A Guide to Drift Trike Types: 3 Ways to Enjoy 3 Wheels

[REVISED 3/2023]

Drift trikes are quickly gaining popularity across the world, and we completely get it. Who wouldn’t love to skim a tight curve at speeds that would make Usain Bolt jealous?

If you’re looking to get into drift trikes but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

The type of drift trike you’ll want to purchase (or build) will depend on a few factors like where you’re planning on riding it and how much you’re willing to spend.

Read on to find out about the three kinds of drift trikes and determine which one is best for you.

Type 1: Gravity Drift Trike

As simple as it gets. Gravity drift trikes rely on—you guessed it—gravity to operate, so you’ll have to ride somewhere where you can take advantage of hilly slopes. (You’ll also have pedals, but pedaling your way up a steep hill probably isn’t your idea of fun.)

If you’re completely new to triking, a gravity drift trike is probably the best place to start. The simplicity means there are fewer factors to deal with as you’re perfecting your riding technique, and fewer parts means you’ll have less maintenance to do.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly
• Least expensive drift trike type

Cons:

• Require more effort to operate (unless you’re going downhill)

Type 2: Electric Drift Trike

No hill? No problem. If you don’t want to rely on pedal power and are willing to spend a little more cash, an electric drift trike might be the thing for you.

However, for any ride you’ll need to prepare in advance (i.e. charge it) and keep an eye on how long you’ve been out there so you don’t get stranded when the battery dies (most last for about an hour).

Pros:

• Increased power
• Less laborious to operate
• Less expensive than gas-powered cousins

Cons:

• Requires charging
• More parts means more chances of complications

Type 3: Motorized Drift Trike

For the ultimate thrill, look into motorized drift trikes. These trikes provide maximum speed and power using a gas-powered engine and are a favorite among trike enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Increased speed
• Increased power
• No wait time for charging

Cons:

• Most expensive of trike type
• Purchasing gas can be expensive (and a hassle)
• Needs more involved maintenance

Bonus option: the DIY drift trike

One way to make the drift triking experience even more satisfying is by building your trike yourself.

If you decide to build your own motorized drift trike, we have some extra tips for you:

• Most drift trike motors produce between 6.5 and 7 HP. You want enough power to get you up hills easily but not so much power that your trike becomes dangerous.

• Your rear wheels will need to be deflated slightly, installed inside a segment of PVC pipe of the same diameter and width, and then re-inflated to hold the pipe in place. We recommend going with a wheel with a 10” or 11” diameter since PVC for those sizes is easy to find. Avoid using a 13" diameter wheel if you can.

• When affixing the seat to the frame, make sure it’s about 10 inches in front of the rear axle. This will help with weight distribution and will increase the handling capability of your trike.

• Your axle determines how stable your drift trike will be. The wider the axle, the more stability you’ll have. We recommend 40 inches for your axle length to minimize the risk of a spill.

The ROP Shop currently offers two drift trike kits: a 36" Drift Trike Kit and a 40" Drift Trike Kit. If you’re looking to build your own drift trike without breaking the bank, be sure to give those a look.

Also, make sure you check out our replacement tires.

Which drift trike is calling your name?

Maybe one of these types of drift trikes immediately captured your imagination, and you’re eager to have one in your hands and get out there.

Don’t forget to come back to The ROP Shop for your drift trike (and other power sports) needs. We have a wide selection of power sports parts to help get back to the outdoors.

Finally, before you get rolling, read our blog on drift trike basics. We’re here to help you have fun while staying rugged.