, and white-walled tires all add style points.
The battery life is impressive. Not only does it charge quickly, but a full pack will likely get you at least 30 miles, if not 40-plus. The wheels seems clumsy and oversized at first, but after tackling some gravel and grass, we learned to really appreciate them. The fenders too, while stylish, make this trike great in all conditions (the display did just find in the rain).
You won’t be breaking any land speed records on this tricycle but the 250-watt front wheel motor delivers enough pep and tops out around 16 MPH. The throttle is responsive, the display functions are easy to navigate and fairly useful, and there are five levels of pedal assist. Things are equally smooth when going manual, as there are seven gears to help you along the way.
We like the basket, which is large enough to carry a pup, large cooler, or a reasonable amount of groceries. The motor is quiet, keeping the ride peaceful, and the ride is a comfortable one. There’s a lot that can be adjusted, which is especially great if you’re sharing the bike and passing it from one rider to another. With the included toolkit, one can easily adjust everything the seat orientation to the handlebar angle.
What we like less about it
Right out of the gate, the trike takes some pretty heavy assembly. That’s a reasonable price to pay for having the thing shipped in a convenient and surprisingly-narrow box right to your door, but it’s still worth noting. Those with zero mechanical aptitude will be viewing and reviewing short tutorial videos from the brand while putting the thing together. This writer has a reasonable amount of bike tuning experience and it still took a good couple of hours to get it all prepped. But the good news is that once it’s ready to go, there’s little to do after that besides enjoy the ride and charge the battery when needed.
One other issue is the shear size and weight of the model. While it’s hard to imagine remedying this in any way (smaller wheels would look silly, not sure you could find a lighter motor, thinner frame perhaps?), it does present some issues, namely in the form of storage. The trike is large enough it sort of needs it’s own parking space. It’s not the simplest thing to tote in and out of the house, so consider having a designated spot for it and get a lock that can handle the larger build.
The bike huffs and puffs a bit dealing with hills of any significance so keep your surroundings in mind. It does its best work on flatter terrain. It would be cool if the cords could be less obvious, or even wired internally in a future model, but this is more of a tip going forward than a real complaint.
Some final thoughts
While it’s easy to say this is mostly cut out for a retiree living in Palm Springs, the e-trike is a workhorse and a great commuter bike. While sizable, it’s a good-looking bike that can do everything a quality cruiser bike can and more. We like it not for its technical ability or speed but for its aesthetic, utilitarian nature, and breezy ease of use. This is a genuinely fun ride that has summer written all over it. than a trike, it’s an electric tricycle and an adult tricycle in one, built for carefree cruising.
Curious about the best bikes on the market? See what else we like for 2023. Razor has a new e-bike and we cover electric mountain bikes too. So grab your helmet and get pedaling.
Electric Assist
Electric recumbent trikes allow you to enjoy longer rides and extend your workout time. It takes less effort than riding a normal bike so you can go further faster and can conquer rough terrain, hills, and distances for the ultimate recumbent trike experience.
Featured Best selling Alphabetically, A-Z Alphabetically, Z-A Price, low to high Price, high to low Date, old to new Date, new to old
Take charge and harness the potential of electric assist without sacrificing quality or your wallet.
TerraTrike’s latest Electric Vehicle Option, the E.V.O., is powered by the powerful Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor and the PowerPack 400Wh battery. With a whisper-quiet motor capable of 65Nm of torque, this system is wickedly fun.
Bigger isn’t always better, at least when we talk about recumbent trikes. When it comes to the Catrike. a small frame doesn’t mean small features.
The Villager brings together engineering and innovation into one easy-to-use machine.
Go farther, faster, and with greater ease aboard an eCAT. The sense of freedom that comes with taking the path less traveled can be yours with just a pedal stroke of a Catrike Expedition.
At the heart of the Trail, there are features and design that makes this Catrike perfect for almost any rider.
Go farther, faster, and with greater ease aboard an eCAT. The innovative Catrike 5.5.9 is a premium Grand Touring Catrike. Experience high performance and spirited long-distance rides with extraordinary comfort.
