Platypus Folding Electric Trike
Comfort-focused folding electric trike for stable everyday riding.
Before using this vehicle, check the applicable local laws relating to your intended use of the vehicle on roads and road related areas.
Learn more about Australian e-bike rules
Product Details
The Ridewave Platypus Folding Electric Trike is designed for riders who prioritise stability, comfort, and confidence in every journey. Featuring a three-wheel layout and a supportive semi-recumbent riding position, the Platypus delivers a calm, steady ride that feels reassuring from the moment you set off.
Its foldable frame makes the Platypus easy to store in garages, apartments, or car boots—without compromising ride quality. Once unfolded, the trike feels solid and well-balanced, offering predictable handling and excellent low-speed control, ideal for urban riding and shared paths.
Comfort is a key focus. The wide padded seat with backrest provides excellent support, helping reduce strain on the body and allowing you to ride for longer with ease. The relaxed geometry and stable wheelbase make it especially suitable for riders who prefer a more relaxed, semi-recumbent riding position.
Equipped with smooth electric pedal assist, the Platypus takes the effort out of everyday riding while maintaining a natural, controlled feel. The included rear cargo basket allow you to carry shopping, personal items, or essentials with ease—making it a practical alternative to short car trips.
The Platypus Folding Electric Trike is a practical, confidence-inspiring solution for everyday mobility—designed to help you ride comfortably, carry more, and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Everyday features
- Large full-colour display: See speed, battery level, assistance settings and ride information at a glance.
- Half-twist start assist: Gentle low-speed assistance helps you move away from a standstill.
- Walk mode: Low-speed powered assistance helps when guiding the trike through parking and storage areas.
- Powered reverse: Back out of parking spots without having to push the trike manually.
- Rear differential: The rear wheels turn at different speeds through corners for smoother handling.
- Hydraulic brakes on all three wheels: Hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping control, with parking brakes for stationary use.
- Wide semi-recumbent seat with backrest and armrests: A supported, semi-recumbent riding position for relaxed local trips.
- Puncture-resistant tyres: Designed to reduce everyday punctures while maintaining grip and ride comfort.
- Lights and indicators: Front and rear lights, a brake light and left/right indicators help improve visibility.
- Folding frame and handlebar stem: Reduce storage space with the central frame and folding stem. Follow the model’s folding instructions and check the space needed before transport.
- Removable, lockable battery: Charge on or off the trike, then lock the battery securely in place.
- 45 kg rear cargo basket: The included rear basket makes room for shopping and everyday essentials. Its 45 kg capacity is part of, not additional to, the trike’s total load limit.
Size and performance
| Battery | 48V 15Ah (720Wh) |
|---|---|
| Motor | 250W / 500W rear hub motor |
| Assisted speed | 25 km/h |
| Pedal-assist range | Up to 110 km; varies with load, terrain, assist level, tyre pressure and weather |
| Weight | 44.5 kg with battery / 41 kg without battery |
| Maximum total load | 120 kg, including rider and cargo |
| Unfolded dimensions | 183 × 77 × 111–122 cm (L × W × H) |
| Folded dimensions | 123 × 77 × 81 cm (L × W × H) |
| Rider-height guide | 150–193 cm; confirm fit in person |
Folding reduces storage size, not lifting weight. Allow for fitted accessories when checking storage and transport space.
Power configuration and road use
The 250W version is manufactured and configured to EN 15194 requirements. The 500W version is for private-property and off-road use only, where permitted; it is not supplied for public-road use. Riders must check and follow local laws and regulations.
Platypus Folding E-trike
Easy, Intuitive Control
Large Full-Colour Display
Keep speed, battery level, assistance settings, and ride information easy to see at a glance.
Half-Twist Start Assist
Gentle low-speed assistance helps you move away smoothly from a standstill.
Walk Mode
Low-speed powered assistance makes it easier to guide Platypus through garages, ramps, and tight spaces.
