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Why 3 Wheels on a Bike? The three-wheel bike was really a genius idea. Many people are unaware that the first trike operated very much like a recumbent trike today using gears and hand cranks. Invented in 1680, it wasn’t until over a century later that the version most of us are more familiar with was invented. The trike is mostly associated with small children, who whiz around without the worry of falling over. They were like the introduction to cycling, allowing kids to progress to training wheels on a bicycle and then finally make their way up to the two-wheeler. Unfortunately, this adds a certain stigma to three-wheel bicycles that make some adults feel a little embarrassed on a three-wheeler. The truth of the matter is, the recumbent trike offers stability, comfort and best of all, freedom. People of all ages and ability levels are discovering the adult three-wheeler as the perfect solution to get out, enjoy exercise and find a convenient mode of transportation. Here we explain why three wheels on a bike make sense. What is a Three Wheel Recumbent Bike? Recumbent trikes are 3-wheel bikes that lays low to the ground, with a seat that allows the rider to cycle in a laid-back position. The semi-reclined position, combined with the low to the ground design makes the three-wheeled trike more stable, while also helping support the spine. It takes pressure off the hands, arms, neck and shoulders as the rider doesn’t have to cling to the handlebars when riding. Comfortable Ride The recumbent bike is designed for comfort. They are low to the ground for stability, reducing tension and stress on your body. You’re riding in a lounging position, with the weight of your body evenly distributed. Unlike a traditional two-wheeler where your position adds tension to your shoulders, neck, hands and back, your reclined position takes the strain off your body. As a result, you can enjoy cycling as your body ages or you become prone to joint, back and chronic pain. Release Endorphins You can maintain a better state of mind when riding with confidence on a three-wheel trike. Exercise releases endorphins, a chemical produced by our bodies that interact with brain receptors to help reduce pain. The same chemicals also produce positive feelings, so as you ride you feel energized and euphoric. “If I don’t get to ride every couple of days, I’m sad. I need that endorphin fix,” says David Lawson, 63. He first tried a three-wheeled trike when his chiropractor said riding his bicycle to work everyday was hurting his back. The Trike of the 50-Plus Crowd According to leading trike sellers TerraTrike and Catrike, at least 75 percent of their customers are over 50. This is because people over 50 experience more conditions that can keep them from enjoying a more active lifestyle. The third wheel allows them to ride comfortably. “The reason why trikes are the fastest-growing segment of recumbents is ease of use,” says Jeff Yonker, marketing manager for TerraTrike. “Two-wheeled recumbents have a sharp learning curve for pedaling, balance, and starting and stopping.” Cardio Workout You enjoy the same benefits you would with a traditional upright bike because you are still using the same movement and activity to propel the trike forward. As a result, your heart is pumping, and you can improve your heart rate. Many riders who have loved bike riding throughout their lives can continue to enjoy cycling without the worry of neck and backaches, while still reaping the benefits of a solid cardio workout. Perfect Balance Older riders can ride their three-wheeled recumbent trike without worrying about balance. Stability and ease of the three wheels keep you more comfortable while exercising. Most people eventually face the hard reality that their bodies just can’t keep up with the demands of biking. However, the recumbent trike is the ideal solution offering the best of both worlds. You get out and about with friends to enjoy exercising, but with the added confidence and stability of the third wheel. Less Pressure on the Joints If you suffer from joint pain and issues such as knee osteoarthritis, cycling might seem like something you should avoid. However, low-intensity cycling is possible thanks to the third wheel. You enjoy mobility to continue to gain from the lotion of motion, decreasing chronic joint pain. The recumbent position also avoids the hand, wrist and shoulder pain associated with upright bike handlebars. You operate the brake from a reclined position, maintaining full control of the bike, reducing risks of toppling over, while also providing easier grip for arthritic hands. This is because pressure associated with traditional handlebars is evenly distributed across the palms, relieving strain. Hips can also be impacted by traditional cycling. The wide seat and laid-back position reduce strain and pressure on the legs and hips by providing even balance and stability. As a result, you can ride longer distances in comfort without the worry of muscle stress. Cycling with Disabilities Disabilities can also keep you from enjoying exercises such as cycling. For example, Parkinson’s Disease, a debilitating disease that impacts balance, makes riding a traditional upright bike difficult. According to Larry Smith, the discovery of the adult trike was a real life saver. Since purchasing his recumbent trike, he enjoys vigorous exercise allowing him to keep his Parkinson’s symptoms at bay.He used his trike to ride 65 miles to raise awareness for Parkinson’s. “When I’m riding, I don’t have Parkinson’s because the balance issue is gone. It’s just me and my muscles,” he says. Two Wheels Don’t Cut It When it comes right down to it, the three wheels on a bike are the perfect solution when two wheels just don’t cut it. All the reasons outlined above circle around similar issues -- a changing level of physical ability and balance. As you age, sitting upright or leaning forward for even short periods of time leads to stiffness and pain. Whether you suffer from health conditions, or just the aging process itself balance can become more difficult. Back and joint pain can keep you from leading an active life which in turn causes your body to become less mobile. It creates a vicious circle of pain, stiffness and immobility forcing you to live a stationary lifestyle. When biking or even walking becomes too troublesome, the three-wheel bike reduces pressure and allows you to enjoy a fun, safe activity that takes away the discomfort of a traditional upright bike.

