Whether you’re a commuter, delivery rider or senior citizen, electric trikes can be the perfect companion for your daily adventures. The level of comfort, safety and savings provided by an electric trike bike is unbeatable, especially compared to a car or trike.
So if you’re hoping to revamp your cycling experience in next level, now’s a good time as any. Here are five of the best electric trikes for seniors and regular adults.
Let’s go through five of the best electric trikes for Australian riders. We’ll talk about their pros and cons, compare their specs and find the best one to suit your needs.
Best 5 Electric Trikes Australia
The problem that many riders are asking right now is: Why electric tricycles? Shouldn’t it be better, and cheaper to purchase a two-wheeled electric bike?
Well, you’re not wrong. However, this all boils down to the rider’s needs and specific use cases. For most intents and purposes, an electric trike is the most inclusive and versatile option.
This is because an electric trike is self-balancing and provides extra utility. Seniors and the mobility-challenged can ride an electric trike easily. On top of that, an eTrike offers superior cargo space and additional safety.
For these reasons, an electric trike is the best bet. They’re perfect for many adults who want to save on gas, enjoy the outdoors and live more sustainably.
Here is a list of the top five electric trikes to buy in Australia in 2024:
- Addmotor CITYTRI E-310
- Trike Bikes 2050 Electric Tricycle
- VamosBikes Papa Grande Pro 2024
- Addmotor ARISETAN M-360
- Addmotor Electric Cargo Trike E-325 500W
Let’s talk about how these differ from each other and which ones will suit you best.
#1 Addmotor CITYTRI E-310 | Folding E-Trike
Most Australians hesitate to purchase electric trikes because of the higher price tag and bulkier dimensions. Compared to regular eBikes, trikes can seem too large and expensive.
If that’s the case for you, the Addmotor CITYTRI should be right up your alley. The CITYTRI is designed to be compact and not break the bank.
As the name says, the CITYTRI is perfect for navigating through the hustle and bustle of city streets. Its compact frame allows you to zigzag through traffic and brave narrower paths.
The smaller foldable e-trike frame also helps you find better parking spots and ride for longer distances without recharging.
The CITYTRI is perfect for commuters, students, and anybody living in the city. It’s got a foldable frame for compact storage and storage racks to support extra cargo.
That said, the CITYTRI will struggle with a trip to the bush. It’s not designed for off-roading so you’ll have to limit it to smooth paved roads.
The Best Things About the Addmotor CITYTRI E-310
- An affordable price tag of around AUD 2,999
- UL 2271 and UL 2849 safety certified. Providing you with peace of mind against electric fires, explosions and damage.
- More than 145 km of range on a single charge thanks to the 48V/20Ah battery pack.
- Removable battery so you can carry a spare and double the range.
- 48V 250W rear-mounted motor that can do a top speed of 25 Km/h
- An effective payload capacity of 125 Kg for the rider and 35 Kg for the rear rack.
- A total width that’s less than 730mm/28.7”. This means you can even ride it indoors.
- A foldable frame that can fold to almost half of its unfolded size.
- Thick and well-padded saddle with an adjustable backrest.
The Drawbacks of the Addmotor CITYTRI
- The 250W motor can struggle when tackling off-road terrain or heavier riders.
- Doesn’t come with fat tires for off-road.
- Lacks a full suspension system for increased stability. It only has a front SUSPENSION fork.
#2 Trike Bike’s Sobowo 2050 | Foldable Electric Trike
*Source: trike-bike.com.au
Trike Bike’s Sobowo 2050 is another alternative to the lightweight and affordable city cruiser. The Sobowo 2050 is similar to the CITYTRI in terms of specs and pricing. That said, it does differ quite a bit on things like aesthetics, ergonomics and performance.
In any case, the Sobowo is still a great choice for senior riders, commuters and city riders. As long as you don’t take it through heavy off-road terrain, you can ride comfortably and experience its unique blend of comfort and stability.
Benefits of the Trike Bike Sobowo 2050
- A relatively low price tag of $2,995
- Significantly faster charging speeds of around 2-5 hours.
- A 36V 250W Bafang-Front Hub motor that locks in at 25 km/h
- Different speed settings for smooth roads, off-roads and walking.
- Hydraulic suspension forks for comfortable riding
- U-shaped handlebars that promote an upright riding position.
- Decent rider capacity of 150 kg plus a 50/10kg split for the rear and front cargo baskets.
Drawbacks of the Trike Bike Sobowo 2050
- There’s no backrest.
- The ride feel of a front-mounted hub motor may be somewhat off-putting to most users.
- 36V/10Ah battery that doesn’t provide enough battery range. Only 40 Km on pedal assist.
- 2-inch wide slim tires that aren’t good enough for off-roading.
- Non-foldable frame, despite being a compact eTrike.
#3 VamosBikes Papa Grande Pro 2024 | Fat Tire Electric Trike
*Source: vamosbikes.com.au
Taking a break from the lightweight and compact city cruisers, we have the VamosBikes Papa Grande Pro.
