Electric tricycles can be categorized into brushed and brushless electric tricycles based on the type of electric motor used. They can also be classified by market sales and intended use, such as electric tricycles for elderly mobility (e.g., minibuses), passenger electric tricycles, and freight electric tricycles (e.g., garbage collection tricycles).
Electric tricycles are further classified by purpose, including household, freight, and factory models. Due to these different uses, the technical standards employed also differ. Household electric tricycles mostly use side-wheel motors and external frames (the frame is outside the wheels). This type of vehicle lacks a main axle, has a light load capacity (generally around 200 kg), and typically uses a 350-500W motor and a 12V 20AH battery, making them suitable for household use and elderly mobility. There are also tricycles with a mid-mounted motor and a main axle (the main axle, also known as the rear axle or rear beam, is the axle connecting the two rear wheels of the tricycle and is an important component). These tricycles offer good stability, as the mid-mounted motor drives both rear wheels simultaneously, resulting in smooth starting. However, these tricycles are generally more expensive.
Cargo-type electric tricycles also come in two types: one is a motorcycle-style tricycle, with configurations and designs similar to motorcycle tricycles. It features a mid-mounted motor with a main axle, equipped with a motor of 500W or higher, and a load capacity of generally 300-600KG. It is equipped with a reversing switch and a speed control system. The maximum speed on the road is around 35 kilometers per hour. One type is the motorized tricycle, often modified from a motorized tricycle. The rear axle and cargo box are entirely based on motorized tricycle configurations. Load capacity is over one ton, and speed is adjustable via a gearbox. It is equipped with 4-5 high-capacity 120AH batteries and a DC motor of 900W or higher. Available with or without a cab, and can also be equipped with a hydraulic lifting device. Used for loading and unloading bulk materials in factories and for garbage collection in cities.
Factory-type electric tricycles are generally used in harsher environments, requiring durable motors and batteries that can withstand dust, high temperatures, and rough roads. High standards are placed on the frame materials and welding processes. The frame tubing thickness is at least 2.5mm, the rear axle diameter is at least 78mm, and plasma shielded welding is used, resulting in high weld density, high tensile strength, and resistance to breakage. These tricycles are suitable for factory operating environments. Electric tricycles are commonly used in factories for various purposes, including: brick-pulling carts, electric flatbed carts, and electric lifting carts for transporting bricks; electric kiln loading and unloading carts in brick factories, kilns, refractory plants, ceramic factories, and firing plants; and electric transport vehicles, electric dump trucks, and electric sanitation vehicles used in engineering projects, tunnels, and sanitation. Electric transport vehicles and electric dump trucks are also used in flour mills, ore dressing plants, chemical plants, furnace material plants, farms, wholesale markets, urban and rural households, and for short-distance transportation such as taxis.
Electric tricycles can be classified into brushed electric tricycles and brushless electric tricycles based on the type of electric motor used. They can also be categorized by market sales and intended use, such as electric tricycles for elderly mobility (e.g., minibus electric tricycles); electric tricycles for passenger transport; and electric tricycles for freight transport (e.g., garbage transport tricycles).