Video Transcript Hi, this is James, Master Trike Technician at Laid Back Cycles. Today we are going to discuss the three best electric assist options at Laid Back Cycles. Let’s start with the E-Cat Villager. It has the Bosch Active Line Plus motor on top of it. This is a torque cadence-based system, very natural. This particular system over here is made by Bosch, which is one of the biggest companies in the world. That particular unit actually has some car components inside of it. That’s how big Bosch is, they know how to do things, and this is one of the most natural feeling systems as far as motor assist goes. It feels just like it does when you don’t have a motor, except the hills won’t kill you. Next, we have the ICE Adventure. This uses the Shimano EP8 system. The Shimano system and the Bosch system share very similar workings. Essentially how you pedal determines the output, which again is very natural feeling. Shimano has been around, and they are one of the biggest component manufacturers for bikes. They know how to do a motor system. The secondary thing about this system, because it is Shimano, it can be matched to an automatic or semi-automatic system on the ICE. This is a great system for people who aren’t that comfortable with shifting. They can literally just get on, set it, pedal, and go on certain select drive trains like the Enviolo or the Shimano internal gear. Last is the Terra Trike E.V.O. which is one of my favorites. This has the Bosch Performance Line motor, which has a little more torque than the Active Line which was on the E-Cat Villager. Other than that, it works about the same. It has an upgraded Kiosk display, so you get more data, and you can even hook it up to your cell phone. On top of the Catrike and the Terratrike, if you have one of these brands and you don’t have a motor on it, you can put the Active Line system on both the Terratrike and the Catrike. One nice thing about all these different motor systems over here is that they are very uncomplicated. There’s no fiddling around, it’s not like you’re turning on an airplane. Essentially you just pick what level you want to go, get in, and ride. The electronics, the brains of the systems, essentially do all that for you. Okay, so which of these motors is best for you? Well, I wouldn’t buy a trike specifically on what motor it has. At Laid Back Cycles, we want to give you the freedom to ride. You should get a trike that feels the best, fits the best for you, and then pick out which motor you should have. And these are your three best options for pedal assist motors at Laid Back Cycles. Both the Bosch Kiosk and the EP8 display will connect to your phone. In fact, we have a video on that one if you want to take a look at the inner workings of that hooked up to your phone. Now there are a few more things on these motors, so watch our next video and find out what they are.

Video Transcript Laid Back Mickey here! Today we are asking the question: Who are trikes for? People who want a comfortable way to ride. When I first looked at trikes, I was looking for something that was comfortable. I am an old bike rider and leaning over hurts my back and knees. I just wanted to find something that was comfortable. I wanted something I could just lay back on, pedal, exercise with, and ride for miles on without being in pain. People who are getting older. I started riding trikes when I was in my 40’s but it is also for people in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s who are looking for a comfortable way to ride. Maybe you haven’t ridden in years and you want to be able to ride again for the first time in decades. Anybody can get on a trike because they are super stable, safe, and visible on the road. It is a fun way to get out and get exercise. I notice a lot of older people come into our shop and say, “I haven’t ridden in years and I want to ride”. Or they say, “I have been riding my whole life, but my doctor said my balance isn’t great anymore and I need to get on a trike”. And so maybe that’s for you. People who need adaptive cycling solutions. Did you know that we do adaptive and we are a VA contractor? We work with Veterans that have disabilities. We also work with people that may not have full rotation in their knees and need an adaptor for that. We work with those who might have weakness in one hand so we have a brake that you can squeeze both levers with one hand. There are 100 different ways we can adapt a trike to fit you and to be comfortable for you. The next question we plan to answer is: Who are trikes not for? We know that trikes are not for everybody. We had someone come into our shop the other day and they had a little kid that couldn’t ride a regular bicycle. They wanted to have the kid ride in one of our trikes, but the trike didn’t quite fit the small child. We don’t really sell trikes that are like tricycles for children like we do for adults. Trikes are also not for somebody that loves riding a regular bicycle and is fit. If you are younger, don’t have balance issues, and are comfortable with the smaller seat and thinner wheels then maybe a trike isn’t for you. Maybe it is not the right time for you to get one.  But for those with balance issues, back issues, sore butt issues, or if you haven’t been on a bike in a long time, right now is a great time to get a trike. It’s a great time to get into triking, to get into cycling, to live a better life, and get the freedom to ride. So now that you know a recumbent trike is right for you, your next question is: How do I choose a recumbent trike with so many different options to choose from? Well check out the next video and you will learn all about it.  

