When most folks think of electric trikes, they picture big cargo haulers or mobility-style cruisers with two wheels in the back and a basket full of groceries. But there’s another category of three-wheeled electric bikes that’s more fun, more niche, and undeniably cooler: sidecar e-bikes.
Yep, they actually exist. And they’re awesome.
Sidecar electric bikes are just what they sound like: an electric bike with a third wheel off to the side, usually supporting a passenger-sized pod or platform. They’re the bicycle version of the old-school sidecar motorcycles.
Unlike traditional trikes, where the third wheel adds stability or cargo capacity behind the rider (or occasionally in front of the rider in the case of “tadpole” trikes), sidecar e-bikes carry their payload beside you, often evoking that vintage motorcycle vibe. They’re rare, quirky, and a guaranteed head-turner.
So why don’t we see more of them?
For starters, sidecar e-bikes are usually custom-built or smaller-batch productions, which means they come with a higher price tag than your typical two-wheeler or three-wheeler. And while they can definitely carry a kid, a dog, or even big cargo, they’re not quite as nimble or efficient as your average e-bike.
While there are retail options like the Mod Easy Sidecar e-bike (which the Austin, Texas-based company modified below as part of a promotion with a local distillery), the number of retail sidecar e-bike options pales in comparison to traditional electric trikes.
But what they lack in practicality, they make up for in pure fun. There’s just something inherently joyful about cruising around town with your doggo (or kiddo) riding shotgun in a sidecar. It turns a boring commute into a joyride and transforms everyday errands into rolling adventures. I’ve test-ridden a few over the years, and every time I do, I feel like I’m starring in my own two-wheeled road trip movie.
From a usability standpoint, sidecar e-bikes offer a unique middle ground between a cargo bike and a passenger trike. You get added capacity, sure, but you also get separation – whether that’s space for a wiggly toddler, a hyper dog, or just a bag of ice you don’t want melting on your lap. They also provide a lower center of gravity than a rear-mounted child seat or rack, which can make for a smoother, more balanced ride, especially when turning.
But despite that separation, they can actually be more fun to ride together. Parents can keep an eye on their kids in the sidecar instead of being blind to whatever they’re doing in the back of the trike. The same goes for a pup, which the owner can watch to see if they’re having a good time or ready to arrive at the dog park already.
Many models even offer the ability to remove the sidecar entirely, converting back into a typical two-wheeled e-bike, a neat trick not found on most other e-trikes.
But there are drawbacks. The first major one is the higher price than a typical e-trike due to the lower volume production.
Storage can be awkward, too, since the added width makes it tough to fit through tight doorways or narrow bike paths. Handling also takes some getting used to, since the asymmetrical design can pull a bit to one side, especially during acceleration or on uneven pavement.
Still, for those looking to stand out and haul their precious cargo with style, sidecar e-bikes are an underappreciated gem in the micromobility world. They’re not for everyone, but that’s kind of the point. If you want a bike that puts smiles before specs, you might just be a sidecar kind of person.
Author: Micah Toll
Source: Electrek
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