Go farther, faster, and with greater ease aboard an eCAT. Catrike’s 16 years of engineering and experience have come together to create the Dumont. The Dumont is a folding, fully suspended Catrike with a 26″ rear wheel.
FREE TRIKE BUYING GUIDE
This Buying Guide Will Help You:
About Electric Assist on Recumbent Trikes
If you want to enjoy the experience of a recumbent trike but you have issues when it comes to keeping it going with your own leg power, electric assist may be precisely what you need. With an electric recumbent trike, you can enjoy longer rides and lengthen your workout times with a little boost from an electric motor. With electric assist, you can still enjoy all the benefits that a recumbent trike has to offer, but you don’t have to miss out on conquering rough terrain, hills, or longer distances because you can get a boost when you need it.
As the name suggests, electric assist helps you out when you need a little extra power, but it doesn’t use the electric motor all the time. You still have to use your own muscles and can still get a great workout. If you’re getting older and haven’t been able to ride in the same areas you did before, or you’re having trouble keeping up to your group, an electric recumbent trike is a great solution. Electric assist lets you exert yourself as much as you’d like while making it easier to travel the routes and trails you choose. There’s less stress on your body with an electric recumbent trike because you get to choose when to push harder and when to ease off and let the electric motor take over.
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Rad Power Bikes launches RadTrike, first major e-bike maker with affordable 3-wheeler
Seattle-based electric bicycle manufacturer Rad Power Bikes has just unveiled its latest model, the RadTrike. Expanding upon Rad’s extensive line of diverse two-wheeled electric bicycles, the RadTrike offers a new three-wheeler option designed to open the door to a wider range of riders.
How much does the RadTrike cost?
Priced at 2,499, the RadTrike might not sound very budget-level when compared against the company’s other bikes starting at nearly half that price.
But compared to most electric trikes, it’s a deal.
I was recently riding a 3,100 electric trike, and my sister’s electric trike that she uses to tote around her kids costs an even pricier 3,800. Don’t even get me started on the fancier options that can easily range from 5K–8K.
But not only is the new RadTrike perhaps the most affordable electric trike available from a major manufacturer, but it’s also finally offering what it says is “the single most requested model in Rad’s history.”
Rad Power Bikes has long been a favorite among returning riders – those that enjoyed riding bicycles decades ago but have since given it up due to the exertion required.
Electric bicycles make it easier to ride thanks to an assist motor that lets riders use less pedaling effort (or no pedaling effort if they elect to use the hand throttle).
But for riders who lack not just the strength to pedal by themselves but also the balance required by a two-wheeled bike, electric trikes can be the perfect solution.
That was a big part of the inspiration behind the RadTrike, as Rad Power Bikes senior product manager Sarah Bruce Courtney explained:
To some, two wheels is daunting and prohibitive. That’s why we created RadTrike. It was engineered specifically for comfort and stability but designed for fun and adventure. It was thoughtfully crafted so those who simply haven’t ridden a bike in a while, struggle with balance, or face mobility challenges can ride Rad with friends and family. Now, these individuals can ride to the grocery store, cruise around their neighborhood, or pursue new outdoor activities.
Who is it for?
But the RadTrike isn’t just for older riders or those with mobility issues. As Mike Radenbaugh explained on a call with Electrek, he envisions the three-wheeler being used in a number of roles ranging from leisure to utility.
And with the ability to load up baskets on the front and back of the trike with heavy cargo (and not having to balance that tippy load on just two wheels), e-trikes have the added benefit of serving as ultra-stable cargo platforms.
The RadTrike is designed with that stability in mind. When looking at early pictures of the bike, I commented to Mike that it seemed to be wider in the rear than other e-trikes I’ve seen. He explained that they designed it to be as wide as possibility for stability while still fitting through a standard exterior door.
The 18″ wheels also offer a compromise between the compactness of 16″ wheels and the better ride quality of larger 20″ wheels.
Speaking of compactness, the RadTrike is designed to fold. That makes it easier to store in a tight space or transport in a vehicle. It can fold in half like a typical folding e-bike, but if riders only need to get it into the back of a minivan or SUV, then the handlebars can be folded down to lower the height of the bike during transport.