Recumbent Trike Maintenance Riding a recumbent tricycle allows you to get outdoors, spend time with friends and enjoy all the health benefits you would when out cycling on a traditional two-wheeler. What many people love about their recumbent trikes is that they not only help us maintain our bodies but require little maintenance themselves. That said, the more often you enjoy time out on your trike, the more wear and tear there is on the parts.  As a result, we always figure it’s worthwhile for our customers to understand some recumbent trike maintenance basics so they are better prepared if something should happen when out and about. Here’s our recumbent trike maintenance overview to keep you and your trike in motion. Why is Trike Maintenance Important? Like any mechanism, your trike naturally begins to wear down over time. As mentioned, trikes are relatively low maintenance. However, the better care you take of your trike, the better it performs and the less likely it is you’ll be caught out on the trails in need of repairs.   Two Types of Maintenance When it comes to adult trike maintenance there are two types requiring attention: DIY: These are small things you can do on your own, preferably every time you go out on your trike. This includes things like checking your tires to make sure they are properly inflated, or that your chain is properly lubed. Shop: You should also bring your trike in for service to increase the longevity of your trike and ensure safety, functionality, and performance. If you notice your trike doesn’t feel right when out riding, you should bring it into your local shop before something serious happens. How Often Does a Trike Need Maintenance? We offer a free 90-day tune-up after you buy your trike to make sure your trike is in great shape after the initial break-in period. We then recommend ongoing maintenance every 6 to 12 months depending on how frequently you ride your trike. What Parts of the Trike Require Regular Maintenance? Trikes require the same type of maintenance as a two-wheeler bike. They have very similar components you can learn to care for yourself, or that you can take to a local bike maintenance shop like Laid Back Cycles. The main components requiring ongoing attention to optimize performance include: Tires Your tires take a lot of abuse when out on the road. This gets even worse on rougher, uneven terrain. Not only do tires wear down over time, but they also lose air pressure and can get knocked out of alignment. Tires, therefore, require the following maintenance: Check your tires regularly to ensure they remain at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Softer pressures are common for trikes designed for cruising, while higher pressure is recommended for high-performance rides where speed is important. If tire pressure drops quickly, it could be time to replace the inner tube due to a leak. Check your tires for signs of “balding” where the treads are completely gone or uneven. Check the wheel rims to make sure the tires are balanced and look uniform as you spin the wheels. If you see the wheels are wobbling, you should bring your trike in for service as it could be there is a broken or loose spoke, or the wheel bolts are loose. Strange noises or a rough feeling when you spin the pedals could mean you have to replace or repair the bearings. Chain Your chain needs regular lubrication and cleaning. How often you do this varies based on the type of environment you tend to ride. On average, your chain should be lubricated every 200 miles. All you have to do is turn your pedals and apply the lubricant for one complete rotation. To avoid drips and wasted lubricant choose a lubricant that comes with an applicator for a more even, less messy application. Brakes Brakes can loosen up over time, especially if you have a locking mechanism. Brakes are best left to the pros because faulty brakes can lead to serious accidents. However, you can check your cable housing before heading out for a ride to see if they are loose. Some common brake issues include worn brake pads or worn housing or cables.  Cables will slowly stretch which can cause inaccuracy in the brakes and shifters. Signs your shifters are falling out of alignment include a clicking and grinding noise when you try to shift gears or when riding. In a pinch, if you feel the shifters are not working properly, you can do a quick home adjustment. You have to raise the back wheel and then bring the barrel down all the way. Then turn the barrel until that clicking noise stops. Be sure to arrange to have it repaired by a pro shop as soon as possible.   