Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle Review: A Powerful and Practical Car Alternative for City Dwellers

Electric tricycles might initially seem a bit peculiar, but they’re among the best car alternatives available. They offer comfortable rides, enhanced stability compared to two-wheeled bikes, and the environmental advantages of electric bikes. Plus, they’re quite economical. The Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle is an affordable option for leaving your car in the garage this summer.

My wife, Raina, and I spent the past two summers in Tel Aviv, preparing for our permanent move there in a year and a half. As avid electric scooter users, we were impressed by the country’s well-developed e-bike and e-scooter infrastructure.

When we relocate, we’ve decided to ditch our cars and rely solely on electric bikes, scooters, and public transportation. However, there’s a catch: while these modes are great for short trips, they’re not ideal for carrying groceries, packages, or, in our case, dogs.

For instance, last summer, I used an electric scooter to visit the open-air market, complete my shopping, and then rent another scooter to return to my apartment. Carrying groceries in a backpack while riding an electric scooter was quite challenging, and it also limited the amount I could carry at once. That’s when I noticed the increasing number of people using electric tricycles.

At first, I dismissed electric trikes as silly. They appeared odd and reminded me of the scooters older people use to regain mobility. However, my perspective changed when I visited Tel Aviv. I witnessed people using electric trikes to transport their children to school, carrying multiple grocery bags, and even schlepping their dogs.

While it’s possible to accomplish these tasks on a two-wheeled electric bike, the amount of cargo you can safely and comfortably carry on two wheels is limited. Electric trikes, on the other hand, offer a solution. I’ve seen people carrying two children and groceries on an electric trike.

While I still find the design a bit silly (I’m being honest here), the practicality of such a vehicle is undeniable. Once we move there, we’ll definitely want access to one.

However, there’s a catch: Most electric trikes are incredibly expensive. Fortunately, companies like Viribus offer a wide range of electric bikes and trikes. Their well-equipped Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle is an exceptional value. It retails for $1999 but is currently available for just $1699.

The bike arrived in the largest and heaviest box I’ve received since I started reviewing electric bikes. The assembly process took some time but wasn’t complicated since Charles and I followed the instructions that were included step by step. This video shows the assembly process and a “first ride.”

I was immediately impressed by the Viribus SC5. The materials, design, and finish are top-notch. Viribus uses quality components, and the bike arrives in pristine condition.

Before we delve deeper into the features of this electric trike, let’s review some of the main highlights.

Powerful Peak 750W Motor with 85N.m Torque

The Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle’s motor offers excellent climbing ability, making it useful for riders who will confront hilly terrain or rugged trails. With a top speed of 20 MPH using the throttle and up to 24 MPH when pedaling, the Viribus trike is a practical and zippy way to get where you need to go.

The bike’s powerful 750W motor is connected to the front wheel, which makes sense since putting the motor on the rear axle would require significantly more complex engineering. Although it does change the riding experience, it took me time to get used to it.

Enough Range to Replace a Car for City Living

The Tri-cell Lithium Automotive Grade 48V 15Ah Battery provides up to 38 miles on throttle mode and an impressive 65 miles with pedal assist on a single charge. (Obviously, range is impacted by terrain, weight, and riding style.) This range is significant enough to replace shorter car trips and is ideal for longer, relaxing weekend adventures.

I appreciate the battery’s integrated design and the easily accessible locking mechanism, which prevents theft.

Intelligent Pedal-Assist System

The bike has 5 levels of pedal assist and dual sensors, which offer a smooth and intuitive riding experience regardless of terrain. I prefer to use the throttle on electric bikes, but the integrated system works well for those who still like to pedal.

Front Suspension Makes for a Comfortable Ride

The bike has a front spring fork with an 80mm threaded shock absorber. This is a huge deal since it helps smooth bumpy roads, reduces vibrations, and provides better control.

Rider Comfort

The Viribus SC5 includes a wide seat and backrest, making riding this Fat Tire Trike more comfortable than any (non-enclosed) electric vehicle I have tried. The wide, fat ties add to the ride’s comfort, helping to make this a bike you’ll feel comfortable using as a car replacement on sunny days.

