Velotric has quietly been earning some serious respect in e-bikes lately, improving each new release and offering ‘more’ than others seem to fit into their builds. So, naturally, I was interested to see what they would do with their latest ebike drop, the Velotric Triker.
On paper, the Triker reads like someone actually sat down and thought about what riders want in a three-wheeler. A beefy 750W motor with 1,300W peak output? Check. A claimed 60-mile range that might actually be achievable? We’ll see. Paint jobs that look like they rolled off a car production line instead of your typical e-bike finish? Definitely check.
And did mention yet, the switchable torque and cadence sensors that you can swap between mid-ride through the display or app. It’s a smart compromise for an industry that usually forces you to pick Team Torque sensor or Team Cadence sensor at purchase time when many potential owners don’t know the difference yet as it’s their first e-bike. Not to mention the slew of practical touches like full front-to-back lighting including turn signals, a rear rack and basket combo, fenders front and rear, and 80mm of front suspension travel.
But specs are just numbers on a screen and marketing is just….talk. The real question is whether all this thoughtful engineering translates to something that’s actually fun to ride, practical to live with, and worth your hard-earned cash. So, with all the marketing talk aside, I set out to see if the Velotric Triker could walk the walk.
My Experience Riding The Velotric Triker E-Bike
Velotric sent me the Crimson Cherry model for testing, and I have to say, their paint game continues to impress. This isn’t your typical e-bike “good enough” finish. The deep clearcoat and metallic gloss look like they belong on a car fresh off the showroom floor, not a bike that’s going to spend time parked at grocery stores and bike paths.
The comfort factor really surprised me. Most e-bikes with back-supported seats are ironically uncomfortable because the backrest is fixed in place, usually too close to the saddle, leaving you sitting bolt upright like you’re in detention. The Triker’s seat is different. You can adjust the backrest forward and aft, change the angle of tilt, dial in the saddle height, and move the backrest up and down. At 5’11”, I was able to find a genuinely comfortable position that didn’t leave me feeling like I was riding a chair.
Let’s talk about power. This motor is punchy. Really punchy. The 750W nominal rating doesn’t tell the whole story when you’ve got 1,300W peak power on tap, and that Class 2 20 mph top speed is legitimately fast for a trike. But here’s the thing about speed and trikes: you have to respect physics. Would I corner at 20 mph? Absolutely not. Trikes and aggressive cornering don’t mix well unless you enjoy the thrill of potentially tipping over.
But I love having that power available for the right situations. Steep inclines, heavy loads up to that 500-pound capacity, or just when you need that extra oomph to get moving from a stop. For normal riding, 15 mph feels plenty fast and much more appropriate for trike handling characteristics. Save the full power for straight lines and loaded situations, not the cul-de-sac.
The comfort features all work together nicely. The telescoping stem, front suspension fork, and ergonomic rubber platform grips create a riding experience that doesn’t beat you up. The extra bottle cage mounting points are a nice touch for longer rides, and that sensor swap feature is brilliant. If you’re not sure whether you prefer torque or cadence sensing, you don’t have to pick a side and live with it. You get both, and you can switch between them to figure out what works for you.
The speed control options are equally thoughtful. Worried about handling a powerful trike? Start in beginner mode with its 8 mph cap while you get comfortable with three-wheel dynamics. When you’re ready, standard mode lets you set custom speed limits at any mph increment from 8 to 20. You can work your way up one mph at a time or jump straight to full blast. It’s your call.
Topping it all off is complete lighting coverage: full fenders for all three wheels, front-to-back lighting with brake highlights and turn signals, plus a 400-lumen headlight that ensures you’ll be seen. It feels like what Velotric has become known for: offering more options than most brands while pushing the limits with power, all built into a three-wheeler that can handle fitness rides, grandkid adventures, or grocery runs with equal capability.
Folding the Velotric Triker
Let’s circle back to that folding feature I touched on earlier, because it deserves some honest talk. The Triker does fold, allowing you to bring the front half back toward the rear, which reduces the wheelbase by about 15 inches. That’s not nothing, and it can be the difference between fitting it into that last spot in your SUV or not.
But here’s the reality check: this isn’t some lightweight commuter bike that you can flip a lever and collapse in seconds. At nearly 100 pounds, the folding process requires some muscle, and I’d strongly recommend having a second person help you. Your back will thank you later.
The space savings are modest. You’re essentially trading length for height as the front wheel and fork fold up and back. It’s helpful for storage in tight garages or getting through standard doorways, but don’t expect it to transform into something you can easily stash in a closet or load solo into the back of an SUV.
The folding mechanism itself feels solid and secure when locked in either position. It’s more about making a big trike slightly more manageable for storage rather than creating true portability. Think of it as a storage-friendly feature rather than a grab-and-go convenience, and you’ll have the right expectations.
Range
Estimated Range (from Velotric): 60 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MAX PAS RAnge Test Results: 41 miles
Velotric claims up to 60 miles of range on the Triker’s 804Wh battery pack, which sounds great on paper. But, range estimations are often based on perfect conditions with a featherweight rider pedaling gently in PAS 1 with a tailwind and unicorns pushing from behind.
