I Found My Favorite Electric Tricycle! I'm a 75 Year Old Senior & This ETrike is Perfect for Me!

Finding the right electric tricycle later in life is not about speed, flash, or aggressive performance. It’s about confidence. It’s about stability at stops, comfort over distance, and knowing that the bike will respond predictably in real-world riding—on streets, bike lanes, and gentle hills.

For many older riders, the move from two wheels to three is not a step backward. It is a step toward freedom.

This article follows a 75-year-old rider’s first real experience riding electric tricycles on public streets and explains why one model stood out above the rest: the sixthreezero Simple Glide 500W Recumbent Electric Trike.

Rather than focusing on marketing claims or spec sheets alone, this guide breaks down why the Simple Glide worked—what made it feel manageable, comfortable, and intuitive for a senior rider who had never ridden an electric tricycle before.

As riders age, priorities change. Balance, joint comfort, and ease of use begin to matter more than athletic positioning or high-speed handling. Many experienced cyclists reach a point where two-wheel bikes no longer feel predictable at low speeds or during stops, especially in traffic or on uneven pavement.

Electric tricycles address these concerns directly:

• No balancing at stops
• Stable starting and stopping
• Predictable handling at slow speeds
• Reduced physical strain

For riders who still enjoy cycling but want to remove the anxiety that can come with balance challenges, electric trikes often feel like a practical, confidence-restoring solution rather than a compromise.

Trying an electric tricycle for the first time can feel unfamiliar—even intimidating. Unlike a bicycle, trikes do not lean into turns, and steering inputs feel different at first. That learning curve is real, but it is also short when the design is intuitive.

In this case, multiple electric trikes were tested back-to-back. The goal was not to ride aggressively or push limits, but to answer a simpler question:

Which trike feels easiest to understand, control, and enjoy?

The answer came quickly once real street riding began.

The Simple Glide 500W is a recumbent-style electric tricycle designed specifically around comfort, stability, and ease of use. Unlike upright trikes that place riders high above the pavement, the Simple Glide uses a low, reclined seating position that immediately lowers the rider’s center of gravity.

This single design choice influences almost every aspect of how the trike feels on the road.

Key Characteristics at a Glance

• 500-watt electric motor
• Stable three-wheel platform
• Recumbent seating with back support
• Throttle + pedal assist
• Designed for relaxed, upright visibility with reclined comfort
• Optimized for confidence and control rather than speed

One of the most important reasons the Simple Glide stood out was its recumbent riding position.

Unlike traditional upright bikes or trikes, the rider sits in the trike rather than on top of it. This changes everything:

• Lower center of gravity improves stability
• Back support reduces fatigue
• Relaxed leg extension eliminates knee strain
• No pressure on wrists, shoulders, or neck

For a 75-year-old rider, this translated into immediate comfort. There was no need to “get used to” the seat or riding posture. The position felt natural from the start.

One of the biggest concerns first-time trike riders have is steering.

Tricycles do not lean like bicycles. Turning requires keeping the body upright and steering smoothly through the handlebars rather than shifting body weight. This can feel unusual for the first few minutes—but the learning curve is short.

On the Simple Glide:

• Steering felt predictable
• The trike tracked straight at speed
• Low-speed control felt stable, not twitchy
• Turns became intuitive after a short adjustment period

Once the rider stopped trying to lean into turns and allowed the trike to do what it was designed to do, confidence increased quickly.

Hills are often the biggest concern for older riders, especially on heavier three-wheel platforms. This is where electric assist makes a real difference.

The Simple Glide’s 500-watt motor provided enough support to climb moderate hills comfortably when paired with higher pedal-assist levels and light pedaling. The key was not raw power, but controlled, steady assistance.

What mattered most:

• Smooth power delivery
• Predictable throttle response
• No sudden surges
• Ability to combine pedaling with assist

Rather than feeling like the motor was “taking over,” it felt like the trike was simply helping when needed.

Riding on real streets—not just paths or parking lots—is where many trikes reveal their weaknesses. This was the moment that truly confirmed the Simple Glide as the right choice.

On the road, the trike felt:

• Stable in bike lanes
• Comfortable near traffic
• Easy to control at intersections
• Confidence-inspiring at stops

The ability to stop without worrying about balance was especially important. Coming to a complete stop felt calm and controlled rather than tense or rushed.

Many bikes take time to feel comfortable. Seats need adjusting. Riding positions need tweaking. Muscles need adapting.

The Simple Glide required none of that.

Even after multiple miles of riding:

• No lower-back discomfort
• No wrist or shoulder fatigue
• No pressure points
• No need to constantly reposition

The recumbent seat allowed the rider to relax fully, making the experience enjoyable rather than physically demanding.

Comfort is not just physical. Feeling safe and in control plays a huge role in whether a rider actually wants to ride again.

What stood out most was the sense of integration with the trike. Instead of feeling like the rider was “managing” a machine, the trike felt intuitive—almost like an extension of the rider.

That mental comfort turned initial caution into enthusiasm.

After testing multiple models, the decision came down to a few clear factors:

1. Ease of handling: The Simple Glide felt more forgiving and predictable.
2. Recumbent comfort: The seating position eliminated strain and fatigue.
3. Low learning curve: Confidence built quickly, even for a first-time trike rider.
4. Street-ready stability: Riding in traffic felt manageable rather than stressful.
5. Overall enjoyment: The experience was described as exhilarating, not intimidating.

Those factors mattered more than speed, aesthetics, or advanced features.

The Simple Glide is particularly well-suited for:

• Seniors transitioning from two wheels
• Riders with balance concerns
• Anyone seeking a relaxed, confidence-first ride
• Riders who want real street usability
• Cyclists prioritizing comfort over performance

It is not designed for aggressive riding or steep mountain terrain—but that is not its purpose. Its purpose is to make riding enjoyable, accessible, and sustainable.

Ease of Use

• Simple controls
• Clear display
• Intuitive assist levels

Maintenance

• Fewer balance-related wear issues
• Predictable braking
• Straightforward upkeep

Storage

• Larger footprint than a bike
• Best suited for garage or dedicated storage

Choosing an electric trike is a bigger decision than buying a standard bike. Community feedback, real rider experiences, and post-purchase support make a meaningful difference.

The Simple Glide benefits from an active rider community and strong post-sale support, helping new owners feel confident long after the first ride.

The Simple Glide 500W recumbent electric trike succeeds because it respects what older riders actually need:

• Stability without complexity
• Comfort without compromise
• Power without intimidation

For a 75-year-old rider experiencing electric trikes for the first time, it delivered something more valuable than performance—it delivered confidence.

And confidence is what keeps riders coming back for the next ride.