Best Semi-Recumbent Trike 2024

The main thing about adult electric tricycles is comfort and stability. The third wheel makes sure riders don’t have to worry about balancing the trike on two wheels.

Thanks to this feature, riders can take it slow and easy with an electric trike. Some can even lie back (literally) and ride the trike for maximum comfort and ergonomics. 

As a result of this, the recumbent e-tricycle was born. Users now had a more stable riding position where they could sit back and ride at their own pace. They could find a more comfortable riding position but still focus on the road. 

That said, recumbent tricycles weren’t perfect. So to find a good balance between the utility of upright tricycles and the ergonomics of recumbent ones, the semi-recumbent tricycle was born. 

Let’s talk more about semi-recumbent e-tricycles and how they could make the best riding companion. 

What’s a Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike? 

A semi-recumbent electric trike combines the best features of an upright electric trike and a fully recumbent one. While a recumbent trike has a fully reclined seat, semi-recumbents have a halfway-upright saddle. 

So as the name suggests, it’s right there in the middle between a fully recumbent and upright tricycle. It’s a very unusual design decision that only one brand has managed to get right and make it viable for consumers. 

Design and Ergonomics

What’s noticeably different about the semi-recumbent trike is the unique seating position. Unlike a fully recumbent trike, it has a more upright position. 

This upright position helps you stay more focused on the road. Unlike fully recumbents, you don’t get to be “too comfortable” that you start to doze off and lose focus. A semi-recumbent tricycle balances comfort and alertness, making it a safer option for longer rides. 

A rider who’s used to fully recumbent can feel right at home with a semi-recumbent electric tricycle. They can sit comfortably, legs extended forward and feel the same stretch as fully recumbents. Also, the semi-recumbent position minimizes strain on the neck and back.

The handlebars are also uniquely designed to accommodate this. They’re positioned lower and extended further back for easy gripping. This helps minimize wrist and arm pain. 

So essentially, think of a semi-recumbent electric tricycle as a fully recumbent but with the seat positioned somewhat higher and forward. This provides the right mix of comfort and visibility. 

Target Audience and Finding a Comfortable Fit

The best thing about semi-recumbent electric tricycles is that they’re for everyone. Even despite the unusual design, anybody from seniors to fitness buffs can easily get into a semi-recumbent trike. 

Unlike a fully recumbent trike, it’s much easier and more comfortable for seniors to mount and dismount. The pedals and saddle are arranged similarly to an upright trike so you can get in easily.

But after you plop yourself on the saddle, you can adjust yourself and get into a more relaxed position. So at first, you’ll feel like getting on an upright trike but once you sit down, you’ll feel like you’re fully recumbent. 

Also, semi-recumbents are more adjustable and accommodate tall riders easily. So if you’re a particularly tall person, you might find a better option with semi-recumbent tricycles. 

Popular Use Cases

Even if a semi-recumbent trike looks off, it’s designed with accessibility and utility in mind. This means it can fit into most people’s lifestyles and use cases without too much of an issue. 

For most of the generic use cases of an electric tricycle, a semi-recumbent can do it all. This includes commutes, casual rides, light offroading and carrying cargo. 

That said, semi-recumbent trikes aren’t fully foldable. Also, the frame tends to be longer and wider than most compact electric tricycles. As a result, it won’t mesh well with people who need a smaller form factor. 

So van lifers, apartment dwellers and the like won’t benefit that well from a semi-recumbent electric tricycle. 

Drawbacks of a Semi-Recumbent Electric Tricycle

A semi-recumbent electric trike is not for everybody. It can be difficult to fall into a group with these electric trikes since they’re a new design. 

Also, the riding experience and long-term implications might not be that appealing to some. Semi-recumbents are significantly different from foldable trikes, passenger trikes and other models people are familiar with. 

So, some of the noteworthy drawbacks of semi-recumbent trikes are:

Initial Cost

The semi-recumbent frame is a newer design. For the manufacturers and designers, it took considerable trial and error to perfect it. So when you purchase a semi-recumbent electric trike, you might have to shell out extra. 

Also, the unique frame can be difficult to assemble and bring together. This can also drive up the price for a semi-recumbent electric tricycle compared to an upright. 

