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Nov 25, 2024
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Just like their two-wheel siblings, e-trikes feature a host of nifty components that can really customize your ride. However, unlike two-wheel e-bikes, e-trikes have three wheels that offer riders greater stability at lower speeds, making e-trikes the top choice for seniors or other adults who have special mobility needs.
E-trikes have specific capabilities and limitations related to speed, handling, and range. Keep this in mind as you compare the different trike models and consider how each might meet your needs. For example, an electric trike that’s lighter and sits lower may be more important to you than one with longer range or greater cargo-carrying capacity.
If your primary need isn’t riding-related, you might prioritize having a trike that’s easy to transport in a vehicle and/or easy to store at your house. Depending on where you live, you may prefer a trike with a narrow enough width to fit through your doorway.
As you read our selections for 2024’s best electric tricycles, you might get more ideas and have more questions. We’ve included links on our best electric trikes page that will take you to our in-depth reviews and provide more information on each model.
Our Best Electric Trikes for 2024
*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
If you’re looking for a trike on a limited budget, the Lectric XP Trike has some great features and offers great value for the money. Actually, it’s just plain great and happens to be available on the cheap!
As a well-known leader in the electric bike world, Lectric’s XP Trike rewrote the rules on how to make an e-trike more affordable. The XP Trike is priced at around $1500, making this the most affordable option on our best e-trikes list.
Lectric crafted a unique and cost-effective drivetrain design with a 500W hub motor mounted between the rear wheels. The motor drives a short chain connected to a differential axle, which slows down the inside wheel on turns. This clever design creates a balanced center of gravity and provides a better feel than a front-hub motor while being far less costly than a mid-drive.
The Lectric XP Trike fits riders who are 5’4” to 6’1” and has a total payload capacity of 415 lbs, including up to 330 lbs for the rider. The trike can carry up to 75 lbs on its rear rack and up to 35 lbs when outfitted with an optional front rack. It also comes with the folding frame feature Lectric is known for, which reduces its size to 38.5″L x 30.5″W x 30″H when folded.
Providing additional safety for new riders and folks who have been away from bikes for a while, the XP Trike has a default mode that limits the trike to a five mph top speed while you get the hang of riding. You can easily switch out of the mode, unlocking it to a safe and controlled maximum speed of 12 mph.
We like the emphasis on safety to help ease riders into electrified trikes, especially since they perform best at milder speeds when cornering.
The XP Trike is a dependable and highly affordable e-trike that proves mobility doesn’t have to be expensive!
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Pro’s- With its price of around $1500, this is one of the most affordable quality e-trikes on the market.
- It has a stable ride and good handling thanks to the 2-wheel drive differential.
- Smooth power output comes from the uniquely designed placement of the 500W hub motor.
- A folding frame makes it easy to load into a car or SUV or store in smaller spots.
- We recorded an impressive maximum range of 53 miles in our testing!
Con’s- Leg extension for taller rides will be on the short side, but it shouldn’t be a big deal with help from the motor.
Fewer names are bigger in the electrified bike world than Rad Power Bikes. With years of experience making excellent, high-quality e-bikes, it is clear that they put a great deal of effort and care into their first electric trike.
Rad designed the RadTrike using smaller 18-inch wheels and a simplified powerband that uses a front wheel hub motor. The 750W front-hub motor generates up to 85 Nm of torque, making it powerful enough to carry heavy loads and climb steep hills.
Case in point: the weight capacity for the rider is 325 lbs, while the rear basket can carry up to 60 lbs, and the front basket has a capacity of 30 lbs. The trike’s total payload capacity is not to exceed 415 lbs.
A 10 Ah (480 Wh) battery powers the motor; this power pack gave us a range of up to 58 miles in our testing. Stopping power comes from a simplified brake system, using a mechanical front disc brake and a powerful rear coaster brake. A simple single-speed drivetrain also makes the RadTrike easy to operate, while its top speed is capped at 14 mph for safety.
The RadTrike has excellent handling and stability. Its rear wheels are set as wide as possible while still fitting through a door frame, and its tire size keeps the trike’s center of gravity low for better balance when cornering.
Riders can appreciate the ease of stepping on and off this low-sitting bike, along with its solid and easy-to-maneuver steel frame. The fold-down handlebar makes it easier to transport and store when not in use, and the frame itself can split (with tools), allowing it to fit in smaller spaces.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Pro’s- It’s a stable, affordable e-trike for those who can’t ride on two wheels.
