E-trikes are rapidly gaining in popularity due to their increased availability and unique benefits. Our picks for what is the best 3 wheel electric bike for adults have been personally tested for 2024.
Each electric trike has features that make it stand out among others. The key is to identify your top needs when choosing the right e-trike for you.
E-trikes come with a host of nifty components that can really customize your ride. Unlike two-wheel electric bikes, e-trikes have three wheels which provide riders with greater stability at lower speeds.
This makes them a perfect choice for seniors or adults with special mobility needs. E-trikes truly shine in this regard, opening up new transportation opportunities that their riders may not have had otherwise.
When selecting an e-trike, it is essential to consider its specific capabilities and limitations. These include aspects related to speed, handling, and range. It’s important to compare the different models to see which one meets your requirements.
Some e-trikes are lighter and sit lower, which might be more important to some users than having a trike with a longer range or greater cargo-carrying capacity. Additionally, think about how easy it is to transport the trike in your vehicle, or whether it can be stored at your house. A narrow width might also be crucial if you need the trike to fit through your doorway.
Rad Power Bikes RadTrike
In the world of electrified bikes, few names are as big as Rad Power Bikes. They leveraged their extensive experience to create the RadTrike, a trike that truly hits all the high notes. The design features smaller 18-inch wheels and a simplified powerband with a front wheel hub motor. Riders will appreciate the ease of stepping on and off this low-sitting, easy-to-maneuver, light frame.
The 750 watt front-hub motor provides up to 85 Nm of torque, making it powerful enough for heavy loads and steep hills. The weight capacity is impressive, with the rider able to carry up to 325 lbs, the rear basket up to 60 lbs, and the front basket up to 30 lbs, for a total payload of 415 lbs.
Handling the RadTrike is smooth thanks to its extended rear wheel base, allowing it to fit through a door frame while maintaining a low center of gravity for better balance. The smaller tire size enhances this balance. It’s also easy to hop on and off, and the fold-down handlebar makes it simple to transport and store.
Powering the motor is a 10 Ah (480 Wh) battery that delivers a range of 58 miles on a test ride. Stopping power is ensured by a simplified brake system with a mechanical front disc brake, 180mm rotor, and a rear coaster brake. The single-speed drivetrain adds to the ease of use.
For safety, Rad caps the top speed at 14 mph, and the RadTrike meets safety certification guidelines set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Rad also offers three different kits to customize your rack/basket combo for your hauling needs. While it may not be as affordable as the XP Trike, the RadTrike offers a solid, refined feeling and remains less expensive than most electric trikes, making it the best value in its class.
Pro’s
The RadTrike is a stable and affordable e-trike designed for those who can’t ride on two wheels. Although it is not as affordable as the XP Trike, it is still one of the lower-priced and quality electric trikes available in the market. The comfort level of this trike exceeded our expectations with its adjustable height backrest, front and back adjusting seat, and BMX-style highrise handlebars with soft grips.
The RadTrike feels very stable when traveling at speed due to its low center of gravity design. It handles low MPH on corners well, making it safe and easy to navigate turns. This stability is a key feature for riders who prioritize balance and safety.
One of the standout features of the RadTrike is its ability to fit through a normal door. The folding handlebar and removable seat post make it highly portable and stashable. Compared to other trike designs, the RadTrike can fit in most SUVs, vans, and even sedans as it can be split into two pieces.
The RadTrike combines practical design with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for adults looking for a reliable and comfortable electric trike. Its portability, combined with its stable and adjustable design, makes it a versatile option for various transportation needs.
Con’s
The RadTrike’s display clearly shows the PAS level and the 10-bar battery indicator, making it easy to monitor your ride. However, we wish the trike had an MPH readout for more precise speed tracking. In the meantime, we recommend using a phone mount to keep an eye on your speed while riding.
Lectric XP Trike
If you’re on a limited budget and looking for an e-trike that offers great features and exceptional value for your money, the Lectric XP Trike might be the perfect choice. It’s not just available at a cheap price; it’s a well-known leader in the electric bike world.
The new XP Trike from Lectric eBike has completely rewrote the rules on making an affordable e-trike, with a price tag of around $1500, making it the most affordable option on our list of the best e-trikes.
One of the challenges in building an e-trike is the drivetrain, which can be the most expensive part of production. However, Lectric has crafted a unique and cost-effective design with a 500W hub motor that’s mounted on the frame behind the pedal crank.
This setup drives a short chain connected to the differential, which slows the inside wheel on turns, allowing the rider to maintain a balanced center of gravity. This design provides a better feel than traditional front-hub motor setups while being far less costly than mid-drive motor configurations.
The Lectric XP Trike is designed to fit riders between 5’4” and 6’1” in height. It also features a folding frame, which reduces its size to 38.5″L x 30.5″W x 30″H when folded.
With a maximum weight capacity of 415 lbs, this trike can carry a rider weighing up to 325 lbs, with an additional 35 lbs in the front basket and 75 lbs in the rear basket. However, it’s important to note that the maximum limit for the rider and both baskets cannot be reached at the same time.
For those new to e-trikes or returning to biking after a long break, the XP Trike offers additional safety features. It has a default mode that limits the trike to a top speed of 5 mph while you get the hang of riding. You can easily switch out of this mode through the settings, but the emphasis on safety helps ease riders into using electrified trikes, which perform best at mild speeds.
