Step-through electric trikes have been a game-changer ever since they were introduced. These electric trikes made eBiking more accessible and user-friendly since they allowed ladies to start biking comfortably.
But it’s not just them, step-through electric trikes also made things more accessible for seniors and people with limited mobility. Since there was no crossbar, people didn’t have to stress as much when trying to get in and out of an electric trike or bike.
Step-through frames are one of the most crucial factors to consider when you’re purchasing an electric bike or tricycle. Even if you’re physically fit and capable, you might consider a step-through trike since you might share it with someone who’s not as physically fit.
So let’s discuss the nuances of a step-through electric trike and why you should be considering one as your next purchase. We’ll also talk about Addmotor’s recommendation for a high-value step-through electric trike.
Why Are Step-Through Electric Trikes Worth It?
Step-through electric trikes are becoming popular for their accessibility, comfort, and versatility. They offer a stable, easy-to-ride option for anybody. This includes seniors, ladies wearing skirts and dresses or regular riders.
Step-through electric titles also come with the extra benefit of electric assistance. This makes it the perfect companion for commuting, running errands, and recreational rides.
One of the main points of step-through electric trikes is the ease of mounting and dismounting. Unlike step-over electric trikes, these step-through electric trikes have a different design.
Easier to Get In and Out
Initially, the step-through design was common with ladies bicycles. They wanted a different bicycle frame so ladies could ride comfortably while wearing skirts and dresses. Modern eTrike manufacturers got inspired by this design and translated it over to step-through electric trikes.
So unlike traditional bike frames with high crossbars, which are called step-over electric trikes, the step-through frame doesn’t feature a top tube. In some cases, they have lowered the top tube or gotten rid of it entirely.
Without the crossbar, riders don’t have too much trouble swinging one foot over the electric trike to get in. Since the crossbar is removed or lowered, they don’t have to lift one foot too high off the ground.
This small change makes a world of difference. Without the top tube crossing over the frame, riders can easily “step through” to mount and dismount. This makes for a more accessible and user-friendly experience.
Providing a More Comfortable Riding Experience
Electric trikes are already more stable and comfortable on their own. The extra-third wheel guarantees that the trike is self-balancing so the rider doesn’t have to worry about it. A step-through frame adds to this in ways you couldn’t have imagined.
For starters, the step-through frame provides a more natural and laid-back riding experience. Unlike with step-over electric trikes, there’s no pressure for you to stay in “competition mode” with your back hunched over.
On top of that, the frame’s geometry encourages a more upright seating position. This lets you ride comfortably while also maintaining focus on the road. You’re not laid back too much, you start to doze off. Instead, it pushes your back forward so you’re alert and focused on the road.
Besides, since there’s no crossbar, you can lean forward more comfortably. Allowing you to keep focusing on the road without hurting your back.
Attach a Footrest and Extra Cargo Accessories
One of the more underrated luxuries of a step-through electric trike is the option to add a footrest. These can do wonders to improve accessibility and comfort since you now have a place to relax your feet when riding.
The footrest is an amazing feature that only step-through electric trikes can provide. Since there’s free space between the head tube and seat tube, you can rest your feet on the downtube area.
This makes the step-through electric trike comparable to that of a mobility scooter. Riders can easily plop their feet on the footrest and ride the throttle.
But the footrest is just the starting point. You can also make use of the extra space for cargo as well.
For instance, you can attach cargo bags or panniers in this space. This can let you increase the cargo-carrying capacity of your step-through electric tricycle.
Also, with a wide enough footrest, you can leave space for a child or pet who can accompany you, provided you drive slowly and they are trained enough to hold onto the trike.
Encourages Low-Impact Exercise
Compared to a step-over electric trike, a step-through electric trike is less commitment and doesn’t require as much effort to ride.
Because of this feature, step-through electric trikes offer more flexible options for exercise and electrical assistance. You’re not pressured into riding on a full manual like a fitness enthusiast. You can always speed up or slow down depending on your needs and fitness levels.
Because of these features, it’s very easy for you to cycle back and forth between intense workout routines and effortless moped riding. This makes them a great option for fitness buffs but also for the mobility-challenged who need some exercise but not too much.
