Pros
✅ Comfort-first design with semi-recumbent seating and padded backrest
✅ High weight capacity (up to 440 lbs), perfect for errands and cargo
✅ Reverse mode is surprisingly useful in tight spaces
✅ Thumb throttle + 5 PAS levels offer flexible riding options
✅ Folding frame offers compact storage when needed
Cons
❌ Mechanical brakes get the job done but require more effort—hydraulic would be better, especially considering the weight
❌ At 105 lbs, it’s heavy—folds for storage, but not something you’ll lift solo
Perraro Siesta Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike – Tech Specs
- Motor: 750W rear hub motor
- Battery: 48V 20Ah lithium-ion, removable and lockable
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Pedal Assist Levels: 5 levels (PAS 1–5)
- Throttle: Thumb throttle
- Reverse Mode: Yes, activated by handlebar switch
- Tires:
– Front: 24″ x 4″ Kenda fat tire
– Rear: Dual 20″ x 4″ Kenda fat tires - Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes (front + both rear wheels)
- Parking Brake: Included
- Max Load Capacity: 440 lbs (rider + cargo)
- Trike Weight: 105 lbs
- Battery Weight: 11 lbs
- Folding Dimensions: 44” (Length) x 32” (Height)
- Price: $2,499
First Impressions: Classic Looks, Laid-Back Attitude
Seeing the Perraro Siesta right out of the box, it’s got a definite presence. It’s not just basic transport, it’s got a certain style. The curved, low-step frame, and the wide saddle with a backrest, they clearly aimed for comfort. The matte black finish, mixed with those brown leather-look grips and saddle, it’s a retro-modern look that works, whether you’re on the boardwalk or just around the neighborhood.
Now, assembly’s gonna take a bit of your afternoon—you’re looking at slapping on the front wheel, handlebars, the seat, fenders, and popping in the battery. It’s not brain surgery, mind you. The trike comes about 90% pre-assembled, and the instructions are pretty straightforward. But still, expect to spend an hour or two getting it all dialed in. Once you’re done, you’re ready to cruise.
Design & Features: Built to Haul and Chill
The Siesta definitely looks good, but it’s not just about looks—they’ve actually put some thought into making it useful too. The semi-recumbent design helps lower your center of gravity, which takes a bit of pressure off your back. It’s the kind of setup that makes longer, laid-back rides feel easier. And with that thick backrest and wide saddle, you’re not in luxury mode exactly, but it’s comfortable enough that you’re not counting down the minutes to get off.
It’s also built to carry quite a bit—up to 440 lbs with rider and cargo combined. That’s plenty for groceries, a packed picnic, or even tossing your dog in the back basket (if they’re cool with it). The fat tires are another nice touch. You’ve got a 24” up front, which helps smooth out bumps and roll over curbs, and dual 20” tires in the back for traction and stability. It’s not an off-roader, but for city riding, parks, it handles itself just fine.
One feature that really surprised me: it folds. In fact, it’s the first semi-recumbent e-trike I’ve tested that offers a folding frame. When space is tight—like in a garage—you can bring the height down to about 32 inches and the length to 44 inches, which definitely helps with storage. Just keep in mind: this thing weighs about 105 lbs, so while it folds, you’re not lifting it solo unless you’re really trying to prove something. For transport, it’s definitely a two-person job.
Both front and rear baskets come standard, which is actually a big win—some brands make you pay extra for that. The front basket even has a waterproof liner, which is great for tossing in a lunch bag or some smaller groceries. The back one’s bigger, more open—perfect for a backpack, a crate, or whatever else you’re hauling. So yeah, the Siesta isn’t just for cruising around. It’s got some real everyday function built in too.
Power & Performance: Steady Torque, Smooth Ride
The Siesta isn’t built to be a speed demon—and honestly, that’s not what most people want in a trike anyway. What it is built for is smooth, steady power, and the 750-watt rear hub motor delivers on that. It kicks in gently when you start pedaling or hit the throttle, and there’s no sudden jolt or awkward lag. Just a clean, confident launch that feels… right.
What’s nice is that even when the basket’s fully loaded, the motor doesn’t feel like it’s straining. The rear-wheel drive gives you good traction, especially on uneven paths or sloped pavement, and it does a solid job keeping things balanced as you ride.
The Siesta tops out at 20 mph, and what’s nice is that it feels stable all the way through. Even when you’re riding at full speed, the trike stays planted and in control. Just keep in mind—when you’re turning or riding over rough ground, it’s best to slow things down a bit. Trikes, by nature, don’t lean into turns like bikes do, so taking a corner too fast can make tipping more likely. Around 8 to 10 mph is usually a safe, comfortable pace for turning or handling bumps without throwing off your balance.
You also get five levels of pedal assist, which gives you plenty of flexibility. Want to do more of the work yourself? Drop it to level 1 or 2. Feeling lazy or hauling a full load? Bump it up to 4 or 5 and let the motor take the lead. It’s easy to find a rhythm that works for you.
So yeah—no crazy thrills here, but if you’re after a strong, relaxed ride that won’t fight you when you load it up or pick up speed, the Siesta’s got you covered.
