The Relaxed Body Recumbent E-Trike: A Complete Review for Riders Who Refuse to Compromise on Comfort

A semi-recumbent electric trike that challenges everything you thought you knew about riding position, stability, and everyday adventure.

If you've spent any time shopping for an electric trike, you already know the tradeoffs. Upright riding positions that strain your back. Heavy frames that feel sluggish on hills. Narrow tires that leave you white-knuckling every turn. And the ever-present question: can I actually ride this thing on anything other than a smooth, flat path?

The Relaxed Body Recumbent E-Trike is sixthreezero's answer to all of those frustrations — and it's a genuinely compelling one. Built around a semi-recumbent forward-pedaling design, it places comfort and stability at the center of everything, without sacrificing the power or versatility that adventurous riders need. Whether you're cruising along a coastal bike path, tackling a steep neighborhood hill, or venturing onto unpaved trails, this trike was engineered to handle it — and to handle it comfortably.

This review covers everything: the design philosophy, the full feature breakdown, real-world performance on pavement and off-road terrain, who this trike is best suited for, and how it compares to the broader e-trike market. If you're considering the Relaxed Body as your next ride, here's what you need to know.

What Is a Semi-Recumbent E-Trike, and Why Does It Matter?

Before diving into the specifics of the Relaxed Body, it helps to understand the category it occupies. Traditional upright e-trikes have a lot going for them — they're familiar, they're easy to mount and dismount, and they feel intuitive to most riders. But they also place your body in a position that, over time, can create real problems. Weight on your wrists. Pressure on your lower back. A hunched posture that doesn't do your spine any favors on longer rides.

Fully recumbent trikes solve many of these problems by putting the rider in an almost horizontal position, with legs extending forward and the seat angled back significantly. It's an ergonomically excellent setup, but it can feel unusual, and the low-slung profile makes visibility and maneuverability more challenging for casual riders.

The Relaxed Body occupies the sweet spot between these two extremes. It's semi-recumbent — meaning you're sitting upright, not laid back, but your legs extend forward to reach the pedals rather than dropping straight down beneath you. If you've ever used a recumbent stationary bike at the gym, the positioning will feel immediately familiar. Your back is supported, your arms rest naturally, and the pedaling motion itself is more of a forward push than a downward stomp.

This design choice has cascading effects on every aspect of the riding experience — from comfort and stability to how the trike handles hills and rough terrain. It's one of those cases where a single engineering decision reshapes the entire product.

First Impressions: Build Quality and Design

The Relaxed Body makes a strong first impression. It's a substantial machine — not in a way that feels excessive or unwieldy, but in a way that communicates durability and intention. The extended frame that comes with the forward-pedaling design gives the trike a long, purposeful silhouette, and the wide rear stance adds to a sense of groundedness before you even throw a leg over it.

The trike ships with a standard seat, but for riders who want maximum lumbar support, the optional Super Duper Extra Max Cush Seat with backrest is an upgrade worth serious consideration. This seat adds a padded, contoured backrest that locks the rider into a supported, ergonomic position for the duration of the ride. On longer outings — or for riders with back pain, hip issues, or any history of lower-body discomfort — this addition transforms the Relaxed Body from a comfortable trike into one of the most physically supportive e-trikes on the market.

The rear cargo area is generously proportioned, with significant space for groceries, day-trip gear, or anything else you want to bring along. This isn't a token cargo shelf — it's a legitimately useful hauling platform, which matters if you're planning to use the Relaxed Body for errands as well as recreation.

Visually, the trike is clean and cohesive. The layout of the components feels deliberate rather than bolted-on, and the overall build quality matches what you'd expect from a company with nearly two decades in the cycling industry.

Technical Specifications: What's Under the Hood

Let's break down the key components that define the Relaxed Body's performance envelope.

Motor: 750W Rear Hub

The Relaxed Body is powered by a 750-watt rear hub motor — a robust choice that strikes a smart balance between everyday rideability and hill-climbing capability. A 750W motor is the upper limit for e-bikes and e-trikes that can be ridden on public roads without special licensing in most U.S. states, which means you're getting the maximum street-legal power available.