Cargo Capacity To Spare

I love that the company includes a large rear basket capable of carrying up to 110 pounds of cargo. Many companies charge extra for storage systems, but Viribus includes a rear basket. More than that, though, they include an EXCELLENT rear basket. It offers plenty of storage capacity and a locking back gate that lowers to make loading and unloading the bike a breeze.

Whether hauling groceries, taking your dogs to the beach, or carrying construction materials, the spacious and sturdy basket ensures you’re always ready for what life throws at you. This is one aspect that makes the Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle ideal for anyone seeking a practical car replacement.

Advanced LCD Display

The 2.5” Backlit LCD Display is more than just a speedometer. It includes Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, trip tracking, and battery level indicators. The navigation feature, powered by Google Maps, adds an extra layer of utility, especially for those exploring new areas.

Built for All Terrains

People choose fat tire bikes when they want the flexibility to ride on various terrains. The Viribus SC5’s fat mountain off-road tires are ideal for riding on snow, sand, and rough trails. Add puncture-resistant liners, deep treads, and excellent cornering capabilities; these tires help ensure the Viribus Trike performs well in diverse environments.

Safety and Stability

Safety is always a concern with electric vehicles. When you are schlepping children or dogs, safety becomes even more important. Thankfully, Viribus recognized that fact and included mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors that provide ample stopping power even in harsh conditions.

Additionally, the rear differential ensures smoother, more stable cornering by allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning. You can also use the convenient parking brake feature when taking a break or loading cargo. There is, however, a caveat to this that I’ll address momentarily. The bike also ships with an included horn and lights.

Why Choose the Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle?

Think of this trike as the ultimate electric bike hybrid that offers the stability of a tricycle with all the modern features you’d expect from a high-end e-bike. Its wide array of features makes it perfect for including electric bike enthusiasts who want to leave their cars at home without sacrificing practicality; families who need extra space to transport kids, dogs, or cargo; and adventurous riders looking for a vehicle that’s ready for rugged trails, sandy beaches, or snowy terrain.

As I noted at the beginning of this review, I was skeptical about electric tricycles like many riders. While summering in Tel Aviv, I initially found them amusing but quickly appreciated their functionality. At the time I wrote this in my phone’s notes app,

Electric bikes are great for getting from one place to another, but when you need to carry groceries, transport kids, or bring your dogs to the beach, the extra stability and cargo space of a tricycle are essential.

The Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle checks all these boxes. It’s the perfect companion for replacing short drives while enjoying the great outdoors.
There is, however, a caveat to all of this.

A sports car is designed for speed and handling, but it’s not the best choice if you need to carry a lot of people, gear, or packages. In such cases, a station wagon would be a more suitable option. However, if you prioritize extra space for people or items, you should get a station wagon, but expect it to offer less speed and handling than a sports car.

The same applies to my electric bike, which is more like a light motorcycle than anything else. It’s quick and handles well, but it falls short when I need to carry a lot of gear.

The Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle is great for carrying packages, but you can’t expect the same handling. While it can reach fairly zippy speeds, it doesn’t feel as stable at higher speeds.

So, if you have a lot in tow, you should know that despite its powerful motor, you’ll likely want to keep to lower speeds for comfort and safety.

The Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. If you’re a rider who values performance, stability, and cargo capacity while also wanting to explore your surroundings in style, this trike ticks all the boxes. With its intelligent features, powerful motor, and thoughtful design, it’s no wonder the Viribus Fat Tire Tricycle continues to win over those looking for something more than your average e-bike.

The Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Tricycle sells for $1999.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: It has a powerful 750W motor; It offers long range; It provides a comfortable ride; It has an excellent cargo capacity; It has a sturdy build quality; It works well on snow, sand, and rough trails, and the fat tires have puncture-resistant liners and deep treads; It includes multiple safety features; It’s a great value for the price (especially if you snag it at the sale price); It’s a potential car replacement that’s ideal for city living and shorter trips

What Needs Improvement: It’s best ridden at lower speeds for comfort and safety; Its large size and weight can make storage and maneuvering in tight spaces challenging