3 Best Electric Tricycles For Commuting to Work

Hi, guys! James here, and today I am going to discuss one of the most practical and productive uses you can put your adult tricycle to: commuting to work. 

Over my past 20 years of testing, riding, and recommending adult tricycles, I have tried, tested, and used every adult tricycle in the Viribus collection, and if I were to choose the best for commuting to work, I know precisely which four I would go for, and why.

So today, I am showing you which of our Viribus adult tricycles are the best for a commute to work,  and I will also provide you with some guidance on which to choose based on your preferences, the nature of your commute, and your budget. 

Which Viribus Trikes Are Best for Commuting?

If commuting is your main goal, there are three particular adult tricycles you should be looking at: 

• The SC5 Fat Tire Electric Tricycle, 
• The FC1 Folding Adult Tricycle, 
• and the TG1 Electric Tricycle. 

You cannot go wrong with any of these three, but which one you choose ultimately depends on your budget, specific riding preferences, and the amount of distance you have to cover to work.

1. Viribus SC5 Fat Tire: Best overall Adult Tricycle for commuting to Work

From the perspective of best value for money, the  SC5 Fat Tire Electric Tricycle is the best overall e-trike for commuting to work: it hits the sweet spot with solid range, comfortable speed, and is an amazing “all-rounder”. Take a look at these features:

• A 500W motor (750W peak), up to 20 mph throttle speed, and 38+ miles of range.
• It has a large rear basket for carrying work gear or groceries.
• A front suspension system, with fat 20x3.0 tires to provide comfort to the rider
• With all these features, it balances power, comfort, and practicality, making it one of the most versatile commuting options. 

2. FC1 Folding Electric Tricycle: Best Commuting Over Hills or Carrying Heavier Loads

The FC1 Folding Tricycle is one of Viribus’ latest models, and it packs more power and torque than many of the older models. What makes this trike ideal for commuting to work is its formidable motor power, its higher torque, and its triple-disc hydraulic brake setup.

• It comes with a  750W (peak 1,200W) motor, and with 80 N · m torque, it can easily conquer 15° inclines. It is the adult tricycle to choose if your path to commute involves steep inclines or if you need to haul more weight. 
•  Even on PAS Level 5, you can easily cover over 32.8 ft. stretch without needing to worry about charging.

With fat 20x2.6 in. KENDA tires, a dual suspension system, and a 2-step folding frame, this trike is perfect if your commute includes rough roads or steep inclines. 

3. Viribus TG1 Adult Tricycle: Best Budget Choice For Commuting

Any of these three TG1 Electric Tricycles is perfectly fine if your commute to work is shorter, you are on a tighter budget, or just starting with electric trikes.  The folding model, the TG1 Folding Electric Tricycle , is convenient if you have limited storage space.

These are budget-friendly tricycles that work best on flat terrain.  While they are not as powerful or long-ranged as the higher-end models, they are simple, practical, and affordable. This should be good enough for the average person.

What Kind of Adult Tricycle works for commuting to Work?

Commuting to work is slightly different from going for a fishing trip (which I have done) or going on a trip to the Golden Gate. When choosing an adult tricycle for commuting to work, the focus is on consistent performance daily, and when it comes to consistency, some features simply matter more than others. 

I have put together five main features that are essential for consistent performance, and they will serve as a premise for the final reveal of my five best adult tricycles for commuting to work. 

So, let's take a short look at the five features to pay attention to when choosing an adult tricycle for commuting to work

1. Range Per Charge

You need enough to get to work and back (or at least to a charger) without worrying. It all depends on the length of your commute and how long it typically takes you to cover it. 

• For a short commute (under 5 miles each way/10 round-trip): 15-20 miles of real range is usually plenty.
• For a medium commute (5-10 miles each way/10-20 round-trip): Aim for 25–35 miles of range.
  For a longer commute (10–15 miles each way/20–30 miles round-trip): It's safer to have a range of 40+ miles per charge.

If you are like most commuters, you want at least 1.5-2 times your daily round-trip distance in range, so you’re not stressing about battery drain, detours, hills, or cold weather reducing capacity.

2. Speed 

You need enough speed to keep up with traffic ( or bike paths), which will in turn shorten your commute.

An ebike with a top speed of 15mph is enough if the commute to work is a short distance 

• For a longer distance, you need about 18-20mph motor speed
• If your commute is really long (10-15 miles), go for an e-trike with a motor speed of over 20mph.

In short: aim for a top speed of at least 15 mph, with 20 mph being ideal for most work commutes.

3. Weight and Folding Ability

Consider weight and folding ability too, especially if you frequently have to carry your e-trike upstairs, store it in a small apartment, put it in the trunk of your car, or bring it inside your home.

4. Cargo Capacity

How much stuff do you carry to and from work? If you have to carry work gear, groceries, a backpack, etc, a sizeable rear rack with enough carrying capacity should be a top priority in an e-trike for commuting

5. Hill Climbing Power

If you live and work in a particularly hilly area, you need an adult tricycle with more motor power and torque for commuting to work. A lower-powered electric tricycle may struggle on inclines, especially if you are carrying work stuff.

Final Words on Choosing the Right Viribus Trike for Work

• If speed matters most, go for the SC5 or FC1. Both tricycles can comfortably cruise at 20 mph and will significantly cut down your commuting time.
• If you live far from work, and long range is a priority, choose a model with a larger battery, like the SC5, which can cover 30-40 miles on a charge with careful riding.
• If storage space is a concern, go for a TG1 Folding Electric Tricycle or the FC1. The TG1 is the less expensive of the two, and is probably your best bet too. 
• You need to carry work gear or groceries: Look for higher payload capacity and a large rear basket, like on the SC5 or FC1.
• Budget comes first: If your commute is short and flat, the TG1 gives you reliable performance at a lower cost.

The “best” trike really comes down to what matters most in your commute. However, these are my thoughts and recommendations. If you are considering any of these trikes, we at Viribus will send you a special gift with any trike you get. We are also available to answer any questions and provide the assistance you need.