trikes for adults - I Love Bicycling

When you say 3 wheeled bike, you probably think about the tricycle that you rode as a child. However, contemporary 3 wheeled bike models are designed for adults. Some of them have little in common with the trike from your childhood, while others are almost exactly like the smaller versions.

Common Transportation

You’ve probably seen a traditional upright 3 wheeled bike on TV or in movies, or perhaps on your travels if you have visited any Middle Eastern or Eastern countries. The 3 wheeled bike is as common a mode of transportation as any other type of vehicle.

The Older Crowd

More older riders than ever are now riding recumbent trikes. As the price has come down, more younger buyers are trying trikes, but the 50-plus crowd continues to lead the trend. According to the AARP Bulletin, some manufacture’s have estimated that at least 75 percent of 3 wheeled bike customers are over 50. It only makes sense; Recumbent trikes benefit riders who experience conditions common in older people.

Advantages of The 3 Wheeled Recumbent Bike

Spreads the weight: Standard upright bicycles or trikes, focuses your body weight on two small sit bones, the hands, and the feet. A recumbent bike, with its reclined seating position focuses weight on the rider’s bottom, back, legs and feet, effectively spreading the weight.
More aerodynamic: 3 wheeled recumbent bikes have a lower level of gravity and a triangular shape to cut through the wind. This results in less drag and as a result it is less taxing on the arms or legs, depending on the model you have.
Speed: Having the body positioned so low to the ground really makes a huge difference in speed, especially in windy conditions.
Balance: For many older riders, or anyone else for that matter, not having to worry about balance is a big plus.
Adaptability: Can be adapted to people with disabilities.

Potential Downfalls

Hard to see in traffic. Flags can help you overcome it.
On hills, you can’t stand up to gain leverage or power. Gearing should allow for you to overcome this.

Advantages of The Upright 3 Wheeled Bike

Better visibility in traffic. The higher seating position allows more visibility above car hoods and other obstacles.
Step through design for easy mounting and dismounting
Bicycle stores love you, much more availability of parts for easy repair. Also are easier to work on.
Typically more cargo area.
Built to last.

Potential Downfalls

Less efficient than a recumbent.
Upper body weight is placed on the rear end and hands the same as a normal bike.
Typically built cheaper than a recumbent.

A Lot of Choices – The Best 5

With what seems like hundreds of different configurations, styles, prices and types of 3 wheeled bikes out there, it’s almost counterproductive to state that any bike is better than another. It depends on your individual needs. With that in mind, here are some different options:

Greenspeed GT3 Folding Recumbent

Small trike with a lot of personality. Designed to be easily transported so you can fold it up to fit in your car, or take up less space in storage. It is quickly folded with only a 6mm hex wrench and one quick-release for the frame hinge.

What to Use it For

This bike is great for weekend warriors, commuters, or even assisted touring. Available in small and standard sizes, it’s easy to find one that fits. With a weight limit of 265 lbs, it accommodates most people with ease. $2,690

Terra Trike Tadpole Rover

The Rover has probably introduced more people to a 3-wheeled bike than any other recumbent trike on the market. It’s restored health and happiness to thousands of owners who never thought they would be active again. The Rover is perfect for any type of rider – young or old, large or small.

Internal Gearing

The Rover employs the NuVinci N-360 hub. It works with a continuously variable shifting system to give the rider minute control over the ride. It is a zero maintenance, zero learning curve, zero intimidation hub that makes learning to ride a 3-wheeler easy. There is no derailleur or fixed gears to worry about, and it doesn’t matter if you are pedaling or not to shift. All the rider has to do is twist the shifter on their handlebar and the hub increases or decreases the gearing immediately to what feels best for the rider.

$1,499 with the NuVinci Hub.

Mobo Triton Pro 20

Easy to ride for adults and kids with easy adjustments. Think of it as a more affordable version of the tadpole design. Sturdy and stable. $499.00

Mission SOLO Low Step Adult Tricycle

The new Mission SOLO has been specially designed with a low step over of only 6 inches from the ground making it easy to mount and dismount. It’s proven to be very popular with the elderly and physically challenged. The Mission SOLO helps to raise the independence of disabled people and achieve a greater sense of self-worth. It’s ideal for those little shopping trips with a large basket on the rear to carry groceries. $820.

Schwinn Meridian Single Speed Adult Tricycle

This is the basic 3 wheeled bike for beginners which might remind you of the trike you had as a child. It’s also the most affordable at only $269.