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Written by Hulet Smith, OTR/L
An adult tricycle, AKA a 3-wheeled bike, provides a stable and functional alternative to a conventional bike, giving you the chance to safely enjoy the benefits of cycling. Whether you are seeking exercise or transportation or just a way to leisurely enjoy your time outside - you’ll find balance isn’t an issue with an adult trike, so you can self-propel without worrying about tipping over.
The 3-wheeled frame of a tricycle is built for stability and comfort, which opens up a whole new world of activities for people who don’t have the physical ability to ride a conventional bicycle. From a therapeutic standpoint, the use of an adult tricycle can improve strength, balance, and coordination, all of which improve quality of life and impact daily activities of living.
 | 4) Desoto Classic 3-Wheeler Adult Trike View Product |
 | 3) Mobo Shift Reversible Cruiser View Product |
 | 2) Meteor 3 Wheel Semi Recumbent Tricycles View Product |
Positioning flexibility is an extremely important feature for people with limited mobility, and Special Needs Tricycles are no exception. Most of them offer some amount of options for seat and handlebar adjustment, but some are more versatile than others. Additionally, tricycle seats come in Upright, Semi-Recumbent, and Recumbent positions, which can make a significant difference to the rider depending on the experience they are looking for (more information about this is available below).
When reviewing the tricycle you are interested in, make sure that it can accommodate your particular needs, as comfort and support are vital to your long-term enjoyment of the product.
Even though the tricycle’s third wheel offers improved stability and safety when compared to a regular bicycle, there is one glaring downside - the tricycle is necessarily larger and bulkier, making it much more difficult to store and transport. For some, this is a non-issue - if you have a garage to store the product and only intend to ride it near your home, you’re in the clear - but for those with limited storage space or the desire to take their trike with them on trips, this can be an important distinction. Some trikes are lightweight and even foldable to remedy this issue,
From simple, single-gear cruisers to highly flexible 21-speed exercise trikes, there is a lot of variety amongst these trikes in terms of intended use. For users looking for a highly customizable experience with lots of options for optimized exercise and workouts, it might be worth looking into trike models with a higher number of speeds. On the other hand, some folks are looking for simplicity, and just want to cruise the neighborhood. For someone like that, a single-speed or 3-speed trike might be the better, more streamlined option.
Safety concerns are a big priority for all products designed for active use such as tricycles, and this is especially true when it comes to Special Needs Tricycles. Some common ones for trikes include lights and reflectors for enhanced visibility, fast-acting hand brakes to stop on a dime, and open or step-through frames to limit the risk of accident when getting on or off the trike. Depending on your specific needs, some of these features may be more vital than others - make sure that the trike has everything you require before you pull the trigger!
 | Desoto Classic 3-Wheeler Adult Trike View Product |
Enjoy an afternoon of freedom and independency visiting your favorite places and discovering new ones no matter how far with the Desoto Classic 3-Wheeler Adult Trike. This stylish product will make you feel the breeze and pleasure of a fun time without exhausting effort. Reach your nearby park, go for some groceries, and visit your favorite coffee shop, all just in minutes inside this safe and comfortable adult trike.
Built to last, the Desoto Classic 3-Wheeler Adult Trike by Trailmate features long-lasting materials capable of easily handling up to 250 lbs. Accommodate all your goods after a visit to the grocery store or bring some desserts back home from the coffee shop with the rust-resistant included rear basket. What makes this trike stand up is its stylish design and 6 appealing colors that will match your personality and purpose of use.
Stop worrying about potential falls while trying to get in or out of the Desoto Classic 3-Wheeler Adult Trike. This convenient device comes with a low-step get-through to ensure you transfer easily from and to it. Enjoy several hours of riding without thinking about pain from hard seating thanks to the comfortable western saddle seat included. This trike is a certain opportunity to relish a reliable, stylish, sporty, and easy-to-maneuver option to make your life more leisurely and stimulating.
 | Mobo Shift Reversible Cruiser View Product |
The best value in a recumbent adult trike, our #3 pick is the Mobo Shift Reversible Cruiser by Asa Products. It is the first adult tricycle of its kind to be able to go in reverse!
Its rider-friendly gear system, easy-to-apply caliper hand brakes, and front flywheel structure make it easy for just about anyone to operate this adult trike safely and comfortably. It has a durable steel frame created with a design that enables riders recovering from an injury or dealing with back issues to stay active. The seat reclines at 20, 30, 35, 45, 50, and 60 degrees and is cupped to help prevent falls.
The unique ability to reverse this adult trike helps you back it out of tight spaces. This single-speed adult tricycle has a 16-inch front wheel and 20-inch back wheels and it has a rider weight capacity of 250 pounds.
Whether you are shopping for a recreational therapy adult tricycle bike or just want a trike to get around on or ride for fun, the Mobo Shift Reversible Tricycle can meet any of those needs. It allows cyclists who have developed balance issues to still enjoy riding, and its price point makes it a good value that will prove its value as a wise investment in your health and wellbeing.
 | Meteor 3 Wheel Semi Recumbent Tricycles View Product |
Sitting solidly at #2 on our list is the Meteor 3 Wheel Recumbent Tricycle from Trailmate, a recumbent trike that offers unparalleled comfort to each and every rider. An incredibly versatile tricycle sporting a bevy of accessibility features, the Meteor is perfect for any level of riding intensity, from exercising to commuting to cruising.
