Electric Bike Report’s Take
Regardless of how many wheels it has, the ANYterrain Stabilized 4-wheel Electric Bike is a relatively unique offering from Sixthreezero. We believe it could open up a world of potential for those who need even more stability than what is granted from the two wheels of an e-bike or even the three of an electric tricycle.
We have seen a handful of other brands making similar four-wheeled e-mobility devices, but these are typically recumbent designs with low, reclined seating positions. The ANYterrain’s upright position is more akin to a traditional bicycle or tricycle, though it raises the vehicle’s center of gravity, which could potentially make it feel somewhat tippy (although it was definitely hauling tail in the brand’s launch video!).
We are highly intrigued by the quadricycle’s tilting wheels, which aim to increase its stability; Sixthreezero’s tadpole trike (two wheels in the front and one in the rear) uses a similar design. Logically, the system makes more sense with a single rear wheel than two, though we expect the ANYterrain’s overall weight helps to keep it firmly on the ground.
Due to its overall weight, however, its portability may be hampered. Many e-trikes, including Sixthreezero’s EasyTransit Folding Electric Tricycle, employ folding frames to make them easier to transport. While the ANYterrain’s battery can be removed to make it lighter, its footprint and total weight will likely make transport difficult without a ramp.
Another intriguing feature of the ANYterrain Stabilized quadricycle is its 750W motor, which uses a mounting design pioneered by Lectric in its XP Trike. Based on our experiences with that tricycle—and a couple of others that borrowed the idea—we expect Sixthreezero’s “e-quad” to have a natural pedal feel similar to that of a mid-drive motor.
Assuming the motor is paired with a differential axle (this is unclear), we expect it would also provide excellent traction with its power delivered through both rear wheels instead of just one.
We were somewhat skeptical of the ANYterrain’s 20 mph speed limit, as we have found anything faster than approximately 15 mph on an electric trike can feel unsafe. As I referenced earlier, however, Sixthreezero’s marketing video shows the quadricycle tackling an unpaved dirt trail confidently at speed, so we will reserve judgment until we can test it ourselves.
While it is difficult to predict its maximum range by its specs, we estimate that the ANYterrain could achieve a minimum of 25 miles on a single charge of its enormous 960-Wh battery. With that in mind, the brand’s estimate of up to 50 miles seems plausible, depending on the power level of its lowest assist setting.
Ultimately, the ANYterrain Stabilized 4-wheel Electric Bike seems to have a great deal of potential for riders who need extra stability, the ability to carry cargo, and the power and traction needed for tackling a variety of different types of terrain. It’s a refreshing concept that we hope proves effective!
As always, we can only speculate until we perform our series of real-world performance tests; with any luck, we’ll be able to put the ANYterrain e-quad through its paces in the near future. Let us know what you think of this intriguing four-wheeler in the comments below!
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