Simple Glide Fat Tire eTrike: Dual Motor vs. Single Motor, Side by Side

Two Trikes, One Very Common Question

Stand two Simple Glide fat tire eTrikes next to each other and, at first glance, they look like siblings. Same low, laid-back stance. Same wide tires. Same big, supportive seat. Then you notice the details: one has a motor tucked inside the front wheel as well as the rear, a second battery, a longer frame and a large basket hanging off the back. The other is a little shorter, a little lighter and a little simpler.

That side-by-side comparison is exactly what Diane, one of our riders and a regular at the sixthreezero store in San Clemente, walked through on camera. She has ridden both versions, and her take is refreshingly practical. Neither trike is the “better” one in every situation. Each one is better for a certain kind of rider and a certain kind of ride.

This article takes her walkthrough and expands on it. We will cover what fat tires really do for a three-wheeler, how the dual motor setup works, what the extra battery capacity means on a real ride, why frame length and seat height matter for fit, and which features you get no matter which model you pick. By the end, you should have a clear sense of which Simple Glide makes sense for your body, your routes and the way you like to ride.

If you are brand new to three-wheelers, it may help to browse our full range of electric tricycles first so you can see where the Simple Glide fits in the lineup. If you already know you want a fat tire trike, keep reading. This is the decision you are about to make.

Both trikes in this comparison belong to the Simple Glide fat tire line. They share a design philosophy: a relaxed, seated riding position, a stable two-wheel rear end, and enough electric help that you can ride farther and more often without wearing yourself out.

The single motor version is the Simple Glide Fat Tire 750W Recumbent eTrike with a footrest. It uses one 750-watt motor to drive the trike, and it is the more compact of the two. The relaxed, reclined seating makes it a natural fit for anyone shopping our recumbent electric trikes, where comfort and back support come first.

The dual motor version is the Simple Glide Dual. As the name suggests, it runs two 750-watt motors, one in the rear and one in the front wheel, for a combined maximum output of 1500 watts. It also carries two batteries for a total of 30Ah of capacity. Add in a longer frame, rear suspension and a large rear basket that comes standard, and you have a trike built to do a bit more work.

The easiest way to think about the pair is this: the single motor Simple Glide is the comfortable everyday cruiser, and the dual motor Simple Glide is the same idea with more muscle, more range and more hauling ability. The core experience of sitting back, pedaling or throttling along on three stable wheels stays the same.

Both live in our fat tire electric trikes collection, so it is worth starting there with the tires themselves, since they shape how both trikes feel on the road.

The term “fat tire” sounds dramatic, but the idea is straightforward. The tire is wider than what you would find on a typical road bike or cruiser, and it carries a more noticeable tread. On both Simple Glide models, that extra width and grip do real work.

The first benefit is traction. A wider tire puts more rubber on the ground, which gives the trike a better hold on pavement, packed paths and the less-than-perfect surfaces most of us actually ride on. The tread helps too, giving the tire something to bite with rather than skating over loose grit.

The second benefit is stability, and this is where Diane's experience comes in. In her words, a wider tire makes you less likely to get a slip or a skip when you hit a crack in the road or roll over a stray rock. Narrow tires can drop into a crevice or deflect sideways off a small obstacle. A fat tire tends to bridge those little hazards and keep rolling.

On a three-wheeler, that matters even more than it does on a bike. Trikes are already chosen by many riders because they want a calmer, more planted ride. Fat tires reinforce that feeling. You spend less mental energy scanning for every pothole and more time actually enjoying where you are.

There is also a comfort side to it. A wider tire with a bit more air volume softens the small vibrations from rough asphalt and sidewalk seams. You will still feel a big bump, but the constant buzz of a worn road surface is noticeably dulled.

If you are curious how fat tires feel on two wheels, our fat tire electric bikes use the same idea. But for riders who want the most planted, confidence-inspiring setup possible, fat tires on a trike are hard to beat.

The headline difference between these two trikes is the motor arrangement. On the dual motor Simple Glide, there is a motor at the back, just like on the single motor version, and a second motor built into the front wheel hub. When both are running, the trike is being pushed from behind and pulled from the front at the same time.

