Breaking Down Costs for Electric Trikes: How Much is An Electric Trike
By Addmotor | 18 June 2024 | 0 Comments
Electric trikes pose several advantages over two-wheeled eBikes and push bicycles. They have superior carrying capacity and the third-wheel ensures it’s perfectly stable. Also, electric trikes are a safe option for seniors and adults with limited mobility. They can enjoy the outdoors and get some physical activity without any worries. That said, electric trikes can be premium-priced. They have more components than regular eBikes and extra features built-in.
But still, they can be a great investment. This is especially true when you break down the costs and how much you stand to gain. So let’s talk about the actual costs of electric trikes and how to pick the one that fits your budget.
The bigger trike won’t always be the most expensive or feature-packed. So before we give a definitive answer on how much an electric trike costs, we need to understand the different types and how they can affect the price.
So here’s a general overview of the types of Addmotor eTrikes and how their prices compare:
At Addmotor, this includes the CITYTRI E-310 and CITYTRI E-310 Mini
Options such as SOLETRI M-366X, ARISETAN II M-360, and SPYTAN belong in this price range.
You can find any type of electric trike in this price range or more unique options. This also includes the most comfortable, powerful, and off-road capable electric trikes.
When it comes to Addmotor’s lineup, eTrikes such as the GRANDTAN X, GRANDTAN TURBO, and GREATTAN L are featured in this price range.
Now we know how much electric trikes can cost and the type of features and performance capabilities you can expect. Now let’s get down into the nitty gritty of breaking down the price tag and see how everything adds up.
So when breaking down the cost of an electric trike you can find several key components that can increase the cost significantly. These are (from highest to lowest):
Let’s talk more about these and how much each contributes to the overall price tag.
There are many reasons why the battery is the most expensive. It mostly comes down to material costs, manufacturing, and optimizing them for safety and reliability.
Electric bike batteries use Lithium-Ion technology. This technology relies on expensive materials and intricate manufacturing processes.
On top of that, eBike batteries are held to a much higher safety standard. They need extensive testing along with strict environmental regulations and sustainability practices.
At Addmotor, our 20Ah 48V battery is used almost exclusively for all our electric tricycles. This is a UL-2271-certified battery pack that costs around $699 at retail price.
So comparing that with a $3,000 eTrike, you can see the battery is more than 20% of the overall price.
Why is it so high? Because of things like:
Also, depending on the specs, the cost can scale up. Electric trikes with a mid-drive or more powerful motor can be more expensive compared to a rear-mounted motor with a low-power pull.
You can see this difference when comparing the GRANDTAN II 2024 with the GRANDTAN TURBO. Both are very similar but the latter has a mid-drive 1000W motor resulting in a price increase of almost $1,100.
So in most cases, the motor can account for almost 15-30% of the overall price tag.
At Addmotor, our eTrikes have Tektro-branded mechanical disc brakes. It’s a leading brand with over 35 years of experience. The groupset also consists of components from SHIMANO and Prowheel.
For electric trikes, the brakes and groupset make up approximately 10-15% of the overall price tag.
At Addmotor, all our electric trikes rely on the EB 2.0 electrical system. It’s a proprietary system that takes a more holistic approach. It’s also the same electrical system included in our UL-2849-certified GAROOTAN cargo eBike.
In most cases, the display, controller, and the rest of the sensors and electrical system can make up around 8-10% of the total cost.
Most of our Addmotor eTrikes have oil spring forks on the front. Some even include rear suspension for extra stability.
Keeping riders comfortable through bumpy rides is not cheap. This is why the suspension system can take up around 5% of the total cost.
When breaking down the cost of an electric trike, we can see it’s pricier mostly due to shipping and the electrical system. Almost 20% accounts for shipping and assembling, while the entire electrical setup can make up 50% of the price.
Despite this, electric trikes are still a better investment than a car or push-bicycle. You can do more with less and while getting more physical activity.
So don’t be afraid to start eBiking and check out Addmotor for the best deals.
But still, they can be a great investment. This is especially true when you break down the costs and how much you stand to gain. So let’s talk about the actual costs of electric trikes and how to pick the one that fits your budget.
Types of Electric Trikes and Their Average Costs
Electric trikes come in various sizes, configurations, and use cases. The same goes for the price as well.The bigger trike won’t always be the most expensive or feature-packed. So before we give a definitive answer on how much an electric trike costs, we need to understand the different types and how they can affect the price.
