In the midst of an acute fuel shortage crippling Cuba and bringing public transportation to a standstill, an electric cargo tricycle is being sold for $3,800, according to a video shared on Facebook.
José Luis Llanes Matos posted the advertisement on his Facebook account, detailing the technical specifications of the tricycle: it measures 2,880 × 1,130 × 1,315 mm, with a cargo box of 1,500 × 1,100 × 510 mm, and a load capacity of 300 kg.
This vehicle can reach a top speed of 35 km/h and offers a range of 70 to 80 km in an economical mode. It operates with a 60V 58AH battery and a 60V 1,200W motor, requiring six to eight hours for a full charge.
The $3,800 price tag significantly exceeds the formal offers made by Casalinda earlier this year. In January, they introduced a budget model priced at $2,350 with a 500 kg load capacity, and a reinforced model at $2,550 with an 850 kg capacity, both featuring a similar range.
This price disparity highlights the inflated costs of the informal market spurred by the collapse of public transport across the island. Import expenses—such as shipping, tariffs, and assembly—can inflate the final price by 50% to 100% over the original value from China.
Cuba faces a severe energy deficit, producing only 40,000 barrels of oil daily while needing over 110,000. This shortage led to the shutdown of Havana's bus system in February 2026 and left Ciego de Ávila with only two out of 135 routes operational by March.
National trains now operate only once every eight days, and the ferry to Isla de la Juventud runs just twice weekly. As a result, electric tricycles, which do not rely on gasoline or diesel, have become essential for many Cubans needing to travel or transport goods.
Previously, stores like Caribe in Matanzas sold electric tricycles for prices ranging from 4,400 to 4,800 MLC, indicating how the market has evolved.
The government attempted partial measures by suspending imports of internal combustion vehicles on February 19 and easing the requirements for electric tricycles and motorcycles without registration to obtain transport licenses until December 2026.
Although Russia shipped 100,000 tons of crude oil to Cuba, which arrived at Matanzas Bay on Monday, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted that this supply was "temporary and insufficient."
Understanding Cuba's Electric Tricycle Market
Why are electric tricycles so expensive in Cuba?
The high cost of electric tricycles in Cuba is driven by an informal market responding to the collapse of public transportation. Factors such as import costs—shipping, tariffs, and assembly—can significantly increase the price.
What are the technical specifications of the electric tricycle being sold?
The electric tricycle features dimensions of 2,880 × 1,130 × 1,315 mm, a cargo box of 1,500 × 1,100 × 510 mm, a load capacity of 300 kg, a top speed of 35 km/h, and a range of 70 to 80 km in economical mode, powered by a 60V 58AH battery and a 60V 1,200W motor.
How has the Cuban government responded to the transportation crisis?
The Cuban government has suspended imports of internal combustion vehicles and relaxed licensing requirements for electric tricycles and motorcycles, allowing them to obtain transport licenses until December 2026.