Addmotor

What is an Electric Reverse Trike? A Comprehensive Guide to the Innovative 3-Wheel Design

By Addmotor | 24 March 2025 | 0 Comments
Riding an electric trike should be a smooth and stable experience, but that’s not always the case with traditional designs.
You may feel the traditional trike wobble when taking a turn or struggle with weight distribution on uneven roads. Maybe you’ve even had a near-tip-over moment that made you second-guess your ride.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A traditional e-trike, with two wheels in the back, can sometimes feel less stable, especially at higher speeds.

Users voiced their concerns about handling and balance, and manufacturers took notice. After careful deliberation, they introduced an innovative solution called the reverse trike. By placing two wheels in the front and one in the back, this design dramatically improves stability, enhances control, and creates a much smoother ride.

Let’s look at how this design works and why it might be the perfect upgrade for you.

Reverse Trike vs. Traditional Trike: Which is the Right Choice for You?

When it comes to choosing a three-wheeled ride, you’ve got options. The big question is: should you go for a traditional trike or a reverse trike?
Let’s break it down.

 

The Traditional Trike

Traditional electric trikes (classic adult tricycles) have been around for a long time. They usually have one front wheel and two rear wheels, offering a unique riding experience that has remained a favorite among those who appreciate the classic feel of a tricycle. These e-trikes are known for their reliability and capability to handle varied terrains.
However, this traditional layout does come with certain limitations, particularly in maneuverability. It can be difficult to judge whether the rear wheels will fit through tight spaces, leading to potential challenges when navigating narrow roads.

Additionally, if you love to ride with a pet, the rear cargo basket placement can be an issue. Since the basket sits behind you, it becomes difficult to keep an eye on your pet’s condition and fully enjoy your ride. The reverse electric trike solves this concern by placing the cargo area at the front to ensure constant visibility and greater peace of mind.
For those transitioning from a motorcycle or scooter, traditional e-trikes may initially feel surprisingly stable due to their three-wheel design. However, riders looking for even greater control and balance, especially when making sharp turns, may find an electric reverse trike to be a superior choice.

 

The Reverse Trike

Now, flip that design on its head. In an electric reverse trike, you have two wheels upfront and one in the back. This may seem like a minor tweak, but it makes a world of difference in how the ride handles.
With more wheels up front, the reverse trike offers better cornering stability and improved overall balance. This design reduces the lean factor you might experience on a traditional trike, making it feel more like driving a car than riding a bike. It’s especially handy in urban settings where tight turns and quick maneuvers are part of everyday life.

However, for those new to reverse electric tricycles, it’s essential to learn proper riding techniques to master the handling of the reverse trike. Controlling slow speeds when turning and changing maneuvers is crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

 

Which Three Wheel Electric Bike is Right for You?

The choice between a reverse trike and a traditional trike boils down to what kind of riding experience you’re after. Here are a few points to consider:
Stability and Handling: If you value stability and want a secure ride around corners, an electric reverse trike might be your best bet. Its design naturally offers better balance and easier handling.
Design and Aesthetics: Some riders love the retro appeal of a traditional trike. If you’re drawn to that classic look and don’t mind a bit of extra leaning when cornering, a traditional trike could be your style.
Use Case: Think about how and where you plan to ride. For city commutes and urban adventures, the reverse trike’s agile handling can make navigating busy streets a breeze. For longer journeys on varied terrain, both types have their merits, but traditional electric tricycle frames are simpler and stronger in construction, allowing for better adaptation to changing terrain.

 

Addmotor Spytan Reverse Trike Upgraded to SpytanX: What’s New & Improved?

Reverse trike designed for golf with two front wheels, a rear wheel, and a storage area for golf bags, positioned on a grassy golf course.
For those who love reverse electric trikes, Addmotor has taken the experience to the next level with the upgraded version of Spytan: SpytanX.
Like the Spytan, the SpytanX is a folding reverse trike. It becomes more compact upon folding than the old version, though, for easier storage and transport. Both models have a 48V 750W rear-mounted motor with a 1400W peak power and a 48V 20Ah UL-certified battery that delivers a 90-mile range on PAS1. Fat tires and hydraulic disc brakes are also common features in these reverse trikes.
Now that we’ve discussed the similarities, let’s look at what’s new and improved in SpytanX.


Front Suspension

One of the most significant upgrades in the SpytanX is the inclusion of a front suspension system to absorb shocks and vibrations from uneven surfaces. Unlike traditional rigid front-end designs, this suspension allows the wheels to move independently in order to reduce the impact of bumps, potholes, or rough terrain.

