The best thing about electric trikes is that they cater to everybody. Because compared to two-wheeled eBikes they are much safer and can carry more cargo. This makes cargo e-trikes an amazing option for families as well. Parents can transport children safely and enjoy the outdoors more conveniently and comfortably.
Even so, there aren’t many options for family-friendly electric trikes. Most of the time, you’ll have to pick a regular electric tricycle and purchase separate attachments and accessories like kid’s trailers and kid’s seats.
Enter 3-wheel electric cargo bikes. These tricycles are designed for either carrying heavy cargo or transporting adults and children. Some can even do both.
So let’s discuss what makes a cargo e-tricycle different from the rest.
The Best 3-Wheel Electric Cargo Bike of 2024: The Addmotor E-325
Recently, Addmotor unveiled their latest cargo electric trike: The E-325. This is a new step for Addmotor because it’s their fist model that comes with a front-loader-style cargo bay.
The E-325 is primarily designed for carrying children. It has a cargo box that’s over 36” long, 35” wide and 23” tall. This cargo bay provides enough space to seat 2-4 children comfortably. Also, instead of children, the cargo bay can support adults or pets. It has a maximum load capacity of 550 lbs (250lbs for the cargo bay + 300lbs for the rider’s side).
This means you can load as much cargo as you want, provided you don’t overshoot this weight limit.
Customizing The Front Cargo Bay of the Addmotor E-325 E-Trike
The cargo box provides a lot of value and utility to the E-325. You can use it for transporting not just people, but also many types of cargo.
Addmotor provides several accessories and attachments to customize the cargo box to suit your needs. As complimentary gifts, Addmotor gives out:
- Two Memory Foam Cushions: For providing comfortable seating options for kids and adults inside the cargo box.
- Fully Enclosed Sun and Rain Canopy: For keeping passengers safe from the elements while riding
- Passenger Seat Belts: Designed for kids, these help secure them to the cargo box and minimize injuries.
- Water and Dust-Proof Floor Mat: To keep things neat and tidy when you put the cargo box to good use.
- Rear Rack: As a separate option for attaching cargo and pannier bags.
Specs of the Addmotor E-325 Trike
The cargo bay is the main attraction of the E325 electric cargo tricycle. That said, it doesn’t compromise on everything else.
So here’s a list of the most important specs for this electric trike:
- Motor Power: 750W continuous with a top speed of 22mph and 90 Nm of torque.
- Battery: 48V/20Ah battery pack which is UL2271-certified and guarantees over 60 miles of range.
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc brakes with 180mm rotors.
- Wheels: 20”x2.4” front wheels and 24”x3” rear wheels. These are slim tires that allow for better navigation in paved roads.
- Recommended Height Range: 5’2”-6’4”
Why You Would Want to Go With a 3-Wheel Electric Cargo Bike
The main appeal of a 3-wheel electric cargo bike is the extra storage space. Most cargo e-tricycles have over a 50%-100% increase in cargo space and payload capacity compared to a regular electric trike. Also, compared to a two-wheeler, this means a 200-300% increase.
In this regard, a 3-wheel electric cargo bike is a bargain, especially for families and professional delivery riders. The extra storage space and weight capacity make it a suitable alternative for transporting children, adults and heavy items.
So the main reason you’d want a 3-wheel electric cargo bike is payload capacity. You want something that can carry just as much as a car but with a more sustainable footprint and higher efficiency.
Other than that, you’d want to purchase a 3-wheel electric cargo bike for perks like:
Increased Stability To Prevent Flipping Over
If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line electric trikes for stability, there’s no better option than 3-wheel electric cargo bikes. These trikes are designed to prevent flipping over as much as possible since they’re designed for carrying heavy cargo and supplies.
The extra weight and bulk are tradeoffs. But despite these, 3-wheel electric cargo bikes are extremely stable and reliable. The weight adds to the stability of the trike, preventing it from falling over even during the most dangerous situations.
So with the heavyset frame and design, cargo e-tricycles can rarely tip over. They also have a low chance of causing wheel lift, meaning you can ride safely and comfortably.
