Affordable sub-$900 electric trike lowers cost of ultra-stable e-bikes in the US
Electric tricycles have become a quickly growing segment of the e-bike market, especially prized by older riders seeking more stable bikes that don’t require a keen sense of balance. And now an entry into the market from Viribus promises even lower pricing to make electric trikes more affordable than ever.
The Viribus electric tricycle, which is priced at just $889, offers a surprisingly budget-friendly option for a motorized three-wheeler.
It’s a low-power design best suited for flat areas, featuring a 250W hub motor in the front wheel. The motor carries a peak power rating of 500W, so it may handle modest inclines but likely won’t be as impressive of a climber as other e-trikes we’ve tried.
The 36V and 10Ah battery is also rather small, but the top speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) means that it won’t draw power too quickly from that 360 Wh battery. The company estimates the max range as 30 miles (51 km) on pedal assist or 20 miles (32 km) on throttle-only operation. Pedal assist requires the user to work the pedals as it contributes additional motor power, while the throttle-only operation mode lets users ride the Viribus electric tricycle while treating the pedals like foot rests.
The 70 lb. (32 kg) electric trike features a rim brake in the front and drum brake in the rear. Standard accessories that come packaged with the Viribus e-trike include a rear basket, LED lighting, fender set, and outer wheel guards.
Six different color options are available, and riders have the choice between 24″ and 26″ wheels for a shorter or taller ride.
It looks like the Viribus electric tricycle is even more affordable on Amazon right now, with its $889 MSRP reduced even further when you clip the $45 coupon.
Electric trikes offer many of the same advantages as e-bikes, yet in a more balance-friendly design. They’re a quick and easy way to get around town or just cruise the neighborhood, provide an adjustable and comfortable level of exercise (when not used in pure-throttle mode), and are more fun than most mobility devices like handicap scooters.
Older riders often prefer electric trikes due to the enhanced stability and balance they offer, reducing the risk of falls compared to two-wheeled e-bikes. Trikes allow riders to enjoy cycling without the constant need to maintain balance, making the ride more leisurely and less physically demanding. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who might have age-related balance issues or health conditions affecting their mobility.
Additionally, trikes like the Viribus electric tricycle have a lower step-through design, making them easier to mount and dismount. They also frequently come with cargo baskets that are practical additions for everyday errands.
Despite e-trikes often being associated with older riders due to their stability and ease of use, they also hold appeal for younger riders for a variety of reasons.
For one, tricycles offer an alternative cycling experience that can be both fun and practical. The stability of three wheels allows riders to navigate confidently through crowded city streets and busy bike lanes, and doesn’t require putting your feet down at red lights or stop signs. There’s also a fun go-kart style feel to them, especially when taking turns quickly (though this can also be more dangerous on trikes, so older riders and anyone unfamiliar with trike handling should take turns more slowly).
The ample storage space in cargo baskets often found on trikes makes them ideal for commuting and utility jobs like grocery runs. Rear bench seats can even be added to carry several small children to day care.
And as a nod to environmental consciousness, e-trikes provide a sustainable mode of transport, much like e-bikes, but with added stability and cargo capacity.
Several major electric trike launches have occurred so far this year, including the highly refined Rad Trike from Rad Power Bikes and the budget-minded Lectric XP Trike from Lectric eBikes.
Electrek’s Take
There’s no way the Viribus is going to rival the major players when it comes to performance or features. But there are plenty of seniors living on fixed incomes that can’t afford even a low-cost $1,499 Lectric XP Trike, much less a $2,499 RadTrike. And when you’re just planning to cruise around the neighborhood and slide down to the shuffleboard court, an ultra-low-cost option like the $889 Viribus electric tricycle might be just what the doctor ordered.
Its low power and smaller battery don’t make it great for hillier areas, but I think it’d work fine on flat ground for basic rides. That’s something I’ll be finding out soon for sure though, as I’m going to try to get my hands on one of these and see if a super-cheap e-trike is any good.
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President Trump has nominated Jonathan Morrison to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Morrison has previously criticized and tussled with Tesla in his previous role at NHTSA.
Morrison is now Trump’s nominee to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is in charge of regulating the auto industry in the US.
The attorney was the agency’s Chief Counsel during Trump’s first term, and he had a few disputes with Tesla during that time.
In September 2018, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its Tesla Model 3 crash test results, and the EV got five-star safety ratings in every category.
Tesla interpreted the data from the test and claimed that Model 3 achieved “the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle ever tested by NHTSA“.
Morrison sent Tesla a cease-and-desist letter over the claim, arguing that it was misleading.
The lawyers also subpoenaed Tesla to get data about a specific crash in 2019.
Next week, Morrison is expected to have his confirmation hearing in the Senate and could take up his role shortly after.
The nomination is significant in the context of the current feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Trump.
Musk has been criticizing Trump and his allies over their recently passed budget and tax bill, which is expected to significantly increase the federal government’s debt and eliminate virtually all subsidies to electric vehicles and renewable energy, potentially harming Tesla.
Trump has warned Musk that he could go directly after his companies and NHTSA would be the top vehicle for that when it comes to Tesla.
The agency had already launched several investigations into Tesla over the years, with the largest one examining Tesla’s Full Self-Driving program and several fatal crashes related to the ADAS system.
Electrek’s Take
Most NHTSA probes into Tesla have resulted in slaps on the wrist at best, but this FSD probe involves several fatal crashes, and even though it started under the Biden administration, it could potentially ramp up under Trump, especially amid his feud with Musk.