Bolts A loose bolt can be tightened at home as a temporary fix. However, bolts on your trike are “torqued” when built and must be torqued correctly for safety and functionality. Trouble Shooting Maintenance Tips The most common issue you are likely to run into is a flat tire. The front and back tire require different steps: Front Flat Tire Traveling with an emergency repair kit makes dealing with a flat tire easier. You need to remove the tire using a tire lever that separates the tire from the rim. This allows you to remove the inner tubing. Use a mini pump to fill the tube with air so you can locate the leak. Once you know where the leak is, let the air out and then prep the tube by roughing it up with the tool in your kit. Apply the vulcanizing agent and let it dry completely before applying the patch. Add a bit of air into the tube and place it back in the rim. Then carefully put the tire back into place and finish pumping up the tire. Back Flat Tire The entire back tire must be removed in order to patch the leak. Undo the quick release and gently take the wheel off the trike and follow the same steps above. To put the tire back on, shift the bike to its lowest gear, place the gear cluster in the middle of the chain, and then flip the derailer back in place. Tighten the quick release. These recumbent trike maintenance tips will keep your trike ready for the road. To make sure your trike is safe and ready to ride, set up an appointment for service with the Laid Back Cycles team.   Watch this trike maintenance video by Master Tech James:  

Video Transcript Laid-Back Mickey here and today we are going to go over the different types of trikes out there. There are three main types and one of those is for you, so stay tuned until the end because you will want to find out which one is the right one for you.Let’s start with leisure. So, leisure trikes are a great way for the everyday rider to get out and ride in comfort. They are easy to get in and out of because they are usually a little higher trike. It’s something that anybody could use. A lot of people want something that you could just step into and most trikes are usually the height of a dining room chair. They are easy to get in and out of and also you want it to be easy to shift. They also have leisure trikes where you can do auto shifting or only have a limited number of gears. You could also get leisure trikes nowadays with motors that make the ride even more leisurely. But believe it or not, motors actually help you get better exercise because you can go farther at a faster pace. Most people want to use it on the bike trail or just cruising around their neighborhood to get some exercise and have some fun.So, after leisure the next type of trike is touring. What is a touring trike? They are great for when you want to take a little longer tour or take a longer ride. When you take a longer ride you are going to want some more gears. You will want the gears for the hills, the flats, to go faster, and maybe if you want a longer ride to stretch out the trike and make it a better fit. Maybe you want suspension like this Dumont trike which has full suspension. What it does is it takes those road vibrations, and it gets rid of them for the most part and it makes your ride super comfortable. So, a touring trike is generally going to have more gears and is going to be lower to the ground. It is lower to the ground, so the wind blows over it nicely. People ask, “If it is low to the ground will people be able to see me?” And that is why in the trike world we use bright flags and rear blinker lights. Also, because trikes are wider than most bikes it gives them a more visible effect when cars come behind you. Make sure to use those safety features. With a touring trike you could go 10, to 20, to 100 miles and still be comfortable. Touring trikes are a great way to go and it is what most people end up with because they want a versatile trike. If touring is what most people go with and leisure is something that anyone can start with then what is the next one? The next one is a performance trike. If you want a great way to go fast and furious then you will want to get a performance trike. The difference between a leisure trike, a touring trike, and now a performance trike is that the performance trike is going to be lower to the ground so that the air flows over it easier. This will make the trike faster and it will have other high-end components. You are going to find higher-end components like carbon fiber, cranks, and other things that are of high quality and performance on a performance trike. With this type of trike, you are going to want to go faster and you will want something lighter that you are not dragging up a hill, but instead you are flying up the hill. Performance trikes are not for everybody, but hey, maybe you are a rode rider right now and you are asking, “Are trikes going to be cool enough for me” or “Are they going to be fast enough for me” and “Are they going to be light enough for me?” If you are asking these questions, then the performance trikes will probably be perfect for you. Now that you have learned about the three different types of trikes, you may want to know which brand is right for me? Or how do I go about choosing the right trike and the right brand? Watch these videos to learn more.