So here’s a general overview of the types of Addmotor eTrikes and how their prices compare:
- Foldable Trikes: Foldable trikes make it easier to stow them in the back of a car or garage. They take up less space and are best for commuters and city dwellers. These can be the most affordable at $2,000 or less.
- Fat Tire Electric Trikes: These are built for stability and all-terrain riding. They are the most versatile as people use them for commuting, offroading, running errands, etc. Their prices range from $2,000-$3,000 depending on the features.
- Semi-Recumbent Trikes: The semi-recumbent trikes are a safe bet for those looking to prioritize comfort. These are specially designed to minimize back and shoulder injuries while providing a “laid-back” riding experience. When it comes to pricing, these lie somewhere between $2,000-$3,000.
- Electric Cargo Trikes: Standing in as powerful workhorses, cargo trikes help you carry more stuff. They have multiple cargo racks and a strong frame to drag a trailer. These tend to be higher than $3,000.
- Passenger Trikes: Making family adventures more fun, these trikes can help you take an adult-sized passenger or pet. They have specially designed seats and a stronger build to accommodate you and your loved one. These usually have a premium price tag of $3,000 or more.
- Fat Tire Electric Trikes: These are built for stability and all-terrain riding. They are the most versatile as people use them for commuting, offroading, running errands, etc. Their prices range from $2,000-$3,000 depending on the features.
- Semi-Recumbent Trikes: The semi-recumbent trikes are a safe bet for those looking to prioritize comfort. These are specially designed to minimize back and shoulder injuries while providing a “laid-back” riding experience. When it comes to pricing, these lie somewhere between $2,000-$3,000.
- Electric Cargo Trikes: Standing in as powerful workhorses, cargo trikes help you carry more stuff. They have multiple cargo racks and a strong frame to drag a trailer. These tend to be higher than $3,000.
- Passenger Trikes: Making family adventures more fun, these trikes can help you take an adult-sized passenger or pet. They have specially designed seats and a stronger build to accommodate you and your loved one. These usually have a premium price tag of $3,000 or more.
Base Cost of Electric Trikes: The Three Tiers
Understanding the types of electric trikes can give you a slight indication of their price. But, if you’re looking for actual values, you can categorize them into three different price tiers:- Entry-Level:. Most electric trikes under $2,000
- Mid-Range: Ranging from $2,000-$3,000
- High-End: Upwards of $3,000
- Mid-Range: Ranging from $2,000-$3,000
- High-End: Upwards of $3,000
Entry Level
These are as affordable as you can get with high-quality electric trikes. Here, your options are limited to mostly foldable electric trikes designed for urban riding only.At Addmotor, this includes the CITYTRI E-310 and CITYTRI E-310 Mini
Mid-Range
This is the sweet spot for most riders looking for a versatile and reliable electric trike. You can find anything from fat tires, to passenger trikes and cargo trikes.Options such as SOLETRI M-366X, ARISETAN II M-360, and SPYTAN belong in this price range.
High-End
Going past $3000, this is where electric trikes get more feature-packed, heavy-duty, or custom-made.You can find any type of electric trike in this price range or more unique options. This also includes the most comfortable, powerful, and off-road capable electric trikes.
When it comes to Addmotor’s lineup, eTrikes such as the GRANDTAN X, GRANDTAN TURBO, and GREATTAN L are featured in this price range.
Now we know how much electric trikes can cost and the type of features and performance capabilities you can expect. Now let’s get down into the nitty gritty of breaking down the price tag and see how everything adds up.
Breaking Down Key Components and Their Costs
Electric bikes and trikes can be 2-3 times as expensive as their non-electrical counterparts. This is because components like the battery and motor can be expensive, especially if they have high-end specs.So when breaking down the cost of an electric trike you can find several key components that can increase the cost significantly. These are (from highest to lowest):
- Battery: Almost 20-25% of the total cost
- Shipping and Assembling Costs: Around 20%
- Motor: 15-35% depending on the specs
- Brakes and Groupset: 8-10% Approx
- Rest of the Electrical System (Controller, Display, Wiring Harness, etc.): 8-10% Approx
- Suspension System: Around 5%
Other components that aren’t as expensive but can raise the price in certain types of eTrikes are:- Shipping and Assembling Costs: Around 20%
- Motor: 15-35% depending on the specs
- Brakes and Groupset: 8-10% Approx
- Rest of the Electrical System (Controller, Display, Wiring Harness, etc.): 8-10% Approx
- Suspension System: Around 5%
- Wheels and Tires: Around 5%
- Cargo Racks and Passenger Seats: <5%
- The Bike Frame and Ergonomic Features (Seat, Handlebar, Grips, etc): <5%
- Other Accessories
- Cargo Racks and Passenger Seats: <5%
- The Bike Frame and Ergonomic Features (Seat, Handlebar, Grips, etc): <5%
- Other Accessories
Let’s talk more about these and how much each contributes to the overall price tag.