As the name suggests, this electric trike comes with hefty upgrades. For starters, it’s a heavy-duty premium trike that’s designed for all-terrain riding and carrying heavy cargo.
So if you’re hoping to ride into the bush or deliver packages, the Papa Grande Rio is an amazing choice. This beast of an electric trike can handle anything you throw at it.
The Best Things About the Papa Grande Pro
- Aesthetically-designed step-through frame for quick and easy access.
- Chao Yang branded 4” fat tires for all-terrain riding.
- Thick and wide saddle with low-profile backrest for lumbar support.
- 500W mid-mounted motor with a 25 Km/h speed lock. Can be unlocked easily for a top speed of 40 Km/h.
- 48V/20Ah battery that can guarantee more than 70 Km of range on a full charge.
- Designed to cater to a wide range of riders. Recommended height range is 5’1”-6’.7”.
- Maximum rider weight capacity of 170 Kg
The Worst Things About the Papa Grande Pro
- The premium price tag of AUD 5,995 can be too much for the average person.
- Doesn’t have a foldable frame.
- The backrest is very small.
#4 Addmotor ARISETAN M-360 | Semi-Recumbent E-Trike
All of the above mentioned electric trikes have been upright-facing ones. That said, upright electric tricycles aren’t the only option. You can also find recumbents, or semi-recumbent trikes if you have a specific riding experience.
Here, Addmotor has the best solution with the ARISETAN II M-360, the world’s first semi-recumbent electric tricycle. It’s the best electric tricycle for adults in Australia, especially for those on the fence about going full recumbent.
So if you want something with a more laid-back riding position, but don’t want to fully commit to a recumbent, the ARISETAN e-Trike is a good option. It’s perfect for busy lifestyles and slow-riding.
What’s Great About the ARISETAN M-360
- A semi-recumbent trike frame that’s perfect for regular riders, particularly taller riders and people with back pain.
- Adjustable and rotatable handlebars to help you find the perfect fit.
- 500W rear-mounted motor for tackling steep inclines and rocky terrain.
- Fully UL 2271 and UL 2849 safety certified.
- Can ride for more than 135 Km on a full charge
- Effective payload capacity of 135 Kg + 35 Kg (Passenger + Rear cargo rack)
The Drawbacks of the ARISETAN M-360
- Somewhat bulkier because of the semi-recumbent frame. Almost impossible to transport on the back of a car or SUV.
- More expensive than the CITYTRIE-310 and other lightweight models.
- Can’t switch back to an upright position or fully reclined. You’re locked in that semi-recumbent position.
#5 Addmotor E-325 Electric Cargo Trike
For those who want a more specialized electric CARGO trike, the Addmotor E-325 is a suitable alternative. This cargo trike is useful for carrying passengers/kids and heavy cargo, making it viable for parents, educators and professional delivery riders.
Benefits of Owning an Addmotor E-325 Cargo Trike
- 500W rear-drive motor for hauling heavy cargo and passengers.
- Front-load cargo box that can support a maximum payload of 118 Kg. Perfect for transporting pets, children, cargo or an extra adult.
- 48V/20Ah battery that can provide more than 105 Km of range.
- Rain canopy and seat belt accessories for additional safety and comfort in the cargo box.
Drawbacks of the E-325 Cargo Trike
- A specialised trike that’s not the best for off-road riding.
- An expensive price tag that’s coming in at AUD 7,499.
- Bulkier than most electric tricycles.
Comparison Table
Here’s a quick table outlining the specs of these five e-tricycle models:
Feature |
CITYTRI |
Sobowo 2050 |
Papa Grande |
ARISETAN |
E-325 Cargo |
Motor |
250W Rear-Mounted |
250W Front-Hub |
500W Mid-Mounted |
500W Rear-Mounted |
500W Rear-Mounted |
Range |
145 Km |
40 Km |
100 Km |
135 Km |
105 Km |
Payload Capacity |
125 + 35 Kg |
150 + 60 Kg |
170 Kg |
135 + 35 Kg |
118 Kg |
Safety Certifications |
UL 2849, UL2271 |
N/A |
N/A |
UL 2849, UL2271 |
UL 2271 |
Price |
2,999 AUD |
2,995 AUD |
5,995 AUD |
4,399 AUD |
7,499 AUD |
Pick Your Best Electric Trike Australia
The next electric trike boom is coming to Australia. Big players like Addmotor, Trike Bike and VamosBikes are offering their services in Australia.
Riders can choose the right e-trike for their lifestyle and preferences, with Addmotor CITYTRI, ARISETAN and E-325 cargo tricycles being some of the few rear-wheel-drive e-trikes on the market, while Trike Bike's Sobowo 2050 and VamosBike's Papa Grande Pro are also a good choice.
So if you’re an Aussie hoping to purchase an electric trike, pick from these five options. You won’t be disappointed.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.