How to Transport a Trike When Travelling

How to Transport a Trike When Travelling: Practical Tips That Actually Work

So you’ve got yourself a three-wheeled ride — comfortable, stable, and perfect for getting around town. But now you’re planning a trip. Maybe it’s a road trip to visit family. Maybe you’re heading off in the caravan. Or perhaps you’re chasing the sun up north for the winter and want to bring your trike along.

Either way, the big question is:
How do you transport something this big and bulky?

Here are practical, real-world options that work — especially when you don’t have a ute or trailer just lying around.

1. Fold It — If You Can

Fold It — If You Can

Some upright e-trikes are built to fold at the frame or handlebars. If you’ve got a folding model like the Meet One Breeze, you’re already halfway there.

✅ Pros:

  • Fits into many SUVs or hatchbacks with seats folded down

  • Easier to manage without needing a rack

  • No extra equipment required

❌ Cons:

  • Still heavy — most foldable e-trikes weigh 32–45kg

  • Folding takes a bit of time and space

  • Might not fold small enough for compact cars

👉 Tip: Use moving blankets or yoga mats to protect your car interior from scratches.
👉 Solo traveller? Even folded, lifting a trike into your boot often takes two people. Consider a hitch rack or trailer if lifting is a challenge.

2. Use a Trike-Specific Hitch Rack

Standard bike racks won’t cut it — trikes are wider, heavier, and shaped differently. Brands like Hollywood Racks and Alpaca Carriers make racks specifically for electric trikes, with support for larger rear ends and heavier weights.

✅ Pros:

  • Mounts on the back of your vehicle

  • Keeps the trike fully assembled

  • No overhead lifting required

❌ Cons:

  • Requires a Class II or III towbar

  • Can cost AU$600–1200

  • May block access to your boot or tailgate

👉 Watch out for: Weight ratings. Some e-trikes exceed 45kg — make sure your towbar and rack can handle it.

👉 How to load it: Lift the front wheel into the rack first, then raise each rear wheel one at a time. If that’s tough, a folding ramp makes loading much easier — especially if you’re travelling solo.

3. Load It into a Van, SUV, or Wagon

Load TRIKE into a SUV

If your trike doesn’t fold, a spacious vehicle is your next best bet. With rear seats down, some full-size SUVs, wagons, or people-movers can fit an upright trike with the front wheel turned sideways.

✅ Pros:

  • Protected from weather

  • No rack or towbar needed

  • Great if you already own a roomy vehicle

❌ Cons:

  • Still heavy to lift — may need two people

  • May need to remove one or more wheels

  • Muddy tyres = dirty car

👉 Back-saver tip: Use a portable ramp or loading tray to roll it in safely.

4. Use a Small Trailer

If you plan to travel often or need to carry more than just your trike (camping gear, tools, another bike…), a compact utility trailer can be a great investment.

✅ Pros:

  • Plenty of space

  • No need to lift the trike overhead

  • Works with any vehicle that has a towbar

❌ Cons:

  • Requires trailer registration and upkeep

  • Can be awkward to park or reverse

  • Overkill for quick weekend trips

5. Use a Shipping or Delivery Service

In rare cases — like seasonal relocation or snowbird-style travel — you might consider shipping your trike with a transport company (e.g. BikeFlights or a local logistics provider).

✅ Pros:

  • No lifting or packing gear in your car

  • Trike arrives at destination ready to ride

❌ Cons:

  • Expensive

  • Can take several days

  • Requires safe and sturdy packaging

Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to transporting an electric trike.

  • Got a foldable model and a large SUV? You’re set.

  • Need a long-term solution for caravan trips? A rack or trailer makes sense.

  • Only ride close to home? Maybe you don’t need to transport it at all.

Whatever you choose, practice loading and unloading at home first. The last thing you want is to be wrestling with a heavy trike in a busy car park.

And don’t forget:

  • Tie-down straps

  • Wheel chocks

  • Soft padding for protection

These small extras make a big difference in keeping your trike (and your vehicle) safe on the road.

Got your own setup that works?
Let us know how you transport your trike — and help other Aussie riders hit the road with confidence.

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