So naturally, I decided to torture test this thing. Full PAS 5 in Standard Mode, hitting that 20 mph speed cap whenever possible, only backing off when passing joggers or navigating the sharper turns that are every trike’s kryptonite. I kept it in torque sensor mode for that dynamic power delivery that tends to be more efficient than cadence-based assist, but make no mistake: this was a full-send, worst-case scenario for battery consumption.
The result? 41 miles before the battery called it quits.
Now, is that the promised 60 miles? Obviously not. But here’s the thing: 41 miles is getting 68% of the claimed range while using 100% of the power, suggesting Velotric’s engineers weren’t just throwing darts at a range dartboard. It seems very likely if you dial it back to a mix of PAS 1-4 for most of your ride with occasional bursts to PAS 5, hitting that 60-mile mark seems totally achievable.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Triker packs a 750W rear hub motor mounted just in front of the rear axle that can peak at 1,300W and delivers a respectable 90Nm of torque. For a bike that weighs nearly 100 pounds and can haul a 500-pound payload, those are solid numbers that should get the job done without leaving you wanting more power on hills or when loaded down with cargo.
Velotric gives you two riding modes to work with. Beginner mode keeps things capped at a gentle 8 mph, which is perfect for new riders or younger family members who are still figuring out how to wrangle a big trike around corners and through tight spaces. Standard mode is where things get interesting: you can customize the speed limit anywhere from 8 to 20 mph, giving you full access to the Triker’s capabilities since 20 mph is the legal max for Class 2 bikes.
But here’s my favorite feature: the switchable motor sensor system. You can swap between torque and cadence sensing on the fly through either the display or the app in just a few seconds. I love this because it solves one of the most common questions new riders ask me: “Which sensor type is better?” The honest answer is that it depends on your riding style, the terrain, and personal preference. Some folks love the natural feel of torque sensing that responds to how hard you pedal, while others prefer the consistent boost of cadence sensing that kicks in as soon as you start pedaling. With the Triker, you don’t have to pick a side and live with it forever.
The battery setup is a removable (by the integrated lock and provided key 48V, 16.6 amp-hour unit delivers 804Wh of capacity and sits mounted under the saddle along the seatpost. This central, low placement keeps the center of gravity where it should be instead of making the bike feel top-heavy or unbalanced. The battery pack carries both UL 2271 certification for the overall pack and UL 2850 certification for the individual cells, so you know it’s been properly tested for safety.
Components
Trike components are a bit of a different animal compared to regular bikes. Sure, you’ve still got your chainring, derailleur, and cassette doing their thing, but throw in a differential to balance power between the rear wheels and suddenly you’re in three-wheeled territory with its own set of quirks and benefits.
Let’s start with the frame. Velotric built this thing from aluminum alloy in a folding design that can handle a hefty 500-pound payload, with 120 pounds of that capacity dedicated to the rear cargo basket. That’s enough room for grandkids, groceries, or your favorite four-legged riding buddy. Now, about that folding feature: let’s be real with each other. This isn’t some quick-fold, toss-it-in-your-trunk situation. At nearly 100 pounds, you’re going to want a second person to help you (save your back), and while it does fold down for storage, the space savings aren’t dramatic. It’s more about getting it through doorways than making it compact.
The drivetrain keeps things simple with a solid Shimano 7-speed setup. The 40-tooth chainring pairs with an 11-28 tooth cassette, giving you a decent range for flat cruising and moderate hills. Everything is controlled by an under-bar Shimano trigger shifter with a handy window that shows which gear you’re in at a glance.
Braking duties are handled by hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and 2-piston calipers. The interesting bit is the rear setup: the rotor sits in a protective shell along the rear axle, centered to provide braking power to both rear wheels through the differential. Both brake levers have parking brake features that lock the brakes in place when you hop off, so your trike won’t roll away while you’re loading groceries.
Up front, you get 80mm of travel from a CGO-branded coil spring fork with 32mm stanchions. It includes preload adjustment and a lockout feature if you want to firm things up for pavement riding.
The cockpit centers around a 26-inch alloy bar with a relaxed city cruiser profile that puts you in a comfortable, upright position with just a 13.5-inch reach. Platform ergonomic rubber grips keep your hands happy, and everything you need is within easy reach: the bell, display control pad, and throttle on the left side.
Rolling on 20×3-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Kenda K-Rad puncture-resistant tires, the Triker strikes a nice balance between stability and efficiency. The tread pattern is mild commuter-oriented with some slightly raised knobs for extra traction when you need it.
But here’s where Velotric really nailed it: the seat. Most trike seats have that uncomfortable, nearly 90-degree backrest that leaves you sitting bolt upright like you’re stuck in a coach on a long flight and your seat can’t lean back. The Triker’s seat not only adjusts vertically but also slides forward and backward, letting you dial in a comfortable riding position regardless of your height or preferred posture. It’s one of those details that shows someone actually thought about the riding experience.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Triker comes equipped with a full-color 3.5-inch display that’s actually readable in real-world conditions. I’m talking plenty bright with auto-brightness features that adapt to different lighting, and the viewing angles are solid enough that you can see what’s going on whether you’re sitting upright or leaning into a turn.
