Ride quality is a measure of how a bike or trike feels to ride, and involves a complex combination of factors, such as geometry, handling, motor engagement, the user interface, and more.
As has been common in our previous experiences with Velotric products, the Triker’s ride quality was excellent overall; it focuses on comfort, user friendliness, and practicality. This section does, however, contain our largest points of critique regarding the frame and saddle mount.
Velotric advertises that the Triker is designed to fit riders from 4’10” to 6’5”. We found it to be uncommonly accommodating, with a dual-telescoping seatpost and a roomy cockpit, allowing us to reach full leg extension for comfort and efficiency when pedaling. A 180-degree adjustable stem allowed for an unexpected degree of adjustability in handlebar height and reach.
The trike’s thick, supportive saddle and its adjustable backrest was a highlight, along with the ergonomically-curved handlebars and rubber grips. Due to its friction-clamp system, however, we found that the saddle loosened while riding regardless of how much we tightened it; we encourage Velotric to use a more secure mounting bracket to avoid this.
Comfort was enhanced by the Triker’s 80mm suspension fork (which includes lockout and preload adjustment features) and tires. The combination of a front suspension and the checkerboard-patterned 20×3” Kenda K-Rad tires provides the shock absorption and grip needed for paved roads and paths. It also lends the Triker some off-road potential, too, giving riders the ability to explore dirt or gravel multi-use trails and the like.
Delta-style tricycles (two rear wheels and a single wheel in the front) like the Triker often require some caution when taking corners to avoid tipping up on two wheels. Riders used to the handling of a bicycle will want to slow down and lean into the turn with their upper body; for this reason, we often say that slower is safer when riding an e-trike.
Due to its above-average weight of nearly 100 lbs (98.1 including the battery, by our scales), we found the Triker more stable and planted than most, as the heft of its frame kept it stuck to the ground. For this reason, it handled its higher-than-average maximum speed of 20 mph well, though we still advocate for caution when riding—and especially when cornering.
Frame flex is a relatively common factor on e-bikes and trikes with step-thru (ST) frames. Our test riders, who weigh 230 lbs at maximum, found the Triker’s frame flex acceptable for their size. Considering the total 500-lb payload capacity, however, it was more present than we hoped, so we encourage Velotric to stiffen the frame in future iterations.
Like many of the best electric trikes we’ve tested, the Triker has a folding frame and a collapsible stem, allowing it to take up less space when stored, shipped, or transported in a larger vehicle. Considering its weight, we don’t expect many users will take advantage of this feature, but those who do can shave off roughly 10 lbs by removing the battery.
We appreciated the Triker’s well-equipped nature; with fenders, a bright headlight, integrated brake lights and turn signals, and fabric-lined cargo rack, it’s ready for practical use right out of the box. Its multi-speed drivetrain is also worth mentioning; compared to the ghost-pedaley single-speed drivetrains often used by e-trikes, this allows riders to stay engaged and active while pedaling.
The customization features I mentioned in the introduction to this review are other standouts. In addition to changing the riding mode and selecting between torque/cadence-sensing modes, users can adjust throttle and PAS speeds separately, choose from three brake light patterns, and opt to have the throttle’s speed limited by the selected PAS setting.
These features are accessible through the Triker’s display menu or the Velotric app. The app also offers ride data tracking and syncs with the Apple Health app. Speaking of Apple, the Triker also includes the company’s Find My™ technology, which can help users locate their e-trike in the event of theft.
Overall, the Triker offers users a comfortable ride with an adaptable fit, a robust but not overcomplicated user interface, a largely customizable ride feel, and a relatively uncommon degree of versatility in where and how it can be used.