If you’ve experienced the joy of riding a recumbent trike, you know the seated-back position makes it easier to cycle further comfortably. You also enjoy stability due to the three-wheel design, reducing the risk for falls and serious injuries because the trike is lower to the ground than an upright bicycle.  However, if you’re looking for the ultimate recumbent trike experience, it might be time to invest in an electric-assist recumbent trike. You enjoy all the benefits of your recumbent trike, but with the boost of an electric motor when you need it. Here we explain why you should get an electric-assist recumbent trike to improve your cycling experience. You’ll Still Benefit From Exercise Some people are hesitant to invest in electric trikes with the worry they’ll miss out on all that exercise. However, Brigham Young University published research findings that showed electric bikes offer almost the same level of exercise as those riding mountain bikes. The bonus is that despite getting exercise, people find they feel better than they would following a workout.  Riders’ hearts work at over 90% of the rate of traditional bikes without feeling like they’ve worked as hard. According to a study by BikeRadar, champ Tom Bell hit close to his maximum heart rate when riding his favorite off-road test loop on an electric bike. If you use your recumbent trike to get to work, studies show an electric hybrid bike averaged 89% of the mean beats per minute compared to riding on a traditional bike.  Electric recumbent trikes still require pedaling so you still get the benefits of a cardiovascular workout, while also helping to build muscles and endurance. As with any bike, you strengthen muscles and improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system, keeping you fit to enjoy other types of physical activity. Higher Speed, Less Effort Electric bikes allow you to push as hard as you like, reach higher speeds and climb higher faster all with less effort. So, if you love a challenging trail, the electric recumbent trike makes it easier to travel the routes choosing when you wish to use electric-assist or back off. This allows you to ride at your own pace and your own level of effort. In fact, you can take your average speed of 10 to 12mph, up to 20mph with your electric trike. If you love hills but hate how they slow you down, you can avoid drops in speed with an electric trike. The motor kicks in to help you keep up your momentum even on the most challenging hills. Less Stress on Your Body Because the pedal-assist electric feature helps with the strain and effort required, you also will manage hills, inclines, and rough terrain more easily. As a result, you put less stress on your body, particularly the joints and heart. So, while you enjoy the benefits of muscle strength and a good cardio workout, you do so without the strain that can lead to injury and stress experienced on a regular bike. You need less recovery time, which makes it ideal if you’re just getting started on exercising more often. Good for Everyone Cycling is fun, making it appealing to people of all ages looking to lead more active lifestyles. However, despite the saying, it’s just like riding a bike, you might be surprised how difficult it can be to get into the swing of cycling. If you aren’t used to physical activity, you are likely to experience aches and pains even after cycling just a short distance.  This can put you off physical activity, so your bike ends up collecting dust. However, an electric-assist recumbent trike makes it easier for people of all activity levels to ease into cycling without feeling overly exhausted and achy. The electric-assist allows you to ease into cycling, while the recumbent positioning puts less strain on your body. You can get used to using the muscles required to ride a bike. In fact, e-bikes are an excellent choice for those with mobility issues or mild disabilities. Improve Your State of Mind An electric 3-wheel bike provides an easy way to get outdoors and avoid living a sedentary life. Enjoying nature, even if it is just at your local park, helps reduce stress levels and improve mood. Fresh air and reduced stress also help you enjoy healthier sleep. For those who might feel left out when friends and family are out and about, you can become more social and join in the fun with an electric adult tricycle. You can ride with groups of younger, fitter people without getting left behind with your electric assist for a more social form of exercise that makes you feel part of the community. Faster and Further Not to dwell too much on speed and distance, but if these things are considerations to your cycling habits, data from European cities showed e-bike riders took longer trips. So again, you balance out any slight losses in physical gains by traveling farther. You can also go further in less time because you have that added speed from your motor. Imagine being able to reach those trails further from home whether you’re looking for a flat, smooth ride, or more challenging climbs in the hills out yonder. Suddenly new opportunities open up offering more options for your cycling outings. Instead of having to load your trike into the car, if you can even manage that, you can ride all the way there and back. Safer for City Cycling If you do all your cycling in the city, the electric assist motor is the urbanite’s best friend. You will find it’s easier to speed up from a standstill, so you can keep up with traffic when starting up after stops at lights, junctions and stop signs. This reduces stress while also keeping you safer when cycling on busy city streets. As a bonus, you also find parking a lot easier than traveling by car in the city. With rising gas prices, it’s also cheaper than a car.   Electric recumbent trikes allow you to enjoy longer rides and extend your workout time. It takes less effort than riding a normal bike so you can go further faster and can conquer rough terrain, hills and distances for the ultimate recumbent trike experience.

