Answer-first summary:
If your budget is around $800, the Vivi T01 delivers unbeatable value. For a richer feature set, folding convenience, and higher payload, the Lectric XP Trike 2 (~$1,500) is the standout. The Rad Trike leans into brand-trusted stability and accessory support, while NARRAK offers a middle ground. Your best pick depends entirely on your priorities: price, cargo, or ecosystem.
We previously reviewed the Vivi T01 hands-on and found it a dependable budget trike for light-duty city use at $800. This comparison adds the Lectric XP Trike 2 ($1,499), RadTrike 1 ($1,599), and NARRAK electric trike ($899–999) to help you weigh features, payload, and price across the full spectrum.
Comparison grid
| Feature | Vivi T01 | Lectric XP Trike 2 | Rad Trike | NARRAK Electric Trike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. Price | $800 | $1,499 | $1,599 | $899–999 |
| Motor | 500W rear hub | 500W rear hub (900W peak) | 750W front hub | 500W rear hub |
| Battery | 48V 10Ah | 48V 14Ah (dual battery kit available) | 48V 14Ah | 48V 12Ah |
| Payload Capacity | 330 lbs | 415 lbs | 350 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Max Range | 25–30 miles | Up to 60 miles (dual battery) / ~35 miles (single) | 20–40 miles | 25–35 miles |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc | Hydraulic disc | Mechanical disc | Mechanical disc |
| Folding | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (typically) |
| UL Certification | Unclear | Yes (brand-claimed UL 2849) | Yes (brand-claimed UL 2849) | Unclear |
| Weight | ~62 lbs | ~75 lbs | ~80 lbs | ~75 lbs |
| Rear Track Width | ~28" | 29.5" | ~28" | ~28" |
Detailed breakdowns
Vivi T01
The Vivi T01 delivers a 500W rear hub motor, 48V 10Ah battery, and a folding frame at around $800. Our full hands-on review found it dependable for light-duty city errands at 62 lbs with a 330 lbs payload. The mechanical disc brakes and basic saddle are the main compromises at this price point. See our full Vivi T01 review for detailed ride impressions.
Lectric XP Trike 2
Lectric's XP Trike 2 leads the group with a 500W rear hub motor (900W peak), 48V 14Ah battery (dual-battery capable for up to 60 miles range), and a 415 lbs payload capacity — the highest in this comparison. Hydraulic disc brakes, a 29.5-inch rear track, brand-claimed UL 2849 certification, and a folding frame make it the most feature-complete option at roughly $1,500.
Rad Trike
Rad Power Bikes equips the RadTrike 1 with a 750W front hub motor — the most powerful in this group — a 48V 14Ah battery, and 350 lbs payload. The folding frame, brand-claimed UL 2849 certification, and Rad's accessory ecosystem (baskets, child seats, lockable trunks) add value, though at around 80 lbs it's the heaviest trike here.
NARRAK Electric Trike
NARRAK's trike pairs a 500W rear hub motor with a 48V 12Ah battery for $899–999. It lacks a folding hinge, and we did not find a clear current UL 2849 claim in the sources reviewed. The 350 lbs payload and ~75 lbs weight place it between the Vivi T01 and Lectric in capability, making it a functional non-folding option for neighborhood use.
Which electric trike should you buy?
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Tight budget / first-time e-trike rider: Pick the Vivi T01. It's the cheapest way to get a folding, motorized trike, and our review found it dependable for light-duty use. Just be prepared to upgrade the seat or brake pads over time.
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High payload, range, and braking features: Pick the Lectric XP Trike 2. The hydraulic brakes, 415-lb capacity, and dual-battery potential make it a strong fit candidate for larger riders, frequent errand runners, or anyone prioritizing stopping power and hill-climbing stamina.
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Front-motor stability fan / want a robust accessory ecosystem: Pick the Rad Trike. Its pull-behind front motor feels familiar to many and its parent company's support network is a major plus. If you plan to add a child seat, lockable trunk, or custom baskets, Rad's official accessories are hard to beat.
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Simple, non-folding trike at a decent price: Pick the NARRAK if you never need to collapse it and want to spend a bit less than the Lectric or Rad. It's a solid grocery-getter for short, flat loops around town.
FAQ
1. Are these trikes safe for seniors?
They can be a good fit for some seniors, especially riders who want low-speed stability, but tip-over risk still exists on uneven surfaces or sharp turns. The Lectric XP Trike 2 stands out with hydraulic disc brakes for easier stopping — the other three use mechanical discs. Lectric and Rad Trike list UL 2849 certification on their product pages (verify current certification status before buying). All four have step-through frames for easy mounting. At 62 lbs, the Vivi T01 is lightest for lifting into a vehicle.
2. What's the practical difference between a front hub motor and a rear hub motor?
A front hub motor (Rad Trike) pulls from the front, which feels natural on flat ground but can lose traction on loose surfaces or steep inclines. Rear hub motors (Vivi, Lectric, NARRAK) push from behind, delivering better traction on hills and a more balanced feel with cargo in the rear basket.
3. Do I need a license, registration, or insurance for an electric trike?
Many U.S. jurisdictions treat low-speed e-trikes similarly to e-bikes when they meet local class definitions, but licensing, registration, insurance, and path-access rules vary. Verify your state, city, and trail rules before buying or riding.
4. Can I ride these on bike lanes and multi-use paths?
Generally yes, provided they meet your area's e-bike classification (Class 1 or 2). All four models are Class 2-capable (throttle + pedal assist up to 20 mph). Note that rear track widths of 28–29.5 inches are wider than standard bicycles, so narrow bike lanes and path gates may be tight. Check local path width requirements.
Sources & Disclaimers
Prices and specifications are sourced from manufacturer websites, retailer listings, and our hands-on Vivi T01 review as of July 2026. Verify current pricing and specifications on each brand's official product page. Sources: Vivi, Lectric, Rad Power Bikes, NARRAK. UL certification status referenced from brand product pages and certification databases — verify on each brand's official site.