Icon E-Matic Review: The Automatic-Gear Electric Trike (No Shifting Required)

Here's the thing about gears: a lot of riders don't want to think about them. Changing gear at the right moment is one more decision, one more lever, one more thing to get wrong on a hill. The Icon E-Matic takes that decision away. It has a Bafang mid-drive motor paired with a Bafang automatic 3-speed hub, so the trike shifts itself. You pedal, it sorts out the rest.

Why automatic gears matter

For riders with cognitive load concerns, limited hand strength, or who simply never learned to ride a geared bike, automatic gearing removes a real barrier. There's no shifter to reach for, no wrong gear to grind in, and no stalling at the lights because you forgot to change down. The Bafang M410 mid-drive motor adds assist through the pedals, so the whole system feels like one smooth push rather than a motor and a gearbox arguing with each other.

The other benefit of a mid-drive is balance. The motor sits low and central in the frame rather than in the rear wheel, which keeps the trike feeling steady and planted.

What it's like to ride

The E-Matic rides on 24-inch wheels, which is larger than most trikes we stock. Bigger wheels roll more smoothly over footpath joins and cracks, and the taller ride height puts you up where you can see and be seen. Kenda reflective tyres help with the being-seen part at night, along with front and rear LED lights.

The alloy hi-rise handlebar on an adjustable quill stem brings the bars up and back towards you, so the riding position is upright and relaxed rather than stretched out. An elastomer comfort seat on a quick-release seatpost makes height changes easy. Hydraulic disc brakes mean light lever effort and confident stopping.

Carrying things

Front and rear baskets are standard, along with fenders and a bell. Small stuff up front where you can see it, the shopping in the back.

Who it suits

• Riders who don't want to deal with gears at all
• Anyone with limited hand strength or dexterity who finds shifters difficult
• Riders who prefer a taller, upright position on bigger wheels
• Everyday sealed paths, footpaths and quiet streets

The E-Matic is a full-size trike, not a folder, so check gate width and storage. If the rider needs a backrest and armrests, see the Ridewave Platypus. If you need a trike that folds into a car, look at the Ridewave Wallaby.

For OTs, physios, support coordinators and support workers

The E-Matic is worth considering when a participant's assessment flags gear-changing as a barrier, whether that's hand function, coordination, or the mental load of managing a shifter. The automatic 3-speed and mid-drive assist mean the only inputs are pedal, steer and brake. We can bring one to the participant's home for an at-home test ride, do a joint visit with you, and provide a written quote and supporting information for the plan. Seat height and bar position can be adjusted to suit the rider.

We're not an NDIS-registered provider, so we work best with self-managed and plan-managed participants. Agency-managed? Get in touch anyway.

👉 Book an at-home NDIS test ride
👉 How we work with NDIS participants and support teams

Key specs

Full specifications and current pricing: Icon E-Matic 24" Electric Trike.

Try it

Every E-Matic is built, tuned and test-ridden in our Alphington workshop before it leaves, with the first follow-up service included and warranty and parts handled here. Delivery is available around Melbourne, and freight to the door Australia-wide.

📍 2 Wingrove Street, Alphington
📞 (03) 8542 9500
📧 info@graceandpace.com.au

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