Recumbent tricycles are 3-wheel bikes designed so the rider sits in a laid-back position. The reclined position is not only very comfortable but also reduces strain on your joints and back. As well, the three wheels add stability to reduce the risk of accidents or severe injuries from tip-overs. The wide seat is more ergonomically correct, so you have improved back and shoulder support. Instead of sitting upright, or stooping over the handlebars, you are comfortably reclined, allowing you to ride for hours without the discomforts of the common saddle-style seats on traditional two-wheeled, upright bikes.  All in all, you experience comfort in your entire body, from your hands, wrists and shoulders no longer clutching traditional handlebars, to your back and joints supported thanks to the reclined position. When you hear all the benefits of a recumbent trike it becomes easier to understand why these adult tricycles come with a higher price tag. Here we dive deeper into the benefits of a recumbent trike and why they are more expensive than traditional two-wheelers. How Much Do Recumbent Trikes Actually Cost? Recumbent tricycles range in price from $1500 to as much as $12 to $13K. There are several brands available offering different features including Catrike, ICE, TerraTrike, and Greenspeed. This provides options to suit most budgets. Considering it is an investment you will enjoy for years to come, you can see an excellent ROI on your trike. When looking at the average costs for a bike, you are looking at $350 to $700 for a road bike, about $400 for a single-speed bike and upwards of $1000 for a mountain bike. A More Complex Design The more complex the design of any product we buy, the more it costs to produce. A recumbent adult trike offers a state-of-the-art design that checks all the boxes for an enjoyable ride. The extra design features cost more to create and in turn more to manufacture. The experience for the end-user through the complex and ergonomic design improves comfort, safety, speed, duration of the ride, and overall enjoyment. As the saying goes you get what you pay for. Manufacturing Process In the case of the recumbent tricycle, you just can’t compare the two-wheeled bike with the three-wheeled recumbent trike manufacturing process. For example, trikes require special machinery to bend the broad tubing, adding to production costs. There are also more materials required to produce the wider, more comfortable seat. Materials and equipment add up. Customized Parts Adult trikes have customized parts that are far more costly than average, assembly-line upright two-wheeled bike parts. For example, the saddle seat costs an average of $5, compared to $200 for the custom seat of the adult trike. That’s a huge difference. The amount of chain required for a recumbent bike is two to three lengths more than a bike.  The chain has to reach the distance between the extended front wheels and back to propel the tires in their stretched-out position. Then there are the wheels themselves, with an additional wheel logically costing more than two. Custom steering is also required which costs more than the steering components of even higher-end bikes. Additional cable housing and tandem lengths are also used when manufacturing recumbent bikes. Ergonomics and Balance Although the style and added support speak to the unique design of the recumbent three-wheeler, the science behind the ergonomics also adds to the price. You just won’t find the comfort and support of the recumbent trike in any other kind of bike. If you suffer from back issues, it can keep you from staying active. The ergonomic design and added supports protect your back as well as your joints while you are out riding. These additional supports and design considerations come with a higher price tag because they require more thought, and more complex production costs as mentioned above. Supply and Demand It also boils down to good old-fashioned economics. Whenever supply is lower and demand is high, prices rise. Adult tricycles are still a niche market which means supply is lower. Along with the contributing factors adding to the costs of production, the prices remain high. However, as the population ages, and people seek healthier lifestyles demand is likely to grow. This means some manufacturers will find it viable to reduce costs as they buy materials in bulk to meet demand. Safety You can’t put a price tag on safety. The added balance alone is worth the investment for safer rides thanks to the two back wheels. The design of the trike creates a lower center of gravity than a bike, enhancing stability for improved confidence on the road or trail. You are also lower to the ground so even if you somehow manage to fall off the trike, or overturn it, you are less likely to suffer as serious an injury compared to an upright bike. Improved maneuverability also reduces the risk of accidents. The recumbent bike makes it easier to manage in higher traffic areas or even veer safely if something runs out in your path like a random squirrel. Shipping Costs The size of the recumbent adult trike is much larger than your average upright bike. As a result, it takes more packaging to ship the trike. Add to this the added weight of the trike and shipping costs begin to rise. Whether you’re ordering the bike online, or are purchasing it from a retailer, the prices reflect the markup to cover the additional shipping costs of the larger trike.   When you balance the benefits of a recumbent trike with the price, you’ll find it is worth the investment. For example, if you purchased an adult trike on the lower end, you could have it almost paid off in less than a year with payments of $100 a month. As with any purchase, you can invest in the trike that suits your budget and lifestyle, so you don’t break the bank.

