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When I first saw the Viribus SC5 electric trike, I figured it would be a budget-friendly utility trike with basic features and limited performance. I’ve tried a Viribus e-trike before, and while it got the job done, it was a fairly basic and entry level model. But this time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the SC5 delivers more than just the basics.

I’ve been testing it now for various errands, grocery runs, and casual rides around the neighborhood. After logging some decent miles on it, here’s what I’ve learned about this three-wheeled e-bike, and why I think it’s a strong contender in the growing world of electric trikes.

Viribus SC5 Electric Trike video review

Want to see what it’s like to hop on the SC5 and go for a ride? Watch my video review below! Or keep reading for my complete review.

Viribus SC5 Electric Trike tech specs

  • Motor: 500W front geared hub motor (750 W peak)
  • Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle or 24 mph (38 km/h) on pedal assist
  • Pedal-assist range: Up to 65 miles (104 km)
  • Throttle range: 38 mi (61 km)
  • Battery: 48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
  • Max load: 395 lb (180 kg)
  • Rear rack max load: 110 lb (50 kg)
  • Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors
  • Price: $1,299
  • Extras: LED display, 7-speed Shimano shifter, big rear basket with tail gate and side panels for flatbed-style carrying, plush comfort seat with backrest, LED headlight and tail light, electric horn, right-side half-twist throttle, and three color options

Power that holds up in the real world

Let’s start with the motor. The SC5 uses a 500W front hub motor (750W peak), and while that’s not mind-blowing power on paper, it actually feels pretty solid out on the road. I was able to cruise comfortably at 20 mph using the throttle, and even got up to 24 mph with light pedaling assist.

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A front hub motor is less elegant than a rear motor mounted in a jackshaft style to drive the rear axle, since it can mean that too much torque causes front wheel slippage, but the SC5 seems to have found a good solution in modest torque that prevents the wheel from spinning under normal operation. If you’re going full-throttle in wet leaves or other loose terrain though, you can bet that you’ll get a bit of front tire burnout, so be aware of that.

The modest 500W motor also means that the trike is not a rocket ship, but it doesn’t need to be. I found the acceleration to be smooth and predictable – exactly what you want from a utility-focused trike. The half-twist throttle is removable, but I left it on during testing because let’s be honest, it’s nice to have that instant go-power when you’re loaded down with cargo.

I don’t have many hills to test it on in flat Florida, so I can’t say for sure how well it climbs up anything super steep, but that front mounting location for the motor isn’t going to do it any favors on steeper hills where you have less weight (and thus less traction) on the front tire.

Big battery, decent range

The 48V 15Ah battery (720Wh) is mounted in the downtube for better weight balance and is rated for over 38 miles of range on throttle, which is true if you’re going somewhat slower. If you’re blasting around at 20 mph all the time, you’re not going to get 38 miles of range. But even if you’re snagging the mid to high 20s of miles, that’s still plenty of range for a day of errands or a few days of casual riding without recharging. Few people are commuting long distances on e-trikes; they’re more common for leisurely riding, and 20 miles is a lot of leisurely riding.

And just remember, higher ranges are absolutely possible at slower speeds, and trikes love slower speeds anyway to remain stable in turns, which brings me to the next section.

Surprisingly comfortable ride

Stability and comfort are both important for trikes, and one of the big selling points of a trike is that it offers better stability at low speeds since you don’t need to balance or put your feet down. You do need to be careful turning at high speeds though, since sharp turns at high speed can make trikes tippier.

I tend to ride with my seat lower on a trike than on a bicycle since the lower center of gravity makes them less tippy, but obviously you don’t want to go too low or it will give you issues trying to pedal. If you’re not pedaling though, feel free to treat it like a low-rider and drop that seat way down.

Comfort is one of the biggest selling points of any electric trike, and this one really leans into that. The seat is wide and cushy, with a supportive backrest that makes longer rides feel relaxing instead of rigid. The front suspension fork isn’t the most advanced suspension I’ve seen, but it does help smooth out bumps when you’re cruising over uneven pavement or sidewalk transitions.

And the fat 20×3” tires do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to absorbing road chatter. I rode over grass, gravel, and cracked city streets, and the trike handled them all better than expected.

