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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Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to unveil the electric version of its best-selling SUV, the GLC, later this year. With its official debut just around the corner, Mercedes revealed a few new details, offering an exclusive first look at the new EV.
Mercedes offers an exclusive look at the new electric GLC
Although we got a sneak peek of the electric SUV in March during winter testing in Northern Sweden, Mercedes is giving us a better idea of what to expect.
“We’re not just introducing a new model – we’re electrifying our top seller,” Mercedes-Benz Group CEO, Ola Källenius, said on Thursday.
Mercedes promises the electric GLC “sets new standards” with a sleek new design, advanced tech, and its new MB.OS operating system.
The new GLC EV is an upgrade over the current model, offering significantly more space and improved ride quality. Since the wheelbase is 3.1″ longer than the current gas-powered SUV, the electric version has more legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers.
With all the seats folded, the electric SUV offers 61.4 cubic feet of space. The gas-powered model features up to 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, you get an extra 4.5 cu ft of space in the trunk (front trunk).
Källenius said that with Mercedes’ new 800V electric architecture and latest batteries, the electric GLC can regain around 260 km (161 miles) WLTP range in just ten minutes. He added that DC fast charging at over 320 kW is possible.
The GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology will arrive with impressive towing capability of up to 5,291 lbs. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y can only tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Added features, such as ESP trailer stabilization and trailer maneuvering assistant, make it even easier to tow with optimized stability and control.
Källenius also teased the new electric GLC design, calling it the start of a “new era” and “a new face of the brand as the first in a family of upcoming vehicles.”
The inside is just as impressive, providing a holistic experience. A “majestically floating next generation MBUX Hyperscreen” is optional, providing a spatial experience powered by the new MB.OS supercomputer.
Mercedes will unveil the new electric GLC at the 2025 International Motor Show in Munich on September 7, 2025.
Although official range figures will be revealed at the event, according to Car and Driver, which tested a prototype model, Mercedes said it expects the new GLC to provide a WLTP range of just over 400 miles, or slightly more than 300 miles on the EPA scale, from a 94.5 kWh battery.
Prices will also be announced in due time, but given that the current GLC 350e 4MATIC PHEV starts at $59,900 in the US, you can expect the electric model to be priced slightly higher, at around $65,000.
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Tesla (TSLA) announced its 2025 annual shareholders meeting at the very last minute, and it pushed it all the way to November, the latest it has ever held the meeting.
Tesla generally holds its annual meeting in the summer and announces it way ahead of time.
Today, the automaker announced that the meeting will be held on November 6:
The board of directors (the “Board”) of Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) has designated November 6, 2025 as the date of Tesla’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”).
This is highly unusual for Tesla. Here are the dates of Tesla’s last 5 annual meetings:
- 2020: September 22, 2020
- 2021: October 7, 2021
- 2022: August 4, 2022
- 2023: May 16, 2023
- 2024: June 13, 2024
At those meetings, shareholders vote on several matters, including the reelection of directors and shareholders’ proposals.
Tesla has not released any yet, but they are expected to be in the upcoming proxy statement, which Tesla should release in the coming weeks.
Why does Tesla need more time?
Electrek’s Take
I think Tesla is working on some proposals that are going to take time to put together and then to sell to shareholders – hence why the meeting is set for November.
There are two suspects: a new CEO compensation package for Musk or a merger/acquisition of xAI.
It could also be both, but I think that would be harder to swallow for some shareholders as both initiatives have a clear aim of giving Musk a bigger stake in Tesla.
I think sane investors should not want that, but Tesla shareholders don’t fit in that category. Much of Tesla’s value is attached to Musk’s lies and ridiculous predictions. The value will have to come down to reality at some point, but they are a bunch of gamblers who are enjoying the ride in the meantime.
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A three-row electric SUV for less than $30,000? Sign me up. NIO (NYSE: NIO) opened pre-orders for the new Onvo L90 on Thursday, starting from 193,900 yuan, or about $27,000.
NIO kicks off Onvo L90 pre-orders in China
NIO claims the Onvo L90 is the lightest full-size three-row SUV in its class, with a curb weight just under 5,000 lbs (2,250 kg). In comparison, the Lucid Gravity has a curb weight of 5,966 lbs (2,712 kg).
The new flagship model is designed as a family-friendly SUV, offering ample interior space and advanced technology.
At 5,145 mm long, 1,998 mm wide, and 1,766 mm tall, the Onvo L90 is slightly bigger than the Lucid Gravity. In China, it will go head-to-head with higher-end electric SUVs like Li Auto’s L9.
However, the L9 is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and starts at around 409,800 yuan ($57,000), more than double the price of the Onvo L90.
The low price of 193,900 yuan ($27,000) applies only to those who rent the battery. Nio’s Battery as a Service (BaaS) costs 899 yuan ($125) a month. With the battery included, the Onvo L90 still starts at just 279,900 yuan ($39,000).
Nio’s new electric SUV is offered in six and seven-seat configurations. The interior features a massive 17.2″ floating infotainment screen at the center.
Other interior highlights include a three-zone climate control system, massage, heating, and ventilation for every seat, as well as an additional entertainment screen for rear passengers. And like many new vehicles in China nowadays, it even comes with a built-in refrigerator.
Powered by an 85 kWh battery, the Onvo L90 offers a CLTC range of 605 km (367 miles). It’s also based on NIO’s next-gen 900V platform, unlocking class-leading energy consumption of just 14.5 kWh per 100 km.
Buyers can choose from single and all-wheel-drive powertrains. The AWD version boasts up to 590 hp (440 kW), good for a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) sprint in just 4.7 seconds.
NIO is offering an incentive for early pre-order holders. Those who place an order with a 2,000 yuan deposit will receive a 5,000 yuan credit off the vehicle and an extra 5,000 yuan for optional features and more. Nio plans to begin delivering Onvo L90 to customers, starting on August 1.
The L90 is the second Onvo-branded EV to arrive in China, following the smaller L60, launched last September.
Source: CarNewsChina, NIO Onvo
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