If you’ve decided it’s time to invest in a recumbent trike, you want to take your time and find the best trike for you. This is an investment that should provide you with years of enjoyment and many health benefits. Therefore, you want to avoid just focusing on price. The most expensive trike could have too many features you don’t need so the cheapest model might be perfectly fine, and vice versa. The last thing you want is to invest the money in an adult trike that you end up not enjoying, or worse have it sit around and gather dust in your garage. Here we offer simple tips to help you choose the best recumbent trike for your needs. Consider Why You Want a Recumbent Trike This is the most important question. For example, some people love having the latest thing and purchase a recumbent trike just because their budget allows. Others can no longer cycle due to issues with joint or back pain, and still others are less confident out cycling so want something more stable. You might also find you can’t cycle as far as you used to. All these factors impact the types of recumbent trike features you need for the safest and most enjoyable ride. Where Will I Ride? Where you ride is important because it contributes to the features you’ll need. For example, if you just ride to and from work or take short rides for exercise, storage for things like food, water or weather gear isn’t a major consideration. If you ride to work along busier roads, you might want more power to keep up with local traffic. On the other hand, long trips not only call for more storage but also a more comfortable seat. If you love more challenging trails, safety and stability become far more important. Not all 3 wheel bikes will allow you to hit the challenging trails or high hills, so you might want to consider a motor for example. Wheel size also impacts the trike’s ability to handle the roads or trails where you ride. Small wheels make it difficult to hit the dirt or gravel trails, while large wheels aren’t as practical if you need to transport your trike to your favorite trails. What Do I Plan To Do In The Future? You’ll want your trike to adapt to changes in your lifestyle so you don’t have to invest in a new trike down the road. If you choose a trike that meets your general needs, you might find in a few years the trike no longer suits your life. For example, you might have more time when you retire, so you start taking longer trips. In this case, it would help to have a motor. While you might not think you need a motor today, changes to your life might make a motor far more desirable. You can travel further, but also apply less effort if you find you’re slowing down more easily. You might even want to join a trike or cycling club and find you can’t keep up with the group. How Does the Adult Tricycle Feel? You never want to buy a bike of any kind without spending some serious time testing out how it feels. How is it on the road? Is the seat in a position that will work for longer distances? Can you get in and out of the trike without too much trouble? When you’re seated in the trike does it feel too low to the ground? Do you feel vulnerable alongside other bikes or passing traffic? Can you keep a pace you usually would need when out cycling? Do you feel in control when you take a turn at higher speeds? If you like to go faster and travel trails with twists and turns, then a lower model is better. However, if getting down low is not possible, and you stick to basic trails in your area, then a higher seat is safer and easier to get in and out of. Suspension System The topic of suspension takes us back to the types of surfaces you’ll ride on. Although the seat of the recumbent trike helps take the load when riding on a paved, smooth surface, it doesn’t do much when on rough terrain, or hitting a bump in the road. So, if you plan to ride the rougher trails, be sure the suspension of your trike is up to the challenge. Keep in mind suspension systems add to the cost and the list of things that can wrong with your trike. Therefore, quality suspension is not only more expensive at the time of the purchase, but also for future maintenance and repairs. Transporting Your Trike If you only plan to ride your trike directly from your home, transporting your trike is not an issue. Because trikes are wider and longer than a traditional bike, if you plan to travel with your trike to your destination, then you’ll need to make sure it will fit in your vehicle. Some will fit on a trike rack for cars or trucks, while others can slide into an SUV or hatchback. If you travel with a friend or partner, you’ll need space enough for both trikes. If you have a smaller vehicle or transport more than one trike, you might consider getting folding trikes. Another consideration when it comes to transporting your trike is the weight. Are you able to lift your trike into your vehicle or onto the rack There are so many recumbent trikes to choose from which can be a little overwhelming when you start shopping. Hopefully, this list will make it easier. We’re also here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect trike.

