75 Years Old & Trying ETrikes for the First Time! I'll Explain Which Electric Tricycle I Liked Best

Trying an electric tricycle for the first time at 75 years old can feel like a big step—especially if you’ve spent most of your life riding traditional bikes. To make that transition easier for other seniors, we invited Bobby, age 75, to test several different electric trikes and share honest feedback about how each one felt.

This article walks through Bobby’s experience, what surprised him, and which electric trike he ultimately preferred after riding them all.

Meet Bobby: A First-Time E-Trike Rider at 75

Bobby still rides a regular bicycle every week, typically covering five to seven miles at a time. While he had briefly tried an e-bike once a few years ago, he had never ridden an electric tricycle—aside from a childhood trike decades ago.

That made him a great candidate for this test: an experienced cyclist, but completely new to modern e-trikes.

Understanding the Learning Curve: Bikes vs. Trikes

Before riding, Dustin (CEO of sixthreezero, with nearly 20 years in the bike and e-bike industry) explained one important point:

Trikes handle differently than two-wheel bikes.

• On a bike, you naturally lean into turns.
• On most trikes, you need to steer through turns and slow down before cornering.
• Some trikes feel closer to a bicycle, while others prioritize full stability over maneuverability.

With that in mind, Bobby tested several trike styles one by one.

The first trike Bobby tried was a reverse-style e-trike with two wheels in front and one in back.

What stood out:

• It felt nimble and responsive.
• The throttle delivered quick power, even without pedaling.
• Steering and balance required more attention than Bobby expected.

Bobby’s takeaway:

“It was fun, but a little tricky. I didn’t want it to get away from me.”

While capable and powerful, this style felt less intuitive for a first-time trike rider.

Next, Bobby rode a traditional trike with two wheels in the back.

What stood out:

• Very different steering compared to a bicycle.
• Required deliberate turning rather than leaning.
• Took more effort and concentration to handle smoothly.

Bobby’s takeaway:

“This one definitely takes getting used to.”

Between the first two trikes, Bobby preferred the reverse-style trike—but neither felt completely natural yet.

Then Bobby climbed onto the Simple Glide recumbent e-trike, with a longer frame and a laid-back riding position.

The difference was immediate.

What stood out:

• Smoother ride
• Lower center of gravity
• More control and confidence
• Comfortable seating with legs extended forward
• Less concern about balance or sudden movement

Bobby’s reaction:

“This feels better… smoother, more stable, and more comfortable.”

For the first time, Bobby relaxed into the ride instead of focusing on steering mechanics.

Next, Bobby tried a fat tire step-through e-trike, which featured larger tires and a bulkier frame.

What stood out:

• Bigger, heavier feel
• Required more physical input
• Didn’t feel as stable or intuitive for him
• 
  

Bobby’s takeaway:

“It feels bulkier. You really have to work into it.”

Despite the power and size, it didn’t match the comfort and confidence he felt on the recumbent trike.

Finally, Bobby tested a passenger-style e-trike, first as the rider and then as the passenger.

What stood out:

• Surprisingly stable—even with added weight
• Throttle made riding easier
• Comfortable for both rider and passenger

Still, for solo riding, Bobby had already made up his mind.

Bobby’s Final Choice: The Simple Glide Recumbent E-Trike

After riding every option, Bobby didn’t hesitate.

His favorite:

👉 Simple Glide 500W Recumbent Electric Trike

Why he chose it:

• Felt the most stable
• Required the least effort to control
• Encouraged a relaxed, confident riding style
• Didn’t feel like it would “get away” from him
• More comfortable for longer, casual rides

As Bobby put it simply:

“This one lets you relax. You don’t feel like it’s going to surprise you.”

Key Takeaway for Seniors Considering an E-Trike

Bobby’s experience highlights an important truth:

• Not all e-trikes feel the same.
• Riders transitioning from bikes may need time to adjust.
• A lower, longer, recumbent-style trike can feel significantly more stable and confidence-inspiring—especially for seniors.

For Bobby, comfort and control mattered more than speed or agility, and that made all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Trying an electric trike at 75 doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right design, it can feel natural, enjoyable, and empowering. Bobby’s honest feedback shows why test rides matter—and why the right trike is the one that makes you feel confident the moment you sit down.

It’s not about riding faster. It’s about riding comfortably and enjoying the journey.