- The RadTrike’s comfort exceeded our expectations thanks to the adjustable height of the backrest, the front & back adjusting seat, and the BMX-style highrise handlebars with soft grips.
- It feels very stable when traveling at speed thanks to the low center of gravity in the design. If you keep your MPH low on corners (which you should on any trike), it takes turns well, too.
- The RadTrike fits through a normal door! With a folding down handlebar and removable seat post, the trike is portable and stashable.
- A reverse throttle function makes the RadTrike highly maneuverable when pulling in and out of tight spaces.
Con’s- The RadTrike’s display clearly shows your PAS level and the 10-bar battery indicator, but we wish there was a speedometer (we recommend a phone mount and a speedometer app in the meantime).
With classic looks, an extremely high payload capacity, and an affordable price tag, the Retrospec Boca Rev Electric Tricycle is an excellent option for three-wheeled mobility.
Like the XP Trike, the Boca Rev features a centrally-mounted 500W hub motor that drives its rear wheels via a differential axle. The trike has a total of six pedal assist settings with speed limits ranging from 4 mph to the trike’s maximum speed of 14 mph. As a Class 2 trike, it also features a throttle for an effort-free ride.
The Boca Rev is designed for riders from 5’5” to 6’4” and features a step-thru design with a standover height of 17.5 inches. It also boasts an incredibly high payload capacity of up to 500 lbs, with up to 350 lbs allotted to its rider. The trike includes a rear cargo basket and is mounted on the head tube for an optional front basket.
We found the Boca Rev trike to be comfortable, functional, and simple to operate. The thick saddle and padded backrest made for an enjoyable seating position. The trike also features fenders, integrated lights, and a chain guard.
With a single-speed drivetrain and a cadence sensor, the ride is easy and relaxing. We also liked that the trike’s knobby tires opened up the ability to ride on paved and smooth unpaved surfaces.
Full Review Coming Soon | Video Review Coming Soon
Pro’s- A 500W motor provides the power for an easy ride, whether pedaling uphill and/or carrying cargo.
- The motor’s position between the rear wheels allows both to provide traction.
- The Boca Rev’s speeds are easily controlled with 6 different assist levels and speed limits.
- A 500-lb total payload capacity is one of the highest we’ve seen!
- The trike’s frame folds, and its stem collapses to make it portable and storable.
Con’s- We liked the trike’s saddle but would have preferred the ability to adjust the forward/backward position of the backrest.
Sixthreezero Easy Transit 750W Folding Electric Trike
With a name like the Easy Transit 750W Folding Electric Trike, we expected this tricycle to be easy to move, capable of hauling weight, and able to climb hills. We were not disappointed!
As with all transportable trikes, the Easy Transit requires an extra set of hands, but it’s one of the lighter options we’ve tested, with a weight of 73 pounds once the battery is removed. With a folding frame and a collapsible stem, its size can be reduced to a more manageable package.
With its 750W front hub motor, the Easy Transit has one of the fastest climbing times for an electric trike in our Hill Test. With a weight capacity of up to 350 lbs, we expect its uphill power to be effective at moving a full payload wherever you need it to go.
We liked the Easy Transit for its climbing ability and portability, as well as its accessible frame and stable ride. The bike’s 16” wheels keep both its center of gravity and its standover height (13.5”) low, which helps it to feel less tippy than taller trikes when cornering, and makes it a great choice for riders with limited range of motion.
Other appreciated features were the 7-speed drivetrain (many others we’ve tested were single-speeds), a reverse throttle for maneuvering, its incredibly wide height range of 4’6” to 6’5”, and its slightly higher-than-average speed limit of 16 mph.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Pro’s- The Easy Transit is great for anyone needing a high degree of accessibility. It has one of the lowest standover heights we have seen at 13.5”.
- The ride felt extremely stable thanks to the 16” wheels and resulting low center of gravity.
- It conquered our test hill easily, thanks to the 750W rear hub motor.
- The rider height range is impressive, fitting riders from 4’6” to 6’5”.
- It can be pedaled easily with little or no motor power, thanks to the 7-speed drivetrain.
Con’s- We turned up a handful of the trike’s parts after assembly. If you’re not good with tools, you might need to consider getting help from a bike mechanic.
If it isn’t clear from the photo, the Sixthreezero Rickshaw isn’t your average electric tricycle. With a fully integrated, padded bench seat that can hold multiple passengers, the Rickshaw can carry up to a maximum of 500 lbs. It’s designed to be able to bring all the kids along for a ride—and even offers some commercial use potential.
