Why Cargo Trikes Require Polycarbonate Windscreens in Urban Logistics

When it comes to choosing the ideal material for windscreens, polycarbonate windscreen solutions stand out for their exceptional durability and lightweight properties. Renowned for their impact-resistant capabilities, these windscreens are becoming a popular choice across various industries, from race cars to heavy equipment. Unlike traditional OEM glass, polycarbonate windscreens offer unmatched benefits, making them a preferred option for those seeking both performance and longevity.

The use of advanced polycarbonate material ensures features like scratch resistance, uv protection, and anti-fog coating, which make these windscreens suitable for diverse applications. Whether it’s the rear windows of a UTV like the RZR XP 1000, a replacement window for your golf cart, or a hard coated polycarbonate windshield for marine use, this material is designed to withstand the test of time while maintaining clarity and safety.

A New Wave of Urban Mobility

Cities around the world are rethinking urban delivery.

From New York to Amsterdam, cargo trike, electric cargo trikes, delivery tricycles, and 3-wheel logistics vehicles are taking over the “last mile” — reducing emissions, saving space, and cutting congestion.

Why Polycarbonate Windscreens Are the Ideal Choice

Lightweight and High Impact Resistance

Polycarbonate windscreens are widely recognized for their lightweight nature, providing significant weight reduction compared to traditional OEM glass. This weight savings translates directly into enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, making these windscreens a perfect fit for vehicles like race cars, UTVs such as the RZR XP 1000, and heavy equipment. The reduced weight of glass components also minimizes strain on the vehicle structure, contributing to a more efficient and smoother operation.

Beyond being lightweight, polycarbonate windscreens offer exceptional impact strength, making them highly resistant to damage from debris, harsh weather conditions, and daily wear and tear. This high impact resistance ensures they are capable of withstanding demanding environments, proving especially useful in applications like construction vehicles and off-road adventures.

Major companies like Amazon, EVRI, and The Hut Group are now using electric cargo bikes to deliver parcels in busy city areas. The reason is simple — they’re faster, cheaper, and greener than vans.

Scratch Resistance and Long-Term Durability

Thanks to advanced hard coating technology, polycarbonate windscreens are designed with superior scratch resistance and abrasion resistance. This makes them an ideal choice for critical areas such as rear windows, side windows, and rear windshields, where durability is key. The hardcoated polycarbonate surface significantly reduces the risk of scratches, extending the lifespan of the product and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Additionally, the long-term durability factor of polycarbonate windscreens translates to lower maintenance costs over time. Whether you’re outfitting a UTV windshield or a pioneer 1000, this material ensures reliability and performance for years to come, even in challenging environments.

UV Protection and Anti-Fog Coatings

Polycarbonate windscreens come with built-in UV protection to shield against harmful UV rays, ensuring safety and comfort for drivers and passengers. This feature also prevents the material from yellowing over time, maintaining clarity and visual appeal. The inclusion of an anti-fog coating further enhances visibility, particularly in diverse weather conditions, making it ideal for vehicles like golf carts, UTVs, and polycarbonate boat windows.

These coatings are designed to perform in a wide range of environments, from humid coastal areas to cold mountain regions. For applications requiring frequent exposure to harsh weather, such as a half windshield for an off-road vehicle, these protective features ensure uninterrupted performance and visibility.

Applications and Benefits of Polycarbonate Windscreens

Versatility Across Industries

The adaptability of polycarbonate windscreens makes them a popular choice across multiple industries. They are commonly used in innovative designs such as electric cargo trikes, NACA ducts, and vehicles like the pioneer 1000. Additionally, they are a preferred material for creating new products, replacement windows, and half windshields, demonstrating their versatility.

Meeting sustainability goals is another significant advantage of these windscreens. With compliance to ece r43 standards, polycarbonate windscreens are designed to align with modern environmental regulations, making them a sustainable and responsible choice for various applications.

Fuel Efficiency and Weight Savings

One of the standout benefits of polycarbonate windscreens is the weight reduction they offer, which directly enhances fuel efficiency. Lighter vehicles consume less fuel, leading to both cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. This is particularly important for performance-focused applications like race cars and utility vehicles, where every ounce counts.

By replacing the weight of glass with polycarbonate material, manufacturers also achieve lower shipping duties and streamlined logistics. The lighter weight not only improves shipping status but also contributes to a more cost-effective supply chain, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and end-users.

Custom Fabrication and ISO 9001 Standards

Polycarbonate windshield manufacturers, like Excelite, are known for their advanced fabrication capabilities, offering custom sizes and designs tailored to specific needs. Features such as screen printing and part number customization ensure the windscreens can meet diverse application requirements. Whether for a replacement window or a new product, these tailored solutions offer unmatched flexibility.

Moreover, adherence to ISO 9001 standards ensures that every polycarbonate windscreen undergoes strict quality control processes. This guarantees a durable, reliable product that meets the highest industry standards, giving customers peace of mind and confidence in their investment.

Maintaining and Restoring Polycarbonate Windscreens

Cleaning and Scratch Removal

Maintaining the clarity and longevity of polycarbonate windscreens requires proper cleaning and care. Using a specialized polycarbonate windshield cleaner or plastic windshield scratch remover can effectively eliminate dirt and minor scratches. For deeper imperfections, an acrylic windshield scratch remover or flame polishing can restore the surface to its original condition.

To further enhance clarity, applying a polycarbonate polishing paste can smooth out any remaining imperfections. Regular maintenance not only improves the appearance of the windscreen but also extends its lifespan, ensuring long-term performance.

Protective Coatings and Maintenance Tips

Applying a 3M windshield protection film can provide an additional layer of scratch resistance, safeguarding the surface against daily wear and tear. Water repellent and anti-fog coatings are also highly recommended to improve visibility in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog. These coatings ensure the windscreen remains clear and functional in all situations.

For optimal performance, it is essential to handle and store polycarbonate windscreens carefully to prevent unnecessary damage. Keeping the surface free from debris and avoiding abrasive cleaning tools can help maintain the windscreen’s durability and clarity over time.

Design Innovation in Windscreen Manufacturing

At Excelite, we specialize in custom windscreens and canopies designed for:

Electric cargo trikes
Delivery tricycles and 3-wheel cargo bikes
Urban logistics vehicles and micro-delivery pods

We offer complete customization in:

Shape and curvature thermoforming(flat, dome, or wrap-around)
Material (PC, acrylic)
Mounting systems (bolt-on, clip-on, quick-release, CNC machining, thermoforming )
Integrated features such as UV protection, abrasion resistant, tinting, and anti-fog coatings

Windscreens for Every Application

Whether you need a front windshield for a cargo tricycle, a full canopy enclosure, or replacement panels for an existing fleet, we can produce it to exact specifications.

As cities continue to push for zero-emission logistics, the humble cargo trike will evolve into a smarter, safer, and more weather-resistant vehicle.
And at the center of that evolution will be the windscreen — the first line of protection for both the driver and the delivery.

At Excelite, we’re proud to be part of this transition, designing and manufacturing custom windscreens that keep deliveries moving — rain or shine.