Are Recumbent Trikes Safe? Recumbent tricycles or “trikes” are 3-wheel bikes designed for comfortable, safe adult cycling. They offer comfort and stability, with the three-wheel configuration making it almost impossible for them to tip. People who love to cycle for long trips but hate the discomfort of the seat and pressure of an upright bike are sure to find an adult tricycle an excellent option. Here we look at recumbent trikes and just how safe they are. Recumbent Trikes are Stable Recumbent tricycles are extremely stable thanks to the third wheel. When riding a traditional bicycle, it takes skill and experience to keep the bike from tipping over. This is never a concern with a trike. If you suffer from balance issues and have deserted your upright bicycle, this is the ideal solution to get you back out there.  If balance isn’t an issue, the added stability is still the best way to avoid topples due to things like obstacles in the road, swerving to avoid a squirrel or just general imbalances due to many unexpected events. The trike offers a better center of gravity because they are lower to the ground, adding to the ease of keeping the trike steady and balanced. So, if you are worried about balance and injuries, the recumbent trike reduces the risk of falls and accidents.  One last word on balance: When you stop on an upright bicycle you have to place your feet on the ground to remain stable. This can make it more likely for tipping over when you stop at faster speeds and need to put your foot on the ground for balance. This is not an issue with a trike. Recumbent Bikes are More Comfortable While it might not seem, comfort is important for safety, it actually does impact your ride. If you begin to tire and feel uncomfortable while cycling it can make it easier to experience injuries and strains. With trikes, because they have a reclined, comfortable seat, you can ride further without feeling the tension and strain you would with an upright bicycle. You reduce stress and pressure on your back and buttocks as well as your wrists and neck.  The comfy seat isn’t invasive like a narrow bicycle seat, so you don’t need to worry about special cycling pants for added padding and comfort. Most upright bikes also put a lot of pressure on your lower back when cycling further distances, which can make it difficult to reach your destination. Pain interferes with concentration, while also indicating possible injury. When you cycle in comfort, your body is relaxed, your mind is focused, and you can avoid a range of motion issues due to muscle stress and strain. Suspension for Rougher Terrains If you love more challenging trails, cycling on hills can still be a painful and dangerous experience. You are at a far greater risk of tipping on an upright bike, especially if you find it necessary to slow down going up steep slopes. If you travel on rough terrain, an adult tricycle with suspension offers even more stability and responsiveness. You can make it up hills with less effort, by slowing down without the worry of tipping. You can also safely cycle over rockier, less even trails to enjoy the thrill of exploring. Because of the 3-wheel design, recumbent trikes have a wider stance. The wider stance makes the trike easier to handle when cycling at faster speeds.  Forward Facing for Improved Visibility The ergonomic design of the seat allows you to keep your head in a comfortable, forward-facing position. Instead of cycling hunched over like many bicycles, you are always looking ahead, without the temptation to keep your eyes down towards the ground. As a result, you remain focused on the trail or road ahead for improved visibility. You are better able to anticipate trouble and see obstacles more easily to help avoid accidents. It’s also easier for other cyclists or vehicles to see you when you’re on a recumbent trike. The fact that you’ll take up more space on the roadway or trail means they can see you from farther away, and if you also use safety flags on your trike, you’ll be even more visible to others.  Storage Space to Be Better Prepared Another advantage of the adult tricycle is the increased storage space. This allows you to head out prepared for all possible challenges whether it is inclement weather, being delayed and requiring food, or proper stores of water on exceptionally hot days. Warm clothing, rainwear, long pants, etc. can all be at your disposal should the need arise. However, storage space also helps you avoid challenges trying to carry something while cycling, such as groceries. As a result, you are at less risk of accidents you are more likely to experience on a bicycle. Despite the added weight, the recumbent tricycle remains sturdy and stable. Overall Health Benefits Recumbent trikes also keep you safe by keeping you healthy. If you have stopped cycling due to joint or back pain, as well as balance issues, you won’t get enough exercise. Cycling is a wonderful way to stay active and you don’t have to give it up thanks to recumbent trikes. If you have always been active, but pain, balance or other physical limitations are getting in the way, you can see your health begin to deteriorate. You can “get back in the saddle” with an adult tricycle and reap all the health benefits. You use your muscles to keep them strong, while also improving blood flow and circulation.  Because you remain mobile, you keep your muscles and joints more limber, helping to improve tissue elasticity. As a result, you maintain proper function and range of motion keeping you more agile, mobile, and independent. This is very important for your mental health. Cycling is a cardio workout that doesn’t put too much strain on your muscles and joints like other high-impact cardio programs. You enjoy a relaxing activity that helps calm your mind while targeting your glutes, hamstrings calves and quadriceps. So, in answer to the question, are recumbent trikes safe, the answer is yes. Whether you want a more comfortable ride when cycling, suffer from joint pain or physical limitations, or are worried about accidents on an upright bike, the adult tricycle is a safe way to enjoy cycling.