Battery & Range: Solid Range for Daily Riders
The Siesta runs on a 48V 20Ah lithium battery, and on paper, it promises up to 80 miles on a full charge. Realistically? You probably won’t hit that unless you’re riding on flat roads, keeping it in the lowest pedal assist setting, and barely touching the throttle. But that’s normal—those max range numbers are always best-case scenarios.
In day-to-day riding, though, it still holds up really well. If you’re using pedal assist level 2 or 3, mixing in a bit of throttle here and there, you can expect to get somewhere around 35 to 45 miles before needing to recharge. That’s plenty for most errands, casual rides, or even a longer cruise if you plan ahead.
The battery is removable and lockable, which is super convenient. You can just pop it out and charge it indoors, no need to bring the whole trike inside. It takes about 7 hours for a full charge, so overnight charging works well. And once it’s locked in, it stays put—no wobbling or second-guessing if it’s seated right.
Braking System: Gets the Job Done—But Could Be Better
The Siesta uses mechanical disc brakes on the front and both rear wheels, which is definitely the right setup for a trike—having brakes on both rear wheels helps prevent that awkward pull to one side when you stop suddenly. For everyday riding, they work fine. The stopping power is decent, and it feels balanced enough for slower speeds and casual cruising.
That said, considering the overall weight of the trike and the fact that it’s running three brakes instead of two, hydraulic brakes would’ve been a stronger choice here. They tend to offer more consistent stopping power with less hand effort—something you’ll notice if you’re carrying a full load or riding on a slope. The mechanical setup isn’t bad, but it takes a little more squeeze to bring everything to a stop, especially at higher speeds or with added cargo.
On the plus side, the built-in parking brake is a thoughtful touch. Whether you’re on a slight incline or just stepping away for a minute, having that extra hold gives a bit more peace of mind—especially when you’re loading or unloading.
Riding Position & Comfort: Relaxed, Supported, and Easy to Ride
One thing I noticed right away when riding the Siesta is how easy it feels to get comfortable—even if you’re not someone who rides bikes often. The semi-recumbent seating really does make a difference. You’re not hunched over the handlebars; you’re sitting upright, with your back supported by the padded backrest, and your legs stretched forward. Honestly, it felt a bit like sitting in a beach chair with pedals. The saddle is nice and wide too—not super plush, but after a longer ride, I wasn’t sore or shifting around trying to get comfy.
As for the ride itself, the motor makes things a lot more relaxed. There are five levels of pedal assist, and I found myself staying mostly in level 2 or 3 for casual rides. Level 1 gives you just a little help, which is fine on flat roads, but level 5 really kicks in when you’re going uphill or carrying anything in the back. Switching between levels felt pretty seamless, and once I got a feel for it, I didn’t have to think much about it.
I also used the thumb throttle a lot more than I expected—especially when starting from a full stop or when I just didn’t feel like pedaling. It’s responsive and smooth, and it really came in handy on slower sections or when weaving through tighter spaces.
One small feature I didn’t think I’d use much, but actually appreciated? The reverse mode. There’s a simple switch on the handlebar marked “R”, and it lets you slowly back the trike up. It’s not something you’d use all the time, but when you need it—it’s there, and it works.
Final Thoughts
After spending some real time with the Perraro Siesta Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike, I can say it’s not just about the looks—it’s a well-thought-out ride that balances comfort, utility, and ease of use in a way that’s surprisingly satisfying. From the laid-back seating to the stable handling at full speed, and even small things like the reverse mode or thumb throttle, it all adds up to a trike that just feels easy to live with.
It’s not trying to be fast or flashy—it’s for people who want to ride comfortably, carry what they need, and not worry about breaking a sweat. And it does that well. The cargo capacity is solid, the motor has enough power to keep things smooth, and the PAS system gives you room to fine-tune the effort you want to put in. There are a couple things I’d like to see upgraded—hydraulic brakes being one—but nothing that breaks the deal.
At $2,499, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but for what you’re getting—a solid build, comfort-focused design, and enough motor support to actually use it for errands or everyday rides—it feels fair. If you’re looking for something stable, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable to ride, the Siesta is absolutely worth a look.
I bought the Perraro Siesta Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike after comparing several models, including the Addmotor Arisetan M-360. I found the Siesta to be more thoughtfully designed, especially for comfort and everyday usability.
The semi-recumbent seat on the Siesta is incredibly comfortable. It offers better back support and a more relaxed pedaling position than the M-360, which felt a bit bulky and awkward during my test ride. Riding the Siesta honestly feels like sitting in a lounge chair—it’s smooth, easy on my joints, and perfect for long neighborhood rides.
Performance-wise, the Siesta’s 750W motor handled hills just as well, if not better, and the ride was much quieter and more stable at slower speeds. One feature I didn’t see on the M-360 that I really appreciate on the Siesta is the reverse gear—super helpful when backing out of tight spots or my garage.
Battery life is solid—I’ve gone over 35 miles on a single charge and still had power left. Build quality also feels sturdier than the Addmotor model. And honestly, I’ve had more people stop and ask about this trike than I expected!
If you’re choosing between the two, go with the Perraro Siesta. It’s more comfortable, easier to handle, and built with real riders in mind—especially seniors or anyone looking for a smooth, stress-free ride.