That split of power has a few practical effects. With two motors sharing the load, neither one has to work as hard to move the trike, especially when the going gets tough. Starting from a stop feels stronger, and steady climbs are less of a strain on the system. The combined rating, 750 watts per motor and up to 1500 watts total, gives the dual model a real reserve of power to draw from.

Powering two motors calls for more energy, which is why the dual motor Simple Glide carries two batteries rather than one. Together they add up to 30Ah of capacity. That extra capacity is what lets the trike take advantage of its second motor without cutting your rides short.

It is worth being clear about what this does not mean. Two motors do not turn a comfort trike into a race machine. The Simple Glide Dual is still a relaxed, seated, three-wheeled ride. What the second motor and second battery give you is headroom: more help when you need it, and more energy in the tank so you can keep using that help for longer.

If you ever need replacement power for the road ahead, our batteries and chargers page is where you will find spares and replacements for sixthreezero electric rides.

Specs only matter if they change how a ride feels, so let's put the dual motor and dual battery setup into real-world terms. Diane laid out four situations where the dual model earns its keep, and they cover most of the reasons people end up choosing it.

First, distance. Two batteries simply give you more energy to spend. If your idea of a good ride is a long loop along the coast, a full day of errands, or a route that does not leave you watching the battery gauge the whole time, the extra capacity is the feature you will notice most.

Second, hills. Climbing is where any electric drive works hardest and where batteries drain fastest. With two motors splitting the effort, the dual Simple Glide handles inclines with less strain, and the extra battery means a hilly route does not empty your reserves as quickly. Diane specifically mentioned that the setup helps with retaining and maintaining battery power on hilly rides.

Third, cargo. If you plan to load up the rear of the trike with groceries, a picnic, a small cooler or gear for a day out, all that weight asks more of the drive system. Two motors and two batteries absorb that extra demand much more comfortably than one.

Fourth, rider weight. Diane was straightforward about this: if you are a heavier rider, the dual motor setup gives you a more capable ride and longer range than a single motor would. If that describes you, it is also worth looking at our full list of electric trikes with high weight capacity to compare options.

There is one more benefit she hinted at: terrain. The combination of two motors, fat tires and rear suspension makes the dual model better suited to rougher paths and tougher ground. And yes, it is probably a little bit quicker too, simply because there is more power available to get the trike moving.

Put simply, if your rides regularly involve any combination of long distances, steep streets, heavy loads or uneven surfaces, the dual motor model was designed with you in mind.

One of the nicest things about the dual motor Simple Glide is that you are not locked into using both motors all the time. Diane pointed this out as a feature she likes, and it is easy to overlook when you are just reading a spec sheet.

If, for whatever reason, you do not want both motors powered at once, you can switch over with a simple adjustment on the control component. The display then shows you clearly whether you are running in one motor or two motor mode, so there is never any guessing about which setup is active.

Why would you want to turn one off? There are several good reasons. On a flat, easy stretch, a single motor may be all you need, and running one motor can be a sensible way to be thoughtful with your battery. Some riders also prefer the feel of a single motor when they are cruising slowly through a crowded area, along a boardwalk or on a shared path where gentle, predictable power is more useful than extra punch.

Then, when the road tilts upward or you load up the basket, you can switch both motors back on and get the extra help exactly when it counts. It is a bit like having two trikes in one: a mellow cruiser for easy days and a stronger hauler for the tougher ones.

If you want to get familiar with how the displays work before your trike arrives, our eBike displays page is a good place to see the hardware. Once you have ridden for a week or two, switching modes becomes second nature, and you will develop your own sense of when one motor is plenty and when you want both.

Beyond the motors, the two trikes differ in their physical size, and this is one of the more important points for fit. The dual motor Simple Glide has a somewhat longer frame than the single motor model. Diane's read is that the extra length mostly comes from what the trike is built to carry at the back. A larger basket and rear end need a little more room.

The seat height is different as well. On the dual motor version, the seat sits a little higher than it does on the single motor model. For reference, Diane is 5'4”, and she was comfortable on both, but she noticed the difference straight away when the two trikes were parked next to each other.

Why does this matter? On a recumbent-style trike, seat height affects how easy it is to sit down and stand up, how your feet reach the ground when you stop, and how your legs extend toward the pedals. A slightly lower seat can make mounting and dismounting feel easier for some riders. A slightly higher seat can feel more natural for others, especially taller riders or anyone who finds it harder to rise from a very low position.

