Electric trike


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

Overview

Definition

While the normal legal definition of motorcycle 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.

Configurations

Three-wheeled vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels are known as a delta design or the traditional trike design, such as the Hase Kettwiesel.
Three-wheeled vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel are known as a tadpole design, such as the Odyssey Mk. 5 and Outrider 422 Alpha. Another example of an electric three-wheeled vehicle in this configuration is the Azkarra, produced by Canadian company Girfalco.

Electric assisted velomobiles

Some three-wheeled electric vehicles, such as the Twike and the Myers Motors NmG, enclose the rider in a cabin or cockpit.