Motorcycles aren’t for everyone. Some people don’t want to ride, and others can’t for one reason or another. However, three-wheeled options have the potential to get the latter out in the wind. So, between a trike and a sidecar motorcycle, which three-wheeler ride is right for you?

Is a sidecar motorcycle a better option than a trike for a rider looking for a three-wheeler?

A Sidecar motorcycle and a trike have one crucial, albeit obvious, thing in common: three wheels. They take the inherent instability of a motorcycle and add a third wheel in such a way that a kickstand isn’t necessary. It’s beneficial for mobility-compromised riders who can’t balance a heavy motorcycle. 

Furthermore, both three-wheeled motorcycle styles are available from the factory or in a kit. Many popular motorcycle models, like the Triumph Bonneville, have attachment-ready aftermarket sidecar options. Conversely, Ural (yes, that Ural) sells from-the-factory sidecar adventure bikes.

The same can be said of trikes. From one-wheel-up-front Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultras to the modular and inverted Polaris Slingshot, you can buy a new trike in nearly any configuration. Or, owners can purchase and install an aftermarket conversion kit to transform an existing bike into a three-wheeled machine.

So which one should you choose? Well, a sidecar motorcycle will ride differently from a rider-centric trike. However, your passenger will likely enjoy the comfort of a sidecar more given the wind protection and space. If you’re a solo rider, you may enjoy the ride of a powerful, smooth trike more.

Moreover, trikes typically require a reverse gear or electric reversing motor. Conversely, riders with sidecar motorcycles will typically have to roll out of spots. Of course, that isn’t the case for every sidecar-equipped bike.

So is a sidecar motorcycle cheaper than a trike? 

Well, yes and no. Depending on the base motorcycle, year, mileage, and condition, you can get a used trike for under $10,000. For instance, a custom three-wheeler conversion with a Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster base bike can cost around $6,000. 

However, the Sportster conversion won’t offer many of the same modern amenities you would with a new Tri-Glide Ultra. On the other hand, you can purchase a new Ural for around $22,000. That, or you can buy a new sidecar for a Triumph or BMW for around $10,000.