First Time Senior Electric Tricycle Riders: Which ETrike is their Favorite?

If you’re over 60 and curious about electric tricycles, you’re not alone. For many riders, the idea of three wheels feels safer and more stable—but the choices can be overwhelming. Step-through, recumbent, folding, fat tire, different throttles… where do you even start?

To help answer that, sixthreezero CEO Dustin invited two real riders—Pat (73, about 5'0") and Don (67, 5'10")—to test a variety of sixthreezero electric trikes for the very first time and choose their favorites.

Both are over 60. Both have cycling history. Neither had ever ridden an electric trike before.

Here’s what happened—and what they learned.

Meet the Riders

Don

• Age: 67
• Height: 5'10"
• Last time on a bike: about 10 years ago, riding a beach cruiser
• E-bike experience: none (only ever ridden a Segway)

Pat

• Age: 73
• Height: about 5'0" (around 4’11¾”)
• Riding background:
• Has ridden a traditional non-electric trike that belonged to her father
• Briefly tried a small electric bike that felt more like a scooter
• No experience with modern electric trikes

Both came in with a healthy mix of curiosity and nerves—especially around the power of the motor and balancing something that looks bigger than a standard bike.

Key characteristics:

• 750W motor – strong acceleration and hill capability
• Twist throttle – motorcycle-style, twist to go
• 7-speed gears – manual shifting just like a regular bike
• Upright seating with a rear basket

Pat’s First Ride

Pat went first. Dustin lowered the seat as far as it would go and confirmed she could comfortably reach both the pedals and handlebars.

To keep things simple, she:

1. Started in pedal assist level 0 (no motor) to get used to steering and braking.
2. Rode it like a regular trike first, just tooling around the lot.

Once she felt more comfortable, Dustin put it into pedal assist level 1 and showed her the twist throttle.

Pat’s impressions:

• Power:
• “It’s pretty fast… I just barely twisted it, and it really went. I had to remind myself that the brakes are in my hands now, not my feet.”
• Ride feel:
• Liked that it wasn’t as heavy as some other e-bikes she’d tried elsewhere.
• Felt stable once moving, but the initial surge from the 750W motor surprised her.

She quickly learned to ease into the throttle and rely on the hand brakes instead of instinctively trying to “foot brake” like on a coaster-brake bike.

Don’s First Ride

Don first rode it with the motor off to get a feel for balance and steering.

Then he added pedal assist:

• Stability:
• “It feels very stable, very comfortable. The acceleration is more than I expected, but in a good way.”
• Knee comfort:
• He was pleasantly surprised his problem knee didn’t complain.

This first trike, Simple Step-Thru Fat Tire Etrike, set the benchmark: powerful, stable, and confidence-inspiring—but the strong acceleration demanded respect.

Next up was the Simple Glide—a recumbent-style e-trike with a lower seating position, backrest and extended foot platforms.

Key characteristics:

• 500W motor
• 15Ah battery (larger capacity than the first trike)
• More reclined, chair-like seating
• Extended pedals/foot platforms to bring feet closer to the rider
• Different handlebar layout and display compared to the first trike
• 
  

Pat’s Perspective

Initially, Pat tried it with an extra backrest cushion added to bring her closer to the pedals. After a bit of adjustment:

• Seat & posture:
• Preferred less bulky padding, so the extra cushion was removed.
• Once positioned correctly, she felt more natural on it.
• Confidence:
• “I like the size for me. I felt more comfortable on this one… I like this handlebar better. The other seat made me feel too confined.”
• 
  

She liked the overall scale of the trike for her height and appreciated the ease of starting and maneuvering once she got used to the position.

Don’s Perspective

Don immediately noticed the difference:

• Comfort:
• “It feels like an easy chair… like riding in an office chair.”
• Ride feel:
• More nimble than the first trike.
• Longer frame and low center of gravity gave it a planted, secure feel.
• 
  

He did note that the narrower front tire felt different than the wide tires of the first trike—more responsive, but at first it felt like it could tip quicker (even though it remained stable).

Overall, both liked it, but their preferences began to separate: Pat really valued low, easy-to-maneuver size, and Don liked the cruising comfort and ride quality.

The third trike, the Easy Transit 750W Folding Etrike, was closer in style to the first: an upright trike with a comfort saddle—but this time with a thumb throttle instead of a twist throttle.

Key characteristics:

• Upright seating
• Standard comfort saddle
• Thumb throttle instead of twist
• Similar overall feel to a classic step-through e-bike

Pat’s Impressions

• Liked the size and handling of this bike.
• Preferred the seat over the large, chair-like seat from the Simple Glide.
• But she still gravitated toward the feel and confidence she had on the smaller trike she’d already ridden.

On throttles, she was clear:

“I like the twist throttle better. With the thumb, I feel like I could press too hard and go flying… and holding it with just one finger takes more effort.”

