An electric trike is a three-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor.
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Definition
While the normal legal definition of motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle, in the USA a motorcycle may also be three-wheeled. This classification does not depend on whether the operator is fully enclosed by a "cage" or exposed to the elements.
Configurations
Three-wheeled vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels are known as a delta design or the traditional trike (tricycle) design, such as the Hase Kettwiesel.
Three-wheeled vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel are known as a tadpole design, such as the Odyssey Mk. 5 and Outrider 422 Alpha. Another example of an electric three-wheeled vehicle in this configuration is the Azkarra, produced by Canadian company Girfalco.
Electric assisted velomobiles
Some three-wheeled electric vehicles, such as the Twike and the Myers Motors NmG, enclose the rider in a cabin or cockpit.