For context on what 750W delivers in the real world: a 230-pound rider — heavy enough that it's a fair stress test for the system — can climb a moderately steep hill using throttle-only, without touching the pedals at all. On gentler grades, the motor handles the terrain effortlessly. On longer, steeper climbs, combining pedal assist with gear selection makes the work feel genuinely manageable.

Rear Differential: A Feature Worth Highlighting

One of the most significant — and often overlooked — mechanical details on the Relaxed Body is the rear differential. On many e-trikes with rear hub motors, power is delivered to only one rear wheel. This creates an asymmetry in traction that becomes noticeable on turns, loose surfaces, or any terrain where the two rear wheels need to rotate at different speeds.

The Relaxed Body's rear differential solves this by distributing power to both rear wheels while allowing them to rotate independently when needed. In practice, this translates to better traction on gravel and dirt, more predictable handling through corners, and a more stable feel in general. It's the kind of feature that you might not notice when everything is going well, but you'd absolutely notice if it weren't there.

Battery: 15 Amp-Hour Capacity

The 15Ah battery sits prominently in the frame and provides the energy reserve for extended rides. Amp-hour capacity alone doesn't tell the whole story — riding mode, terrain, rider weight, and average speed all affect real-world range — but a 15Ah battery on a 750W motor is a capable combination. Riders who mix pedal assist levels intelligently and use the throttle selectively should expect meaningful range from each charge.

The battery is positioned thoughtfully in relation to the rest of the trike's weight distribution, contributing to the overall stability rather than throwing off the balance.

Tires: 3-Inch Wide, Mixed-Size Configuration

The Relaxed Body runs 3-inch wide tires — wide enough to provide genuine cushioning over road imperfections and serious grip on varied surfaces, but not so oversized that they add unnecessary rolling resistance on pavement.

The sizing is intentionally asymmetric: 20-inch wheels up front and 20-inch in the rear as well, but with the front-to-rear weight distribution taken into account in the overall geometry. More of the trike's weight sits toward the rear, where the motor, battery, and cargo are housed, and the wider rear tire contact patch is sized to keep that weight planted. The result is a stable, balanced ride that behaves predictably whether you're on smooth asphalt or loose dirt.

Wide tires also contribute to the off-road credibility of the Relaxed Body. A narrower-tired trike would struggle on the kind of rutted dirt trails that this one handles with confidence — more on that below.

Brakes: Front and Rear Mechanical Disc

Both ends of the Relaxed Body are equipped with mechanical disc brakes. Disc brakes offer more consistent stopping power than rim brakes across a range of conditions — including wet pavement, dirt, and the kind of dusty trail surfaces that cause rim brakes to fade. Mechanical disc brakes are also easier to adjust and maintain than hydraulic systems, which matters for riders who want to service their trike without specialized tools or shop visits.

Given that the Relaxed Body is a heavier platform — motor, battery, cargo, and a potentially loaded rear rack all add up — reliable braking is non-negotiable. The disc brake setup here is up to the task.

Drivetrain: Multi-Speed Geared System

The Relaxed Body is equipped with a multi-gear drivetrain, and understanding how to use it effectively is a meaningful part of getting the most from the trike. The relationship between gear selection and motor performance is one of those things that separates experienced e-trike riders from beginners.

Here's the basic principle: in higher pedal assist modes, you want to be in a higher gear so that your pedaling cadence matches the speed the motor is driving. If you're in too low a gear while the motor is pushing hard, you end up spinning your legs rapidly without delivering meaningful power — what cyclists call "ghost pedaling." On the other hand, when climbing a steep hill, dropping to a lower gear gives your legs mechanical advantage and makes the climbing effort feel significantly easier.

The Relaxed Body rewards riders who learn this interplay. Those who approach the gears thoughtfully will find the trike capable and efficient on a wide range of terrain.