Built to haul

One of my favorite parts of riding the SC5 was using it like a mini cargo hauler. I loaded up the rear basket with groceries, bags of gear, and even a couple of super-heavy portable power station batteries, and I had no problems. The rated payload capacity is 395 pounds (rider plus cargo), and it felt stable even when I was near the limit. The rear basket’s weight limit is 110 pounds, which I absolutely exceeded, and it did just fine.

I also really like that the basket has those two wings that go out over the wheels and give you a sort of flat bed-style support for carrying larger objects. I’m not saying you should move a washing machine on the trike, but at least you have the option of doing it thanks to that cool flat bed setup of the basket.

Oh, and there’s even a tailgate to the basket too, which is just another cool feature to see included. That’s very rare on trikes, but it means you don’t have to lift as high to load something heavy back there.

Final thoughts

The Viribus SC5 isn’t trying to compete with high-end cargo trikes or performance e-bikes. It knows what it is: a solid, approachable, and surprisingly capable electric tricycle for everyday riders. I’d say it does that job quite well.

It has the power most people need, the range to make errands easy, and the cargo capacity to replace a lot of local car trips. Is it perfect? No. It’s a bit bulky to store, and like any trike, it takes a little finesse in tight turns. The mechanical disc brakes are more maintenance-prone than hydraulics, especially on a heavy trike that is going to stretch those cables over time. It also has a sub-ideal motor layout and lacks some of the more refined features on higher-dollar e-trikes. But for $1,299, it delivers a ton of value!

If you’ve been on the fence about trying an electric trike, the SC5 is a fantastic entry point. It’s stable, comfortable, practical, and fun to ride. And if your goal is to get out of the car and into something more eco-friendly (without giving up utility), this might be your fully-accessible ticket.


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Aventon Sinch 2 folding e-bike at $1,399 low, Autel 40A level 2 EV station $399, EGO 18-inch chainsaw and 5.0Ah battery low, more

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34 mins ago

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September 2, 2025

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Aventon Sinch 2 folding e-bike at ,399 low, Autel 40A level 2 EV station 9, EGO 18-inch chainsaw and 5.0Ah battery low, more

Labor Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean the savings are done yet, and today’s Green Deals features a mix of new and ongoing deals on an array of eco-friendly tech. Our headliner for this edition is Aventon’s Sinch 2 Folding e-bike that is holding out at its $1,399 low for a short while longer, among the brand’s other Labor Day e-bike discounts. From there, we spotted Autel’s MaxiCharger 40A Level 2 EV Charging Station that comes with an RFID security card down at $399, as well as a new low price hitting EGO’s 56V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw with a 5.0Ah battery for $249. We also have UGREEN charging solutions, a one-day-only deal on one of Fremo’s compact power stations, and more waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals collected together in our curated Labor Day Green Deals hub here, with no telling just how much longer they’ll last.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Save space and gain utility in your commute with Aventon’s Sinch 2 folding e-bike while at its $1,399 low

As part of its ongoing Labor Day Sale running through September 3, Aventon is still offering folks the chance to hop aboard its Sinch 2 Folding e-bike at $1,399 shipped. Missing out on this deal means you’ll likely be paying $1,699 when it reverts to its full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping to $1,499 over the last year, though its been more regularly falling back to the $1,399 low since the launch of its upgraded Sinch 2.5 descendant. You’re looking at a $300 markdown while the sale lasts, giving you another opportunity to score the brand’s most popular space-saving model at the best tracked price.

As the name implies, Aventon’s Sinch 2 e-bike is the brand’s second-generation evolution of its space-saving folding legacy commuter, which is a handy convenience for folks that have limited storage space. It’s been given a 500W rear hub motor (that peaks at 1,056Wh) paired with a 672Wh battery to provide you with up to 55 miles of pedal-assisted travel (four levels supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20 MPH top speeds.

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There’s added utility alongside commuting needs with its stock features, which include a rear cargo rack for grocery and errand running, as well as the integrated front and rear lighting that sport turn signal functionality, an 8-speed derailleur, fenders to go over both 20 by 4-inch tires, an LCD smart “easy read” display, and more.

