Riding a bike requires balance skills that children and seniors might not have and as such another wheel is added to the bike to give it stability and ease of operation. This is known as a tricycle. Children use a small-size trike and adults use adult tricycles for many reasons, such as shopping, recreation, and exercise. They are also used for commercial transportation in Asia and Africa, primarily for transporting passengers or for freight and delivery.

Characteristics and types of adult tricycles

Mostly these 3 wheel bikes are powered by pedals, but some of them use cranks. These can also be motorized using a small motor or an automatic transmission scooter motor or an electric motor. There are various tricycle designs such as Upright, Delta, and Tadpole. The upright design is basically like a two-wheeler with two wheels at the rear and one front wheel and the rider sits on the frame and steers the trike via a handlebar that is connected to the front wheel.

The Delta design is very similar to the Upright, but the rider sits in a reclined chair-like seat. In this case, driving is done through one or both of the rear wheels, and the front wheel is basically for steering. The Tadpole design is also known as a reverse trike that has two wheels at the front and one at the rear. In most cases, the rear wheel is driven and the front wheels are used to steer. However, some tricycles also have reversing characteristics.

Most adults and seniors prefer the tadpole design as it does not involve too much physical effort and strain that are necessary for normal upright bikes. These adult tricycles have a low center of gravity and are lightweight. Its aerodynamic design is primarily responsible for its high level of performance. There are a few other variations of tricycle designs, such as having different front and rear wheel sizes and other unique features.

Other features

Adult tricycles may also have multi-speed gear drives and backs to provide support for the elderly. They also have front and rear brakes. The front brakes are typically V-brakes or traction brakes, while the rear brakes can be internal drum brakes or traction brakes.

Utility for seniors

Adult tricycles are ideal for older people who have trouble riding their bikes, as they have excellent maneuverability in terms of cornering, terminal speed, rider endurance and stability, and comfort. In addition, they are very convenient for those adults worried about falls. Three-wheeled bikes do not need support and can climb and ride at low speeds. Seniors can also escape the rigors of bad weather, as some recumbent tricycles can be fully enclosed. Some adult tricycles can also be equipped with a storage box that fits between the rear wheels.

This is a great feature for seniors who have a hard time carrying their groceries or other household items from one location to another. Adults can also use these tricycles to carry children. Disabled and extremely elderly people can use the motorized version of the adult tricycles for greater comfort and less effort.