Tricycles for adults: types, pros and cons

Adult tricycles are a very useful invention and solve many problems. The tricycle, unlike its two-wheeled counterpart, does not require special driving skills and is perfect for both a mother with a child and a pensioner.

Tricycles for adults are quite popular in Europe and Asia. In our country, consumers are just beginning to look closely at these versatile models. At the same time, Europeans consider 3-wheel bikes as walking bicycles, and residents of Asian countries deliver various goods to them or use them as cycle taxis.

But perhaps the most important field of application for tricycles is their use as a specialized vehicle for elderly people who have difficulty maintaining balance, as well as for people with disabilities and persons suffering from dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus.

The growing popularity of three-wheeled models is due to a number of indisputable advantages, thanks to which more and more people are discovering this convenient and safe mode of transport.

• The presence of a third wheel provides stability to the bike and does not require maintaining balance while driving. This is very convenient for the elderly, who can stop and rest at any time without going down to the ground.
• Most models have a low frame, providing ease of boarding the bike.This design makes 3-wheeled bicycles a real godsend for people with disabilities and musculoskeletal disorders.
• Many models have a large load capacity and are equipped with spacious baskets. This allows them not only to ride them to the store, but also to transport small animals and poultry.
• Daily cycling provides the elderly with gentle physical activity, prolonging life and having a beneficial effect on health.
• Most road and cargo models have a short frame for a straight fit. In this position, the load on the back and arms is minimal, thanks to which a person does not feel tired and can ride as long as he wants.
• The use of 3-wheel bikes as a suburban transport allows you to save on fuel and lubricants and maintenance, what distinguishes them from scooters. Moreover, the bike does not generate noise and does not pollute the environment with harmful emissions.

Despite the large number of advantages, tricycles still have disadvantages. These include bulky design, because of which there are often problems with the transportation and storage of such bikes. Models do not fit into passenger elevators and do not enter the passenger compartment... In addition, bicycles with an upright seat have a high center of gravity, which makes them easily topple to one side during tight turns.

Bikes with a horizontal landing, on the other hand, are capable of good acceleration, but due to the low position of the rider, they are poorly visible to other road users. This requires the cyclist to be very careful and careful, and also severely restricts the movement of such models on busy roads. And the most significant disadvantage of 3-wheel bikes is called their meager assortment or complete absence in bike stores.

However, this trend is typical only for Russia, and the European and Asian markets are overflowing with similar models of any design. Our compatriots have to order bikes in online stores and incur additional costs for the delivery of goods.

The classification of 3-wheel bikes is made according to such criteria as bike configuration, rider fit, type of control, model purpose, type of drive, frame design and number of seats.

On this basis, models are distinguished, designed according to the principle of direct and reverse delta. The former is a classic tricycle with one wheel in the front and two in the back. The latter, on the contrary, have 2 front and 1 rear wheels and look somewhat unusual.

According to this criterion, models with vertical and horizontal fit. The former are in many ways similar to regular road bikes with the only difference that equipped with two rear wheels instead of one. The frame has a diamond or open design, and the seat has a comfortable backrest to reduce the strain on the rider's back.

They are divided into recumbent and semi-recumbent designs and are intended for people with disabilities, as well as for people who have contraindications for riding in an upright position. A characteristic feature of the design of such bicycles is the front position of the pedals, which provides a more comfortable ride and does not require the rider to apply great physical efforts. Moreover, many recumbent models are equipped with a multi-speed transmission, which allows you to make long cycling trips and overcome long climbs and descents without any problems.

Bikes with a deltoid configuration with a vertical fit have a classic type of control, consisting of a steering wheel and a front wheel fork. Models with a reverse delta are more often driven by a front axle, less often by a rear wheel drive.

As for bicycles with a horizontal riding position, they are controlled either a traditional steering wheel or special handles, located on the side of the chair and connected to the wheels or bridge by means of drives. There are models that are controlled by tilting the body in one direction or another, but their operation requires dexterity and special skills.

According to this criterion, bicycles are divided into 3 categories.

• Leisure bikes are classic models with an upright fit and are intended mainly for retirees and disabled people. Such bicycles are quite stable and are often used in the process of rehabilitation after injuries and various kinds of diseases.

• Cargo bikes designed for the carriage of goods and equipped with a body or trolley. They have a high load capacity and a reinforced frame. Such models can be seen in Southeast Asia, where they are actively used to transport goods and people (cycle rickshaws), and are also used as mobile tents with ice cream, drinks and street food.

• Sport bikes are horizontal tricycles with a downward center of gravity, which is why they are very stable and have excellent aerodynamic properties. On the basis of such models, sports velomobiles are designed.

On this basis, bikes are distinguished with chain and electric drive... The former are powered by physical efforts of the legs or arms (models for people with disabilities), and the latter are equipped with an electric motor.

Electric bicycles will be an excellent means of transportation for people with limited mobility, as well as for people with disabilities of the musculoskeletal system.