Be sure to check out Aventon’s full Labor Day Sale lineup while it lasts through Setpember 3, with up to $500 discounts on various models for all riders – including first and second-ever discounts on new models, like the Soltera 2.5 Lightweight Commuter e-bike that fell to $999, among others.

man plugging in Autel 40A level 2 EV charger to vehicle

Bring home Autel’s MaxiCharger 40A level 2 EV charging station that comes with an RFID security card for $399

Through its official Amazon storefront, Autel is offering its MaxiCharger 40A Level 2 EV Charger at $399 shipped in black or white colorways. This at-home charging station usually fetches $470 at full price, though we’ve regularly been seeing it drop to $399 for Prime members, with today’s deal opening up to non-members, as well. While we have seen it fall to $373 (back during October’s Prime Day event) and the one-time $352 low during Memorial Day sales, you’re still looking at a solid $71 markdown that lands it at the third-lowest overall price we have tracked and the second-best price of 2025.

If you want to learn more about this charging station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

EGO's 56V 18-inch cordless electric chainsaw sitting on stump with pile of wood behind it in grass
Photo: BLUETTI

Make up to 300 cuts with EGO’s 56V 18-inch cordless chainsaw and a 5.0Ah battery at a new $249 low

Amazon is now offering its best rate yet on the EGO Power+ 56V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw with 5.0Ah battery at $249 shipped. This cordless tool usually fetches $399 outside of discounts, which we’ve seen go as low as $300, though that rate hasn’t reappeared since first popping up in the October 2024 Prime Day event. In 2025 things have only dropped between $349 and $329 regularly and as low as $320 during July’s Prime Day event, with the deal we’re seeing here today coming in as a larger-than-ever 38% markdown that slashes $150 off the going rate for the lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this chainsaw, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

UGREEN nexode 48,000mAh power bank

Keep up to five devices running with UGREEN’s Nexode 48,000mAh 300W power bank at $102 + more

By way of its official Amazon storefront, UGREEN is offering its Nexode 48,000mAh Portable Charger/Power Bank Station at $101.99 shipped. You’d normally have to pay $170 for this larger charging solution at full price, though Prime members have been getting the opportunity to grab it at $120 and $113 rates over the last few months, alongside occasional dips lower to $107 and $102 – the latter of which is what we saw it priced at for July’s Prime Day event. You’re looking at a 40% markdown here, which cuts $68 off the going rate for the second-best price we have tracked – just $2 above the one-time low we saw at the end of March.

If you want to learn more about this charging solution, as well as the alternative devices seeing discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

Fremo TP300 portable power station sitting on camping table with lantern, bottle, and cup

Through the rest of the day you can score Fremo’s 6.2-pound TP300 power station at a new $150 low

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Fremo TP300 Portable Power Station at $149.99 shipped. This unit normally goes for $270 at full price, which is similar to what you’d be paying for Bluetti’s latest Elite 30 V2 power station that currently goes for $299 for non-Prime members. Over the year, we’ve seen discounts take the costs down as low as $160, primarily in these one-day-only Best Buy sales. You’re looking at a larger-than-ever 44% markdown for the rest of the day, giving you $120 in savings on a compact backup power solution as it lands at a new all-time low price.

If you want to learn more about this compact power station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

man approaching Lectric ONE e-bike on pavement
two men riding Lectric's XP4 e-bikes

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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Tesla sales surged in Turkey over a loophole that has been patched

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49 mins ago

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September 2, 2025

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Tesla sales surged in Turkey over a loophole that has been patched

tesla-turkey

Tesla’s sales have surged to unprecedented levels in Turkey, where the American automaker delivered nearly as many vehicles last month as it did across the entire European market.

It occurred because Tesla managed to take advantage of a loophole that has now been patched.

Turkey has a consumption tax rate (ÖTV) that varies depending on the type of car.

Earlier this year, they reduced the tax rate to 10% for EVs with a power output of less than 160 kW.

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Tesla vehicles wouldn’t qualify for that, but the automaker has resorted to one of its old tricks, which it also used to generate more sales in Canada back in 2021.

The American automaker software-locked the base Model Y RWD to just 160 kW of power to qualify for the lower tax rate. This significantly reduced the price and resulted in a surge of orders.

Tesla delivered 8,730 Model Y vehicles in Turkey in August, which was roughly equivalent to the total it delivered in a whole previous year in the country and comparable to about Tesla’s entire sales in Europe last month, following an approximately 40% decrease in sales.