The trike is powered by a powerful 750W front-hub motor paired with an impressive 48V, 1008-Wh battery. It offers a total of five assist levels spanning a range of speeds from roughly nine mph to 16 mph. We achieved over 48 miles of range in our testing (though we expect less potential when carrying passengers).
While many of the e-trikes on this list have relied on single-speed drivetrains, we appreciated that the Rickshaw was specced with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. This wider range of gears gives riders more versatility in managing various grades when the trike is loaded down.
The Rickshaw includes a coil suspension fork and 24×4” fat tires to provide comfort and traction. Versatile knobby tires give riders the ability to travel on paved and unpaved surfaces alike.
We liked the Rickshaw for its sheer uniqueness, but we also appreciated its comfortable ride; the back seat felt roomy even for 6’1” adult passengers! Its potential uses are decidedly more niche than more traditional trikes, but we happily recommend it for those seeking a way to move multiple children, disabled family members, large pets, and more.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Pro’s- The sheer fact that the Rickshaw can carry additional passengers separates it from many other e-trikes on the market.
- A huge payload capacity of up to 500 lbs means that multiple passengers can be carried.
- While the Rickshaw is large and heavy, this weight goes to good use by keeping it firmly on the ground.
- We found the back seat comfortable, roomy, and safe—it even includes a seat belt.
- The Rickshaw has a suspension fork and fat tires to add cushion and comfort to the ride.
Con’s- Considering the Rickshaw’s purpose, we encourage Sixthreezero to upgrade to 180-mm brake rotors and potentially a hydraulic disc system.
Honorable Mention: AddMotor CITYTRI E-310
*Photo Credit: AddMotor
The AddMotor CITYTRI E-310 stood out for a powerful rear axle motor (750W) and a massive 960Wh battery.
It also had great build quality. Everything seemed well put together, and while we feel most trikes should go slower, the 20 mph top speed of this one seems like it was built to handle it.
Riders can get a trike with one of three different tire sizes to best accommodate sizing needs. It’s rare to see different tire sizes offered on one e-trike model.
While we’re eagerly awaiting our test model for official data, we had enough fun with it at Sea Otter to feel comfortable enough to recommend readers check this one out as well.
Full Review Coming Soon | Video Review Coming Soon
How We ChoseThe Best Electric Tricycles
- Safety: First and foremost, we want to recommend trikes that have a good reputation for being safe. Many riders choose a trike because they have special needs tied to an injury, disability, or age. That means these riders might be more at risk riding a trike that isn’t as safe as the other trikes available.
- Performance: All of the trikes we recommend feature power plants and drivetrains that can meet rider needs while also giving them fun experiences. We’ve considered factors like powerful motors that can accelerate, cruise, and carry cargo; batteries that enable the trike to travel at least 40 miles; drivetrains that can handle weight and work well within the trike design; brakes that stop quickly and safely; and suspension and other operation components that give the rider comfortable and an enjoyable experience.
- Quality Build: We are selecting trikes that we have tested and we know are designed and built well. That means we have confirmed the quality of the bike, that they feature quality components, and that they were designed and built by expert e-bike builders.
- Easy Operation: Trikes can seem difficult to operate for someone who has never ridden one. For riders who have mobility issues, this can make it even harder for them to trust riding an e-trike, let alone riding one together. We picked bikes that are among the easiest for anyone to ride.
Bottom line: If Two Wheels Won’t Do, Then Try Three
Before your first ride on an e-trike, make sure you have a good understanding of all the controls and safe operating methods. Also, be sure to check out the owner’s manual before you ride. All e-trikes listed have manuals you can download in PDF format or helpful videos for safe assembly and operation.
We recommend sticking to low power when you ride your new trike for the first time. The technique for riding a trike is different from riding a bike, so riders who are transitioning from a bike to a trike might feel like they are learning to ride all over again. That’s okay! Practice makes perfect, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Consider best safety practices, including wearing a helmet and wearing high-visibility clothing when you ride. We recommend you check local regulations and guidelines regarding the use of e-trikes, as they may vary depending on your jurisdiction. Always remember, trikes are not meant to go fast nor be ridden abruptly – take your time and enjoy the ride!
If you decide to purchase one of these trikes, please use the links for pricing found throughout the article. It supports our work here at the Electric Bike Report and enables us to continue testing and reporting the latest updates on electric trikes and bikes.
Have a trike that you think would be a good contender for our best electric trikes page? Let us know in the comment section below. We always want to know what our readers are riding!
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