How Much Does an Adult Tricycle Weigh? And Does it Matter?

Adult tricycle weight should only be a major concern if you frequently have to lift your tricycle, store it in tight places, or ride long distances without pedal assist.  In most cases, especially with electric tricycles, more weight is actually a good thing; the heavier the tricycle, the better.

But what qualifies as a heavy tricycle? What threshold does a tricycle have to cross to be considered too heavy? And does that even matter?

Let’s discuss the matter of tricycle weight. This article will help you decide how heavy your adult tricycle should be and whether or not having a heavy tricycle should be an issue of concern for you.

Average Weight of an Adult Tricycle

There is no standard weight when it comes to adult tricycles. Different types of adult tricycles weigh differently, depending on what material they are built from and what purpose they are built for.

• On average, a regular non-motorized tricycle can weigh between 50-80 lbs.
• Electric tricycles weigh heavier on average, typically between 60- 100+ lbs. 
• Folding adult tricycles may weigh less or more (usually 40- 70 lbs), depending on the weight of their folding mechanism. 

Average Weight of Different Adult Tricycles

The weight ranges in the table are all quite broad, but that is intentional. The purpose of a tricycle has a bearing on its weight, and tricycles serve a wide variety of purposes—from casual neighborhood rides to hauling groceries, from daily commuting to rough off-road adventure.

Therefore, it is challenging to establish a rigid definition of how heavy each type of bicycle should be.

When is an Adult Tricycle Too Heavy?

There’s no universal weight limit that defines when an adult tricycle is considered too heavy. It only becomes “too heavy” when its weight starts to interfere with the tricycle’s performance, safety, or the rider’s comfort.

In other words, the acceptable weight depends on factors like the rider’s strength, fitness level, how the tricycle will be used, and the type of terrain it’s ridden on: there are no defined thresholds. 

In most cases, the additional weight of an adult tricycle is necessary to accommodate certain additional features and functions. Let’s take some examples:

Cargo Tricycles Weigh More

At a total weight of 75.2 lbs, the VB1 City Adult Tricycle would normally be considered a heavy tricycle. However, it is a cargo tricycle: much of this weight can be attributed to its frame (made of high carbon steel), 1.95-inch tires, and big rear basket, all of which facilitate the transportation of bulkier and heavier items.

• In fact, the VB1 City is one of the most affordable cargo tricycles on the market at the moment.
• It has a total payload capacity of 450 lbs, which is significantly more than the average fat tire electric tricycle.

Definitely one to check out if you are in the market for a cargo trike.

Electric Tricycles Weigh More than Regular Tricycles

The Viribus Folding Adult tricycle and the TG1 Folding Electric Tricycle are both designed to be small, compact, and easy to transport. However, the former weighs 66 lbs and the latter weighs 87 lbs. Why does one weigh so much more than the other? 

It comes down to this: one is an electric tricycle, and the other is not. 

The battery and electrical mechanism add approximately 31% to the weight of the TG1 Folding Electric Tricycle, bringing it to 87 lbs. That is about 31% heavier than the Viribus Folding Adult tricycle, which has no electrical components.

So, here is a rule: electric tricycles weigh more than regular tricycles of the same size, features, and purpose. 

Fat Tire Electric Tricycles Weigh More

The extra weight of a fat tire electric tricycle is not always due to the weight of the fat tires themselves. Fat tire adult tricycles are designed for optimum performance in challenging terrain, which explains why they always weigh significantly more than other types of adult tricycles. 

In addition to 3-inch tires, the Viribus Fat Tire Electric tricycle comes with a highly reinforced aluminum frame.  That, in combination with a 48V motor and a 720Wh automotive-grade large battery (about 8.6 lbs), brings the total weight of the tricycle to 128 lbs. 

• With a torque of 85 N.m and a maximum speed of 20 mph (in compliance with regulations), this motor offers enhanced climbing ability.
•  In PAS 5 mode, it can tackle a 25-degree slope.

These features explain why this tricycle weighs more. It is built to withstand more and do more.

What Makes an Adult Tricycle Heavy?

1. The Frame Material

The single factor responsible for 60-70% of the weight of an adult tricycle is the material from which the frame is made. 

The most common materials for adult tricycles’ frames are steel, aluminum, and titanium. Each of these frame materials affects the weight of the adult tricycle.

• Steel is both solid and heavy, so steel frames are the heaviest.
• Aluminum is lighter and rust-resistant, so adult tricycles with aluminum frames are the lightest. 
• Chromoly or Titanium are lighter than steel, but not as light as aluminum.

If lifting or transporting the trike is a concern, opt for aluminum—it’s a nice balance between strength and weight.

If lifting or transporting your bike is not a problem, then go for steel frames. They are heavy, but also strong and affordable.

2. The Electric Motor and Battery

Electric tricycles for adults include a motor, battery pack, controller, and extra wiring. These components alone can add 20 to 40 lbs, making electric tricycles about 30% heavier than non-electric tricycles.

Some high-powered trikes, like those with 750W motors and large batteries, easily push past 100 lbs.

3. Tire Size and Type

The size and types of tires on an adult tricycle affect the rider’s comfort and stability, traction, grip, and overall weight of the tricycle.

• Fat tires (4-inch wide or more) add a lot of weight but give great traction.
• Standard tires are lighter and ideal for paved roads.

4. Cargo and Accessories

Cargo tricycles are often heavier than regular tricycles. They come with add-ons like rear baskets, fenders, lights, mirrors, and storage racks, each of which adds a few pounds to the total weight of an adult tricycle. 

A utility-focused trike loaded with features will weigh more than a stripped-down model.

Are Heavier Adult Tricycles Bad?

Believe it or not, more weight isn’t always a bad thing when it comes to adult tricycles. In many cases, heavy tricycles are actually an advantage, especially for senior riders.

In fact, here is a tip for buying electric tricycles for adults: make sure it is (reasonably) heavy enough. The heavier the better.

 Let me explain:

• A heavier tricycle feels more planted on the ground. They’re less likely to tip when turning or stopping quickly.
• The extra mass of a heavy tricycle helps absorb road vibrations. So the tricycle won’t bounce around as much on uneven pavement or gravel paths.
• Heavier tricycles are typically built to be more durable and can carry more weight. That’s useful if you’re transporting groceries, pets, or even small packages.
• Fat tire or heavy-duty electric trikes handle snow, sand, and off-road terrain better. The weight helps keep the tires firmly in place on the surface.

Choosing the Right Tricycle

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help guide your choice:

Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About Weight?

It is understandable if you worry about the weight of your adult tricycle. However, do not worry too much: there is no perfect adult tricycle weight, and in many cases, a heavy tricycle is actually an advantage. 

Tricycle weight should only be a cause for concern if you need to frequently lift it, store it in tight spaces, or ride long distances without pedal assistance.

If, like most people, you ride your adult tricycle on flat roads, store it in a garage, and/or use pedal assist, a heavier trike can be easy to live with—and even more enjoyable.

Just make sure you match the trike to your strength, mobility level, and lifestyle needs.

Here is a complete guide to help you choose the best electric tricycle for an adult.

As a self-proclaimed bicycle fanatic, I’m James Carter, and I’ve been riding and racing bikes for over 20 years. Sunshine California is where I was born and raised. Now I live in Boulder, Colorado. I know a lot about designing and fixing bikes, and I’ve written for a few well-known bicycle magazines. I want to use easy language to explain complicated technology so that everyone can enjoy riding a bike.