Year-to-date, Tesla’s sales have now surpassed both previous full years combined:

However, Turkey has now patched the loophole. In July, the government announced that it would raise the base tax rate to 25% by the end of the month, but buyers could still take advantage of the tax rate if they had an invoice before then.

This resulted in a surge in demand for Tesla vehicles in Turkey, as evident in the August delivery results.

The demand was pulled forward, and Tesla is likely going to see sales slow down for the rest of the year.

That said, Tesla should still see demand settle higher than in previous years, as the OTV previously was as high as 60%.

Electrek’s Take

There has always been a strong demand for Tesla and electric vehicles in Turkey.

Back before Tesla officially entered the market, local EV enthusiasts were privately importing Tesla vehicles.

In the picture above, local early Tesla adopters in Turkey were begging the automaker to establish local service and Superchargers to support the community.

I believe there’s strong demand for Tesla vehicles in Turkey, but this specific surge is due to Tesla finding a loophole in the tax incentive, and the loophole has now been patched.


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Kia’s new EVs and bold vehicle designs are proving to be a hit

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2 hours ago

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September 2, 2025

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Kia's new EVs and bold vehicle designs are proving to be a hit

Kia-new-EVs

The Kia vehicles we see on the road today are a drastic upgrade from its older models. After a major rebrand, including a new logo, name, and a bunch of sleek EVs, Kia is winning over buyers.

Kia revamps the brand with new EVs, designs, and more

It’s no longer Kia Motors. Now, it’s just Kia. The South Korean automaker rebranded in 2021 with a new name, logo, and stylish new vehicle designs. However, the new “Kia” is much more than just an updated logo.

Kia is transitioning from just another traditional automaker to a full-on mobility company. The South Korean automaker introduced a series of new low-cost electric vehicles that are already winning over buyers in nearly every pocket of the globe.

After selling nearly 254,000 vehicles globally last month, Kia said the “robust sales” were driven by steady demand for new EVs and hybrids.

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After delivering the first models in late 2024, the Kia EV3 has quickly become a top-selling EV in several markets. In the first half of 2025, it was the most popular retail EV in the UK and ranked sixth in all of Europe.

Kia-new-EVs
Kia EV6 (right), EV3 (middle), and EV9 (right) Source: Kia

With the new EV4, EV5, and PV5 launching in new markets, Kia expects the run to gain momentum going into the end of the year.

Kia opened orders for the PV5, its first electric van, and EV4, its first EV sedan and hatchback, earlier this year. On Monday, it announced prices for the EV5, its Sportage-sized electric SUV, will start at £39,295 ($53,000) in the UK.

Kia-new-EVs
Kia EV4 models during safety testing in Europe (Source: Kia UK)

The Sportage is Kia’s global, European, and UK-wide best-selling vehicle, so many see the EV5 being what could be the brand’s biggest hit yet.

It’s already helped turn around Kia’s business in China. As it arrives in new markets, the EV5 is expected to be Kia’s top-selling EV in many of them, including Canada.

Kia-EV5-prices-UK
Kia EV5 (Source: Kia)

Kia is already coming off back-to-back annual sales records in Canada, but with new EVs launching, including the EV5, it expects to top it next year.

Although it has four new electric vehicles on deck, Elias El-Achhab, the vice president and chief operating officer of Kia Canada, said (via The Star), “the EV5 is the one we’re most excited about.” The compact SUV segment accounts for over one-third of all cars sold in Canada, making the EV5 a cornerstone of Kia’s growth plans.

Kia-EV5-prices-UK
Kia EV5 interior (Source: Kia UK)

The electric SUV will be exclusively sold in Canada in the North American market, not the US. Since it’s imported from Korea, Kia would take a significant hit from Trump’s auto tariffs if it were to sell it in the US.

In Canada, Kia expects it “to be our largest volume EV next year, and eventually our number one volume vehicle,” El-Achhab said.

Although prices have yet to be revealed, El-Achhab promises the EV5 will be “priced comparably to many of its combustion-engine equivalents but will be better equipped.”

When asked about rising car costs due to the tariffs, El-Achhab explained that “the volatility isn’t good for anyone,” but Kia is flexible enough to adjust its production accordingly. Even if Kia gets a bigger piece of the sales pie, “the pie will shrink, debt levels will go up,” Kia Canada’s vice president added, “We’d prefer not having to face that situation.”


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