Pedal Assist: Five Levels

Five levels of pedal assist give riders granular control over how much motor assistance they want at any given moment. Level one delivers a gentle boost that keeps the riding experience feel largely human-powered. Level five delivers the full weight of the motor, letting the trike surge forward with minimal effort from the rider. Most real-world riding happens somewhere in the middle — level three or four tends to be the sweet spot for relaxed cruising, while level five is reserved for demanding climbs or windy conditions.

Top Speed: 19.5 MPH

The Relaxed Body tops out at approximately 19.5 miles per hour under throttle-only power — tested and confirmed with a 230-pound rider on flat pavement. That's a practical and legal ceiling for urban and suburban riding, fast enough to keep pace with light traffic and cover ground efficiently, without venturing into territory where an e-trike's stability becomes a concern at speed.

On the Road: Pavement Performance

Testing the Relaxed Body on pavement reveals just how well the semi-recumbent design translates to real riding conditions. The first thing most riders notice is the low center of gravity. Because the rider's weight is distributed over a longer, lower frame, the trike doesn't have the top-heavy feeling that some upright e-trikes carry. Through corners, the wheels stay planted. On gentle curves at moderate speed, there's no lean or tip tendency — just smooth, confident tracking.

Tight maneuvering is worth discussing specifically because a longer frame naturally raises questions about agility. The Relaxed Body handles tighter-radius turns more capably than you might expect, and with a little practice, navigating through cones, around parked cars, or through busy bike paths becomes second nature. The extended wheelbase that makes the trike feel stable on open roads doesn't become a liability in closer quarters.

Throttle response is clean and linear. Rather than a surge when you twist, the motor delivers power smoothly, which is particularly useful in slow-speed situations — joining traffic, navigating a busy path, or controlling speed on a descent. Many riders find throttle control more intuitive than pedal assist for these situations, and the Relaxed Body's throttle execution supports that preference.

On hill climbs, the combination of the 750W motor and intelligent gear selection makes the Relaxed Body genuinely capable. A moderately steep residential climb at 230 pounds? Manageable on throttle alone, and comfortable with pedal assist. A longer, steeper grade requires a bit more engagement from the rider, but with the gears in the right range and pedal assist at level five, the hill doesn't win.

Off the Beaten Path: Trail Performance

The off-road section of any e-trike review is where design choices either prove themselves or fall apart. Some e-trikes that perform beautifully on pavement become nervous and unstable the moment the surface changes. The Relaxed Body is not one of those.

On rutted dirt trails, the 3-inch wide tires absorb the surface irregularities that would transfer jarring vibration through a narrower setup. The ride is bumpy in the way that trail riding inherently is, but it's controlled. You're not fighting the trike — it tracks where you point it, even when the ground beneath it is uneven.

The rear differential earns its value particularly clearly off-road. On loose surfaces, where wheel slip is a real possibility, having power distributed to both rear wheels keeps the trike moving forward without the fishtailing that a single-wheel-drive setup might produce. The stability that the low center of gravity provides on pavement translates directly to the trail as well.

Climbing short, steep off-road grades requires the right approach — enough speed heading into the ascent, gears in the right range, and confident throttle application. The Relaxed Body handles these transitions well, and on sustained dirt climbs, it proves that the 750W motor isn't just a pavement feature.

It's worth noting that no e-trike, regardless of how well-engineered, is fully invincible on extremely steep, loose terrain. The laws of traction and weight distribution apply to everyone. But within the range of trails that most recreational riders would actually seek out, the Relaxed Body performs with notable composure.

The Comfort Case: Why Riding Position Changes Everything

The ergonomic argument for the semi-recumbent design deserves its own section, because it's genuinely central to why this trike exists and who it's for.

Traditional upright cycling positions place a significant portion of the rider's weight on the hands, wrists, and lower back. On a short ride, this is rarely a problem. On rides of an hour or more — or for riders who carry any history of back pain, wrist problems, or joint issues — that weight distribution becomes a significant barrier to enjoyment and endurance.

The Relaxed Body's forward-pedaling position fundamentally reorganizes where the body's weight goes. With the pedals extended in front of the rider rather than below, there's no need to support upper body weight through the arms. The back rests against the seat naturally, and the optional padded backrest ensures that lumbar support is built into the experience, not something the rider has to consciously manage.

