Electric trikes are coming up with new and better features all the time. They’re slowly starting to pick up steam after the EV revolution of the past decade.
What’s great about electric trikes, compared to regular two-wheeled eBikes, is utility. Electric tricycles provide a lot more value and help you do many things. You can ride it indoors, carry groceries and the best one: transport children and adults.
Because of this feature alone, many people are drawn into electric trikes. Couples, parents and seniors love this feature because it lets them enjoy company safely and without hurting the environment.
These passenger trikes also have two different categories. Let’s talk about what these are and how to pick the best one.
The Best Two-Seater Electric Trike of 2024
Most brands and manufacturers avoid two-seater electric trikes like the plague. This is because two-seaters are hard to get right without making them way too overpriced for the average consumer.
Fortunately, Addmotor has stepped in. They have always delivered with their SOLETRI Trike and it’s no different this year, making it the undefeated two-seater electric tricycle of 2024.
Addmotor SOLETRI M-366X is one of the best examples of two-seaters done right. It packs impressive features in a compact frame, allowing you to experience the joy of eBiking with a friend or loved one.
Unveiling the Primary Specs of the Addmotor SOLETRI M-366X
In terms of the motor specs, the SOLETRI has a regular 48V/750W motor. This machine can give out 90 Nm of torque and a maximum power pull of 1400W in short bursts, making it the best option for pushing you and a passenger up steep inclines.
For the battery, the SOLETRI has a 48V/20Ah pack with Samsung Li-Ion Cells. These can guarantee a mileage of over 85+ miles at PAS level 1.
Next to the seat. The SOLETRI has a 23.5-inch long saddle which is over 8.5” wide. It can easily make room for two people. Also, don’t worry about weight capacity, the SOLETRI can support a maximum load of 450 lbs, so you’re not missing out.
Finally, another feature that’s worth mentioning is the full suspension setup. The SOLETRI doesn’t just come with a front fork suspension, it also comes with dual shock absorbers for the rear wheels. These help minimize vibrations to the passenger and also prevent issues with the wheel lift.
Some of the other noteworthy features of the SOLETRI are:
- Wooden footrest for driver
- Rear cargo rack with a complimentary waterproof bag
- Kenda-branded 20”x4” GIGAS puncture-resistant fat tires.
- EB 2.0 system that’s used in other UL2849-certified Addmotor trikes
- Removable Battery
- Triple Disc Brakes with 180mm rotors.
- Adjustable U-shaped handlebars
- Step-through frame on the front with a 17-inch low standover height
How’s a Two Seater Electric Trike Any Different?
When it comes to passenger trikes, you have two options: two-seaters and trikes with dedicated passenger seats. Here, two seats imply that the adult tricycle includes a long seat (often called a banana saddle) that can accommodate two adults.
These seats are just like the seats of a regular motorcycle. They take out the backrest in favor of making more room for an extra passenger.
Meanwhile, trikes with a dedicated passenger seat have just what it says: a separate seat. Most often, this is a special seat that’s behind the rider like a rickshaw.
Sometimes, it can also be a cargo box with multiple seats (most often reserved for children). With electric trikes, this cargo box is often installed in the front, so the rider can keep an eye on the children.
Adult passenger electric tricycles are not the same. If you’re a parent or educator, you might be better off with a cargo box that can accommodate multiple passengers.
Meanwhile, if you’re an everyday rider who just needs to give a lift to a friend or family member once in a while, a two-seater can be a good option.
So let’s talk more about the benefits of owning a two-seater electric trike, especially when compared to a trike with a dedicated passenger seat or regular tricycle.
Benefits of Owning a Two-Seater Electric Trike
A two-seater is kind of an outlier. It’s not the same as a regular electric tricycle and it’s definitely not equal to a passenger trike with dedicated seating.
So in this case, a two-seater electric tricycle falls somewhere in the middle. It’s got the best of both worlds, combining the passenger-carrying ability with the more compact form factor of a non-passenger-capable electric tricycle.
This means a two-seater electric trike is more space-efficient. The long banana seat streamlines the seating arrangement.