Frame length also changes how a trike feels in practice. A longer trike tends to feel steady and composed at speed and when loaded. A shorter trike is a bit easier to tuck into a garage, store in a smaller space or maneuver in tight spots.

If you are not sure which size suits you, our Get Fitted tool is designed to match riders with the right bike or trike based on their body and riding style. You can also browse our easy to mount eTrikes if getting on and off comfortably is your top priority. Fit is personal, and a few inches here or there make a real difference in how much you will enjoy every ride.

The dual motor Simple Glide adds two practical features that the single motor version does not have in the same way: rear suspension and a large rear basket that comes standard.

Start with the suspension. If you ride on rougher terrain, whether that is a cracked bike path, a gravel shortcut to the park or a stretch of road that has seen better days, you will feel the difference. Diane put it plainly: with rear suspension, you are not going to feel the impact of all those bumps in your hips. On a seated trike, where your hips and lower back carry much of your weight, that is a meaningful comfort upgrade.

Combine rear suspension with fat tires and a wide, cushioned seat, and you have a trike that does a very good job of filtering out the jolts that can make longer rides tiring. Riders who deal with joint sensitivity or back discomfort often find this combination especially welcome.

Now, the basket. The dual model comes with a very roomy rear basket as standard equipment. That is a big part of why the frame runs longer, and it ties directly into the dual motor's strengths. With all that cargo space and the extra power to carry it, the trike becomes a genuine errand machine. Weekly groceries, beach gear, a picnic, a bag of gardening supplies, a small dog carrier; there is room for the stuff of everyday life.

If carrying things is high on your list, you can see more options in our electric tricycles with a large basket and cargo electric trikes collections. And whichever trike you choose, our range of sixthreezero baskets and bags and panniers lets you tailor how you carry your gear.

With all this talk about the dual motor, it would be easy to assume the single motor Simple Glide is the lesser option. Diane was quick to push back on that idea. In her words, it is still a great model, and for a lot of riders it is the more sensible choice.

The single motor version runs one 750-watt motor. For flat neighborhoods, coastal paths, park loops and everyday local trips, that is plenty of help. Combined with pedal assist, a throttle and seven gears, it will carry most riders comfortably on the kinds of rides most people actually take.

It is also the lighter of the two. Fewer motors and one battery mean less weight overall, which makes the trike a little easier to move around when it is not being ridden. If you need to push it into a garage, back it out of a tight storage spot or wheel it around a side yard, those savings add up.

The frame is a bit shorter and the seat sits a bit lower, which can suit smaller riders and anyone who prefers to sit closer to the ground. It also comes with a footrest, a nice touch for those moments when you want to coast on the throttle and simply relax your legs.

For riders who mostly want comfort, stability and a gentle boost, the single motor Simple Glide delivers exactly that without extra hardware they may never use. It is a natural fit in our electric trikes for seniors and most comfortable electric trikes collections for that reason.

Every advantage comes with a cost, and the dual motor Simple Glide's cost is weight. Diane said it directly: the dual model is a bit heavier than the single motor version. That is no surprise when you consider that it carries an extra motor, an extra battery, a longer frame, rear suspension and a large basket.

Out on the road, the extra weight is rarely an issue. The second motor more than makes up for it, and the added mass can even contribute to that planted, steady feeling a lot of trike riders appreciate. Where weight matters is everything that happens off the bike.

Think about where your trike will live. If it will be parked in a garage with a level entrance, the difference between the two models will hardly register. If you have to roll it up a ramp, guide it down a narrow side path or move it by hand in a tight space, a lighter trike is simply easier to deal with.

Transport is another consideration. If you plan to take your trike somewhere by vehicle, the heavier dual model will ask more of whatever rack or trailer setup you use. Make sure your plan for getting the trike from one place to another works with its size and weight.

None of this is a reason to rule out the dual motor version. It is just an honest part of the picture. Weigh how often you will be riding the trike against how often you will be moving it by hand, and the right answer usually becomes obvious. Riders who spend most of their time actually riding, on longer and hillier routes, tend to find the extra weight well worth it.