RadTrike design features
Other familiar e-bike parts that we’ve seen on other Rad bikes are the five levels of pedal assist as well as throttle control. Though on the RadTrike, pedal-assist level 1 is designed to be extra slow and match an average walking pace. That allows someone riding a RadTrike to pedal along while still keeping pace with their walking partner.
The single-speed setup is optimized for a more typical trike speed or around 8-12 mph (13-20 km/h), though the bike can reach a top speed of 14 mph (22.5 km/h). That might sound slow compared to the rest of Rad’s 20 mph (32 km/h) e-bikes, but trust me when I tell you that everything feels faster on a trike. In fact, everything feels tippier too, which is why the speed is lower. Slowing down for turns is an important part of riding a trike to ensure that all the wheels stay firmly planted on the ground. The extra wide design of the RadTrike combined with the smaller wheel size create a lower center of gravity that helps increase its stability, but that still doesn’t mean anyone should try to turn this thing at 20 mph.
Some other unique parts on the RadTrike are a reverse feature, a 750W front wheel motor, a parking brake (since the lack of a kickstand means it could theoretically roll away if parked on a hill) as well as a coaster brake in the rear. An updated design is implemented for the 48V 10.4Ah battery pack, including a more precise 10-segment state-of-charge readout on the battery case.
There’s no suspension on the bike, but it’s also designed for smoother paths. This certainly isn’t an off-roading trike with fat tires — it’s a bike lane trike. Plus the steel frame has more flex than rigid aluminum frames, which should add a bit more absorption on bumps.
The removable battery is said to offer a range of 20-35 miles (32-56 km), and the comfy seat with backrest should make those miles quite pleasurable as well.
With a payload capacity of 415 pounds (188 kg), the RadTrike can fit both larger riders and a pile of cargo. It is also compatible with a large amount of Rad’s existing accessory line, including many of the cargo basket accessories, so riders will be able to haul around groceries and gear right from the start.
They won’t have to wait long either, as the RadTrike is already available to order for 2,499 with inventory ready to ship out in mid-January. Those wanting to take a test ride can find the RadTrike in stock at Rad’s flagship stores in Seattle; Brooklyn, NY; Huntington Beach, CA; Salt Lake City; and soon in St. Petersburg, FL.
Electrek’s Take
Yes, sign me up! I know it might sound strange but I actually love electric trikes. I see them as the pickup trucks or the SUVs of the e-bike world (without the egregious waste of resources of those actual vehicles).
They take bicycle parts and combine them into something that can comfortably haul around so much more.
Top comment by Paulywood
I think that 15 mph is plenty fast for a trike. I also would like to mention that having a parking brake is a must and I’m glad that they included it. I really think that a enclosed Basket in the back with a locking lid would make a lot more sense than what I’ve seen on here. The fact that it Folds in half and also that the handlebars fold down is awesome. I would like to see them make it so that you could stand it up on the back wheels as well and save even more room in your garage. The fact that it’s a front hub motor seems kind of primitive. Right now I consider a really high value trike The Buzz tricycle. It has a lot of features for the price. Mine got delivered for a thousand less than this bike I’m very happy with it.
Rad is being very careful to shy away from calling the RadTrike a kid-carrying vehicle, which I understand from the liability side. But at the same time, that’s going to be a HUGE feature for something like this. Where I live in Tel Aviv, it’s common to see parents riding an e-trike for school drop-off with two or three kids on a bench on back. I’ve even seen four kids with a dad on an e-trike (the smallest child was on a front-mounted child seat). Around here e-trikes are just treated as an obvious choice for a second vehicle. If one parent is already out with the family car, then the other parent can do after-school pickup on the trike.
Obviously you have to ride extra safely when you have kids on board, but in that sense the RadTrike could be a huge opportunity to legitimately replace a second family car with an e-bike (err, e-trike).
And of course when you factor in all that cargo space for grocery runs and other gear-intensive trips, this thing is a no-brainer.
So while it’s definitely going to be a nice option for the elderly and balance-impaired, don’t count it out as a totally normal e-bike for those that just want a bigger pedal vehicle for carrying more stuff. Like I said, the RadTrike is the SUV of the e-bike world.
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