I test and tune electric trikes for a living. I’ve put hundreds of miles on cargo trikes, recumbent e-trikes, and even wild custom builds. Here’s the short, clear answer you came for: the typical top speed of an electric trike ranges from 12 to 28 mph, depending on design, power, and local laws. Many consumer models are capped at 20 mph, while Class 3 pedal-assist setups can reach 28 mph. Specialty and off-road builds can go faster, but they demand serious skills and safety gear. If you want to know what affects speed, what’s street-legal, and how to choose the right trike, keep reading.

What is the top speed of an electric trike?

Source: momentummag.com

How Fast Do Electric Trikes Go? Real Numbers

Most retail electric trikes fall into clear speed bands:

  • Mobility e-trikes for seniors or accessible transport: 8 to 15 mph
  • City and utility e-trikes with throttle: up to 20 mph assisted
  • Class 3 pedal-assist e-trikes: up to 28 mph assisted
  • Performance or off-road builds: 30 to 45+ mph, not usually street-legal

From my tests, a 750W hub-motor trike with a 48V battery and decent controller usually holds 18 to 22 mph on flat ground. A 52V or 60V system with quality tuning can push past 25 mph with a rider who pedals. Recumbent e-trikes with aerodynamic fairings can hold 28 mph more easily because they cut through air better.

Real-world note: wind, hills, rider weight, and tire pressure all change top speed more than most riders expect. A 10 mph headwind can make a 28 mph trike feel like a 20 mph trike.

What Determines Top Speed On An Electric Trike?

Top speed is a blend of hardware, software, and physics:

  • Motor power and type. A 500W motor can reach 20 mph on flats; 750W to 1000W can hold 25–30 mph with the right setup. Mid-drives leverage gears and climb well; hub motors are simpler and quieter.
  • Battery voltage and current. Higher voltage raises motor RPM potential. A 48V pack is common; 52V and 60V offer more headroom. Controller current limits decide how much power you actually get.
  • Controller limits and firmware. Many trikes are speed-limited in software for legal compliance. Dealers can often configure these within legal bounds.
  • Aerodynamics. Trikes have more frontal area than bikes. Recumbent designs reduce drag, which helps maintain speed.
  • Weight and rolling resistance. Heavy cargo, soft tires, and knobby treads slow you down. Proper tire pressure can add 1–2 mph.
  • Drivetrain and gearing. On mid-drives, proper gearing keeps cadence in the sweet spot at higher speeds.

From hands-on tuning, the controller’s current limit and the battery’s ability to deliver that current are the biggest levers after legal caps.

Speed By Trike Category: What To Expect

  • Upright commuter e-trikes. Stable, utility-first. Typical top speed: 18–22 mph. Good for city paths and errands.
  • Cargo e-trikes (front box or rear basket). Built to haul. Typical top speed: 15–20 mph when loaded. Expect slower acceleration and longer braking distances.
  • Recumbent e-trikes. Low and sleek. Typical top speed: 22–28 mph with pedal assist. Best for fitness and longer rides.
  • Mobility and step-through trikes. Comfort-focused. Typical top speed: 8–15 mph. Prioritize stability and ease of use.
  • High-performance and off-road builds. Tuned for power. Typical top speed: 30–45+ mph. Requires advanced skills, strong brakes, and protective gear.

If speed is your goal, recumbent e-trikes offer the best blend of stability, aerodynamics, and control at the higher end of legal limits.

Street-Legal Limits And Why They Matter

In many US regions, e-bike rules also apply to pedal-equipped e-trikes:

  • Class 1. Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph.
  • Class 2. Throttle allowed, up to 20 mph.
  • Class 3. Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph; often helmet and age rules apply.

Local rules vary on where each class can ride. Some paths ban Class 3. Many mobility trikes have separate regulations and speed caps. Always check your state or city website before unlocking higher speeds. A trike that exceeds 28 mph with motor assist may be considered a moped or motorcycle, which needs registration, insurance, and specific safety equipment.

When I consult for buyers, I suggest choosing the legal class first. It saves headaches and keeps you insured and safe.