Here’s what it means for the rider:
·        Improved Comfort: The suspension system cushions the ride to prevent jolts and reduce strain on the rider’s body.
·        Better Handling: A smoother ride means enhanced maneuverability, especially when transitioning between different surfaces.
·        Increased Stability: By absorbing shocks, the suspension system keeps the wheels grounded and reduces skidding or loss of traction.

 

Tilting Steering System

The SpytanX features a tilting steering system with 16 connecting rods, which enhances the way riders navigate turns. It allows the front wheels and handlebars to lean into corners. As such, the SpytanX feels more familiar and effortless to handle for riders transitioning from standard bikes or motorcycles.

Here’s what the tilting steering system promises:
·        Increased Stability in Turns: The tilting mechanism helps balance the trike and reduces the risk of tipping when cornering.
·        More Natural Feel: The leaning action mimics a two-wheeled bike’s movement, making turns feel smoother and more intuitive.
·        Better Weight Distribution: This system efficiently shifts the rider’s weight, improving overall balance and control.


Golf-friendly Design

The SpytanX isn’t just built for everyday riding. It’s also perfect for the golf course.
It is equipped with a golf stand bag front rack and a golf sand bottle front holder that allow golfers to move from hole to hole while keeping all their essentials within reach.

Here’s why you’ll love the SpytanX:
·        Effortless Mobility: The electric-powered design means you can glide across the course without exhaustion and save energy for the game.
·        Convenient Storage: The golf stand bag front rack keeps your clubs secure and accessible, so you don’t need a separate golf cart.
·        Course-Friendly Performance: With its stable three-wheel design, the SpytanX avoids turf damage and offers smooth, controlled navigation on grassy terrain.
·        Eco-Friendly Alternative: Unlike the gas-powered golf cart, the SpytanX runs on clean energy, reducing your carbon footprint while enhancing your game.


Butterfly Handlebar with Adjustable Height

The SpytanX features an ergonomic butterfly handlebar (38.1" - 43.7" adjustable height), replacing the fixed 44.1" U-shaped handlebar found on the Spytan.

Benefits of the new butterfly handlebar include:
·        Customizable Fit: The adjustable height ensures a comfortable grip for riders of different heights.
·        More Relaxed Riding Posture: The new shape provides multiple hand positions to reduce wrist fatigue on long rides.
·        Improved Steering Control: A more responsive design gives better handling and maneuverability, especially on turns.


Left-Handed Thumb Throttle

The SpytanX moves from a right-hand half-twist throttle to a left-handed thumb throttle to offer a more intuitive and safer way to accelerate.

Here’s why it matters:
·        More Stability: The thumb throttle allows better grip on the handlebar and prevents accidental acceleration.
·        Easier for All Riders: Riders used to motorcycles or right-hand throttles may find this adjustment smoother and safer.
·        Better for Long Rides: There’s no need to twist your wrist continuously, which results in reduced hand fatigue.


6061 Aluminum Alloy Frame

The SpytanX now features a 6061 aluminum alloy frame, replacing the 7020 aluminum frame used in the original Spytan.

Here’s what this means for the rider:
·        Balanced Durability & Weight: 6061 aluminum provides a great combination of strength and lightweight performance.
·        Better Corrosion Resistance: The 6061 alloy is highly resistant to rust and weather conditions, making it ideal for long-term use.
·        Improved Ride Quality: The slight material difference improves frame flexibility, offering a smoother ride on uneven terrain.


More Compact Length, Wider Width

The SpytanX measures 67.3" in total length, compared to 77.4" on the Spytan, while the total width has increased to 37.4" from 34.1".

Here’s what this means:
·        Easier Handling in Tight Spaces: The shorter length makes the SpytanX more maneuverable, perfect for urban settings or golf courses.
·        Enhanced Stability: The increased width provides better weight distribution and reduces the risk of tipping over.
·        Better Cornering Performance: A wider stance and tilting steering system work together to improve balance when making sharp turns.


Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Reverse Trike?

If you’re on the fence about switching to a folding reverse trike, ask yourself this:
·        Do I want better stability, especially at higher speeds?
·        Am I looking for improved handling and smoother rides?
·        Do I need an electric trike that’s easy to store and transport?
·        Do I want a stylish, comfortable, and high-performing electric ride?

If you answered yes to these, then a reverse trike, particularly the SpytanX, is a fantastic choice. With some key upgrades, Addmotor has refined the older version into a more advanced, user-friendly, and performance-driven electric reverse trike.

Check out the full specs and features of the SpytanX at Addmotor New Arrival 2025.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *
Name
E-mail
Content
Verification code
Latest Stories