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Comparing Folding and Traditional Electric Tricycles: Which is Right for You?

By Addmotor | 13 March 2025 | 0 Comments
Electric trikes (3-wheel electric bikes) are known for their stability and ability to carry heavy loads, but they also occupy a lot of space in the garage. For those who enjoy RV travel, owning an electric tricycle sounds like an impractical decision. While an electric trike offers a great way to have fun rides, the only problem is their larger size compared to an ordinary two-wheel electric bike.
 
Fortunately, this problem was recently addressed with an intelligent design idea of a folding electric trike. This folding electric trike design addresses the issue of bulkiness that was the major downside of a traditional electric fat trike. Both of these trikes offer eco-friendly modes of transport but, however, they also have differing properties catering to different needs of the riders. If you’re confused about making a right decision about which one to choose, this blog covers everything you need to know about a folding electric tricycle and a traditional electric trike.

1. The Portability Advantage

Let’s be real - living in cities is all about compromising over spaces. Whether it's the tiny apartment, the crowded public transit system, or full parking lots, the struggle for space is a constant reality in urban life. This is where you need a folding electric tricycle which is best for urban commuting.
 
You can’t afford to buy a traditional fat tire electric trike if you wish to park it at home to keep it safe from getting stolen. It is way more convenient to travel on a folding electric trike since you can easily park it at tight spots and also fold it in the subways too. Life in a city makes more sense with a folding electric trike since you get a safer ride along with the perks of portability.

 
Elderly man rides Addmotor Citytri E-310 folding electric tricycle outdoors.
 
 
With Addmotor’s CITYTRI E-310, you get the power of a traditional electric trike along with the feature of portability. This folding electric tricycle, with a 750 watt motor and a 960Wh battery pack, is designed with convenience in mind, making it easy to take along on any adventure. 

Picture this: you're on an epic road trip in your RV, with a folding electric tricycle as your trusty sidekick. You arrive at a beautiful campsite and quickly unfold your electric trike, ready to explore. It's compact and easy to store in your RV, so no need to worry about space. Whether you're heading to a nearby market, cruising along a beachside path, or exploring a charming town, your electric trike makes it all a breeze. The electric assist ensures you glide smoothly, even on those pesky hills. This dynamic duo—your RV and folding electric trike—create the perfect adventure setup, adding convenience and a touch of excitement to your travels. It's the ultimate way to enhance your outdoor escapades and make the most of every moment.

2. Structural Integrity

Apart from portability, traditional electric trikes are not losing the race. They might not be a good fit for tight spaces, but they offer matchless stability & durability which comes from their one-piece robust frame. Equipped with 4-inch fat tires, they offer great comfort on long rides - for those who need to feel grounded and secure.
 
Folding electric trikes are also sturdy and provide great structural integrity, but some riders may still prefer the added sense of sturdiness that comes with a one-piece, grounded structure.
 
Landtan fat tire electric trike
Addmotor’s LANDTAN fat tire electric trike is the prime example of a traditional electric trike with a one-piece, aesthetic, and sturdy frame. LANDTAN offers matchless stability and power with its 750W motor that offers excellent traction on rough, uneven surfaces. The fat tires on LANDTAN give riders a soft riding quality with extra stability and control. On bumpy roads, these 4-inch fat tires absorb most of the bumps, minimizing vibrations and discomfort.

3. Weight Considerations

A big question is: Which electric tricycle is lighter: foldable or traditional? The answer is simple—folding electric trikes tend to be lighter, but not without some compromises.

Designed with portability in mind, folding electric trikes often utilize lightweight frames and city tires to ensure they can be easily transported and stored. This makes them a convenient option for those who need to carry their trike in an RV, store it in a small apartment, or commute in crowded urban environments. However, this focus on portability can sometimes come at the cost of a smoother ride experience. Lightweight frames may not absorb shocks as well, and city tires might not handle rough terrain as effectively as their bulkier counterparts. Despite these trade-offs, the convenience and ease of transport make folding electric trikes an appealing choice for many riders. 

4. Design Aesthetics: The Sleek vs. The Rugged

Since the design and aesthetics are subjective terms, everyone has different preferences when it comes to how the ride looks. Many like sleek, minimalist designs while others prefer bulky, sturdy designs.
 
Folding electric trikes usually have a sleek, minimalist design. They’re modern, compact, and stylish in a way that feels like they were made for city living. Fold them up, and they practically become part of the background. Contrarily, traditional electric trikes come in a variety of designs - both sleek and bulky. They usually have higher payload capacity with storage at the back and the front too.
 
Both designs have their own acceptability in the market but which one’s better for you, depends totally up to your design preference.

5.Ease of Maintenance of Longevity

Since a folding electric trike comes with an extra part - the folding mechanism, which usually includes joints, hinges, or latches, a rider needs to maintain it with regular attention and upkeep cost. You might need to lubricate it which doesn’t seem to be a hectic task, but with time, regularly maintaining it might annoy some riders. Over time, these moving parts are more likely to wear out or need adjustments, meaning folding trikes may need more frequent maintenance than their non-folding counterparts.

Final Words: Which One To Choose?

The final decision comes down to your personal needs. Whether you need a folding electric trike or a traditional electric trike, you must be clear about your needs. Let us help you make an informed decision keeping in mind all the properties and advantages of both trikes.
 
- If you want a portable option to keep your bike in the trunk of your car or to simply park it at tight spots, the CITYTRI trike is the best deal to close!
- If you’re looking for uni-frame designs for added sense of sturdiness in your ride, LANDTAN fat tire trike could be your best companion!
 
Lastly, it is important to note that this comparison doesn’t make one e-trike superior to the other. Every design caters to various types of needs, so it is important to know your own needs before you make a decision to buy an electric trike. Folding trikes might be good for portability, but non-folding designs make up for this deficiency with their increased durability, stability, and comfort for extended rides.

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