Drawbacks of Step-Through Electric Trikes
Without a doubt, step-through electric trikes are the better option for any type of rider or use case. That said, some high-level riders might still prefer an electric trike with a crossbar because of a few nuances.
So if you’re a professional rider, you might want to consider these drawbacks:
- Structural Integrity: Step-through electric trikes can be somewhat weaker than electric trikes with a crossbar or top tube. This crossbar provides more strength and durability to the trike frame, which can be important in some unique situations.
- Performance: Trike frames with a crossbar can be more rigid and aerodynamic. This means power can be transferred more efficiently, allowing riders to breeze through at faster-than-average speeds.
- Stability At Higher Speeds: Also, thanks to the above two points, step-over electric trikes are safer and easier to control at higher speeds.
- Better Load Capacity: The crossbar helps distribute weight throughout the trike frame more efficiently. Because of this, you can support heavier riders and heavy cargo with a step-over electric trike compared to a step-through.
- Off Road Capabilities: Step-over electric trikes can support a more aggressive riding style. This means you can ride it at higher speeds and tackle off road terrain more effectively than with a step-through electric trike.
Best Step-Through Electric Trike of 2024
Despite these drawbacks, step-through electric tricycles are still the best choice for many riders. A step-over electric trike is only suitable for professional riders who need to ride at unsafe speeds or carry extreme amounts of cargo.
So if you’re a beginner or regular rider, you don’t need to deal with the hassle of owning a step-over electric trike. You can make do with a step-through electric trike, you just have to find the right one.
One of the best options you can go with is the Addmotor TRIKETAN M-330. This UL2849-certified step-through electric trike comes with all the luxuries you could ask for along with extra features to sweeten the deal.
Best Features of the TRIKETAN M-330
The TRIKETAN M-330 is a high-value step-through electric trike that’s primarily designed for the US market. It’s one of the most versatile electric trikes that fit many use cases and rider profiles.
Whether that’s fitness, commuting, supply runs or off-roading, the TRIKETAN M-330, can handle it all.
Here are some of the best features of the TRIKETAN M-330 E-Trike:
- Step Through Frame: TRIKETAN’s swan-inspired step-through frame manages to keep things stylish and accessible. The frame provides a low standover height of 16.5” and keeps things easy for the prospective rider.
- 750W Motor: The TRIKETAN M-330 has a powerful motor with a maximum 90 Nm of torque pull. The motor also supports 7 PAS (Pedal Assist) levels with a top speed of 20mph.
- 48V/20Ah Battery: With a 960Wh battery, the TRIKETAN can keep you going for 85+ miles on a single charge (at PAS level 1). The battery is also fully UL2271-safety certified and allows you to remove and replace it whenever you need extra juice.
- 450lb Payload Capacity: Don’t let the small size fool you. This fat tire electric trike can carry passengers as heavy as 350 lbs. It also can support 100 lbs of cargo on the rear rack, making it a true workhorse when carrying stuff.
- 4-Inch Fat Tires: The TRIKETAN can take you anywhere thanks to the all-terrain-friendly tires. It has 24”x4” fat tires with a 30TPI (Threads Per Inch). This makes it more puncture-resistant and safer to ride in various types of terrain.
- 5’2”-6’4” Height Range: Unlike other step-through electric trikes, the TRIKETAN M-330 Trike is made for sharing. It supports a wide height range for extremely short and tall riders.
- Torque Sensors: Also, the TRIKETAN M-330 comes with full torque sensors for better control. These can detect your pedaling efforts correctly and provide the right amount of electrical assistance.
Wrapping Up
Step-through electric trikes improve accessibility and ease of use in many ways. They make it easier for the mobility-challenged to ride an electric trike comfortably. Step-through frames also make electric trikes lady-friendly, especially when they want to ride while wearing skirts and dresses.
But that’s not all, step-through electric trikes are complete game-changers for cargo carrying and comfort. Things like footrests make them more comfortable and easy to ride.
Addmotor recommends their TRIKETAN M-330 as the best step-through electric trike of 2024. It’s got a step-through frame with a low standover height, making it ideal for the mobility-challenged and anybody else.