Even so, semi-recumbent electric trikes are still more affordable than most full-recumbent models. So don’t consider them as the most expensive type of electric tricycle out there. 

Extra Weight and Size

Semi-recumbent electric tricycles can also be heavier than a city cruiser. Because of the half-raised design, they are right up there with recumbent electric tricycles or passenger trikes in terms of weight.  

So don’t expect a semi-recumbent electric tricycle to come in a smaller form factor or lightweight design. Currently, it’s difficult to implement these features. 

The extra weight can affect certain situations. For example, transportation and storage are somewhat difficult. 

Unlike compact and foldable models, a semi-recumbent electric trike won’t fit in the back of most cars and sedans. You’ll most definitely need a dedicated storage rack, trailer or use the bed of a truck. 

The Addmotor ARISETAN M-360: Best Semi-Recumbent Trike of 2024

Addmotor is the first brand to introduce a semi-recumbent electric trike into the market. Their ARISETAN M-360 Trike is considered the world’s first semi-recumbent electric trike providing the best of both worlds. 

Here are some of the basic specs for the Addmotor ARISETAN M-360 E-Trike:

• Motor Power: 750W
• Battery Capacity: 48V/20Ah
• Top Speed: 22mph
• Payload Capacity: 380lbs
• Recommended Height Range: 5’7”-6’6” 
• Tires: 20”x4” fat tires
• Safety Certifications: UL2849 and UL2271

Performance Breakdown

Now, the Addmotor ARISETAN M-360 trike might be a newcomer with its design. That said, it’s no slouch when it comes to power, speed and torque. 

The ARISETAN M-360 E-Trike has the same 750W motor you can find in other Addmotor models. This is the same motor used in Addmotor’s flagship lineup: the GRANDTAN.

The motor can provide a top speed of 22 mph with continuous power of 750W. It supports full-throttle and up to 7 pedal assist modes. Also, the torque can provide a maximum torque pull of 90Nm with short bursts of maximum power of 1,400W. 

This means the ARISETAN is a solid workhorse when pushing uphill slopes or carrying heavy cargo. It can carry a rider who’s as heavy as 280lbs up a steep slope on full throttle.

Battery Range and Mileage

Also, the ARISETAN M-360 fares pretty impressively in terms of battery life. The 960Wh battery pack gives it more than 85+ miles on a single charge. As you can tell, this is more than enough for a day’s worth of commuting and delivering packages. 

Besides, this semi-recumbent electric trike has Addmotor’s removable battery system. You can always carry a spare battery and swap it in to double the range.  

Ergonomic Improvements

With an ergonomic-first approach, the ARISETAN caters to seniors and the mobility-challenged. Thanks to its uncanny resemblance to fully recumbent electric trikes, riders have the luxury to enjoy this trike without aggravating their injuries.

But you’re not locked into the semi-recumbent frame either. Addmotor has set up the frame so it’s easy to adjust and find the right fit. You can calibrate the:

• The height of the backrest
• Length of the saddle (forwards or backwards)
• Reach of the handlebars

The ARISETAN M-360 comes with a mini-variant for riders shorter than 5 ‘7″. 

Cargo Carrying Capacities

The ARISETAN M-360 trike is heavy. However, that’s not just because it supports the rider only, this electric tricycle can also do an impressive job of hauling cargo. 

In total, the ARISETAN has a payload capacity of 380 lbs. This means a ride as heavy as 280 lbs can also carry an extra 100 lbs of anything they want in the rear rack. 

Also, you don’t have to buy racks or storage containers separately. Addmotor provides the rear rack, waterproof bag and other goodies as complimentary gifts. 

Wrapping Up

Semi-recumbent electric trikes are creating a new trend. These combine the ergonomics of a fully recumbent trike with all the good things of an upright trike. 

This means riders get to experience the comfort of riding in a laid-back recumbent while also maintaining focus on the road and riding in a more stable position.

The Addmotor ARISETAN M-360 is the world’s first semi-recumbent trike ready for the public. It’s a great option for taller riders and anybody who just can’t get enough of a fully recumbent electric tricycle. 

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