On the one hand, it’s disheartening to see the US reach this point, where feuds between billionaires and elected officials are settled through regulatory agencies. Still, at the same time, Musk did buy the election for Trump, so he created this situation in the first place, and there are serious concerns about how safe FSD is.
At the very least, I would hope that NHTSA will start to force Tesla to release all its FSD crash and disengagement data.
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You might remember the GEM as a quirky little electric microcar that’s been cruising through campuses, resorts, and planned communities for years. But now, it’s taking on a more serious job – saving lives. Waev Inc., the maker behind the long-running GEM electric vehicle line, has just unveiled the GEM Ambulance, a purpose-built, all-electric, street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) designed specifically for emergency medical services.
While it might not replace a full-size ambulance on high-speed highways, this new electric responder is tailor-made for the dense environments where conventional ambulances often struggle: college campuses, sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and more. With a top speed of 25 mph, it’s built for maneuverability, safety, and zero-emission performance in pedestrian-heavy areas.
“The GEM Ambulance fills a critical gap in medical response – delivering the ideal balance of agility and safety EMS teams need in crowded settings,” said Byron Dudley, Vice President at Waev Inc.
The new GEM Ambulance is built on the same proven electric platform that has powered GEM vehicles for over 25 years. It’s a highly refined LSV that combines practical engineering with professional-grade EMS functionality. In partnership with emergency equipment supplier QTAC, Waev integrated a skid-mounted EMS system that includes secure patient transport, attendant seating, optional oxygen and IV mounts, and rugged PolyTough™ construction designed to handle demanding conditions.
Unlike golf carts or UTV-based setups that have been DIYed into emergency vehicles, the GEM Ambulance offers a more stable, comfortable, and professional platform. The EMS skid is positioned between the wheels for better weight distribution, and the vehicle’s low deck height and rear step-up provide easy access for patients and personnel alike.
The GEM Ambulance doesn’t skimp on emergency essentials either. It’s equipped with a 360-degree red emergency lighting system, an SAE Class 1-compliant siren with multiple sound patterns, a public address system, turn signals, LED headlights and taillights, and even a pedestrian noise emitter for quiet zones. A backup camera and full 360° sightlines give drivers added confidence when navigating tight environments.
And since it’s 100% electric, there’s no tailpipe emissions to worry about when operating indoors or in crowded spaces. Maintenance is minimal thanks to GEM’s maintenance-free batteries, regenerative braking, and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. There’s even a seven-year warranty on the lithium-ion battery option.
The biggest surprise might be the price. According to Waev, the GEM Ambulance can cost up to 80% less than a traditional ambulance and 50% less than electric trucks or UTV-based alternatives. Plus, with operating costs of just $0.03 per mile, it promises long-term savings with no fuel, no fluids, and no downtime from engine servicing.
With applications ranging from college campuses and amusement parks to military installations and warehouse sites, the GEM Ambulance could be a game-changer for localized EMS response. It’s available now through GEM’s nationwide dealer network and can also be purchased through government contracts like Sourcewell, Texas BuyBoard, and GSA procurement channels.
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The Kia EV5 is officially heading to North America in early 2026, paving the way for a potential US launch. If so, it could go head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y.
Is Kia launching the EV5 in the US?
On Tuesday, Kia unveiled the new EV5, a global version of its electric SUV that has been sold in China since 2023.
Starting at around $20,000 (149,800 yuan), the EV5 is leading Kia’s comeback in China. It’s also a top-selling EV in Australia, where it’s exported from Kia’s Chinese joint venture, Yueda Kia.
The global version will be made in Korea with a few slight upgrades. For one, it’s powered by an 81.4 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, rather than the BYD LFP Blade battery used in the version sold in China.
In Europe, the EV5 will be initially available in two variants: a baseline model and a GT-Line model. Both are powered by front-wheel drive (FWD) with up to 215 hp (160 kW) and 218 lb-ft (295 Nm) of torque.
The global version is 4,610 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, or a bit smaller than the Tesla Model Y. It’s about the size of the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Inside, you’ll find a setup similar to the EV9 and EV3, featuring Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system. The setup features a 12.3″ instrument cluster and a 12.3″ infotainment display in a panoramic format. There’s also an added 5.3″ climate control screen.
During the launch event, Kia said the “rollout begins” in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, adding North American sales will start in early 2026.
Does that include the US? I wouldn’t get my hopes up. In January, Kia announced the EV5 will be “exclusive to the Canadian market in North America.” It will begin arriving at dealerships in 2026.
However, it might make sense. The EV5 for North America will have a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla Superchargers. It will be available in both AWD and FWD powertrains. Two battery sizes will be offered, 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, offering a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).
With sales of the EV6 and EV9 slipping nearly 50% each through the first half of the year in the US, the EV5 could complement the two.
Electrek’s Take
Although it’s still unlikely, the EV5 could serve as a potential electric alternative to the Sportage, Kia’s top-selling vehicle in the US.
Through June, Kia has sold over 87,000 Sportage models in the US. In comparison, it’s only sold 4,938 EV9s and 5,875 EV6 models.
Kia is launching the EV4, its first electric sedan, in the US early next year. However, a smaller compact electric SUV may be an even better fit.
It already builds the EV9 and EV6 in Georgia, so it could produce the EV5 in the US to avoid extra tariff costs. Or, it could even potentially be built at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. However, nothing is confirmed.
Would you buy the Kia EV5 in the US? Prices would likely start at around $50,000. Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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