Most Affordable Electric Recumbent Trikes (Not What You Think)
By Addmotor | 14 May 2025 | 0 Comments
When most people think about recumbent tricycles, what do you think is the first word that comes to their mind?
Comfortable? Definitely. Smooth? Of course.
But budget-friendly? Nope.
Recumbent electric trikes used to be niche, high-priced, and hard to find. But not anymore.
With more e-bike brands stepping into the game, the market’s changing fast. Today, there are some amazing options that don’t cost as much as a used car—and they still deliver comfort, stability, and performance.
So, if you’ve been eyeing a laid-back ride but assumed it would break the bank, think again.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the top three most affordable electric recumbent trikes that offer way more value than their price tag suggests.
Traditional bikes and even upright trikes aren’t for everyone. If you suffer from knee pain, back issues, or balance challenges, and need a more relaxed riding experience, recumbent electric trikes step in to save the day.
Here’s what sets these trikes apart:
The catch? Frames are longer, seats are custom-molded, and fewer factories build them. As a result, MSRPs drift north.
Below are the 3 electric recumbent trikes that buck that trend with clever parts sharing, direct-to-consumer shipping, and the kind of seasonal markdowns usually reserved for clearance racks.
$3,398
Think of the Arisetan M-360 as a comfy lounge chair that just happens to roll. You sink into a broad, slide-adjustable saddle with a tall, padded backrest, then stretch your legs toward pedals that sit slightly in front of your hips. That semi-recumbent stance spreads your weight across the seat instead of piling it on your tailbone, so longer rides feel more like kicking back than grinding forward. The low step-through frame means you don’t have to struggle with swinging a leg over.
Push the thumb throttle or pick a pedal-assist level, and a 750-watt rear hub motor quietly takes the strain, nudging you up to 20 mph on flats and tackling neighborhood hills without the huff‑and‑puff workout. A beefy 48V, 20Ah Samsung cell battery sits behind the seat and can roll for roughly 85 miles in the lowest assist. This range is plenty for an afternoon of errands or a lazy coastal rail-trail. Fat 20-by-4-inch tires float over potholes and sandy shoulders, while the front suspension fork smooths out whatever the tread can’t.
Handling feels surprisingly nimble thanks to an automotive-style rear differential that lets the twin back wheels spin at different speeds in corners. Tektro 180 mm disc brakes and parking brake provide the whoa power, integrated LED lights keep dusk rides legal, and the oversized rear rack is rated for serious groceries weighing up to 100 lbs. There’s also a bright LCD with USB charging.
Priced at $2,399
The Zycle Z-500 puts semi-recumbent comfort, a full-size motor, and a long-range battery within everyday budgets. You might not have heard of this brand yet, but don’t let that fool you—this e trike delivers a lot of value for a lower price point.
Propulsion comes from a 750W rear-hub unit fed by a 48V, 15Ah Samsung lithium pack, yielding an estimated 85-mile range in PAS 1. The wheelset configuration is 16 × 3.0-inch front and 20 × 4.0-inch rear. Combined with a 50 mm hydraulic fork, this setup offers 120 mm of total contact width for superior float on loose surfaces.
An automotive-style differential governs rear-axle rotation, ensuring independent wheel speed in turns and minimizing understeer. Braking is handled by Tektro MD-300 mechanical calipers, clamping 180 mm rotors on all three wheels.
Total system rating is 380 lbs. (rider + cargo). Fold-down handlebar, foldable stem, IP-rated cabling, fenders, USB-enabled LCD, and an 86-liter rear basket round out a package that positions the Z-500 as a cost-effective alternative to premium recumbent e-trikes.
Priced at $2,999.99 $3,999
Source: sixthreezero.com
Sixthreezero’s Relaxed Body 750W trike positions semi-recumbent comfort inside an ergonomic chassis. A hydro-formed low-entry frame (13 inches at the stepover) partners with an upright seat‑back geometry to mitigate lumbar and knee stress while maintaining clear sight lines in traffic.
Propulsion is provided by a 750W rear-hub motor linked to a 48V, 15Ah lithium-ion pack. Factory testing lists a top speed of 20 mph and an estimated 50-mile range in PAS 1. Riders can toggle among five assist modes or engage throttle‑only operation for continuous output on inclines.
Rolling stock comprises a 20 × 3-inch front wheel plus dual 24 × 3-inch rears, all mounted on alloy double-wall rims. Meanwhile, a chromoly fork absorbs minor chatter. Stopping power comes via a triad of Tektro mechanical discs (180 mm rotors).