But not just you as the rider. These family-friendly cargo-electric trikes can accommodate your loved ones and precious cargo. So the more you add to this cargo e-trike, the better the chance of improving stability and reducing accidents and injuries.
Enhanced Safety Features that Make it Family-Friendly
3-Wheel electric bikes like these are designed for families with kids. This means they have the best safety features implemented.
One of the most notable safety features is the trike frame. These trikes come with a sturdier and durable frame that can easily shrug off most impacts and vibrations.
What does this mean for you? It means that you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself or your loved ones because of accidental crashes. These trikes have enhanced roll cages that prevent the trike from collapsing into itself.
Other than that, 3-wheel electric cargo bikes have cushier suspension systems and comfortable seating. These improve the riding experience and minimize RSIs (Repetitive Strain Injuries) for the rider and passengers.
Covering Many Use Case Scenarios
Cargo electric trikes aren’t just for families with small children. They mesh well with most other people’s lifestyles.
Which means you’re not missing out on many things by switching to a cargo-style electric tricycle. You can share it with friends and family. You also get to use it for other activities like:
- Commuting
- Low-Impact Exercise
- Shopping and Buying Groceries
- Running Errands Around Town
- Touring and Bikepacking
- Delivering Food and Packages
- Riding With eBike Groups
So don’t have any reservations about purchasing a cargo e-Trike. You can use it for many activities that the average person can get to do.
Cost-effective and Eco-Friendly Transport
Even if a 3-wheel electric bike is more expensive upfront, especially compared to an eBike, it’s still cheaper than a car. Also, when you compare the minimal carbon footprint, it’s also the most eco-friendly transport solution out there. If you had to go for the more reliable and environmentally friendly option, a cargo e-tricycle is the best option. It can do most things you can do with a car but with the cost and environmental impact of an eBike.
So despite the heavy price tag, a 3-wheel electric cargo bike can be one of the best investments you can make. With proper maintenance and care, a cargo e-tricycle can run for years and save you thousands of dollars on transport alone.
Cons of Owning a 3-Wheel Electric Cargo Bike
With a cargo-style electric tricycle, you have many perks and privileges. That said, nothing’s perfect and it’s a good idea to learn about the disadvantages of using a 3-wheel electric cargo trike. With cargo-electric tricycles, its strong point can also be its weakest: the heavy and bulky size.
Because of the extra bulk, cargo-electric trikes can be difficult to store and transport. They take up way too much space and lifting them on a bike rack or the bed of a truck is out of the question.
Besides that, some other issues you might come across are:
- Speed Limitations: Cargo eTrikes are slow and heavy. This means you’ll have to embrace riding at speeds lower than 20mph. So be sure to plan early so you’re not late for any appointments.
- Cost: It’s no surprise that cargo electric trikes can be significantly more expensive upfront. So depending on your budget, you might have to consider financing and other options.
- Parking Challenges: Since they take up just as much space as a small car, you’ll have issues with finding parking, especially in the city. A good idea is to think of the cargo trike as a regular car and plan your journeys accordingly.
- Low Range: It’s either carrying heavier batteries or reducing the effective range. Most of the time, it’s reduced range, so these aren’t the best for bikepacking or all-day riding.
- Complicated Repairs: Most bike shops already dislike working on electric tricycles because of their complexity. So with a cargo-style electric trike, you’ll have issues with finding reliable repair shops. Also, these will cost more to repair and maintain.
Wrapping Up
3-wheel electric cargo trikes can fit many people’s lifestyles and needs. They’re a great option for anybody hoping to ditch their car for more cost-efficient and eco-friendly transport. These cargo-style electric trikes boast many advantages. For starters,they are safer and more stable than regular electric trikes. On the flip side, their weight can hold them back.
Addmotor recommends the E-325 electric cargo bike as the best solution. This cargo electric trike is designed for families and comes with a front cargo box that can seat about 4 children at once.
So if you’re a parent or casual rider looking for extra cargo capacity, be sure to check out the Addmotor E-325 electric cargo bike. It won’t disappoint.
