Rad Power RadTrike Review: 3 Wheels, Real Stability, and a Surprisingly Fun Ride
May 24, 2023
Electric trikes live in a different corner of the EV world than most e-bikes. They’re not about carving corners or chasing top speed—they’re about confidence, stability, and actually getting out to ride when two wheels don’t feel like an option.
I spent time unboxing, setting up, and riding the Rad Power Bikes RadTrike, and it surprised me in a few ways. Some of the surprises were great (maneuverability and comfort), and some are the kind of stuff you need to know before you buy (weight and the 14 mph speed limit).
Who the RadTrike is really for
The RadTrike makes the most sense for riders who want a more secure, stable ride—especially older adults, anyone with limited mobility, or anyone who just doesn’t want to worry about balancing at stops.
It also makes a lot of sense if your “ride” is actually errands: groceries, cargo, and day-to-day utility. A trike doesn’t fall over when you’re loading it, and that changes the whole vibe of using an EV around town.
That said, I also think it’s a genuinely interesting addition if you already own a couple e-bikes and want something that feels totally different. This is not “just another bike.”
Unboxing and setup experience
The RadTrike showed up in one large, compact box. My packaging was in good shape, and the main parts I cared about were all there: seat, charger, pedals, tools, and the handlebar setup.
One thing I immediately liked: the handlebars come as a single piece, and the overall layout felt approachable for a first-time trike owner. I also added the medium front basket accessory, which fits the whole personality of this trike—utility first.
First look: practical design that’s clearly about accessibility
The step-through frame is the star here. Getting on and off is easy, and it feels like the trike was designed around real bodies (and real limitations), not just brochure specs.
The seat is another big deal. It’s a wide, cushiony saddle with an adjustable backrest, and it changes the entire riding posture. Instead of “perched on a bike,” I felt more like I was sitting into the ride—almost go-kart-like.
There are also a bunch of thoughtful day-to-day touches:
Integrated front and rear fenders
Integrated headlight and taillight (the headlight is impressively bright at night)
A rear rack rated for 60 lb of carrying capacity
A foldable handlebar stem to help with storage/loading
The ride: stable, weird at first, then ridiculously fun
My first few minutes on the RadTrike took some recalibration. Three-wheel steering and balance is just different.
At low assist, I felt comfortable immediately. The backrest and seating position makes it feel secure, and the whole point is that I don’t have to think about balancing at stops.
Then I tried the throttle.
It’s smooth, and the sensation is unique because you can feel the rear wheels planted while the front wheel is doing the pulling. If you’ve never ridden a front hub motor before, that “front wheel drive” feel takes a minute. It’s also very easy to get playful with it—yes, burnouts are a thing if you’re hammering max power.
Tight turns and real-world maneuverability
The turning radius is wild. I could basically spin it around in tight spaces and make sharp 90-degree turns without drama.
Rad also included a reverse function, and once I got used to it, it became one of my favorite features. Being able to back up and reposition without hopping off the trike is exactly the kind of practical feature that makes sense on three wheels.
Steering input matters more than you think
At higher assist levels and at the trike’s capped speed, quick handlebar movements make the whole trike feel wobbly. The fix is simple: ride it with smoother, wider steering inputs and shift your weight a bit when turning.
It’s not difficult, but it is different. If you’ve been on two wheels for years, give yourself a little time to adapt.
Braking: a “belt and suspenders” safety approach
Up front, there’s a mechanical disc brake with a clever orange parking brake. In the back, there’s a coaster brake.
The coaster brake genuinely brought back BMX memories, but in practice I found it best as part of a combo. Using the front mechanical brake and the rear coaster brake together felt like the most controlled way to stop.
The parking brake is also a very trike-specific win. When you’re stopped and loading cargo (or just taking a breath), it’s nice not having to fight the vehicle.
Comfort on imperfect streets
There’s no suspension, and I felt that immediately. Cracks, bumps, and rough pavement come through.
The seat and backrest do a lot to keep it comfortable, but if your routes are full of broken pavement, you’re still going to feel the road.
Speed, power, and the 14 mph reality
The RadTrike is limited to 14 mph for safety, and I understand why. On a trike, speed plus sharp steering can get sketchy fast.
Still, as someone who rides e-bikes regularly, I did feel underwhelmed by that cap in situations like busier city riding where keeping pace with the flow can feel more comfortable.
The upside: 14 mph feels faster than you’d think on three wheels. The sensation is different, and it doesn’t feel slow in the way you might expect from reading a number on a spec sheet.
The big tradeoff: weight and transport
This is the part I want people to take seriously.
The RadTrike is 82 lb. That’s a lot. If you regularly need to lift, load, or transport your EV, this can be a real challenge—especially for the exact riders who may be shopping for a trike for mobility reasons.
The trike’s width is designed to fit through standard doors/entryways, which helps, and there are ways to break it down for transport (folding the stem, removing bolts and disconnecting wiring, taking the seat off). But it’s still a heavy machine, and you’ll want a plan.
Starting on hills and the “from-a-stop” moment
One other real-world consideration: starting from a complete stop on a steep hill can be challenging if you’re trying to pedal it up without the assist behaving the way you want in that moment.
What worked best for me was using the throttle to get rolling smoothly, then settling into pedaling once the trike was moving. It felt more controlled and less awkward.
What We Like
Real stability and confidence at stops and low speeds
Comfortable saddle with an adjustable backrest
Reverse mode is genuinely useful for daily maneuvering
Extremely tight turning radius in crowded areas
Integrated lights and fenders make it feel “ready to use”
Great utility vibe for errands and cargo
Things To Consider
14 mph top speed will feel limiting for experienced riders
82 lb weight can be a major transport/loading challenge
No suspension, so rough roads are still rough
Front hub drive feel takes a little time to get used to
Steering needs smoother inputs at speed; quick bar flicks can feel wobbly
Final Thoughts
The RadTrike feels purpose-built for riders who want stability, comfort, and practical EV utility without worrying about balancing a two-wheeler. Once I got past the initial “this is different” learning curve, it became legitimately fun—especially with how tight it turns and how useful reverse is.
If your goal is a relaxed, confident ride for errands, neighborhood cruising, or simply staying mobile on an EV, this is an easy trike to understand and enjoy. Just go in with your eyes open about the weight and the capped speed, and you’ll have a much better idea whether it fits your lifestyle.
Links
Rad Power Bikes RadTrike Electric Tricycle: https://alnk.to/2jJSzBG
Bell Super 3R MIPS Bike Helmet: https://amzn.to/3TJ1vTR
Fox Racing Bike Gloves: https://amzn.to/40P5SyQ
Hafny Handlebar Bike Mirror: https://amzn.to/3FVubmN
Veeape Electric Air Pump: https://amzn.to/3LPLTf9
Denlix Military Sling Bag: https://amzn.to/3LTKN2c
Lamicall Bike Phone Mount: https://amzn.to/3LXmD6O
Onvian Wireless Bike Alarm: https://amzn.to/42KUgyE
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/