Pedego lists the current Trike with a top speed of up to 11 mph. Throttle assistance is limited to 10 mph, while pedal assistance is limited to 7 mph.
Pedego Trike Review: Why This E-Bike Tops Out at 15 MPH
Written by: Chris Van Leuven | September 16, 2026 | Time to read 5-6 min
Pedego Trike review: why this 500W electric trike tops out at just 11 mph, how its torque sensor and 3-speed hub work, and what used buyers should know.
More about the Author: Chris Van Leuven
Chris is a writer, climber, and founder of Yosemite E-Biking in Mariposa, CA. When he’s not tackling Sierra Foothills trails or scaling rock walls, he’s crafting adventure stories with his boxer, Fenster. His work has appeared in Outside, Men’s Journal, Gripped, and Best American Sports Writing.
Speed isn’t the point of the Pedego Trike. In fact, this is one of the few e-Bikes where going slower is part of the design. A 500W motor paired with an 11 mph top speed looks strange until you consider the rest of the bike. The Pedego Trike has three 20-inch wheels, an upright riding position, a wide saddle with a backrest, and a large cargo bucket between the rear wheels.
In this Pedego Trike review, I’ll look at why Pedego keeps the speed so low, how the motor and torque-sensing pedal assist work, what you get from the three-speed drivetrain and cargo bucket, and what to know when shopping for a certified pre-owned electric trike.
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Table of Contents
Pedego Trike Specs
The numbers look unusual if you’re coming from a conventional e-Bike. The motor is fairly powerful, but the top speed is low. There are only three gears and two levels of pedal assist. The 36V 11Ah battery adds another five pounds, putting the complete Trike just under 80 pounds. Here are the rest of the most important specifications:
| Spec | Pedego Trike |
|---|---|
| Motor | 500W geared hub motor |
| Torque | 45Nm |
| Battery | 36V 11Ah |
| Claimed range | Up to 33 miles |
| Top speed | Up to 11 mph |
| Throttle | Twist throttle |
| Pedal assist | 2 levels, torque sensing |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal hub |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Rotors | 160mm |
| Wheels | 20 in. |
| Tires | Schwalbe Big Ben 20 x 2.15 in. |
| Payload | 250 lb. |
| Cargo | Integrated rear cargo bucket |
| Weight | 74.6 lb. without battery |
Why the Pedego Trike Tops Out at 11 MPH
An 11 mph top speed sounds almost comically low when plenty of e-Bikes provide assistance to 20 or even 28 mph. But more speed wouldn’t necessarily make the Pedego better. A three-wheeler doesn’t lean into a turn like a bicycle, and its 30-inch-wide rear end changes how it behaves through corners. That’s why Pedego takes a conservative approach: throttle assistance is limited to 10 mph, pedal assistance to 7 mph, and the listed top speed is 11 mph. Those numbers rule out some uses immediately. This isn’t meant for keeping pace with fast commuters. This makes more sense for neighborhood streets, bike paths, campground roads, and short trips around town.
Three wheels also don’t mean there’s nothing new to learn. You don’t have to balance the Trike at a stop, but its steering and cornering can take some adjustment if you’re coming from two wheels.
The Motor and Torque Sensor Keep Things Simple
Pedego uses a 500W geared hub motor producing 45Nm of torque. That’s plenty of motor for the speeds we’re talking about here. The Trike also uses a torque sensor. This means that instead of simply detecting that the cranks are moving, the sensor responds to how much pressure the rider puts into the pedals.
Pedego offers only two assist levels, and though that’s not much adjustment, it also keeps the controls straightforward. It also has a twist throttle, which can help an almost 80-pound trike move from a stop, and a 3.5-inch backlit LCD display that shows ride and electrical information and includes a USB charging port.
Shimano Nexus 3-Speed Internal Hub
Pedego uses a Shimano Nexus three-speed internally geared rear hub rather than a conventional derailleur and cassette. Three gears isn’t much by modern e-Bike standards, but the Nexus hub has one feature that matters on a heavy trike: you can shift while stopped. Roll up to an intersection in the wrong gear, and you can select an easier one before moving again. You don’t have to start pushing an almost 80-pound three-wheeler in a tall gear just to get the drivetrain to shift. The internal hub also keeps the shifting mechanism tucked away rather than hanging a derailleur near the rear of the bike.
Mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors handle stopping, plus the brake levers have motor cutoffs and a parking brake, which is useful when loading the Trike or leaving it parked on uneven ground.
The Cargo Bucket Is a Big Part of the Design
Pedego uses the space between the two rear wheels for a composite cargo bucket measuring about 20 inches wide by 13 inches long. That’s enough room for groceries, a bag, picnic supplies, or other everyday cargo. Front and rear lights run from the main battery, with the rear light mounted to the bucket. Plus, Pedego lists a 250-pound payload. And remember, the bucket may be large, but it doesn’t change the Trike’s overall weight limit.
There’s also a tradeoff. Making room for that cargo between the rear wheels helps push the Trike’s overall width to 30 inches. Keep that in mind before deciding where you’re going to store it.
The Pedego Trike Is Heavy and Wide
The Trike weighs 74.6 pounds without its five-pound battery, putting it just under 80 pounds ready to ride. But the 30-inch width might matter even more. Before buying one, I’d measure the gate, shed door, or wherever you plan to store it. Transport takes some thought, too. At this size, a normal two-bike hitch rack isn’t going to work.
The 20-inch wheels keep the Trike low, while the extra-wide saddle, adjustable backrest, high-rise handlebars, and adjustable stem put the rider in an upright position.
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What About the Pedego Fat Tire Trike Recall?
The recall needs its own explanation because it applies to a different Pedego trike. In December 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled about 400 Pedego Fat Tire Trikes because the frame could develop a hairline fracture near a weld. The CPSC reported 16 cases of the frame breaking and one reported laceration. The recall covers the Pedego Fat Tire Trike, not the standard Pedego Trike reviewed here. They’re different models. So if you’re shopping used, check the exact model rather than assuming anything with “Pedego Trike” in the name is part of the recall.
Who Is the Pedego Trike For?
The Pedego Trike makes sense for short, relatively relaxed trips where easy starts, cargo space, and not having to balance at a stop matter more than speed. The harder question may be whether you have room for it. If you want something fast, compact, foldable, or easy to carry on a vehicle, I’d look elsewhere.
Finding a Used Pedego Trike on Upway
The Pedego Trike has been around for years, so check the specifications on each Upway listing rather than assuming they match the current bike. Model year, mileage, battery, and equipment can vary.
Battery age and condition deserve extra attention on an older electric trike. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, and replacing one can add a significant expense to what initially looked like a good used-bike deal.
That’s why Upway puts its certified pre-owned e-Bikes through a 50-point inspection that includes checking the electrical system and battery. Any e-Bike battery that tests under 80% of its original capacity gets replaced, ensuring a long-range ride!
I’d also get out a tape measure before ordering one. At 30 inches wide and nearly 80 pounds with the battery, knowing where you’ll store it and how you’ll transport it matters just as much as checking the motor or range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the Pedego Trike go?
How far can the Pedego Trike go on one charge?
Pedego claims up to 33 miles from the 36V 11Ah battery. Actual battery range depends on rider and cargo weight, terrain, temperature, pedal-assist level, and throttle use.
Is the Pedego Trike included in the Fat Tire Trike recall?
No. The December 2025 CPSC recall covers certain Pedego Fat Tire Trikes, not the standard Pedego Trike reviewed here. If you’re buying used, check the exact model and applicable recall information before riding.
Key Takeaways
- The low speed is intentional. Pedego pairs a 500W motor with an 11 mph top speed on a trike built for control, not speed.
- The simple drivetrain suits the bike. A torque sensor, two assist levels, and a Shimano Nexus three-speed hub keep operation simple, while the ability to shift while stopped is particularly useful on a heavy trike.
- Measure before buying. At just under 80 pounds with the battery and 30 inches wide across the rear, storage and transportation deserve as much attention as motor power or range.
