An electric trike is a three-wheeled vehicle powered by an

electric motor An electric motor is an Electric machine, electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Most electric motors operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a Electromagneti ...

Overview

Definition

While the normal

legal definition of motorcycle The legal definition of a motorcycle for the purposes of registration, taxation and rider licensing in most countries is a ''powered two-wheel motor vehicle''. Most countries distinguish between mopeds up to 49 cc (scooters do not count as a se ...

is a two-wheeled vehicle, in the USA a motorcycle may also be three-wheeled. This classification does not depend on whether the operator is fully enclosed by a "cage" or exposed to the elements. Electric trikes have become increasingly popular in the last few years due to their versatility and the convenience they offer. They are available in a variety of sizes, some of which are designed for recreational purposes while others can be used as a form of alternative transportation. An electric tricycle is ideal for those that want to get around in an

eco-friendly Environment friendly processes, or environmental-friendly processes (also referred to as eco-friendly, nature-friendly, and green), are sustainability and marketing terms referring to goods and services, laws, guidelines and policies that clai ...

way and yet still require more stability than a regular

bicycle A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-powered assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A is called a cyclist, or bicyclist. Bic ...

can provide. Aside from being easy to ride, many models feature powerful

motors An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert one or more forms of energy into mechanical energy. Available energy sources include potential energy (e.g. energy of the Earth's gravitational field as exploited in hydroelectric power gen ...

, large batteries and even headlights or other accessories depending on your needs - making them great for commuters who need something sturdy that can travel long distances without putting a strain on the environment. As such, electric trikes are a fantastic solution for those looking for an efficient and sustainable mode of transport.

Configurations

Three-wheeled vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels are known as a delta design or the traditional trike (tricycle) design, while vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel are known as a tadpole design.

Electric assisted velomobiles

Some three-wheeled electric vehicles, such as the

Twike The Twike (a portmanteau of the words ''twin'' and ''bike'') is a human-electric hybrid vehicle (HEHV) designed to carry two passengers and cargo. Essentially a velomobile with an electrical hybrid engine, it can be driven in electric-only mode ...

and the

Myers Motors NmG The Myers Motors NmG (formerly the Corbin Sparrow) was a single-passenger, three-wheeled, battery electric vehicle designed specifically for commuting and city driving, produced from 1999 into the early 2010s. It was initially produced by Corbin ...

, enclose the rider in a cabin or cockpit.Enclosed tricycles

References

{{Reflist Electric vehicles

Electric three-wheel vehicles Electricity is the set of physics, physical Phenomenon, phenomena associated with the presence and motion of matter that has a property of electric charge. Electricity is related to magnetism, both being part of the phenomenon of electromagne ...

Tricycles Micromobility