What to know before you choose
A trike spreads the load over three wheels, and the ratings show it: the fifteen we compare carry between 325 and 500 lb. For a big rider that's often the whole reason to look at one. But the number on the product page needs reading. Almost every brand publishes a total payload: you, your clothes, your bag and whatever is in the baskets. Some split it. Addmotor writes "350 + 100 lb": 350 for the rider, 100 for cargo. Lectric gives 415 lb in total, of which 330 for the rider.
This ranking keeps the trikes rated for 400 lb or more in total, and payload counts for 35% of the order. The Lectric XP Trike2 750 leads: 415 lb, hydraulic brakes, a differential, for $1,699. If you weigh more than 330 lb, look at the Addmotor Grandtan M-340 (350 lb rider plus 100 lb of cargo, on 4-inch tires) or at trikes with a single undivided figure: the Viribus FC1 and the Emojo Caddy Pro at 400 lb, the Liberty Trike at 420 lb.
Two more things matter as weight goes up. Brakes: hydraulic discs need less hand force to stop a heavy load. And honest speed: sixthreezero says plainly that its 500 lb Rickshaw goes slower near its limit. Leave yourself a margin of 30 to 50 lb under any rating, and count what's in the basket.
How this ranking is weighted
Every trike keeps its overall score from the public formula. For this page we re-order the same eligible trikes with the "Payload capacity" weights: total payload capacity 35%, stability and brakes 20%, price 15%, battery energy in watt-hours 10%, and the rest for the other 4 criteria. The full table is on the methodology page.
Head-to-heads between trikes of this list: Lectric XP Trike2 750 vs Lectric XP Trike2, Lectric XP Trike2 vs Viribus FC1, Lectric XP Trike2 vs Liberty Trike Freedom, Lectric XP Trike2 750 vs MaxFoot MF-30, Addmotor Grandtan M-340 vs Emojo Caddy Pro, Addmotor Grandtan M-340 vs MaxFoot MF-30.
Other rankings: best electric trike overall, electric tricycle for seniors, folding electric trike, fat tire electric trike, best electric trike under $1000.
Speed, range and payload are each brand's own figures. Rules for electric bikes and trikes vary by state and city: check yours before you ride, and wear a helmet. This page isn't medical or legal advice.
By Linda Garrett, editor, electric trikes · updated November 13, 2026