Finding the perfect city-cruising electric trike can be a challenge, especially with a limited budget. That said, Addmotor and Trike Bike come with their own iterations for an affordable but durable city cruiser trike.
What’s great about these options is that they don’t break $3,000. On top of that, they include all the fixings and luxuries you would need to enjoy your daily rides.
So out of these two, which is the best fit for you? Will the modern design of the Addmotor CITYTRI be enough to sway you? Or do you prefer the tried and true “bicycle” design of the 2450?
Addmotor CITYTRI VS Trike Bike 2450
Aesthetics alone isn’t enough for us to make a proper comparison between these two contenders. So for this article, let’s cover the electrical system, mechanical components and other features which relate to the comfort, ergonomics and maintenance aspects.
So for this comparison, we’ll go over things like:
- Motor Performance and Capabilities
- Battery Capacity and Safety Certifications
- Frame Design and Groupset
- Ergonomics
- Payload Capacity and Cargo Storage
- Ease of Use and Best Applications
- Safety Features
- Price and Value
Motor Performance
Both the Addmotor CITYTRI and Trike Bike’s 2450 share similar specs since they both have 250W-rated motors with a rear differential.
That said, the similarities do end there. The Addmotor CITYTRI has a rear-mounted motor, whereas the 2450 has a front-mounted one. These can significantly impact the riding experience, so it’s important to make the right call on this.
Front-Mounted VS Rear-Mounted
Front-mounted motors tend to have a simpler design. Since you don’t have to contend with the gearing system or the rear differential, front motors are easy to install.
Conversely, front-mounted motors are also easier to repair and replace. Technicians can easily work on front-mounted motors, meaning they are less expensive and don’t take as much time.
However, that’s the only good thing about front-mounted motors. So in every other aspect, e-trikes with rear-mounted motors are the better choice. Rear-mounted motors have:
- Better traction and handling
- Stability during accelerating and higher speeds
- “Pushing” sensation which naturally mimics the feeling of riding a regular push bicycle
- Better for travelling off-road, handling inclines and rugged terrain.
So as you can tell, the rear-mounted motor on the Addmotor CITYTRI is ready for any situation. That said, the 2450 is still viable if you prefer its “pulling” sensation when the motor is engaged.
Battery Capabilities
Battery range is always a factor when you’re picking up a lightweight electric trike. The battery impacts how far you can ride before needing to stop and recharge. On top of that, it’s also the most expensive component of the entire setup.
The Addmotor CITYTRI has a 48V/20Ah battery that can guarantee over 145 Km of range on a full charge. Meanwhile, the 2450 has a 36V/10Ah battery with a maximum range of 40Km
As you can see, the Addmotor CITYTRI has more than 3x the effective range of the 2450. So if you want to ride longer and not have to charge the battery every time, the Addmotor CITYTRI is the better choice.
Safety Certifications
Besides raw mileage, there’s also another component: safety certifications. This is crucial for batteries because certifications ensure they meet industry standards for safety and durability.
Two of the most sought-after certifications are the UL-2849 and UL-2271. These guarantees that an eTrike battery is rigorously tested for fire safety and reliability under various conditions.
The UL2849 certification covers the entire electrical system as a whole. Meanwhile, the UL2271 certification focuses on Lithium-Ion battery cells or battery pack.
When picking up an electric trike, you better make sure either of these certifications are met. Otherwise, you could be at risk for using a product that can lead to fires, explosions or reduced performance.
The Addmotor CITYTRI is fully UL-certified in the US. It qualifies for both UL safety certifications, making it safe for consumers. The Trike Bike 2450 also complies with Australian regulations. You can shop as needed.
Frame and Design
A good tricycle frame looks cool and also provides much-needed support. They also help keep the rider safe against impacts and improve comfort.
When talking about the trike frame, we need to consider things like:
- Size and weight of the frame
- Payload capacity
- Frame Design
- Battery Placement
- Mounting Points
Size and Payload Capacity
In terms of weight, both the Addmotor CITYTRI and Trike Bike 2450 weigh around 35-39 kg. Also, both trikes are narrower than 32” (81.28cm), meaning you can ride them through most entrances and hallways. That said, the CITYTRI has a foldable frame, making it better for space-saving storage and transport.
Payload capacity is a different story altogether. The 2450 can support a rider as heavy as 150kg, with a 10kg capacity on the front basket and a 50 kg maximum on the rear rack (totalling 210kg).
Compare this with the Addmotor CITYTRI, which only has a maximum 160 kg weight capacity, accommodating up to 125 kg for the rider and 35 kg for cargo..
So if you want to carry more cargo, Trike Bike 2450 is the better choice. On the flip side, if you want a foldable frame with an average payload capacity, the CITYTRI is still a top contender.
Comfort Features
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time on the trike, comfort and ergonomics are another crucial factor. You want an electric trike that doesn’t cause any injuries and allows you to ride for longer periods.
The seat is one of the first points of contention. In this department, there's no doubt that the Addmotor CITYTRI has the upper hand.
This is because the CITYTRI comes with a thick and wide saddle complete with an adjustable backrest. Meanwhile, the 2450 has a decent enough riding saddle but it doesn’t come with a backrest.
Apart from the seat, the suspension system and step-through frame are important. Here, the CITYTRI and Trike Bike 2450 are on equal footing. Both have serviceable front forks and frames with a low standover height.
Price and Value
Both the Addmotor CITYTRI and Trike Bike 2450 are two of the most budget-friendly alternatives you can find. They are designed for durability, and accessibility and fit various use cases, especially for commuting and urban adventures.
However, one question comes to mind: which option provides the best bang for your buck? Which electric trike is the most versatile and gives you the most value?
In that case, we have to side with the Addmotor CITYTRI. At AUD 2,799, it’s just unbeatable and offers a lot more than its AUD 2,995 priced counterpart.
So besides the lower price tag, the CITYTRI is the better option because it has:
- Almost 3x more battery capacity and range
- UL2849 and UL2271 safety certifications
- Foldable frame
- Comfortable seat with adjustable backrest
Comparison Table
Here’s a quick table outlining the best features of these two electric trikes.
|
Feature |
Addmotor CITYTRI |
Trike Bike 2450 |
|
Motor Power |
250W |
250W |
|
Motor Configuration |
Rear-Mounted |
Front-Mounted |
|
Battery Capacity |
48V/20Ah |
36V/10Ah |
|
Estimated Range (on a single charge) |
145 km |
40 km |
|
UL 2271 and UL2849 Certified? |
Yes |
No |
|
Weight |
39kg |
35kg |
|
Foldable Frame? |
Yes |
No |
|
Payload Capacity |
160 kg |
210 kg |
|
Price |
AUD 2,799 |
AUD 2,995 |
Wrapping Up
The Addmotor CITYTRI and Trike Bike 2450 are both viable options for budget-conscious city cruisers.
Both of these models share similar specs in terms of size and motor power but there are noticeable differences. For instance, the CITYTRI has a larger battery and comes with a foldable frame. On the flip side, the 2450 has a larger payload capacity and a front-mounted motor.
Although either option is sound, the Addmotor CITYTRI seems to provide the best value for money. It has a lower price tag and provides extra functionality. This includes a foldable frame, a comfortable seat and three times as much battery range.
*Data source: trike-bike.com.au(18.11.2024)
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