In terms of mobility, the XP Trike is both dependable and affordable, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy riding without breaking the bank. Its thoughtful design and practical features are why it leads our list of the best electric tricycles.
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Pro’s
- With a current price around $1500, the Lectric XP Trike is one of the most affordable and quality e-trikes on the market.
- It offers a stable ride and good handling thanks to the 2-wheel drive differential that ensures smooth turns.
- The smooth power output comes from the uniquely designed placement of the 500W hub motor between the pedal crank and differential.
- The folding frame makes it easier to load into a car or SUV and allows for convenient transport and store in smaller spots.
Con’s
- For taller rides, the leg extension might be on the short side, but it’s not a big deal with the motor help that makes pedaling easier and more comfortable.
Sixthreezero Easy Transit 750W Folding Electric Trike
The Sixthreezero Easy Transit 750W Folding Electric Trike lives up to its name, offering everything you’d expect from a tricycle that’s easy to move and capable of hauling weight while tackling hills.
We were not disappointed with its performance. This transportable trike stands out among the lighter options we’ve tested, weighing in at 73 pounds once the battery is removed. Its folding frame and collapsible stem allow the size to be reduced into a manageable package for easy storage and transport.
Powered by a 750W front hub motor, the Easy Transit impressed us with some of the fastest climbing times in our Hill Test for an electric trike. With a weight capacity of 350 lbs, it can efficiently handle full loads on steep inclines, where you need to be. We especially liked its climbing ability, portability, and the accessible frame that ensures a stable ride.
The bike’s 16” wheels keep the center of gravity and standover height low at 13.5”, making it feel less tippy than taller trikes when cornering. This makes the Easy Transit a great choice for riders with a limited range of motion.
The appreciated features don’t stop there; the trike also comes with a 7-speed drivetrain, unlike many others we’ve tested which were single-speeds. The reverse throttle is perfect for maneuvering, and its incredibly wide height range from 4’6” to 6’5” caters to a variety of riders.
Additionally, the higher-than-average speed limit of 16 mph adds a little extra excitement to your ride, making the Easy Transit a versatile and practical option for those seeking a reliable and easy-to-use electric trike.
Pro’s
- Ideal for those who require high reach, it boasts the lowest standover height at 13.5”.
- The ride feels extremely stable due to the 16” wheels and low center of gravity.
- It easily tackled our test hull powered by a 750W rear hub motor, and accommodated riders from 4’6″ to 6’5″.
- It can be pedaled easily with little or no motor power due to the 7-speed drivetrain.
Con’s
- When considering the Sixthreezero Easy Transit 750W Folding Electric Trike, it’s important to note that after assembly, you might need to tune a handful of the trike’s parts to ensure everything is working perfectly. If you’re not particularly good with tools, you may want to consider getting help from a bike mechanic to make sure the setup is done correctly.
Honorable Mention: AddMotor CITYTRI E-310
At the Sea Otter Classic this year, we were pleasantly surprised by one of our most memorable cycling encounters—an electric trike rather than the usual e-bike. The AddMotor CITYTRI E-310 stood out with its powerful rear axle motor (750W) and a massive 960Wh battery, making it a strong contender in the world of e-trikes.
The build quality of this trike is truly great. Everything feels well put together, and although many trikes are designed to go slower, this one has a top speed of 20 mph and feels like it was built to handle it effortlessly. Riders can choose from three different tire sizes to best accommodate their sizing needs, which is a rare feature for an e-trike model.
While we’re still eagerly awaiting our official test model to gather more data, we had more than enough fun with it at the Sea Otter to feel confident in recommending that readers check this one out.
How We Picked Our List Of The Best Electric Tricycles
Safety: We recommend trikes with a good reputation for being safe. Many riders have special needs due to injury, disability, or age, making them at more risk when riding. It’s crucial that the trike they choose is as safe as the other trikes available.
Performance: The trikes we recommend have features like powerful motors, reliable drivetrains, and batteries that can travel at least 40 miles. These trikes are designed to accelerate, cruise, and carry cargo efficiently. We also considered factors like brakes that stop quickly and safely, and suspension systems that ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Quality Build: We are selecting trikes that have been tested, designed, and built well. We’ve confirmed the quality of these bikes, ensuring they are made with quality components by expert e-bike builders.
Easy Operation: For riders who have never ridden a trike or have mobility issues, trikes can seem difficult to operate. We picked bikes that are among the easiest to ride, making them more accessible to everyone.
Bottom line: If Two Wheels Won’t Do, Then Try Three
When exploring the best e-trikes on our list, it’s important to start with a brief overview of the trikes we recommend. We always suggest reading our in-depth written reviews for more information before your first ride on an e-trike. Make sure you have a good understanding of the controls and safe operating methods.
Also, don’t forget to check the owners manual or watch helpful videos on safe assembly and operation to enhance the safety and quality of your ride, increasing the likelihood of more riding days.
For your first ride, try sticking to low power as you get used to your new trike. The technique for riding a trike is a bit different from riding a bike. Riders who are transitioning from a bike to a trike might feel like they are learning to ride all over again, but that’s perfectly normal. You’ll quickly discover the difference and become a better trike rider in no time.
We also recommend considering the best safety practices. This includes wearing a helmet and high-visibility clothing whenever you ride. It’s wise to check your local regulations and guidelines regarding the use of e-trikes as they can vary by jurisdiction. And always remember, trikes are not meant to go fast or be ridden abruptly—so take your time and enjoy the ride.