Cargo duties fall to a welded steel basket with a 50-lb rating, contributing to the trike’s overall 350‑lb payload capacity. Ergonomic touchpoints, IP-rated cabling, and a two-year frame warranty round out a spec sheet that targets value-seekers in the recumbent-adjacent e-trike segment.
Before you hit that “Add to Cart” button, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an electric recumbent trike:
Whether you go for the feature-packed Addmotor Arisetan M-360, the functional Zycle Z-500, or the laid-back Relaxed Body 750W, you’re getting serious bang for your buck.
And hey—who said affordable couldn’t look this good?
So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest in your comfort and mobility, that time might just be now.
A: Mass‑market components (Shimano Tourney derailleurs, mechanical discs) cost less than boutique equivalents. Brands also skip custom CNC frames in favor of hydro-formed aluminum, which they already use on two-wheel e-bikes.
Q: Will a 750W hub feel underpowered on hills?
A: In PAS 3–5, all three climb suburban 8–10 % grades confidently. If you live in San Francisco-level terrain, mid-drives help, but expect to pay $4.5k and up.
Q: What about battery life?
A: Expect 30–40 miles mixed riding on the Z-500 and Relaxed Body, and up to 85 miles in economy mode on the Arisetan M-360 thanks to its 20Ah pack.
Comfortable? Definitely. Smooth? Of course.
But budget-friendly? Nope.
Recumbent electric trikes used to be niche, high-priced, and hard to find. But not anymore.
With more e-bike brands stepping into the game, the market’s changing fast. Today, there are some amazing options that don’t cost as much as a used car—and they still deliver comfort, stability, and performance.
So, if you’ve been eyeing a laid-back ride but assumed it would break the bank, think again.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the top three most affordable electric recumbent trikes that offer way more value than their price tag suggests.
But First, Why Choose a Recumbent Electric Trike?
Traditional bikes and even upright trikes aren’t for everyone. If you suffer from knee pain, back issues, or balance challenges, and need a more relaxed riding experience, recumbent electric trikes step in to save the day.Here’s what sets these trikes apart:
- Reclined Seating Position: Your body is in a more natural, ergonomic position. No hunching, no wrist pressure.
- Back Support: Most come with a high-back seat that supports your spine and is perfect for long rides.
- Stability: The lower center of gravity makes you feel more grounded and less wobbly.
- Pedal Assist: Even gentle pedal strokes get you moving, especially uphill.
Why “Affordable” Matters in a Laid-Back World
Recumbent geometry spreads your weight over a broad seat and supportive backrest, letting hips, knees, and wrists breathe easy.The catch? Frames are longer, seats are custom-molded, and fewer factories build them. As a result, MSRPs drift north.
Below are the 3 electric recumbent trikes that buck that trend with clever parts sharing, direct-to-consumer shipping, and the kind of seasonal markdowns usually reserved for clearance racks.
1. Addmotor Arisetan M-360 Recumbent Tricycle
Priced at $3,099Think of the Arisetan M-360 as a comfy lounge chair that just happens to roll. You sink into a broad, slide-adjustable saddle with a tall, padded backrest, then stretch your legs toward pedals that sit slightly in front of your hips. That semi-recumbent stance spreads your weight across the seat instead of piling it on your tailbone, so longer rides feel more like kicking back than grinding forward. The low step-through frame means you don’t have to struggle with swinging a leg over.
Push the thumb throttle or pick a pedal-assist level, and a 750-watt rear hub motor quietly takes the strain, nudging you up to 20 mph on flats and tackling neighborhood hills without the huff‑and‑puff workout. A beefy 48V, 20Ah Samsung cell battery sits behind the seat and can roll for roughly 85 miles in the lowest assist. This range is plenty for an afternoon of errands or a lazy coastal rail-trail. Fat 20-by-4-inch tires float over potholes and sandy shoulders, while the front suspension fork smooths out whatever the tread can’t.
Handling feels surprisingly nimble thanks to an automotive-style rear differential that lets the twin back wheels spin at different speeds in corners. Tektro 180 mm disc brakes and parking brake provide the whoa power, integrated LED lights keep dusk rides legal, and the oversized rear rack is rated for serious groceries weighing up to 100 lbs. There’s also a bright LCD with USB charging.