Reverse Gear
Powered reverse helps you back out of parking spots and storage areas without pushing the trike manually.
Comfort and Steady Support
Rear Differential
The rear wheels rotate at different speeds through turns for smoother, more controlled handling.
Hydraulic Brakes on All Three Wheels
Hydraulic disc brakes provide strong, consistent stopping control for everyday riding.
Semi-Recumbent Seat with Back Support
A wide semi-recumbent seat with a supportive backrest and armrests offers a more relaxed riding position.
Anti-Puncture Tyres
Designed to reduce the chance of everyday punctures while maintaining grip and ride comfort.
Ready for Everyday Life
Lights and Indicators
Integrated front and rear lights, brake light, and left and right indicators improve visibility.
Compact Folding and Travel
The central frame and handlebar stem fold for easier storage and transport. Follow the model instructions when preparing the trike for travel.
Removable, Lockable Battery
Charge the battery on or off the trike, then lock it securely in place for everyday riding.
45 kg Rear Cargo Basket
The included rear basket carries up to 45 kg of groceries, bags and daily essentials, within the trike's total load limit.
SPACE-SAVING FOLDING DESIGN
ThePlatypus Foldable E-Trikeis built with a practical folding aluminium frame, making transport and storage simple and stress-free.
The6061 aluminium alloy frame folds at the centre, while thefolding handlebar and stemfurther reduce overall size. This makes the Platypus easy to load into a vehicle, store in a garage, or keep neatly at home when not in use.
Designed for everyday convenience without compromising strength.
EFFORTLESS CONTROL WITH HALF-TWIST THROTTLE
The Platypus Foldable E-Trike features a half-twist throttle for smooth and intuitive control.Throttle-assisted start-up is availableup to 6 km/h, making take-offs easier and more stable.
The throttle can be unlocked foroff-road riding or private property use, offering added flexibility for adventure and recreational use.
Secure Braking & Parking Control
Safety comes standard on the Platypus.
The trike is equipped with athree-wheel hydraulic disc braking system, delivering strong and consistent stopping power across all wheels. Theintegrated parking brakeallows the trike to remain firmly in place when stopped, parked on slopes, or loading cargo.
Stable, predictable braking you can rely on every day.
Smooth & Stable Turning Control
The Platypus is designed to feel balanced and natural when turning.
Itsrear differential systemallows each rear wheel to rotate independently, helping the trike remain stable and smooth through corners. This design significantly improves comfort, control, and confidence — especially during low-speed turns or uneven surfaces.
Turning feels steady, controlled, and reassuring.
COMPACT YET POWERFUL BATTERY
Powering the Platypus is a48V 15Ah lithium-ion battery, delivering reliable performance for daily riding.
The battery is securely mounted andeasily removable, making charging at home or on the road simple and convenient. Designed for durability and everyday use, it provides consistent power you can trust.
FAT TYRE OPTIONS FOR EVERY TERRAIN
The Platypus Foldable E-Trike features a stable tyre setup designed for confidence and comfort.
With a16 × 3.0" front tyreand20 × 3.0" rear tyres, the trike offers excellent balance, traction, and ride stability across sealed roads, bike paths, and everyday urban conditions.
Comfortable handling with a reassuring, planted feel.
HEAVY-DUTY REAR CARGO CAPACITY
Built for real-world practicality, the Platypus features a reinforced rear cargo platform designed to carry everyday essentials.
Whether transporting groceries, gear, or accessories, the rear rack provides a stable and secure solution for daily errands and utility riding.
Strong, practical, and ready for everyday use.
CONQUER HILLS WITH EASE
Flatten steep inclines without breaking a sweat. The Wallaby is driven by a high-torque motor delivering65Nm of pulling power, ensuring smooth and steady climbing even when fully loaded. Paired with a premiumShimano 7-Speed gear system, you will always have the perfect gear ratio for any terrain, giving you complete control and a natural riding rhythm whether you are cruising on flat beach paths or navigating hilly local streets.
