Regardless of physical ability, everybody can enjoy the benefits from physical activity. As an train, biking contributes to improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle mass, improved coordination, and weight loss. For an adult with power, balance, or mobility challenges, the stability and comfort of an adult trike provides the opportunity to reap the benefits of cycling, without a lot of the tip-risk associated with a traditional -wheeled bike.
What’s an adult tricycle?
Adult tricycles, also called adult trikes, three-wheeled bikes, and adaptive tricycles, are three-wheeled self-propelled cycles that are a fantastic option for people who have balance or coordination points, but preserve the ability to perform the pedaling and braking required for a trike. They generally have an upright sitting position and three massive wheels, one in entrance and two in back.
What should I look for when buying a tricycle?
The main considerations when purchasing an adult trike are its seat fashion and handlebar type. Below, we will explain all the seat positions, handlebar types, and other important options to consider!
Upright Tricycle
With the exception of the extra rear wheel, upright adult tricycles are much like standard bikes. They look like the trikes most people think of for children, only bigger. A rider mounts and dismounts simply with the step-through frame, and is seated in an upright position while riding. These adult tricycles often come with baskets for carrying things, in order that they’re nice for running round town, however they’re not designed for biking as a sport.
Pros
Easy to mount and dismount
Seated in an upright comfortable position
Storage for carrying further items
Super stable and tip-resistant
Cons
More for getting around than for exercise or sport
Not as simple to pedal as different designs
Semi-Recumbent Tricycle
A semi-recumbent bike is ideal for taller individuals or anyone who finds it difficult to pedal a normal adult trike but must not be as low to the ground as a totally recumbent trike. This design affords the stability of an upright tricycle with easier pedaling and steering because the seat is positioned farther back. Most riders will find this design comfortable and person-friendly, and these adult trikes are less likely to cause back pain than upright models and may accommodate higher weight limits.
Pros
Seat location makes pedaling and steering easier than an upright trike
Stable and tip-resistant
Much less back strain than upright models
Combines options of upright and recumbent models
Good selection for bigger or taller riders
Cons
Not your best option for sport biking
Not your best option for shorter riders
Recumbent Tricycle
On a recumbent trike, the rider sits low to the ground in a reclining position, with the rider’s body weight evenly distributed over a larger area. This weight distribution and assist of the spine in a neutral reclined position makes this fashion an excellent selection for individuals who endure from back pain. There are various handlebar kinds available, however instead of front-mounted handlebars, most recumbent trikes have levers on either side of the seat for steering. These trikes are low to the ground and ideal for sport biking.
Pros
Best for sport cycling
Supports spine in impartial position to lower back pain
Stable anti-tip design
Best design to steer and pedad
Cons
Not a good choice for errands or just running round
Least budget friendly design