2. Zycle Z-500 Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike
Priced at $2,399The Zycle Z-500 puts semi-recumbent comfort, a full-size motor, and a long-range battery within everyday budgets. You might not have heard of this brand yet, but don’t let that fool you—this e trike delivers a lot of value for a lower price point.
Propulsion comes from a 750W rear-hub unit fed by a 48V, 15Ah Samsung lithium pack, yielding an estimated 85-mile range in PAS 1. The wheelset configuration is 16 × 3.0-inch front and 20 × 4.0-inch rear. Combined with a 50 mm hydraulic fork, this setup offers 120 mm of total contact width for superior float on loose surfaces.
An automotive-style differential governs rear-axle rotation, ensuring independent wheel speed in turns and minimizing understeer. Braking is handled by Tektro MD-300 mechanical calipers, clamping 180 mm rotors on all three wheels.
Total system rating is 380 lbs. (rider + cargo). Fold-down handlebar, foldable stem, IP-rated cabling, fenders, USB-enabled LCD, and an 86-liter rear basket round out a package that positions the Z-500 as a cost-effective alternative to premium recumbent e-trikes.
3. Sixthreezero Relaxed Body 750-Watt Electric Tricycle
Priced at $2,999.99 Source: sixthreezero.com
Sixthreezero’s Relaxed Body 750W trike positions semi-recumbent comfort inside an ergonomic chassis. A hydro-formed low-entry frame (13 inches at the stepover) partners with an upright seat‑back geometry to mitigate lumbar and knee stress while maintaining clear sight lines in traffic.
Propulsion is provided by a 750W rear-hub motor linked to a 48V, 15Ah lithium-ion pack. Factory testing lists a top speed of 20 mph and an estimated 50-mile range in PAS 1. Riders can toggle among five assist modes or engage throttle‑only operation for continuous output on inclines.
Rolling stock comprises a 20 × 3-inch front wheel plus dual 24 × 3-inch rears, all mounted on alloy double-wall rims. Meanwhile, a chromoly fork absorbs minor chatter. Stopping power comes via a triad of Tektro mechanical discs (180 mm rotors).
Cargo duties fall to a welded steel basket with a 50-lb rating, contributing to the trike’s overall 350‑lb payload capacity. Ergonomic touchpoints, IP-rated cabling, and a two-year frame warranty round out a spec sheet that targets value-seekers in the recumbent-adjacent e-trike segment.
What to Look for in an Affordable Recumbent Electric Trike
Before you hit that “Add to Cart” button, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an electric recumbent trike:Frame Design
A true recumbent trike will place you low and back, while a semi-recumbent trike will give you some of the same ergonomic benefits without being too low to the ground. If getting up and down is a concern, look for a step-through frame or semi-recumbent style.Motor Power
750W is the sweet spot for most riders since it’s powerful enough for hills and cargo, but still street-legal in most areas.Battery Range
Look for at least 15Ah to 20Ah in battery capacity if you plan to ride long distances. The higher the amp hours, the longer the ride.Seating Comfort
High-back seats, padded saddles, and adjustable handlebars all add up to a better ride. If you have back or neck issues, don’t compromise here.Accessories
Does it come with a basket? Rear rack? Fenders? Lights? These small things can save you money and add big convenience.It’s Time to Rethink Affordable!
You don’t need to drain your savings to ride in comfort. The recumbent electric trikes on our list prove that you can get an ergonomic, powerful, and smooth ride without shelling out $5,000+.Whether you go for the feature-packed Addmotor Arisetan M-360, the functional Zycle Z-500, or the laid-back Relaxed Body 750W, you’re getting serious bang for your buck.
And hey—who said affordable couldn’t look this good?
So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest in your comfort and mobility, that time might just be now.
FAQs
Q: Why are these trikes so much less than high‑end recumbents?A: Mass‑market components (Shimano Tourney derailleurs, mechanical discs) cost less than boutique equivalents. Brands also skip custom CNC frames in favor of hydro-formed aluminum, which they already use on two-wheel e-bikes.
Q: Will a 750W hub feel underpowered on hills?
A: In PAS 3–5, all three climb suburban 8–10 % grades confidently. If you live in San Francisco-level terrain, mid-drives help, but expect to pay $4.5k and up.
Q: What about battery life?
A: Expect 30–40 miles mixed riding on the Z-500 and Relaxed Body, and up to 85 miles in economy mode on the Arisetan M-360 thanks to its 20Ah pack.
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