A crash involving a modern car and an electric tricycle resulted in at least three individuals being injured this past Sunday in Varadero, near the Oasis Hotel at the entrance of the Hicacos Peninsula in Matanzas Province.
Citizen journalist Christian Arbolaez shared the news on Facebook, describing it as a "developing story" and initially confirming two injuries: "a woman with an arm injury and a young man who was also hurt."
Images from the scene depict a blue electric tricycle halted on what appears to be a bridge with red railings, and a dark SUV—likely a Hyundai Tucson—in the background.
On the ground, there is a fallen object, presumably a piece that broke off from one of the vehicles during the collision.
The Growing Concern of Electric Tricycle Accidents
The accident took place in an area where high-end tourist vehicles coexist with popular modes of transport like electric tricycles and pedicabs, which operate informally in the resort area.
"Currently, there are no further details on their health status or the circumstances surrounding the accident," Arbolaez noted in his post.
This incident is part of a series of accidents involving electric tricycles in Cuba over recent months.
In the same Varadero area, a cyclist was severely injured in a collision with a car on the Varadero-Cárdenas highway at the end of July.
In June, a woman died and several were injured when an electric tricycle overturned, and that same month, another tricycle accident in Regla left multiple people hurt, including a young woman with facial injuries.
In March, a violent crash in Centro Habana involving a taxi, an electric tricycle, and a pedicab claimed two lives.
Alarming Traffic Statistics in Cuba
Official figures from the first quarter of 2026 highlight the severity of the issue: according to the National Road Safety Commission, Cuba recorded 1,234 accidents, resulting in 153 fatalities and 1,154 injuries during that period, with motorcycles, mopeds, and pedestrians accounting for 74% of the incidents.
Cuban authorities have pointed to speeding, disregard for traffic signals, and deteriorating road infrastructure as factors exacerbating accident rates, although the unchecked proliferation of lightweight vehicles remains an unresolved challenge.
Understanding the Risks of Electric Tricycle Use in Cuba
What factors contribute to the high number of accidents in Cuba?
Speeding, ignoring traffic signals, and poor road conditions are significant factors, along with the growing use of unregulated lightweight vehicles like electric tricycles.
How are electric tricycles impacting traffic safety in Cuba?
The increase in electric tricycles, often operating informally, contributes to traffic congestion and accidents, challenging the current infrastructure and safety regulations.