Electric rickshaws – three-wheeled electric vehicles akin to Asian “tuk-tuks” – are an emerging niche in the US. They come in passenger-carrying versions (for tours, taxis, etc.) and cargo haulers (for last-mile delivery). Below we compare key brands and models across price segments, from budget-friendly to high-end, and outline applicable incentives.
Passenger Electric Rickshaws
Passenger e-rickshaws (like the eTuk Limo pictured) offer open-air seating for several riders. These three-wheelers provide a fun, eco-friendly way to shuttle people on short trips. Budget models tend to be simpler or pedal-assist trikes. For example, the BPM Imports R-750 is a heavy-duty electric tricycle with a rear bench seat, 750 W motor and 48 V lithium battery. It carries two passengers and has up to ~50 mile range, costing about $2,995 on sale. This covers basic transport needs at a low price point. On the high end, purpose-built electric tuk-tuks offer larger capacity and street-legal build quality. A leading example is eTuk USA’s Limo model – a fully electric, DOT-certified rickshaw with seating for 3–6 passengers. The eTuk Limo starts around $17,995 in the US
, featuring a 72 V drivetrain (originally with lead-acid batteries) and a unique open design with roof canopy. These higher-end rickshaws emphasize safety (seatbelts, lighting) and can be customized for tours or resort transport. In between, there are mid-range options (often imported) in the ~$5,000–$10,000 range that balance cost and capacity – for instance, some overseas-made 4-seater e-rickshaws wholesale for around $800–$1,000 before import costs, making their US retail price typically a few thousand dollars.
Notable Passenger Models:
- BPM R-750Z Rickshaw Trike: Fat-tire e-trike with 750 W hub motor, ~50 mi range, seats 1–2 passengers. Price: ~$3K
. Feature: Pedal-assist plus throttle (classified as an e-bike in many areas).
- eTuk Limo: Street-legal electric tuk-tuk with 4+1 seating. Price: ~$18K base
. Features: 25 mph top speed (neighborhood vehicle), customizable styling, 7–14 kWh battery options for longer range.
- eCruisers/Bintelli Shuttle: These companies offer 3-wheelers for passengers, often used in tourism. Price: Mid-range (estimated ~$7K–$10K); Features: Emphasis on safety (roll bars, seatbelts) and reliability.
Cargo Electric Rickshaws
Cargo e-rickshaws (like the GMW Taskman shown) are built to haul goods in dense urban areas. They trade extra seating for a cargo bed or compartment. Entry-level cargo trikes are essentially electric utility scooters: for example, a 500–1000 W three-wheel cargo trike with a dump-bed or flatbed can cost around $3,000–$5,000 in the US
. One model (sold online as a “Pet” cargo e-truck) lists a 500 W motor and ~1300 lb capacity for $3,295
, while a 1000 W version on Amazon is about $4,500 delivered
. These lower-cost options usually have limited speed (15–25 mph) and range suitable for campuses, farms, or warehouse use.
In the mid-tier, there are more robust commercial cargo rickshaws. A standout is the GMW Taskman (marketed by Biliti Electric in the US). This open-cabin delivery tuk-tuk has a 4.5 kW motor and swappable lithium battery system. It can carry up to 1,500 lbs payload with a certified range of 110 miles per charge
. The Taskman’s base price is around $8,000 for fleet buyers, making it an affordable workhorse for delivery services like Walmart and Amazon’s logistics partners (which have tested it abroad). Another mid-range option is the Westward MAX-EV 3 – a lithium-ion utility trike with an enclosed van box. It reaches 45 mph and hauls ~700 lbs, essentially functioning as a mini cargo van for cities. (Pricing isn’t publicly listed, but such vehicles likely cost in the mid five-figures given their industrial build.)
At the high end, some three-wheel EVs blur the line with micro-cars, offering high performance. The Arcimoto Deliverator is a prime example: a single-seat delivery version of a highway-capable trike. It has a 75 mph top speed and ~100 mile city range, with ~20 cubic feet of lockable cargo space. The Deliverator starts at $19,900 base price and offers features like a full weather enclosure and automotive-grade controls. Similarly, eTuk’s Vendor model (a variant of the Limo) is configured as a mobile vending/delivery truck with a starting price around $18,995, targeting food cart or on-campus delivery uses.
