Adult tricycles are commonly used by older adults and people with stability problems. A tricycle is like a bicycle except that it has three tires – one in front and two at the back. With this design, an adult tricycle is safer and more stable than a bicycle. However, like a bicycle, it still has pedals and is powered by human effort.
There are many reasons adult tricycles are perfect for everyone and especially recommended for those who are aging or experiencing mobility issues. First, its three tires enhance stability. When you ride an adult tricycle, you don’t have to worry about balancing and the dangers of falling off.
Next, an adult tricycle allows you to slow and stop your ride with less difficulty. When you ride a bicycle, you need more energy to maintain balance as you slow or dismount.
With a tricycle, you can stop and stay on the tricycle without any challenge. Hence, older people that have difficulty powering a bike for a long period of time will find a tricycle much more beneficial.
Another benefit of having an adult tricycle is relative privacy of commute. For those who wish to avoid jostling with crowds on public transport, tricycles allow a continued private means of transportation. However, adult tricycles come with some challenges.
Disadvantages of Having an Adult Tricycle
Unlike a bicycle, an adult tricycle is bulky. Therefore, you may need more space to store one. Further, if you are not riding your adult tricycle but need to move it from one place to another, transporting it may be challenging.
Best Ways to Transport an Adult Tricycle
There are two major ways to transport an adult tricycle. The first is to load it into your vehicle, and the other option is to use a trike rack.
Using a Vehicle to Transport an Adult Tricycle
If you have a vehicle that can carry a bulky load, like a station wagon, then you can use it to transport your tricycle from one place to another. The tricycle can fit into the space shared by cargo and passengers. But you must first lower the handlebars of the tricycle.
Most likely, you will need a wheelchair ramp to easily load the tricycle. Alternatively, you may also choose to build your own guide rails, as seen in this video (Credit to 2 Avid Trikers):
After getting a wheelchair ramp or your own customized rails, you can follow the steps below to load your tricycle in a station wagon or a hatchback.
- Lower the handlebars of the tricycle by unfastening the clamps of the riser
- Towards the trunk, incline the wheelchair ramp/ rails to the car
- Use the wheelchair ramp to easily push the tricycle into the car. If you are using rails, push the tricycle inside before removing the rails
Transport an Adult Tricycle With a Trike Rack
This video shows how a typical trike rack is set up (Credit to Laid Back Cycles):
To transport your adult tricycle with a trike rack, just place the tricycle at an inclination of 45 degrees and put its wheels in the rack wheel holders. Then securely strap it to the frame.
Summary
Transporting an adult tricycle may pose more challenges than moving a conventional bike. However, there are two feasible solutions- you could load it into the back of a vehicle, or use a trike rack.
Featured image: Unsplash/ Jorvik Tricycles