Safety, Braking, And Stability At Speed

Speed feels different on three wheels. Trikes are stable at low speed, but high-speed cornering demands finesse:

  • Brakes. Dual front disc brakes are ideal. Mechanical discs work; hydraulic discs offer stronger, smoother stops.
  • Tires. Use quality tires rated for e-bikes, with puncture protection. Check pressure before each ride.
  • Handling. Enter turns wide, keep your weight low, and do not lift an inside wheel. Practice before mixing with traffic.
  • Visibility. Bright front and rear lights, reflective side markers, and a flag help others see you.
  • Gear. A certified helmet is essential. For 25+ mph riding, add gloves, glasses, and knee protection.

At 25 mph, stopping distance is far longer than at 15 mph. I teach riders to cover the brakes and plan for twice the space they think they need.

How To Safely Increase Your E-Trike’s Top Speed

If it’s legal where you ride, these steps can boost speed without risky mods:

  • Optimize tire pressure. Set to the tire’s recommended range for your load.
  • Reduce drag. Lower your body position, tidy cables, and add a fairing on recumbents.
  • Improve gearing. On mid-drives, fit a chainring that keeps cadence comfortable near your target speed.
  • Upgrade battery voltage and controller only if your motor and system are rated for it. Mismatched parts can overheat, fail, or void warranties.
  • Keep weight in check. Remove unneeded accessories and balance cargo low and centered.
  • Tune assist levels. Many controllers allow gentle increases within legal limits.

Mistakes to avoid: bypassing thermal protections, cheap no-name controllers, and overvolting hub motors beyond spec. I’ve seen motors cook on long climbs after an aggressive tune. Heat wins every time.

Testing And Verifying Your Top Speed

To confirm true top speed:

  • Use GPS. A phone app or bike computer is more accurate than a front wheel sensor.
  • Test on flat, open roads. Avoid wind when possible; do two passes in opposite directions and average them.
  • Warm up the battery. Cold packs sag and drop speed.
  • Log data. Note rider weight, tire pressure, wind, and road surface for context.

On shop demos, I run a two-direction test and share both the average and the best pass. Transparency builds trust and sets real expectations.

Buyer’s Guide: Match Speed To Your Use Case

  • City errands at safe pace. Aim for 15–20 mph. Prioritize comfort, cargo space, and lights.
  • Commuting with mixed roads. Consider Class 3 pedal-assist up to 28 mph, plus strong brakes and fenders.
  • Fitness and touring. Recumbent e-trike with efficient tires and a mid-drive. Smooth at speed.
  • Heavy hauling. Cargo trike capped near 20 mph with robust brakes and low gearing for starts.
  • Performance fun off-road. Only if you have skills and space to ride safely, plus top-tier safety gear.

If you are unsure, start with a Class 2 or Class 3-compliant model. You can always optimize once you’ve learned your routes and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions Of What Is The Top Speed Of An Electric Trike?

Can an electric trike go 30 mph?

Yes, performance builds and some unlocked systems can reach 30 mph or more, but many are not street-legal. Check local laws and ensure your brakes and tires are rated for that speed.

What is the legal top speed for an e-trike?

In many US areas, 20 mph for Class 1 and Class 2, and 28 mph for Class 3 pedal-assist. Rules vary by state and city, so always confirm locally.

Why is my trike slower than advertised?

Speed claims often reflect ideal conditions. Wind, hills, low tire pressure, heavy loads, and battery sag can reduce top speed. Use GPS to verify.

Do bigger motors always mean higher speed?

Not always. Controller limits, battery voltage, and software caps can hold back top speed. A well-matched 750W setup can outperform a poorly tuned 1000W system.

Is a recumbent e-trike faster than an upright trike?

Often yes, because of better aerodynamics. Many riders find it easier to maintain higher speeds with less effort on a recumbent.

How important are tires for top speed?

Very. Low-rolling-resistance tires at proper pressure can add a couple mph and improve range. Replace worn or knobby tires if you ride mostly on pavement.

Conclusion

The top speed of an electric trike depends on design, tuning, and laws. Most consumer models run 12 to 28 mph, with 20 mph common for throttle trikes and 28 mph for Class 3 pedal-assist. Faster is possible, but only makes sense if your routes, skills, brakes, and local rules support it. Start by choosing the right class, then fine-tune pressure, gearing, and fit.

Ready to dial in your ride? Set your legal speed goal, test with GPS, and make small, safe changes. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more hands-on e-trike guides or drop a comment with your setup and goals.

Watch This Video on What is the top speed of an electric trike?