Notable Cargo Models:
- Basic Utility E-Trikes: 3-wheel scooters with cargo beds (500–1000 W). Price: ~$3K–$5K
. Features: ~20 mph max, lead-acid batteries, ~30–40 mi range; good for light loads and short routes.
- Biliti GMW Taskman: Fleet-oriented tuk-tuk with swappable battery. Price: ~$8K
. Features: 25 mph, 110 mi range, 1,500 lb payload
; ideal for last-mile delivery (used by IKEA, Walmart, etc.).
- Arcimoto Deliverator: Enclosed high-speed delivery EV (75 mph). Price: ~$20K
. Features: 102 mile city range, 350 lb cargo (20+ cu ft)
; essentially a three-wheeled mini-truck with car-like performance.
- Westward MAX-EV 3: Enclosed LSV cargo trike. Price: (Est. ~$15–25K). Features: 45 mph max, up to 120 mi range, 700–1000 lb payload
; targeted at municipalities and delivery fleets needing a street-legal small van.
Price Range Summary
Electric rickshaws span a broad price range in the US market: from budget models under $5,000 to premium models approaching $20,000+. Basic passenger or cargo e-rickshaws can be obtained (often via direct import) for as little as $750–$1,500 in base form(though shipping and compliance costs apply). More turnkey low-end models sold domestically tend to cluster around $3K–$6K, offering modest performance and range. In the mid-range ($7K–$12K), buyers see major upgrades like lithium batteries, better build quality, and higher payloads or seating capacity – the Biliti Taskman and various mid-tier imports fall here. High-end e-rickshaws ($15K–$25K), such as eTuk and Arcimoto, deliver the fullest feature sets: street certification, higher speeds, long-life batteries, and refined safety and comfort features. This wide spread means there’s an option for different needs – whether an inexpensive utility runabout or a sophisticated people-mover – with corresponding trade-offs in capability.
Incentives, Tax Credits, and Subsidies
Electric rickshaws may qualify for certain incentives, though programs are more limited than those for standard EV cars:
-
Federal Incentives: Currently, new three-wheeled EVs do not qualify for the federal $7,500 consumer EV tax credit (that credit under IRS 30D now applies only to 4-wheeled vehicles). A prior federal credit for 3-wheeled plug-in vehicles (10% up to $2,500) expired in 2013
. However, businesses can leverage the Commercial Clean Vehicle credit (IRC 45W) if buying e-rickshaws for commercial use. This credit is up to 30% of the vehicle’s cost (max $7,500) for light vehicles under 14,000 lbs
. For example, a $10,000 cargo e-rickshaw used in a delivery fleet could get a $3,000 federal tax credit for the business.
-
State and Local Incentives: State-level EV rebates mostly target cars, but a few include electric motorcycles or similar vehicles. If an electric rickshaw is street-legal and registered as a motorcycle, it might qualify. Pennsylvania, for instance, offers a $500 rebate for new electric motorcycles (or 3–wheel EVs)
. In California, certain air quality districts have programs – the San Joaquin Valley’s “Drive Clean!” rebate provides up to $3,000 for zero-emission motorcycles/three-wheelers
. Arizona and others waive sales tax or fees for alternative-fuel vehicles including electric motorcycles
. Additionally, some utility companies (e.g. in Alaska) give small rebates (around $500) even for vehicles with larger batteries including electric bikes or trikes
.
-
Local Usage Incentives: Many states allow low-speed electric rickshaws on roadways with speed limits up to 35 mph, and they often enjoy free or reduced-cost parking in some cities (similar to NEV policies). Some municipalities have experimented with grants for e-rickshaws in rideshare or micro-transit programs as part of green mobility initiatives.
In summary, federal incentives for personal purchases are limited, but commercial buyers have a significant tax credit opportunity. At the state level, incentives vary widely – it’s worth checking local programs if you plan to buy an electric rickshaw, as a handful of rebates (typically a few hundred dollars) may offset the cost. Even without large subsidies, the low operating cost of e-rickshaws (just pennies per mile for electricity
) and their relatively low upfront prices make them an economical choice for eco-conscious transport or delivery in the US.
Sources:
- Price and model information from manufacturer and retailer data
.
- Features and specs of e-rickshaws
.
- Federal and state incentive details from IRS and state agencies
.
Post time: Mar-05-2025