Is an Electric Tricycle Right for Me?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | August 25, 2025 | Time to read 3 min
Whether you want more balance, comfort, or carrying capacity, e-trikes could be the perfect ride.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
It’s not just bicycles that can get electrified— electric tricyclesprovide a big boost, along with additional stability and cargo-carryingbenefits. Electric trikes are a niche category, but riding a 3 wheelelectric bike is a huge help for certain riders, allowing them to getback to enjoying cycling, and e-trikes are just plain fun, too. Here’show to know if an electric tricycle is right for you.
What is an electric tricycle?
Electric tricycles— also called electric trikes or e-trikes— havethree wheels and are powered by a motor and battery system to assist therider. Most models have two wheels in the back and one up front, whileothers have the reverse design. The tri-wheel setup means the bike staysupright by itself and is more stable while riding, allowing people withlimited balance or physical mobility to safely pedal, start, and stop.E-trikes are heavier and more mechanically complicated than standard electric bikes.
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Who benefits from an electric tricycle?
The third wheel of a tricycle isn’t a novelty— it’s the secret to atrike’s extra stability and space for cargo. Here’s a breakdown ofriders who may significantly benefit from riding an e-trike:
People with balance issues
Riding a standard bike is not easy or possible for everyone. If youhave trouble with balance, tricycles stay upright on their own becauseof the extra wheel, so you can simply focus on pedaling forward andworry less about balance. It’s especially convenient when coming to astop— on a trike, you don’t even have to put your foot down!
Seniors and riders with limited mobility
Bikes require a certain level of physical strength and mobility, and tricycles lower the barrier to entry, making it easier for older ridersor people with limited mobility to cycle comfortably. Standard electricbicycles help with the physical effort side of things, and e-trikesfurther support riders who may need some additional support. Mosttricycles are also step-through models with open frames that are easy and accessible to mount, so you don’t have to swing your leg high over the bar to get on.
Cargo trikes are common
Electric tricycles also come in handy when you need to haul cargoaround. The stable, three-wheeled design means you can park the bike toload and unload, and there’s extra space over the axle between the twowheels for a large basket, child trailer, or cargo box. There’s tons ofroom for groceries, bulky items, and compatible e-Bike accessories.
How to buy an electric tricycle
E-trikes are far less common than electric bicycles, so there arefewer options to choose from. Still, there is a large variety of designsthat may suit your specific needs. Upway occasionally stocks 3-wheeledelectric bikes, such as the popular Rad Power Bikes RadTrike, though most top brands do not make an electric tricycle. Consider expanding your search online or asking a local bike shop about e-trike options.
Andwhen riding, keep in mind that e-trikes don’t lean into turns likeregular bikes. Always reduce speed before corners to avoid lifting theinside rear wheel and tipping over. Trust me, I’ve been there and donethat!
Key Takeaways
- Stable & Accessible: E-trikes stay upright on their own, making cycling easier for riders with balance or mobility challenges.
- Great for Seniors & Everyday Riders: Step-through frames and pedal assistance provide comfort and confidence for longer, smoother rides.
- Cargo-Friendly: The three-wheel design allows for baskets or cargo boxes, making errands and heavy loads far more manageable.
