How To Choose a Folding Tricycle- Introduction
Guest contribution by Ruth Winder
Against popular belief, tricycles are not just for kids. Yes, that’s right. There are folding tricycles for adults to enjoy their benefits. And these benefits range from comfort to even the possibility of riding a bike when bicycles are no longer an option.
This article will examine the benefits of purchasing a folding tricycle for adults and everything you need to know when choosing one. As a plus, we will also list the elements for your specific goals and needs.
To begin with, we must first specify that there are different types of tricycles for adults. People can choose from a wide range, from recumbent to semi-recumbent and even electric tricycles. This article will deal specifically with folding tricycles.
What To Look For in a Folding Tricycle for Adults
When buying a folding tricycle for adults, there are several things to remember. As simple as these elements seem, they will help the rider achieve comfort, stability, and security while riding. Let’s examine the factors that may help you choose your folding tricycle.
- Seat: With a wide range of seats available for you to choose from, riders must always look for the most comfortable option. Sling seats, for example, allow you to rest your back while riding, as they come with a backrest and are usually low to improve security. This will enable them to ride for long periods without pain or discomfort.
- Handlebars: Handlebars may be traditional, chopper, or looped style. This also depends on the rider’s style and physical ability or limitation. For example, chopper handlebars may require a stronger upper body but may also be more comfortable, depending on style.
- Material: Material plays a crucial role when choosing a folding tricycle for adults. Mostly because some riders that require this type of ride may need more robust frames to provide enough support. However, if this is not the case, try looking for lighter materials that may not become a nuisance when riding.
- Weight capacity: Weight limitations are not just about the frame materials but also the overall capacity of the tricycle. If your body mass exceeds these limits, your ride may eventually fall apart and cause physical damage. For example, the recumbent tricycle has a weight capacity range of up to 400 lbs (181 kg). On the other hand, bariatric tricycles can hold up to 500 lbs (226 kg).
- Shifter: Although folding tricycles are meant for a relaxed ride rather than racing or mountain riding, they also include shifts to enable a smoother ride. And, just as it happens with regular bikes, folding tricycles can be single-geared or have a 6-speed gearing alternative. This will depend mostly on the surface you are planning to ride. If, for example, there are many hills in your area, you may want to get a 6-speed one to make it more comfortable.
- Wheels: Folding tricycles may have different wheel sizes. 20-inch, 24-inch, or 26-inch wheels enable the flexibility, stability, and comfort you’ll need depending on your riding style and area. You must consider what you will use your ride for to decide upon this. Will it be for commuting, or will you use it for leisure?
- Basket: Similar to the previous element, basket size also relies on what you plan to do with your folding tricycle. For example, if you use it for work, try looking for a bigger-sized basket. However, if you’re not planning to use it for this purpose, a large basket may become annoying (and heavy to carry around!).
Folding Tricycles for Adults
Folding tricycles for adults come with various benefits riders can enjoy. For example, they can collapse and become transportable when no riding is available. They also use less storage space at home, or you can take them in your car’s trunk or even while commuting by public transport.
Let’s look at some folding tricycles you can get and analyze their pros and cons.
- Kent Adult Westport Folding Tricycle: This 20-inch wheel folding tricycle for adults can withstand roads in poor conditions due to its steel frame and suspension fork. Thanks to this, you will not hurt yourself while riding on bumpy roads. It’s also recommended for adults as it includes a step-through design for hopping on and off. Its large seat and handlebar can be used in different positions which adapt to your riding style, physical limitations, and comfort. However, it does not fold completely. This means that it may not fit certain smaller-sized car trunks.
- Mantis Tri-Rad 24 Folding Tricycle: This 24-inch wheel folding tricycle has a comfortable vintage design. Its larger wheels are a great factor when riding long distances, making the most of the rider’s effort. While its design may look thin or weak, it can still hold a rider and a large cargo in its rear box. It also includes a 6-speed Shimano cassette which becomes your best ally when riding on hills. This, combined with its lightweight design enables high speeds when necessary. However, it can also become prone to tipping, so a good balance is still required, even for a tricycle.
- Nuvo Adult 20″ Folding Trike: This 20-inch wheel folding tricycle can withstand any road or surface due to its robust wheels and front suspension. This ride has its folding point right in the center, which becomes quite easy to transport. However, it would be best to consider its non-foldable wheels when doing so, as well as when carrying on your own, as the overall weight of this trike is over 250 pounds.
Folding tricycles for adults is a great choice to keep riding even though you may have lost some of your balance. However, several elements must be considered before purchasing one, as these must adapt to your riding style and comfort preferences.
Images: Unsplash/ Jorvik Tricycles and Jude al Safadi
Author Bio
Ruth Winder is the founder of TricycleHub.com. He is a cycling enthusiast who has been riding trikes for over five years. On his website, he writes mainly about gadgets used for commuting by trike and outdoor activities involving tricycles.