#1 Battery
For most eBikes and trikes, the battery is the most expensive component. It can account for almost 20-25% of the entire cost.There are many reasons why the battery is the most expensive. It mostly comes down to material costs, manufacturing, and optimizing them for safety and reliability.
Electric bike batteries use Lithium-Ion technology. This technology relies on expensive materials and intricate manufacturing processes.
On top of that, eBike batteries are held to a much higher safety standard. They need extensive testing along with strict environmental regulations and sustainability practices.
At Addmotor, our 20Ah 48V battery is used almost exclusively for all our electric tricycles. This is a UL-2271-certified battery pack that costs around $699 at retail price.
So comparing that with a $3,000 eTrike, you can see the battery is more than 20% of the overall price.
#2 Shipping and Assembly
The cost of shipping and assembly is one of the factors that most people often miss. In most cases, it can be as high as 20% of the price tag.Why is it so high? Because of things like:
- Shipping individual components into the assembly line
- Assembling the components
- Shipping the final product to warehouses and retail stores
- Shipping directly to the customer
These will add to the overall price. Besides, an electric tricycle is large, heavy, and includes fragile components. It’s not easy to ship and this reflects the final price tag.
- Assembling the components
- Shipping the final product to warehouses and retail stores
- Shipping directly to the customer
#3 Motor
Second only to the battery, the electric motor is the next component that eats up a lot of the cost. It also accumulates high material and manufacturing costs.Also, depending on the specs, the cost can scale up. Electric trikes with a mid-drive or more powerful motor can be more expensive compared to a rear-mounted motor with a low-power pull.
You can see this difference when comparing the GRANDTAN II 2024 with the GRANDTAN TURBO. Both are very similar but the latter has a mid-drive 1000W motor resulting in a price increase of almost $1,100.
So in most cases, the motor can account for almost 15-30% of the overall price tag.
#4 Brakes and Groupset
The brakes and the mechanical components of the eTrike need to be of high quality. This ensures safety and reliability. You don’t want cheap brakes or a weak drivetrain when carrying hundreds of pounds of cargo.At Addmotor, our eTrikes have Tektro-branded mechanical disc brakes. It’s a leading brand with over 35 years of experience. The groupset also consists of components from SHIMANO and Prowheel.
For electric trikes, the brakes and groupset make up approximately 10-15% of the overall price tag.
#5 Rest of the Electrical System
Apart from the battery and motor, components such as the controller, display, lights, and wiring harness can also add up. These tend to be expensive as they include sophisticated electronics and sensors that act as the brain for the battery and motor.At Addmotor, all our electric trikes rely on the EB 2.0 electrical system. It’s a proprietary system that takes a more holistic approach. It’s also the same electrical system included in our UL-2849-certified GAROOTAN cargo eBike.
In most cases, the display, controller, and the rest of the sensors and electrical system can make up around 8-10% of the total cost.
#6 Suspension System
One of the reasons why many people prefer electric trikes over two-wheeled eBikes is because of the additional comfort. So having a robust and reliable suspension system is very important for adult electric trikes.Most of our Addmotor eTrikes have oil spring forks on the front. Some even include rear suspension for extra stability.
Keeping riders comfortable through bumpy rides is not cheap. This is why the suspension system can take up around 5% of the total cost.
Wrapping Up
It takes a lot of money and effort to assemble an electric trike. If you’re looking to buy one, expect to pay around $2,000-$3,000 for a durable and feature-packed electric trike.When breaking down the cost of an electric trike, we can see it’s pricier mostly due to shipping and the electrical system. Almost 20% accounts for shipping and assembling, while the entire electrical setup can make up 50% of the price.
Despite this, electric trikes are still a better investment than a car or push-bicycle. You can do more with less and while getting more physical activity.
So don’t be afraid to start eBiking and check out Addmotor for the best deals.
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