Because she has lymphedema in one arm, gripping a twist throttle felt more natural and secure than pressing with one thumb.

Don’s Impressions

Don is comfortable with both systems due to past experience with motorcycles and ATVs:

“Neither one felt odd to me. Twist or thumb both work fine.”

This trike rode well for him, but he was starting to form a picture of what mattered most: practicality, carrying capacity, and everyday use.

Next they moved to a folding trike with a large rear platform and basket—capable of carrying more weight and even a passenger.

Key characteristics:

• Foldable frame for easier transport or RV/boat use
• Large rear platform and basket
• High weight capacity (around 500 lb)
• Upright riding position

Don tried it with Pat riding on the back, and the motor had no trouble moving them both.

Don’s Reaction

• Stability & feel:
• “Very responsive, fun, and stable. I didn’t really notice her on the back at all.”
• Could easily imagine it for:
• Short trips to the store
• RV travel
• Hauling gear or groceries

Pat’s Reaction

Pat liked:

• The low step-through and easier in-and-out.
• The larger rear basket, which matched what she was used to from her old non-electric trike.

She was less interested in riding this one herself (it felt big to her), but as a cargo and companion hauler, she saw the appeal.

The last test trike was a bit different: a tilting trike with two wheels in front and one in back. The front end leans in turns, and it must be held upright like a regular bike once moving.

Key characteristics:

• Two front wheels and tilting front end
• Rear hub motor
• Rides more like a bike with extra front-end stability

Pat’s Verdict

She tried it, but it didn’t click:

“It feels like a two-wheeler, but I’m focusing on two wheels instead of one. It just feels backwards to me.”

She could ride it, but it wasn’t enjoyable for her. Given the choice, she’d rather stay with a traditional rear-two-wheel trike.

Don’s Verdict

Don found it interesting and rideable:

• Noted that the stability felt different, but he could see himself getting used to it over time.
• Once he matched the gearing and assist, the ride smoothed out.

Still, it didn’t unseat his top choices.

After riding the full lineup, it was decision time.

Pat’s Favorite

Pat’s top pick: the smaller folding trike with rear basket (the more compact, easier-to-maneuver model).

Why she chose it:

• Size & confidence:
• Felt most in control on the smaller, more compact trike.
• Maneuverability:
• Easier for her to navigate and turn without feeling overwhelmed.
• Basket & layout:
• Liked the larger rear basket and familiar trike layout.
• Throttle preference:
• Overall, she preferred twist throttles over thumb throttles for her hand/arm comfort.

She also liked the ride on the more substantial upright trike, but didn’t enjoy the “easy chair” style seat on a daily basis.

Don’s Favorite

Don enjoyed several models, especially the Simple Glide for sheer comfort—but when pressed on practicality, he chose the folding trike with the large rear platform and basket.

“This one would be the most practical for me. It’ll do everything I need. I could see a front basket too. For little everyday trips to the store, it’s perfect.”

For fun, he loved the seated comfort of the recumbent-style Simple Glide. For daily errands and hauling, the folding cargo-style trike won.

Watching Pat and Don work through their first experience highlights a few important points for riders over 60:

1. Step-through height and ease of mounting matter a lot.

Low frames, wide entry, and simple on/off can make or break your comfort and safety.

2. Throttle style is personal—and can be health-based.

• If you have wrist issues, a thumb throttle might be easier.
• If you have hand weakness or arm conditions (like lymphedema), a twist throttle might feel more secure.

3. Seat style is more than just comfort—it affects confidence.

• Some riders love a big, supportive backrest. Others feel “trapped” and prefer a more traditional saddle that feels like a bike, not a chair.

4. Tire width and frame length change the feel.

• Wider tires and longer frames often feel more planted and stable.
• Narrower tires and shorter wheelbases can feel quicker and more nimble—both good, as long as they match your comfort level.

5. Folding and cargo options add real-world practicality.

If you camp, RV, boat, or run a lot of errands, a folding frame and large basket can be more important than having a higher-power motor.

All of the trikes tested in this session are available from sixthreezero, and they’re backed by:

• 30-Day Test Ride Policy
• If you don’t love your e-trike in the first 30 days, you can send it back—no questions asked, no money out of your pocket.
• 1-Year Warranty
• Parts and labor are covered for the first year.
• Support & Community
• Email: theteam@sixthreezero.com
• Phone: (310) 982-2877
• Facebook: sixthreezero Pedalers group—thousands of members sharing real experiences
• sixthreezero app: track your rides and compete on the leaderboard

If you’re still unsure which trike is right for you, you can also take the Body Fit Quiz on the sixthreezero website to match your height, inseam, and riding style to the right model.

It’s your journey, your experience. Enjoy the ride.