The SixThreeZero Simple Glide E-Trike stands out as a uniquely designed electric tricycle that offers an unmatched blend of comfort and functionality. With its large office-style chair seat, stable recumbent design, and thoughtful features, it’s no surprise that this e-trike has been drawing a lot of attention. Here’s a closer look at what the Simple Glide has to offer, along with some of the highlights and areas for improvement based on my experiences.
SixThreeZero Simple Glide E-Trike Tech Specs
Motor: 500W front hub motor
Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: 40-60 miles (64-96 km), depending on terrain and riding conditions
Battery: 15Ah battery (underneath the seat, with automatic safety shutoff feature)
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes (front and rear)
Price: Approx. $2,799 (varies depending on the retailer and promotions)
Extras: Adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars, front wire basket, reverse mode, 5-level pedal assist system, half-twist throttle for acceleration
First Impressions: A Comfortable, Office-Like Experience
The very first thing that caught my eye about the Simple Glide is the large, office-style chair. It’s not your typical bicycle saddle; instead, you get a wide, padded seat with an extensive backrest—it’s like taking a comfy office chair out for a spin. This design feature makes the Simple Glide ideal for those who may need a bit of extra comfort or stability, whether you’re on a leisurely ride or running errands around town. The armrests, which fold up, are a nice touch too.
The adjustable seat, which can slide back and forth to accommodate different rider heights, adds to the flexibility. It’s only about four inches of movement, but that’s enough to help most riders find a comfortable position. The low center of gravity also plays a big role in the overall comfort and stability—you sit lower to the ground, and the trike handles well without feeling tippy, even during sharp turns.
Design and Features: Practical but With Room for Improvement
The trike features an adjustable handlebar stem that allows you to customize the height and angle of the handlebars, which is great for achieving an ergonomic riding position. Whether you prefer the handlebars up high or closer to you, there’s plenty of adjustability to suit your preference. The inclusion of a small wire basket at the front, with a lid to secure your items, adds to the practicality of the Simple Glide—perfect for carrying small essentials during your ride. However, there is no rear basket, which limits the cargo-carrying capacity compared to some other trikes.
One notable feature is the reverse mode, which is rare to see on an electric trike. This function makes maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze—just press a button to switch to reverse, and you’re able to back out of tight spots effortlessly. It’s a small but incredibly useful addition, especially for those who might struggle with manually backing up a trike.
Power and Range: Steady and Efficient Performance
The Simple Glide is equipped with a 500W front hub motor, offering a smooth power boost that’s perfect for cruising at various speeds. The motor delivers a steady and predictable performance, reaching up to about 20 mph, which is fast for a trike of this kind. However, the front tire can sometimes lose traction, especially when using the throttle to accelerate quickly from a stop. Starting in a lower pedal assist level and gradually increasing speed is the best way to manage this.
The Simple Glide also comes with a 15 amp-hour battery located underneath the seat. With this battery, the Simple Glide offers a range of about 40-60 miles, depending on factors like terrain, rider weight, and level of pedal assist used.
One thing to note about this battery is that it has a safety shutoff feature. After the trike sits for a while, the battery automatically shuts off, and you need to press a button to reactivate it before riding. This helps conserve power and adds a layer of safety, but it’s something to keep in mind before you start your ride.
Riding Experience: Stability and Ease of Use
When it comes to riding the Simple Glide, the experience is all about stability and comfort. Thanks to its recumbent design, the trike feels well-planted, even when making sharp turns or navigating uneven terrain. The lower seat height contributes to a low center of gravity, which significantly reduces the risk of tipping—a common concern with trikes. During my rides, I found that I could take tight corners without having to worry about the rear wheels lifting off the ground, which is a huge confidence booster.
The pedal assist levels range from a gentle 3.5 mph in PAS 1, ideal for those who are new to e-trikes or want a relaxed pace, to a brisk 19.6 mph in PAS 5. I did experience some ghost pedaling at the higher assist levels, as my legs couldn’t quite keep up with the motor speed, but this is common for many e-bikes and trikes. The half-twist throttle is also a nice feature, allowing you to accelerate without pedaling, and it’s independent of the pedal assist level—which means you can get full power from the throttle even in PAS 1.
The Simple Glide is also equipped with mechanical disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels. The brakes are responsive, and the inclusion of parking brakes adds a layer of convenience, particularly when getting on or off the trike on an incline. I found that the braking performance was sufficient for most situations, though it’s always a good idea to have the brakes professionally tuned after assembly to ensure they’re performing at their best.
Areas for Improvement
While the Simple Glide has a lot to offer, there are a few areas where it could be improved. The front hub motor, for instance, causes the front tire to spin out a bit, particularly on wet surfaces or during quick acceleration. Adding more weight to the front end or adjusting the balance could help mitigate this issue in future models.
The handlebars, while adjustable, are quite tall in their default setup, which might not be ideal for everyone. Fortunately, SixThreeZero includes a second, lower set of handlebars, giving you the option to customize the setup to your liking. The armrests, though comfortable, could be more adjustable—especially for taller riders who might find them a bit too low.
Lastly, the lack of a rear cargo basket limits the Simple Glide’s practicality for those who need to carry more than just a few small items. A rear basket or cargo rack would be a welcome addition to make this trike even more versatile.
Conclusion
The SixThreeZero Simple Glide E-Trike is a standout choice for those seeking a comfortable, easy-to-ride electric tricycle that’s perfect for leisurely rides, errands, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Its unique office-style chair, intuitive controls, and stable design make it an attractive option for a wide range of riders—from seniors looking for a relaxed way to get around, to anyone who values comfort above all else.
While there are a few areas that could use some fine-tuning—like the front motor’s tendency to spin out and the limited cargo options—the Simple Glide more than makes up for these shortcomings with its comfort and ease of use, if you’re in the market for an electric trike that prioritizes comfort and stability, the SixThreeZero Simple Glide is definitely worth considering.