Specifications
Frame
Frame
Rust-free modular aluminium alloy
Fork
Rigid front fork
Folding Stem
Folding alloy stem with tool-free height adjustment
Handlebar
Ergonomic alloy handlebar, folds down for compact storage
Rear Rack
Heavy-duty cargo basket, 45kg load capacity
Fenders
Full-coverage alloy mudguards, protects you from spray
Drivetrain
Motor
250W/500W high-torque rear brushless motor, 65Nm
Battery
48V 15Ah (720Wh) EVE cells, removable and lockable
Controller
48V 20A sine-wave controller with waterproof connections
PAS Sensor
CurrentSync sensor, smooth natural pedal assist
Shifter
Shimano 7-speed thumb shifter, easy-click action
Gearing
Shimano Altus 7-speed, reliable smooth shifting
Chain
KMC professional 7-speed chain
Brakes
Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes braking all 3 wheels with parking brake
Wheels
Tyres
puncture-resistant fat tyres, 16" x 3.0" front, 20" x 3.0" rear
Rims
Double-wall alloy rims, reinforced for heavy loads
Spokes
Heavy-duty stainless steel spokes, 12G/13G
Cockpit
Display
High-contrast colour LCD display, easy to read in sunlight
Throttle
Half-twist throttle with low-speed start assist
Grips
Ergonomic rubber grips with broad palm support to reduce fatigue
Saddle
Wide comfort seat with armrests and adjustable backrest
Pedals
Alloy platform pedals with high-vis reflectors
Accessories
Front Light
LED front light with horn
Rear Light
Brake light and turn signals, wired to main battery
Charger
48V 3A fast-charging charger
Tool kit
Included
Manual
Included
Additional
Includes rear cargo basket
Dimensions
| Measurements | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Bike Weight (No Battery) | 41kg |
| Bike Weight (With Battery) | 44.5kg |
| Weight Capacity | 120kg |
| Rider Height Range | 150 - 193 cm |
| Handlebar Width | 75cm |
| A - Handlebar Height | 111-122cm |
| B - Total Length | 183cm |
| C - Front and Rear Wheel Size | 16"x3.0"/20"x3.0" |
| D - Seat Height | 72cm |
| E - Step-Through Height | 35.5cm |
| F - Handlebar to Seat Distance | 72-78cm |
| G - Width of Rear Axle (Inside) | 56.5cm |
| G - Width of Rear Axle (Outside) | 77cm |
| I - Folded Height | 81cm |
| J - Folded Length | 123cm |
| K - Folded Width | 77cm |
FAQ
Have questions about the Platypus Foldable E-Trike? Find clear answers about comfort, stability, folding, transport, battery, riding features, and everyday use.
What is the Platypus Foldable E-Trike designed for?
The Platypus Foldable E-Trike is designed for riders who value comfort, stability, and everyday confidence.
It’s ideal for relaxed daily rides, errands, park paths, camping trips, and riders who prefer a steady, upright riding position rather than balancing on two wheels.
Is the Platypus suitable for older riders or those new to e-trikes?
Yes. The Platypus is especially well suited to older riders and first-time e-trike users.
Its three-wheel design, low step-through frame, and stable handling make it easy to ride, easy to stop, and easy to get on and off.
How does the folding mechanism work?
The Platypus features a centre-fold aluminium frame and a folding handlebar stem, allowing the trike to be compacted for transport or storage.
The folding process is straightforward and designed for everyday convenience rather than frequent folding on the go.
Will the Platypus fit into a car or SUV?
Yes. When folded, the Platypus can fit into many medium to large SUVs with the rear seats folded down.
We recommend checking your vehicle’s cargo dimensions, as trikes are larger than standard folding e-bikes.
How well does the Platypus handle hills?
The Platypus handles hills confidently thanks to its electric assist and stable three-wheel design.
Power delivery is smooth and controlled, helping riders climb inclines without sudden surges or loss of balance.
Does the Platypus have a throttle?