For older riders, this matters enormously. Many people who would love to continue cycling find that the upright position becomes unsustainable as the years accumulate. The Relaxed Body offers a path to continued riding that doesn't require constant negotiation with physical limitations.

The same logic applies to post-surgical riders, those recovering from injuries, or anyone with a condition that makes traditional cycling positions painful or impossible. The Relaxed Body doesn't require you to bend yourself into a shape your body finds uncomfortable — it bends to meet your body where it is.

That said, the semi-recumbent design isn't exclusively for riders with physical limitations. Plenty of healthy, active riders simply prefer a more reclined, supported position for long-distance touring. The efficiency of the seated position means less fatigue over extended rides, which translates directly to covering more ground and enjoying more of whatever scenery you set out to see.

Who Is the Relaxed Body Designed For?

The honest answer is: a broader range of riders than most e-trikes. But there are a few profiles where it's a particularly strong match.

Riders with back pain or mobility limitations. If your spine, hips, or joints have made upright cycling uncomfortable or impossible, the Relaxed Body's ergonomic design may open doors that felt closed. The forward-pedaling position combined with the optional backrest creates one of the most accommodating riding setups available in the e-trike market.

Older adults seeking long-term riding options. Age doesn't disqualify anyone from cycling, but it does change what feels sustainable. The Relaxed Body meets riders where they are and supports continued active living without demanding physical compromise.

Recreational cyclists who want more range and exploration. If you're drawn to longer rides — coastal paths, greenways, mixed-terrain loops — the combination of the 750W motor, five-level pedal assist, and efficient riding position makes the Relaxed Body a strong touring companion.

Riders who want off-road capability without a full mountain trike. The Relaxed Body isn't a dedicated off-road machine, but it handles unpaved trails with genuine competence. For riders who want the flexibility to occasionally leave the pavement without switching vehicles, it delivers.

Commuters and errand runners. The large rear cargo area makes the Relaxed Body legitimately useful for carrying groceries, bags, and daily necessities. Pair that with the all-day riding comfort and the trike becomes a practical alternative to a car for short local trips.

Anyone who's tried other e-trikes and found them wanting. If you've test-ridden the category and come away thinking "this is almost right, but...," the Relaxed Body addresses many of the most common complaints: limited power, single-wheel drive, uncomfortable positions, and poor off-road performance.

Comparing to the Broader E-Trike Market

The e-trike market has expanded considerably in recent years, and there are now more options at more price points than ever before. So where does the Relaxed Body sit relative to the competition?

Most entry-level e-trikes in the sub-$2,000 range use 500W or 250W motors — adequate for flat ground and gentle grades, but underpowered for anything more demanding. The Relaxed Body's 750W motor places it firmly in the more capable tier.

Single-rear-wheel drive is still the industry norm, even on higher-end trikes. The rear differential on the Relaxed Body is a meaningful differentiator that genuinely improves traction and handling — it's not a marketing add-on.

The semi-recumbent design itself is relatively uncommon in the consumer e-trike market. Most trikes continue to default to upright riding positions, which leaves a meaningful gap for riders who want ergonomic support. The Relaxed Body fills that gap thoughtfully.

For riders who want to compare directly, the most important question isn't feature-for-feature parity but rather: which design philosophy matches my actual riding needs? An upright trike with a higher top speed isn't a better choice for a rider whose back can't handle the position. The most powerful trike in a lineup isn't worth much if it doesn't get ridden because it's uncomfortable.

The Sixthreezero E-Trike Experience: Beyond the Ride

The Relaxed Body comes backed by a purchase and ownership experience that sixthreezero has built around removing the friction from the buying process.

The most rider-friendly element of this is the 30-day test drive policy. You can purchase the trike, ride it, live with it, and evaluate it against your actual daily life — not just a 10-minute showroom spin. If it's not the right fit within those first 30 days, you send it back, no questions asked, and no money out of pocket. That's a genuine commitment to buyer confidence, and it reflects well on how much sixthreezero believes in the product.

