Velotric Triker E-Bike Review

The Triker is Velotric’s first electric tricycle built for getting around without worrying about balance. The two wide rear wheels mean you never have to put a foot down at a stoplight or at a junction, the way you might on a regular bike, unless you’re a master of the trackstand.

Most people use it for grocery runs, a lap around the neighborhood, or a slow ride to the shops. Velotric didn’t cut back on features to make room for the third wheel either. The Triker still has the same customization and comfort options you get in the rest of the lineup.

The frame folds at the center, and the stem folds down too, shrinking the Triker enough to fit in a garage corner or the back of a larger vehicle. It’s worth noting, though, that when folded, the trike's overall width stays the same, so this feature might not suit everyone’s circumstances. However, for most, it is still useful when storage space is tight.

Seating is where the Triker earns its reputation for comfort. The seat adjusts in multiple directions, the backrest angle is adjustable too, and a dual-telescoping seatpost combined with a 180-degree adjustable stem means the Triker fits riders from about 4 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 5 inches.

The low step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting simple, ideal for riders with limited mobility or flexibility. A front suspension fork takes the edge off rougher pavement, and a suspension seatpost is available as an add-on for extra comfort at the rear.

Velotric has given the Triker a rear differential axle, which you don’t always get on electric tricycles. It prevents the wheel from slipping through turns, giving you more confidence when riding. This is because the rear wheels don’t naturally rotate at the same speed through a corner the way a two-wheeled bike’s single rear wheel does.

You’ll like the SensorSwap feature that gives the Triker two distinct personalities. When you push harder on the pedals in torque mode, the motor assists you relative to your effort, so climbing a hill or accelerating feels more natural. Cadence mode works differently, as the motor engages as soon as you start pedaling, no matter how hard. This mode is great when you’d rather cruise or need a little more help when setting off from a standstill.

The Triker also has “Beginner Mode,” which caps speed at 8 mph and offers a gentler three-level pedal-assist curve, a sensible first step for new riders or anyone easing back into cycling after time away. Once comfortable, switching to Standard Mode unlocks speeds up to 20 mph. Throttle and pedal-assist speeds can be limited independently, too, which is useful if the Triker is shared between riders with different comfort levels.

Two-piston hydraulic discs with 180mm rotors handle the stopping duties on this Class 2 trike. Velotric claims its brakes are about 30% faster than typical trike brakes. A three-wheeled frame can carry more weight and width than a standard bike, so that extra stopping power is a confidence boost.

The 750W rear hub motor peaks at 1,300W with 90Nm of torque. A Shimano 7-speed drivetrain complements the motor with a decent gear range, too.

The 804Wh battery is UL 2271 certified for battery safety and rated IPX7 for water resistance. It’s removable via a key lock for charging indoors. The Triker also has UL 2849 certification for the electrical system and ISO 4210 mechanical safety testing. Velotric claims up to 60 miles of range. Actual figures vary widely depending on sensor mode, PAS level, and terrain. On a hilly route at higher assist levels, range can drop considerably, but that’s true for all e-Bikes. Charging takes roughly 4 to 6 hours with the included charger.

The saddle mount could be more secure. The seat clamp benefits from extra attention when tightening, especially for heavier riders or high cargo loads.

Frame stiffness has room to improve. With a high payload, some people have noticed some flex, which is worth keeping in mind if you plan to regularly load close to the 500 lb total limit.

The folded size isn’t convenient for some owners. The mechanism works well, but the size reduction isn’t always dramatic enough to change how a trike this wide gets stored or transported day to day.

Assembly takes some time. Plan for 40 to 60 minutes to finish putting it together, and a second pair of hands helps with the wheel and fender installation. If you’re tightening anything yourself, adjusting the brakes is worth reading up on before you start.

The Lectric XP Trike2 costs less and weighs less, too, though it drops down to a single-speed drivetrain. It doesn’t have the Triker’s extra torque, gearing range, and payload capacity, but the XP Trike2 gets the job done for less money.

A trike like this costs a fair amount new, so the pre-owned market is worth checking out before paying full price. Upway inspects every listing across 50 points before it goes on sale, replaces any battery under 80% capacity ahead of time, and backs the purchase with a one-year warranty on the frame, motor, and electrical system. You also get 14 days to ride it and decide whether it's a keeper.

Browse the current electric bike selection on Upway, or check out the sale collection to compare current pricing.