Yes. The Platypus is equipped with a half-twist throttle or smooth, intuitive control.
Throttle-assisted start-up makes moving off easier and more stable, especially for riders who prefer additional assistance.
What is the battery capacity and range?
The Platypus uses a 48V 15Ah removable lithium battery designed for reliable everyday riding.
Range varies depending on terrain, rider weight, assistance level, and riding conditions, but it is well suited for daily trips, errands, and leisure rides.
What braking system does the Platypus use?
The Platypus is equipped with a hydraulic disc braking system across all three wheels, providing consistent and reliable stopping power.
A parking brake is included to keep the trike securely in place when parked or stopped on gentle slopes.
How does the rear differential improve stability?
The rear differential allows each rear wheel to rotate independently, helping the trike remain stable and balanced when turning.
This results in smoother cornering, better control, and a more comfortable ride — especially at low speeds.
What Maintenance Is Required?
Routine maintenance for the Platypus includes keeping the tyres properly inflated, regularly checking the brakes and drivetrain components, and charging and storing the battery according to the recommended guidelines. Periodic servicing is also advised to ensure optimal performance. With basic care, the Platypus is designed to deliver reliable, long-term use.
From the time we first considered buying a platypus folding electric trike, we have had nothing but helpful advice and information. The unpacking and assembly process went well thanks to the excellent instruction book.i would thoroughly recommend the platypus trike.
I just love my Platypus etrike and highly recommend it to older people. I have mobility issues and the trike enables me to get some gentle exercise and maintain Independence. I tried a few and Ridewave was the best. Thank you
I am so happy I went with the Ridewave Platypus.
I tried out 3 other brands before deciding on the Platypus. Things that are essential for me.
Low step through frame as I am elderly. This trike is so easy to get onto.
The amazing comfortable seat with a good width and arms. A special feature that is hard to find.
Also the seat being so easy to adjust with just a lever that enables you to get the seat perfect for your leg length.
The handlebars also adjust to work in with your arm length.
But super important is the stability of the platypus. With its fat tyres
I feel confident when riding and it turns effortlessly. The other trikes I tried just did not handle the same.
With an added benefit of automatic reversing!
A horn as well as a bell.
Also the lights are superior to the others I tried. In positioning and with safety features of constant blinking so you can be easily sent. Also with left and right indicators .
It is super easy to use the gears on the right and different levels of assistance with the battery on the left.
The battery is quiet with a low hum.
My Yorkie rides in the rear basket!
It is a quality trike and has been designed to I feel above standard. The guys at ridewave genuinely have your best interest at heart. Every question I asked was answered and they are very patient.
I am totally happy
And living life to the fullest again.
Hi Paula,
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed review.
We’re really glad to hear the Platypus has given you confidence and made riding feel enjoyable again. Comfort, stability, easy access, and adjustability are exactly the areas we wanted the Platypus to help with, so it means a lot to hear that it has worked well for you.
We also love hearing that your Yorkie rides along in the rear basket.
Thanks again for choosing Ridewave and for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate it.
Kind regards,
Ridewave Bikes
Where is the Platypus manufactured? Is there an Australian outlet available? Parts availability in Australia?
Hi Mick and Lesley,
Thanks for your question.
The Platypus is manufactured in China, using reliable components from well-known brands. Most mechanical parts are standard and can be sourced locally in Australia if needed.
We also have showrooms in both Melbourne and Sydney, so you’re very welcome to visit and see the bike in person or arrange a test ride.
If you have any other questions or would like more details, feel free to let us know — happy to help.
Kind regards,
Ridewave Team
Does the seat adjust . Could you tell me the measurement from the seat front to the pedal axle as I will some recumbent.thks rgds Stuart
Hi Stuart,
The seat on our Platypus e-Trike moves forwards and backwards like a car seat. There is a small lever beneath that can be lifted to allow the seat to slide back and forth. For an average seat position, the measurement from front of the seat to the central crank bolt is ~50cm.