The warranty is one year covering parts and labor — meaning if something goes wrong in the first year of ownership, the company takes care of it. For a product category where long-term support can be inconsistent, a comprehensive one-year warranty provides real peace of mind.

For riders who prefer a hands-on evaluation before purchasing, sixthreezero operates a showroom in San Clemente at 1046 Calle Roto, Unit K, where you can test ride the Relaxed Body alongside the full e-trike lineup. For many buyers, especially those making a significant purchase for the first time, the ability to ride before committing is invaluable.

sixthreezero also maintains an active community through their Facebook group, the sixthreezero Pedalers, which serves as both a resource for prospective buyers and a gathering place for existing riders. The value of talking to people who own the trike you're considering — before you buy it — shouldn't be underestimated. Real-world feedback from actual owners who've ridden in conditions similar to yours provides a level of context that no spec sheet or review can fully replace.

Post-purchase, the sixthreezero app allows riders to track rides and participate in a community leaderboard — a feature that adds a light gamification layer for riders who enjoy tracking their progress and connecting with others.

For direct inquiries, the sixthreezero team can be reached at sixthreezero.com or by phone at 319-82-2877.

A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Buy

In the interest of giving you a complete picture, a few practical considerations are worth raising.

Sizing and mounting. The longer, lower frame of a semi-recumbent trike is different from upright bikes and trikes. It takes a moment to develop the habit of mounting and dismounting cleanly, and riders with significant mobility limitations should try this in person before purchasing to ensure they're comfortable with the entry and exit motion.

Storage space. The Relaxed Body is a large vehicle. It won't fit in a standard apartment closet or the back seat of a sedan. If you don't have a garage, shed, or other dedicated storage space, this is worth thinking through before you commit.

Learning curve. The forward-pedaling position feels slightly unfamiliar for the first few rides if you're coming from an upright bicycle or trike. Most riders adapt within a single session, but expect a brief adjustment period. The stability of the trike format eliminates the balancing variable, which helps.

Gear selection habits. Getting the most out of the Relaxed Body requires learning to match your gear choice to your riding conditions. Riders who take a few minutes to understand the relationship between pedal assist level, terrain, and gear selection will have a meaningfully better experience than those who leave it in the same gear all the time.

Throttle and terrain. While the 750W motor is powerful, extremely steep loose-surface climbs will always present challenges for a heavy electric trike. The Relaxed Body handles these situations better than many competitors, but it's not a UTV — choose your terrain with some awareness of its capabilities.

Is the Relaxed Body Right for You?

There are e-trikes that are faster. There are trikes that are lighter. There are certainly trikes that are cheaper. But the Relaxed Body Recumbent E-Trike occupies a unique and well-considered position in the market, and for the right rider, it's difficult to beat.

The semi-recumbent design isn't a gimmick — it's a principled response to the very real limitations of upright cycling for a significant segment of the riding population. Combined with a 750W motor, rear differential, wide 3-inch tires, disc brakes on both ends, and a generous cargo platform, the Relaxed Body is a capable, comfortable, and versatile machine that can genuinely replace a car for short trips, handle recreational trail riding, and support long-distance cruising without leaving the rider exhausted and sore.

The 30-day return policy and one-year parts-and-labor warranty transform what might otherwise be a risky purchase into a reasonably low-stakes decision. If you've been looking for an e-trike that finally takes comfort seriously without compromising on performance, the Relaxed Body belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Reach out to the sixthreezero team, join the sixthreezero Pedalers community for real rider perspectives, or book a test ride in San Clemente if you're within driving distance. And if you do decide to take the Relaxed Body home, the riding position will make one thing abundantly clear from the first pedal stroke: some products really do live up to the promise in their name.

The Relaxed Body Recumbent E-Trike is available through sixthreezero at sixthreezero.com. For questions, contact theteam@sixthreezero.com or call 319-82-2877. Test rides are available at 1046 Calle Rocodo, Unit K, San Clemente, CA. A 30-day test drive policy and one-year parts-and-labor warranty are included with purchase.