Which ETrikes Are The Best? Riders Test & Choose Their Favorite Electric Trke; You'll Be Shocked!

Choosing an electric trike isn’t just about specs—it’s about how the trike feels when real people ride it. To help make that decision easier, we put six different sixthreezero electric trikes through a simple test: three first-time e-trike riders took each model for a spin, compared comfort and control, and then chose their favorites.

The result surprised even the riders. Two of them picked the same model for the same reason: maneuverability.

Below is a clear, reader-friendly recap of the test ride session—what the riders noticed, what changed their minds, and which e-trikes they’d choose for everyday riding.

Meet the Test Riders

Dustin (CEO of sixthreezero) led the session and walked the group through the basics: pedal assist, throttle, and what makes trikes feel different from two-wheel e-bikes.

The riders:

• Regina (51) – rides a regular bike often, but had never ridden an e-trike before.
• Bruce (68) – rides daily, never used an e-bike before, and is a confident rider who likes to push the limits (sometimes a little too much).
• Mike (56) – rides every day and had some prior e-bike experience.

Two of the riders are Navy veterans, and all three are comfortable on standard bikes—which turned out to be important, because transitioning from two wheels to three takes a different approach.

Before anyone rolled out, Dustin covered the essentials:

Pedal Assist vs Throttle

• Pedal assist helps only when you’re pedaling. Higher levels provide more motor support.
• Throttle can move the trike without pedaling—helpful for resting your legs or getting started.

Gears vs Motor Power

Trike gears work like a standard bike: they affect how hard you pedal, not how much power the motor gives. You shift gears while pedaling, but you can change pedal assist levels anytime.

The Biggest Learning Curve: Turning

This was the most important safety takeaway:

• On a two-wheel bike, riders naturally lean into turns and may accelerate through them.
• On many traditional trikes, you generally want to slow into the turn and accelerate out, shifting your weight appropriately.

That difference alone can make a “stable” trike feel unstable—until the rider adjusts their habits.

The group tested multiple designs, including:

• Reverse / tadpole-style trikes (two wheels in front)
• Traditional trikes (two wheels in back)
• Recumbent-style designs (pedals forward, laid-back seating)
• Fat-tire step-through trikes
• Passenger-style trikes (rickshaw/people mover setup)

Each style created a noticeably different ride experience.

1) Reverse-Style E-Trikes (Two Wheels in Front)

This style immediately felt more “bike-like” to the riders who already ride two-wheel bicycles regularly.

What they liked:

• Sharper turning and agile steering
• More familiar handling for experienced cyclists
• A fun, responsive ride once they trusted it

What to know:

• Some reverse trikes require the rider to actively steer and manage body position more like a bicycle.
• For true balance concerns, some riders may still prefer a fully stable rear-wheel trike design.

Still—this style left the strongest impression overall.

2) Traditional Trikes (Two Wheels in Back)

These felt “different” to riders who are used to two wheels. The key point that came up repeatedly: traditional trikes don’t behave like bicycles in turns.

What they liked:

• Classic trike platform
• Cargo options (rear basket)
• Relaxed riding for errands

What challenged them:

• The instinct to ride it like a bicycle—especially turning fast or powering through corners
• The feeling of steering correction (some trikes can “pull” slightly depending on drivetrain setup)

After the turning approach was explained—entering turns gradually and accelerating smoothly on exit—riders reported a noticeable increase in confidence, even though adapting to the trike’s handling still required a period of adjustment.

3) Recumbent-Style E-Trike (Pedals Forward, Long Frame)

This style changed the conversation. The longer frame and laid-back posture created a more relaxed, stable feeling for riders—especially after they had already experienced the handling differences of other trikes.

What they liked:

• Comfortable seating position
• Legs forward = relaxed posture
• A stable feel at speed
• “Different, but very cool”

Several riders said it felt like a trike you’d choose when you want a comfortable ride for the experience—not just transportation.

4) Fat Tire Step-Through E-Trike (750W)

This was described as a “people mover” style trike—more upright, powerful, and designed for capability.

What they liked:

• Strong motor feel and quick acceleration
• Upright seating and control
• Confidence on varied surfaces
• A practical, versatile platform (even for towing a trailer)

Some riders noted that small bumps felt different compared to the recumbent style, but overall the feedback was positive—especially for riders who want a more “utility” setup.

5) Passenger / Rickshaw-Style E-Trike (Carry a Rider)

This was the fun wildcard: a trike designed to carry a passenger in the back seat.

What surprised them:

• The driver could barely feel the passenger’s weight while riding
• Handling stayed stable and smooth—even with someone seated behind

They also discussed practical uses—helping an elderly family member enjoy rides again, taking someone who can’t ride independently, or adapting it for cargo with different attachments.

After riding all the models, each rider chooses their favorite.

✅ Bruce’s Pick: Reverse-Style E-Trike

He chose it for maneuverability and a more familiar “bike-like” feel.

✅ Mike’s Pick: Reverse-Style E-Trike

Same reason: handling and agility. Once he stopped accelerating into corners, it became a clear favorite.

✅ Regina’s Pick: Recumbent-Style E-Trike (for solo riding)

She liked the relaxed position and stable feel—especially for enjoyable solo rides.

For carrying someone else, she saw real value in the passenger-style trike, but for day-to-day riding, she leaned toward the laid-back recumbent experience.

The biggest takeaway:

Two riders chose the same favorite (reverse-style) because it felt closest to a bicycle—while the third rider preferred the comfort-first recumbent option.

If you’re trying to choose the “best” electric trike, don’t start with wattage alone. Start with how you want it to ride.

Here’s a practical way to narrow it down:

• Want something agile, sharp-turning, and familiar if you already ride bikes?

Look at reverse-style trikes (two wheels in front).

• Want a fully stable platform with classic trike feel and cargo options?

Consider traditional rear-wheel trikes—but be ready to learn trike turning technique.

• Want the most relaxed, comfort-forward ride for longer cruising?

A recumbent-style trike may feel best.

• Need to carry another person or help a loved one enjoy rides again?

A passenger/rickshaw-style trike can be a game changer.

This test ride session made one thing clear: the “best” e-trike depends on your body, your comfort level, and your riding habits. Riders who cycle daily often gravitate toward trikes that feel more like a two-wheel bike. Riders prioritizing comfort tend to prefer a recumbent posture. And when mobility support or companionship is the goal, passenger-style designs offer something completely different.

If you’re on the fence, the smartest move is what these riders did: try multiple styles back-to-back. The difference is immediate.