Whichever motor setup you choose, you get the same foundation. Both Simple Glide models offer the stability of a trike rather than a bike, and Diane considers that one of their biggest selling points.

With two wheels at the back, you do not need to balance the way you would on a bicycle. You can roll along slowly without wobbling, come to a complete stop without putting a foot down, and start again without that shaky first pedal stroke. If you have balance concerns, whether from age, an injury, an inner ear condition or simply a lack of recent riding, Diane's view is that you are well covered here.

That stability opens up cycling to people who may have given up on it. Many riders who come to us have not been on a bike in years, or have had a fall that shook their confidence. A stable three-wheeler lets them get back outside on their own terms.

Both models also share the same seating design. The seats are wide, cushioned and genuinely comfortable, the kind you can sit on for a long ride without shifting around every few minutes. Behind the seat is substantial back support, which does more than add comfort. It gives you something to push against as you pedal, so your legs can work more efficiently.

Then there are the armrests. On longer rides, holding your arms up in front of you gets tiring. Both Simple Glide trikes let you lower the armrests so you can rest your arms rather than keeping them raised the whole time. It is a small thing that makes a long ride feel much more relaxed.

If seat comfort is a priority for you, you can also explore our selection of sixthreezero seats to see the range of options available across the lineup.

Diane describes the electric features as what makes eTrikes such a joy to ride, and both Simple Glide models have the same set. Understanding how they work together will help you get the most out of either trike.

Pedal assist is the heart of the system. When you pedal, the motor adds power behind your effort. You still get the feeling and the gentle exercise of cycling, but each pedal stroke goes further. Many riders find they ride far more often with pedal assist because the effort feels manageable and rewarding rather than exhausting.

Both trikes also have a twist throttle. With the throttle, you can ride without pedaling at all. Diane uses it in a couple of smart ways. One is getting across busy streets quickly, where accelerating smoothly through an intersection without having to crank the pedals is a real safety benefit. Another is at the bottom of a hill, where a twist of the throttle gets the trike moving and up to speed without a heavy push on the pedals.

The throttle is also handy for riders who want to rest their legs mid-ride, recover from a tough stretch, or manage days when their knees or hips are less cooperative. On the single motor version, that is when the footrest really comes into its own.

Finally, both models include a traditional seven-speed drivetrain, the same kind of gear range you would find on a regular mountain bike or road bike. Gears let you choose an easy, spinning cadence on climbs and a more relaxed pedaling pace on the flats, so your legs and the motor work together efficiently. To learn more about throttle-equipped options, browse our electric tricycles with throttle control.

Put pedal assist, a throttle and seven gears together and you have a lot of ways to make your ride easier. You can pedal hard, pedal gently, or not pedal at all, and change your mind at any moment along the way.

Diane summed it up well: if you want an eTrike that can take you on longer rides, hillier rides and probably slightly faster rides, the dual motor model is the one to consider. Let's turn that into some real-world rider profiles.

The hill dweller. If your home sits on a slope, or every route out of your neighborhood starts with a climb, the dual motor setup takes the dread out of those first few minutes. You can switch on both motors for the climbs and drop back to one on the flat sections.

The long-distance rider. If you like rides measured in hours rather than minutes, or you want to string together several stops in one outing, the 30Ah of dual battery capacity gives you more freedom to keep going.

The errand runner. If you plan to use your trike in place of the car for groceries, pharmacy runs and trips to the farmers market, the standard rear basket and the extra power to carry a full load make the dual model a natural fit.

The heavier rider. If you have found that some electric rides feel underpowered for you, two motors and rear suspension deliver a more confident, more comfortable experience.

The rough-road rider. If your local paths are cracked, uneven or partly unpaved, the combination of rear suspension and fat tires helps smooth things out and keeps the jolts away from your hips and back.

If several of these describe you, the dual motor Simple Glide is likely worth the extra weight. And if you would like to spread the cost, our financing options can help make a more capable trike fit your budget.

The single motor Simple Glide is a great model in its own right, and for many riders it is simply the better match. Here are the people who usually end up happiest with it.

The flat-ground cruiser. If your rides are mostly on level streets, beach paths, boardwalks or park loops, one 750-watt motor gives you all the help you need. You would rarely use the second motor, so there is little reason to carry it around.

