rabbit.reviews

Addmotor Spytan 2 (Reverse Trike) vs Catrike / ICE Trikes (Tadpole Recumbent)

Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.

Addmotor Spytan 2 (Reverse Trike)
Best for Seniors / Best Safety
Catrike / ICE Trikes (Tadpole Recumbent)
Best Premium / Best Performance
Price
$2,000-$3,000
$2,500-$6,000+
Summary
A reverse trike (2 wheels in front, 1 in back) that the community specifically recommends for seniors and stability-conscious riders. Significantly safer cornering than conventional delta trikes.
Premium tadpole recumbent trikes from Catrike or ICE are the gold standard recommended by experienced cyclists — lower center of gravity, superior handling, and built to last decades. Best for riders who want the real thing.
Pros
  • Reverse trike layout (2 wheels front) provides superior cornering stability
  • Specifically recommended for seniors and riders with balance concerns
  • Parking brake included for safety on hills
  • More confidence-inspiring than conventional delta e-trikes
  • Tadpole layout (2 wheels front) is inherently more stable and safer in corners
  • Premium build quality designed to last many years
  • Highly compatible with aftermarket e-bike conversion kits
  • Recommended by experienced cyclists and trike communities alike
Cons
  • Higher price point than basic delta e-trikes
  • Larger footprint makes storage and transport more challenging
  • Less common, so fewer local dealers for service
  • Expensive — quality tadpole trikes start at $2,000+ before motor conversion
  • Recumbent position takes adjustment for new riders
  • Less widely available than upright e-trikes; often requires specialty dealers
  • Lower visibility in traffic compared to upright riding position
Our take
For seniors or anyone who's been scared off by tippy conventional trikes, the Spytan 2's reverse configuration is a genuine safety upgrade — the community is clear that tadpole/reverse designs are just more stable.
If you're serious about e-triking long-term, skip the cheap upright trikes entirely and go tadpole recumbent. Catrike and ICE are what experienced riders universally point to when asked what they'd actually buy.
Buy
The verdict

Get the Addmotor Spytan 2 (Reverse Trike) if you want for seniors / best safety performance. Get the Catrike / ICE Trikes (Tadpole Recumbent) if you value premium / best performance more. Both are excellent choices in electric trikes.