Electric Bike Vs. Electric Trike: Which Is Right For You?

Ready to go back to the playground? Gone are the days of endless Summer fun and two-wheeled adventures racing through the neighborhood with your friends. That old Schwinn took a beating but was there at the ready every morning, prepared for any antics the day might bring. What’s old is new again. Adulthood may have ushered in years of work and obligation, but it has also opened the door to some well-earned old-style fun. The toys may have changed, but the adventure is still there to be chased. This time it’s electric! A meteoric rise in popularity of the e-bike in recent years has brought back the thrill of childhood combined with an eco-friendly twist of convenience. The choices are broad with the styles and features that make up today’s e-bikes. The biggest choice is whether to get onto one of the two or three-wheeled models of these cruising dynamos. Electric bike vs. electric trike: Which is right for you?

Aside from the extra wheel, what makes these two types of e-bikes different? Let’s look at each and see if we can help you decide which suits you and your lifestyle.

Electric Bike Vs. Electric Trike: Bike Advantages

The electric bicycle has changed substantially over the 150 years since the first steam-propelled bike hit the road. One thing that hasn’t changed is the popularity of this two-wheeled mode of transportation. Whether it’s steam, gas, battery, or muscle-powered, the two-wheeled bicycle has been the lightest and most compact mode of transit available.

Bike Features/Benefits

• Easy to maneuver–turn radius is much better than a trike.
• Easy to store–Many folding models to choose from.
• Lightweight–suitable for apartment dwellers or anyone who needs to carry a bike upstairs. Easier to load on public transportation.
• Many models are suitable for riding in loose sand, mountainous terrain, and steep trails.
• Many more model options and features than trikes.
• Easier to pedal if there is a total loss of battery power and you need to pedal home.

Bike Cons

• The range varies from 20 to 100 miles max.
• Cargo/passenger limitations.
• Good balance is necessary. Some infirmed or elderly may have issues.
• Can aggravate existing back or joint issues

Electric Bike Vs. Electric Trike: Three Wheels the Charm?

So what’s the deal with the extra wheel on an electric trike? The most significant appeal of a trike style can be found back on that playground when you were a kid: stability. There’s no questioning why almost every child’s first experience was with a tricycle. The balance it takes to ride a two-wheeler hasn’t developed yet, so a trike gives a solid foundation.

An electric trike does the same thing for an adult rider. Just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we have excellent balance and agility. Maybe there’s been an injury or limitation which makes balance impossible. Here’s where the rubber truly meets the road for those who want the freedom to hit the streets but need a bit more of a stable ride.

Trike Features/Benefits

Much like fossil fuel burning trikes, e-trikes come in two style types–two wheels in the front or two wheels in the back.

• Doubling the wheels in the front will provide much more stability when cruising and sure handling when turning.
• The two-wheel in front style also allows for more cargo/passengers with the increased safety of a very stable ride.
• Better for folks with balance issues.
• Trikes may be better for shorter people who have problems touching the ground on a bike.
• Better with back or joint problems.
• Some trikes have an incredible range. 30-50 miles is average, but some trikes get hundreds of miles on a charge.

Trike Cons:

• More expensive than an average electric bike.
• Not as athletic.
• Limited where you can take them–trail and beach riding are not as accessible.
• Low clearance–rough or bumpy terrain is tough.
• The turning radius can be a challenge in tight spaces.
• Heavy if you have to self-propel because of an empty battery.
• Not easy to lug up a flight of stairs and bulky to store.

Electric Bike Vs. Electric Trike: What’s Best For You?

So back to the question – electric bike vs. electric trike: which is right for you? You may have made your choice by now, or perhaps some test rides may clear up any remaining questions. If balance is a big issue for you, going with the e-trike will be your obvious choice. You will not regret the stability a trike provides, even if it comes at the cost of performance and athletic flexibility.

The e-bike, on the other hand, becomes the front-runner if you want a more athletic ride and have that “go anywhere” drive. Two wheels will have you darting in and out of traffic and around potholes in the city and dodging trees and rocks off-road.

As of this writing, there are far more purchasing options for e-bikes–some can even be completely customized. If you have limited storage or are a city apartment dweller, an e-bike is your best choice.

As always, give us a shout if you have any comments or questions on which option is best for you and your situation.