The frame of tricycles is foldable and one-piece. Folding models appeared relatively recently and immediately gained popularity. When folded, a three-wheeled bike takes up very little space and can be transported in a passenger car. Folding models are found across all categories of bicycles, including vertical and horizontal models and electric bikes.

One-piece bikes are stiffer and much stronger than their foldable counterparts. In addition, due to the lack of a movable unit, their weight is somewhat less than that of folding models. The downside of these bikes is their large size, which makes them difficult to pass through the doors and do not fit into the passenger elevator.

Adult 3-wheel bikes are not only single, but also double. Tandem seats can be installed next to each other or by a "train", and according to the type of landing, there are also double models horizontal and vertical.

Online stores offer a fairly good selection of tricycles for adults, the most popular models of which are discussed below.

• Russian three-wheeled model Izh-Bike Farmer ("Farmer") 24 '' Available in black, red, silver and blue, it features 24 "wheels, a 54x37x30 cm rear basket and a sturdy 16" steel frame. The bike is equipped with a 6-speed gear system, front V-brake and rear drum brakes, Wanda 24 x1.75 tires and a Sunrun RD-04A rear derailleur. The carrying capacity of the bike is 130 kg, weight - 26 kg, cost - 17,500 rubles.

• Cargo model made in Russia Stels Energy III V030 (2018) will become an indispensable assistant at their summer cottage.The rear rack easily accommodates loads up to 40 kg, the front basket up to 10 kg. The bike is equipped with a 3-speed planetary system, 26-inch wheels, rear band and front rim brakes. The frame is 16 inches and the bike weighs 28 kg.

The bike chain is covered with a protective cover, the wheels have deep fenders, and the saddle is equipped with a comfortable back support. The cost of the model is 37,450 rubles.

• VDW rickshaw bike made in China will be an ideal option for a small business in the field of rental or private excursion taxi (bicycle taxi). Such models are very popular in places of public recreation, have two child seats and are able to ensure the complete safety of both the "cab" and the passengers. The bike frame is made of high-strength carbon steel, the weight of the model is 30 kg, and the load capacity reaches 100 kg. The bike is capable of moving at a speed of up to 20 km / h, equipped with 20-inch wheels and available in dimensions of 165x75x100 cm. The cost of a cycle rickshaw is 22,000 rubles.

• Belgian three-wheeled model for disabled people and adolescents with cerebral palsy Vermeiren liberty made in retro style and is one of the best models in the Vermeiren Vintage collection. The wheels, tires, seat and handlebars of the bike are finished in brown, which gives the bike a stylish look. The model is produced in dimensions 182x77 cm and weighs 27.8 kg. The bike has a load capacity of 125 kg and has a wheel size of 24 inches.

The pedals are equipped with a combined foot rest and a special retaining clip. This model costs 136 791 rubles.

• Three-wheeled Chinese electric bike Eltreco GM Porter weighs 51 kg, has 22 "wheels and is equipped with a sturdy steel frame. The power of the electric motor is 400 W, the maximum speed reaches 25 km / h. The model is equipped with a lead-acid battery with a capacity of 12 A / h, the full charge time of which does not exceed 6 hours. On a single charge, the bike can travel about 40 km.

The bike is equipped with a wide comfortable seat, front-wheel drive and rim brakes. A powerful headlight is located in front, which allows you to travel in the dark. The carrying capacity of the bike is 110 kg, the cost is 62,900 rubles.

There are a number of important points to consider when choosing a tricycle.

• If you plan to ride a bike along the flat alleys of the park, then you can buy a single speed model. If the route will run on a terrain with difficult terrain, then it would be wiser to purchase a multi-speed option.
• If the bike is bought for an elderly person or a disabled person, it is better to opt for a model with a low frame.
• In the presence of a garage, the design of the bike is not a determining factor, therefore, you can choose any bike. But if you plan to store the bike in an apartment, then it is wiser to choose a folding model.
• As for the rider's landing, then most people prefer vertical bikes. However, if the bike is purchased for the soul and will be used for leisurely walks in the park, then it is better to stop at a reclining or recumbent model. These bikes look very solid, and it's a pleasure to ride them.
• An equally important criterion for choosing a bike is its cost. And if a simple cargo model can be purchased for 15-17 thousand rubles, then for specialized bicycles for disabled people you will have to pay several times more. In this case, savings are unacceptable and you need to focus on the convenience and functionality of the bike.

In general, consumers speak well of tricycles. Their stability and high carrying capacity are noted, as well as the possibility of using vertical models as a simulator during the recovery period after serious injuries. The truck models really liked the summer residents, who not only drive them to the store, but also use them to transport crops and building materials.

Residents of rural areas often complain about the latter, who, due to the lack of normal roads, have to drive over pits and bumps. But, despite the disadvantages, the popularity of three-wheeled models among the people is only growing, Moreover, not only pensioners and summer residents are transplanted to them, but also middle-aged people who acquire them exclusively for pleasure and relaxation.

An overview of the Izh Farmer adult tricycle, see below.