What is a recumbent trike?
As recumbent trikes aren't super familiar to everyone, we wanted to provide some details on what it is we're specializing in here.
A recumbent trike is generally an adult 3-wheeled cycling machine that is recumbent, meaning the rider sits in a laid back position, with their feet out in front of them.
Trikes are comfortable - we sit in a wide, comfortable seat, and unlike upright bicycle riding, we are not supporting ourselves with our arms on the handlebars, so back, shoulder and wrist issues are not a concern.
Trikes are very stable - while the most common causes of injury on a bicycle are from falling off, this doesn't happen on a trike. If you were to hit something, you'd head in to it feet first.
Trikes provide a great view of the world - as we are sitting upright, naturally looking forward at the world around us. No neck issues from looking up to see around as is normal in a typical bicycle position.
Due to their ergonomic design, trikes offer a great alternative for those who want to keep active but don't want to use a traditional bicycle, those with balance issues, those with other challenges such as MS, Parkinsons or other physical limitations, and those who are getting older. The reclined riding position ensures your body weight is evenly distributed so no single area of your body is under immense presure trying to support you while you ride. No saddle sores!
Is being low to the ground an issue? Not for safety, no. Drivers tend to give unique objects on the road a wide berth, and you'll see time and again that recumbent trike riders note that cars tend to avoid them a little more than when they've been on a bike. We also use safety gear like flags and lights to assist with being as noticeable as possible, but being low to the ground isn't a cause for safety concern. Remember, drivers see many things low to the ground - lines, curbs, barriers, etc. - all the time. One disadvantage of being low can be that a guardrail may block or obscure a view that you want to see while riding, which can provide an opportunity to stop for a short break and take in the view that you might otherwise be missing.
Hi there Ralf,
Thanks for the comments!
I agree with regard to the mirrors - we include one with each trike sale along with a bell and a flag. Those, along with the reflectors would seem to be about the bare minimum we'd recommend for riding on the road.
I concur about the wonders it can do for your back as well - I'm somewhat prone to sore backs, and even with a recent sciatic nerve pinch occurring, I found that when I could ride, minor back pain, and even the sciatic pinch, would loosen up in the first few minutes of the ride. This is, of course, just anecdotal and not medical advice.
I'm sorry if the Comment button below the "Ctrl+Enter to add comment" instructions isn't showing for you. I'll have to look in to that a little further.
Greetings trike enthusiasts
Well said. I love my trike. It's like peddling from your favourite arm chair with a great view.
I agree with how car drivers perceive you on the road. We tend to be so unique and odd that most drivers do give a wide berth. I have found that plenty of flash lights front and back as well as a tall flag should make you quite obvious to drivers. If they hit you they were aiming for you…. That said, I believe at least one if not two mirrors - convex if possible - should be standard on all trikes (as well as bikes).
As well, I do believe at times trike rider (and cyclists) do need to be more aggressive on the road. That is to say not to cower as far to the right side of the road as possible at all time. Bikes and trikes have as much right to be on permitted roadways as cars. If you think and or feel that you are in their way, you are putting yourself in danger by staying as far to the right as possible, some drivers will see that as a sign to pass closer and quicker. It’s something you have to get comfortable with. When passing barrier or guard rails I don’t hesitate to make my way more into the centre of the lane…. I need to go somewhere if is see danger coming. My experience is that drivers will slow down for you when take up more of the lane. This doesn’t matter if you’re on Westsyde road or Hiway 5 with those damn shoulder rumble strips. I’ve pulled over many a time to let drives pass when I think I’ve held them up long enough. It has to be a win win.
A benefit of trike riding also is when you peddle, you are pushing from your back which is very different than peddling on a diamond frame bike where one pumps their legs up and down. I find a quick ride on my trike after a long hike or walk does wonders for my back, legs and knees.
Sorry to rabbit on PS suggest you use a submit key instead of Control+enter. IPads don't have this feature and may be limiting the responses you get. :))