The Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike features a powerful electric drive system, a wide and comfortable seat, and versatile storage space, all aimed at offering an exceptional ride for riders with different needs. But will its weight, braking system, and seat design meet your expectations? Let’s dive in and see if this trike could be your ideal choice.
Pros
✅A 500W rated motor with a 750W peak provides ample power for cruising at up to 24 mph. The 48V 15Ah battery offers a decent range of 45-50 miles, making it suitable for most daily rides.
✅Bluetooth connectivity for real-time navigation via the BikeGo app, and a simple yet effective parking brake that locks the front wheel in place for added convenience.
✅The large rear basket, featuring wings for added space, and the lift gate are practical additions, enhancing the trike’s utility for hauling items.
✅The 20×3″ fat tires offer excellent shock absorption and provide a smooth ride on rough terrain. The front suspension fork and wide plush saddle seat add extra comfort, especially for long rides.
✅The rear differential provides added stability, and the trike’s low center of gravity helps maintain balance, making it easier to handle for newer riders.
Cons
❌At 128 lbs, the Viribus SC5 is relatively heavy, making it challenging to lift or transport, especially up stairs.
❌While functional, the 160mm mechanical disc brakes may need some fine-tuning for optimal performance. The rear brake, in particular, feels slightly less responsive compared to the front brake.
❌The backrest on the seat provides good support but could extend higher for additional comfort, especially for those who prefer more back support.
First Impressions: Stylish, Accessible, and Ready to Ride
Right off the bat, I was drawn to the matte blue color of the Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike—it has a sleek, understated look that really stands out. It’s the kind of color that looks even better up close, with the paint job giving it a smooth, refined finish that’s hard to miss.
This trike is clearly designed with accessibility in mind, featuring an aluminum frame and a low step-through design that makes mounting effortless, no matter your mobility level. The large rear basket is another highlight—unique in its design, with wings on the side that offer extra room for securing a box or other items right on top of the wheels. It’s a clever, practical touch I haven’t seen before. It also features a lift gate at the back, which I honestly wasn’t sure about at first. I’m still not sure exactly why you’d need it, but it’s an interesting addition that adds to the trike’s overall versatility.
When it comes to assembly, the process was fairly straightforward. We just needed to install the front tire, handlebars, and the rear rack, which was a breeze. The fenders were a little trickier with all the screws, but overall it was a manageable task. Once everything was in place, I was ready to take the Viribus SC5 for a spin—and it did not disappoint.
Design and Features: Built for Comfort and Versatility
The Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike immediately impressed me with its 20×3″ fat tires, designed with all-terrain treads. These tires not only give it a rugged look but also provide added cushioning, making for a smoother ride over rough terrain. The integrated front fender and bright headlight are practical touches, especially if you’re out riding in low-light conditions. Plus, the front suspension fork with lockout adjustment and preload settings helped absorb shocks, adding to the overall comfort.
Moving to the handlebars, I liked the sweep-back design, which can be adjusted forward or backward to suit different rider heights. The rubber grips felt comfortable, and the left-mounted color LCD display was a nice touch, providing clear info in an easy-to-read format.
The wide, plush saddle seat is another standout. It’s incredibly comfortable, with vents to keep you cool. The backrest is a great addition, offering support for those who like to lean back, though I did wish it extended a bit higher for extra comfort.
One thing to keep in mind, though: at 128 lbs, this trike is on the heavier side. It’s not something you’ll easily lift up a flight of stairs, so you’ll want to ensure you have a dedicated storage space or a second pair of hands for transport.
Special Features: High-Tech Convenience at Your Fingertips
One standout feature on the Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike is its Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the display panel to sync with the BikeGo mobile app. This gives you real-time navigation, including GPS updates and route optimization—perfect for those who like to explore new areas without worrying about getting lost. The integration is seamless, making it easy to stay on track during your ride. Whether you’re navigating city streets or venturing off-road, this tech feature adds a layer of convenience that enhances the overall experience. It’s a nice touch that sets this trike apart, combining modern tech with reliable performance.