Thanks to this, it takes up less space than a fully-decked-out passenger trike. But at the same time, allows you to do more than a regular non-passenger electric trike.
As an added benefit this provides more flexibility and versatility. You and your passengers have more freedom to adjust yourselves when riding on a long banana saddle.
Apart from these two benefits, with a two-seater electric trike, you’re also privy to things like:
- Comfort: In its own way, the banana saddle can provide a more comfortable and cooperative riding experience. Unlike a regular bike saddle, you have more freedom to move around and adjust yourself.
- Aesthetics: A two-seater electric trike looks much similar to a motorcycle or scooter. Besides, the long banana seat gives it a sleek and stylish exterior.
- Better Weight Distribution: The long banana seat manages to keep the rider and passenger as close as possible. This can enhance stability and handling, making it easy to control the trike. Also, it can be invaluable when turning corners since you don’t have to compensate for extra weight in the back.
- Cost-Efficient: Compared to an electric trike with a dedicated passenger seat, a two-seater isn’t as high-maintenance. This means, two-seaters are more affordable and don’t impact the environment as much.
- Storage and Cargo Adaptability: With a two-seater, you’re not missing out on storage as much as you think. You can still use the long banana seat to carry different types of cargo, you just have to secure them properly and you’re good to go.
- Better Resale Value: Since two-seaters look and perform similarly to motorcycles, many people can relate to them easily. This can give you an edge when you’re hoping to share it with friends or sell it later down the line.
Drawbacks of Owning a Two-Seater Electric Trike
Sure, the extra flexibility and aesthetics are definitely pluses. That said, two-seaters are not for everybody, and sometimes, it’s better to stick with a full-option passenger trike or regular trike with no passenger seating.
So to help you get a more balanced viewpoint of two-seaters, here are some notable drawbacks you need to consider.
Less Secure For Passengers
The long banana saddle is a nice touch. But, it’s not safe for anybody that can’t hold on to the rider or the eBike. This includes children and adults.
This means a two-seater electric trike is not the best fit if you’re a parent or caregiver. You can’t keep children and seniors safe on the long banana saddle. This is because there are no dedicated support attachments like seat belts and backrests.
So if you’re hoping to give a ride to children, the elderly or anybody with mobility issues, a two-seater is not recommended. You’ll need a dedicated passenger seat or trailer that can secure them and keep them safe.
Limited Passenger Capacity
Two-seaters can only seat two people, maybe three if you can manage a tight fit (which isn’t recommended by the way).
So because of this fact alone, it might not be a great fit for educators or parents with several children.
Reduced Comfort and Ergonomic Features
Two-seater electric tricycles aren’t recommended for long-distance riding with passengers. So if you’re a couple that’s bikepacking or families that have ditched their car, a two-seater is not best.
This is because you don’t have backrests for anybody involved. The banana seat can maybe squeeze in a backrest for the passenger at the rear but it’s near impossible for the rider at the front.
So this can lead to discomfort and other issues when you’re riding long-distance.
Also, passengers might not enjoy a comfortable ride with a two-seater. You can’t incorporate features like armrests, extra padding and seatbelts. This can put a damper on the whole experience, especially if you’re riding to enjoy the scenery.
Reduced Pedaling Performance
This mostly depends on the rider and passenger but it’s going to be unavoidable. You’re going to run into issues when pedaling since the passenger’s feet are in the back.
Most riders and passengers generally get used to this with time. But it is still a minor annoyance that beginners have to deal with, especially when you’re giving a lift to strangers every time.
Wrapping Up
Two-seater electric tricycles are an unusual choice. They’re not as heavy and bulky as dedicated passenger trikes but offer better seating capacity than a solo trike.
That said, two-seater electric tricycles provide better value to the right person. They are great for commuters and everyday riders who don’t mind giving a lift to another adult.
However, two-seaters aren’t recommended for parents and caregivers. Children and seniors can’t sit comfortably on the extended banana seat and it can be a safety risk for them.
Addmotor recommends their SOLETRI M-366X as the best option for a two-seater trike. It’s got a 23.5-inch long banana saddle that can seat two people. It also has full suspension and doesn’t compromise the rear cargo rack.
Harry smit