With options for 3-speed coaster brake and 21-speed disk hand brake models and a weight capacity of 350 pounds, the Meteor has something to offer every rider and delivers its offerings in a compact, easy-to-use package. The fully adjustable handlebars and seat ensure people of all shapes and sizes can sit comfortably on the trike, and the frame comes in vibrant Candy Apple Red and Bermuda Blue colors.
Perhaps the most appealing feature of the Meteor is its mesh padded seat, which maintains its reclined position as a method to relieve hip and back strain. The Western-style saddle seat provides ample support and sports quick-release adjustment, ensuring that anyone who rides the tricycle can travel with exceptional comfort and minimal hassle.
Safety is a priority in the construction of the Meteor as well, as shown in its strong, durable frame and pneumatic tires. The frame is designed with maximum stability in mind - the triangulation of the wheelbase makes tipping the trike a near impossibility, and the low-profile step-through structure makes for accident-free entry and exit to and from the seat.
Coming in at #1 on our list is the durable, low maintenance upright EZ Roll Regal Adult Tricycle from Trailmate. Its high back seat, easy pedal gearing, and adjustable length frame with a low step-through make this adult trike easy to self-propel and very comfortable to ride.
It can accommodate riders up to 250 pounds and comes with a chrome front fender, a rear basket that resists rust, and a safety package that includes reflectors and flags. This great-looking adult tricycle gives you a choice of standard alloy or white mag wheels.
The frame comes in your choice of four colors, and it's TIG welded for strength and durability. It adjusts the distance between the seat and pedals and the distance between the seat and handlebars, with square tubing to provide a customized fit. It can be purchased assembled or unassembled, which unassembled is packaged in three parts.
This adult tricycle has single-speed or 3-speed gearing and optional brake systems depending on a rider’s physical ability, but a front hand brake comes standard no matter what configuration is purchased.
Consistently considered a top upright adult 3-wheel bike, this trike has a well-earned reputation for delivering a comfortable and customizable rider experience over a long service life. If you want a solid, comfortable, easy ride that will last, the adult trike at #4 on our list is a solid choice.
There are three basic styles of 3-wheeled bikes for adults, each with its own benefits and serving slightly different needs for riders.
Upright adult tricycle bikes have similar characteristics to standard bikes, except for the extra wheel in the back. They are similar in design to the trikes most people think of for children, but these models are big enough for adults. A rider is seated in an upright position and these trikes often have a low step-through so they are easier to mount and dismount. They are great for transportation and often have storage baskets for carrying things or running errands, but they’re not ideal for anyone looking to take on cycling as a sporting activity.
The rider is in a reclining position on a recumbent bike. The rider’s weight, which is supported by the back and buttocks, is more evenly distributed over a larger area, making a recumbent trike more comfortable for people with back problems. These cycles are low to the ground and are controlled with levers on either side of the seat rather than a front-mounted handlebar. They are built for exercise and longer rides, but aren’t as practical for casual use.
If you find pedaling a standard adult trike is too difficult, but the recumbent model is too low to the ground for you, a semi-recumbent bike brings together the best features of both. With the stability of an upright model but easier pedaling and steering that comes from sitting back farther, this body style offers a comfortable ride for most people.
A: For people recovering from surgery, an injury, or a stroke or who have Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy need a safe (and hopefully fun) way to work on improving mobility and strength, and cycling is an effective therapeutic activity to address those issues.
Adults with special needs might need a way to socialize, so a trike is a great way to get them engaged with peers and other cycling enthusiasts.
As people age, they can lose the strength and balance needed to ride a conventional bike, but an adult trike can keep them riding and enjoying the benefits of cycling.
A: Yes! Adult tricycles offer a solid cardio workout, and also target the quadriceps (thigh muscles), glutes, calves, hamstrings, tibilais anterior (shins), and even your abs.
A: If riding a conventional bike is made potentially more dangerous because of a user’s physical limitations, a trike is definitely the better choice for safety reasons alone. Adult trikes are more stable than bikes with wider seats and a solid 3-wheel platform.
A: With correct gearing, an adult 3-wheeled tricycle can climb very steep hills. Since you don’t have to maintain enough speed to stay balanced, as is required when riding a 2-wheeled bike, you can go slower and steadier without the fear of tipping over from losing your balance. You can also set the brakes and safely stop for a rest on a hill without getting off the bike.
No matter what your physical abilities or challenges are or what you want to get out of your cycling experience, our list includes an adult tricycle bike that will provide you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable ride. Our #1 pick is the EZ Roll Regal Adult Tricycle!
If you are unsure which tricycle is best for you, read the helpful article How to Choose the Best Adult Trike. You can also view our entire catalog of Adult Tricycles and Bicycles. We hope that you enjoyed this article and it helps put you on track to a more active lifestyle!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