The display shows all the essentials: battery level, PAS level, current speed, which motor sensor is active, odometer, trip meter, ride time, and even a CO2 emissions saved estimation if you’re into tracking that. There’s also a Bluetooth/app connectivity icon and headlight status, so you know at a glance what’s going on with your bike.
The advanced menus are where things get interesting. This is where you can swap between cadence and torque sensors, adjust speed limits, handle app pairing, and tweak other settings without needing to pull out your phone. It’s intuitive enough that you won’t need the manual, but deep enough to let you customize the ride experience to your liking.
Speaking of the app, Velotric’s companion app is actually worth downloading. It pairs to the bike and mirrors most of the display settings, but adds some clever features you can’t get on the bike itself. GPS-based ride tracking keeps tabs on your routes, and here’s the cool part: Apple Find My integration with an included AirTag receiver. If someone decides your trike would look better in their garage, you get live GPS updates on its location.
The app also handles over-the-air updates, so Velotric can push improvements and optimizations directly to your bike without requiring a service visit. It’s clean, easy to use, and seems to get regular updates, which is refreshing in a world where too many bike apps feel like afterthoughts.
Velotric Triker Model Options
Velotric keeps things simple with the Triker: one size fits most, accommodating riders from 4’10” to 6’5″ thanks to that adjustable seat and handlebar setup I mentioned earlier. At $2,399, you get your choice of three solid color options: Crimson Cherry, Pearl White, and Electric Blue. All three have that automotive-quality paint finish that actually looks like it belongs on something more expensive.
The Triker comes pretty loaded out of the box, which is always nice when you’re dropping over two grand. You get a complete tool kit for basic maintenance, the cargo basket, front and rear fenders, charger, bell, rearview mirror, and pedals. Basically everything you need to start riding except maybe a helmet and some common sense.
If you want to accessorize further, Velotric offers optional add-ons like a front rack, bottle cage, bike lock, and phone mount. The frame has mounting points for fenders, front and rear racks, plus two separate spots for bottle cages, so there’s room to customize based on how you plan to use it.
The safety and certification game is strong here. You’re looking at UL 2849, UL 2850, UL 2271, and ISO 4210 certifications, which covers everything from the electrical system to the mechanical components. The battery gets IPX7 water resistance rating, so a little rain won’t ruin your day.
Velotric backs the Triker with a 2-year warranty, which is becoming the standard in the e-bike world but still nice to have for peace of mind. One interesting spec note: while the bike is legally capped at 20 mph as a Class 2, the display shows it’s technically capable of 28 mph. That’s likely the motor’s true potential before the controller steps in to keep you legal.
Is The Velotric Triker Worth Buying?
After putting the Triker through its paces, I keep coming back to one thing: this is what happens when a company actually listens to what riders want instead of just checking boxes for the marketing department. The switchable sensor system alone is brilliant, giving you the flexibility to experience both torque and cadence sensing without being locked into one choice forever. Add in the customizable speed controls, that surprisingly comfortable adjustable seat, and legitimate 750W power that can actually hit 20 mph, and you’ve got a trike that refuses to compromise.
The real-world range performance impressed me too. Getting 41 miles while torture-testing at full power suggests that 60-mile claim isn’t just marketing fluff. When you factor in the removable battery, proper safety certifications, Apple Find My integration, and that automotive-quality paint job, the feature list starts looking pretty compelling.
Now, let’s be honest about the elephant in the room: at $2,399, the Triker isn’t cheap. But here’s the thing – you’re paying for all those extras that other brands either skip entirely or charge extra for. The complete lighting system, front suspension, hydraulic brakes, app support with OTA updates, cargo basket, and that sensor-swapping capability all come standard. When you add up what these features would cost separately on other trikes, the premium starts making more sense.
Ultimately, this comes down to what you value. If you want the flexibility to customize your riding experience, appreciate thoughtful engineering, and don’t mind paying a bit more for features that actually enhance the ride, the Velotric Triker makes a strong case for itself. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it might just be the most complete one.
Pros
- Reaches a top speed of 20 mph, faster than most trikes that max out at 15 mph.
- Offers a Beginner Mode to ease into the power gradually if you’re concerned about speed.
- Features Sensor Swap to try both pedal-assist and throttle for a customized ride.
- Includes Apple Find My for theft protection.
- Provides app connectivity with over-the-air updates for easy maintenance.
- Supports a 500-pound payload with extra bottle cage mounts and a front rack mounting point for carrying more gear.
- Comes with vibrant new car-inspired paint jobs for a fresh look.
- Has a comfortable, highly adjustable saddle to suit a wide range of riders.
Cons
- Costs more than others in its class, though it offers extra features.
- Saddle may loosen if the third bolt isn’t tightened properly, so check it before rides to avoid movement.
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