The comfort-first rider. If your main goal is to get outside, stay active and enjoy a relaxed ride in a supportive seat, the single motor model gives you the full Simple Glide comfort experience: fat tires, a wide seat, back support, lowered armrests and a footrest for coasting.

The rider with limited storage space. A shorter frame and lighter build make the single motor trike easier to park, store and maneuver when you are not riding it.

The smaller rider. A slightly lower seat height may feel more natural and approachable for shorter riders. Diane, at 5'4”, was comfortable on both, but she noticed the difference, and some riders will prefer sitting a bit closer to the ground.

The rider who values simplicity. One motor, one battery, fewer things to think about. If you like the idea of a trike that you just get on and ride without managing different modes, the single motor version keeps things refreshingly uncomplicated.

You can always add capacity for carrying things later with our add-ons, so starting with the single motor model does not mean giving up on practicality.

If you are still on the fence, these questions tend to clear things up quickly. Be honest with your answers, and think about how you will really ride, not just how you might ride on an ambitious day.

How hilly are your usual routes? If you regularly face steady climbs, the dual motor setup will make a noticeable difference. If your area is mostly flat, a single motor is likely enough.

How far do you want to go? If you picture shorter rides around the neighborhood, either trike will handle that well. If you dream of all-day outings, the extra battery capacity of the dual model gives you more flexibility.

How much will you carry? If you plan to load the trike regularly, the dual motor model's standard basket and extra power are a strong argument in its favor.

Where will the trike live? Measure your storage space and think about how you will get the trike in and out. The lighter, shorter single motor model is easier to handle in tight spots.

What surfaces will you ride on? Smooth pavement favors either model. Bumpy, broken or loose surfaces make the dual model's rear suspension especially valuable.

How do you feel about seat height? Sit on both if you can. The small difference in height can change how easy it feels to get on and off.

If you would like more structured guidance, our Ultimate Bike Buyer’s Guide walks through the bigger picture of choosing a ride, and the Choosing a Bike section of our blog covers plenty of related questions.

Diane's final piece of advice is the most important one: come out and test ride them side by side. You can see the differences in photos and videos, and specs can tell you a lot, but you cannot really know which trike is best for you until you sit on it and ride it.

A test ride answers questions no spec sheet can. How does the seat height feel when you sit down and stand up? Does the longer frame feel steady and reassuring, or would you prefer the more compact model? How does the single motor feel on a gentle incline compared with both motors running? Do you notice the rear suspension over a bumpy patch?

At our San Clemente store, test rides are offered on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and you will have an expert on hand to help you through the experience. Diane describes the staff as friendly and helpful, with zero pressure to buy. The goal is simply to help you find the trike that suits you best. You can find details on our Visit Us page.

If you cannot make it to the store, you still have options. Every order comes with our 30 day test ride, so you can try your trike on your own streets and routes. If it is not the right fit, we will cover the return shipping. You can also use our Find a Retailer page to look for a dealer closer to you.

And once you have made your choice, free shipping gets it to your door, our assembly instructions walk you through the final setup, and our warranty has you covered for the road ahead.

The Simple Glide fat tire eTrike comes in two strong versions, and the choice between them is really about how you ride.

Choose the dual motor Simple Glide if you want maximum capability. Two 750-watt motors with up to 1500 watts combined, two batteries totaling 30Ah, rear suspension, a longer frame and a standard rear basket make it the trike for longer rides, steeper hills, heavier loads, heavier riders and rougher ground. You can even switch to a single motor when you want a gentler ride, with the display showing you exactly which mode you are in. The trade-off is extra weight.

Choose the single motor Simple Glide if you want comfort, simplicity and easy handling. One 750-watt motor, a shorter frame, a lower seat and a footrest make it ideal for flatter routes, everyday local rides and anyone who would rather not move a heavier trike around.

Either way, you get the same stable three-wheel platform, the same grippy fat tires, the same wide, cushioned seat with excellent back support, fold-down armrests, pedal assist, a twist throttle and seven gears. That shared foundation is what makes both trikes such a pleasure to ride.

Still weighing it up? Take a look at the full fat tire eTrike collection, spend some time in our Bike Advice library, or book a test ride and feel the difference for yourself. The right trike is the one that gets you outside and riding more often, and either Simple Glide is ready to do exactly that.