Power and Range: Reliable and Balanced Performance
The Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike is powered by a 500W rated, 750W peak front-drive hub motor, delivering a steady and capable boost throughout my rides. With a top speed of 24 mph, it provided ample power for both casual cruising and more adventurous routes. The pedal assist system worked well, and I liked how easily I could switch between pedaling and throttle to match the terrain or my energy levels.
The 48V 15Ah battery is integrated neatly into the frame, giving the trike a sleek, stealthy look. I really appreciated how accessible it was—easy to remove for charging or swapping in a spare. In terms of range, I found the Viribus SC5 to perform well for typical riding, with an estimated range of 45-50 miles, depending on how much you use the throttle versus pedal assist. While the range is solid for most daily errands and leisurely rides, the weight of the trike and its fat tires do add some rolling resistance, which might reduce the range a bit on steeper inclines or rougher terrain.
Braking Performance: Solid Stopping Power with Convenient Features
The Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike is equipped with 160mm mechanical disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, providing reliable stopping power. During my ride, the front brake offered solid performance, bringing the trike to a smooth, controlled stop with minimal effort. It felt responsive when approaching intersections or slowing down for turns, giving me confidence on the road.
The rear brake, on the other hand, performed similarly, though it felt a bit less pronounced compared to the front. While the braking power is functional for most situations, some fine-tuning might be necessary to get the absolute best performance out of both brakes. As with any mechanical system, proper adjustment can make a noticeable difference in responsiveness.
One standout feature I really appreciated was the parking brake. It’s a simple but effective touch—just squeeze the lever and engage the brake to lock the front wheel in place. This feature is particularly useful when parking the trike on an incline, as it ensures the trike doesn’t roll away while you’re loading or unloading it. It’s these little details that make the Viribus SC5 feel user-friendly and easy to handle, especially for riders who may be new to e-trikes.
Riding Experience: Powerful, Stable, and Easy to Handle
Taking the Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike for a spin was a smooth and enjoyable experience. I started in Pedal Assist Level 1, using no throttle, and the trike provided just enough assistance to get moving smoothly. Once the motor kicked in, there was plenty of torque right off the line, making it easy to cruise through flat terrain.
As I moved up to higher pedal assist levels, the power increased significantly. By Pedal Assist Level 3, the trike felt even more responsive, and I could definitely feel the rear differential working to keep me stable, especially around corners. It’s clear that the trike is built to give you a grounded ride, though if you push too hard, you might lift a wheel off the ground—something to keep in mind if you’re new to trikes. But overall, I felt balanced and secure.
Switching to throttle-only mode was also a breeze. The top speed reached 24 mph with pedal assist, and 20 mph with throttle—plenty of power for most urban and recreational rides. Pedal assist levels offered a good range of speeds, from 7.5 mph in PAS 1 to 20 mph in PAS 5, so there’s plenty of flexibility depending on how much effort you want to put in.
Conclusion: Solid Performance with a Few Considerations
The Viribus SC5 Fat-Tire E-Trike offers a well-rounded package with its solid build, ample power, and smooth ride. Its 500W motor and 48V 15Ah battery provide enough juice for most daily trips and leisurely rides, with a range of about 45-50 miles, which should be sufficient for most riders. The integrated Bluetooth feature and GPS navigation add a nice touch of modern convenience, making it easy to track your routes and stay on course. And, with its comfortable saddle seat and user-friendly design, it’s a great option for those who value both performance and ease of use.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The weight of the trike (128 lbs) can make it a bit cumbersome, especially when lifting it or loading it into a vehicle. Additionally, while the braking system works well overall, some fine-tuning may be needed to optimize performance, especially on the rear brake. But these minor issues don’t overshadow the fact that the Viribus SC5 is a dependable and enjoyable e-trike for those looking for a powerful ride with the added benefits of tech integration and comfort.