E-Bikes & Bikes Customised to You
Bike riding is probably one of the best forms of exercise out there. Not everyone can ride the standard two-wheeler, though. Women are turning to something they once watched their kids ride to have some fun and get exercise – the tricycle.
Today’s modern tricycle is hardly the same as what the kids rode. It is more sophisticated and comfortable. If you are a woman looking to spend time outside but cannot ride a traditional bike, then an adult tricycle might be a good choice for you. Consider some facts you may not know about the adult trike and some of the top models for women in 2022.
What is an Adult Tricycle?
Most moms already know what a tricycle is because their kids are riding them. They probably rode them too when they were young. An adult tricycle is a larger version of that same three-wheel bike. It looks like a standard two-wheeler but has an extra wheel in the back.
Aside from the third wheel, the characteristics are identical to conventional bikes. They have all the same features, such as brakes and gears. However, the frame has been modified to accommodate the third wheel.
Why an Adult Trike Over a Two-Wheel Bike
For most, the choice comes down to one thing – balance. An adult trike allows you to ride without worrying about balancing the bike. A three-wheeler is self-balancing. When you stop at a light, for example, there is no need to jump off the seat the keep from falling over like you would on a two-wheel bike. The three wheels provide enough stability that you don’t need your feet on the ground for leverage.
Some women, especially seniors, might have mobility issues, too, that make riding a traditional bike unsafe. For example, they may have joint problems that make putting strain on their knees to balance the bike hard to do.
Things to Know About Riding an Adult Tricycle
Riding a three-wheel bike is different. Consider some tips to make it easier for you.
The Mount and Dismount
It might surprise you to learn that getting on and off a three-wheel bike takes some practice. The ideal strategy is to squeeze the brake levels to keep the bike from rolling. This also provides you with the required leverage to get up on the seat.
What It Means to Be Recumbent
Like most bikes, there are different styles of adult tricycles. One is recumbent, which means your legs are at the same level as the pedals.
Pedaling an upright tricycle can be taxing on the knee joints. The recumbent style relieves tension on both your back and your joints. The reclining posture lets you distribute your body weight appropriately and be more comfortable, which is especially beneficial if you have back problems.
You also can buy a semi-recumbent trike, which is a hybrid of the traditional three-wheeler and a recumbent tricycle. A semi-recumbent trike offers a more spacious rear seat, allowing you to extend your legs wider.
You Must Choose Your Path Carefully
Another difference between a conventional bike and an adult trike is frame size. The trike is wider than a two-wheel bike, so you must plan accordingly. Look for bike paths, sidewalks, and bike roads free of obstacles and wide enough to accommodate the three wheels.
Turning Will Take Some Practice
Turning on a two-wheel bike is a hard skill to learn, but it is also a habit that is hard to break when you transition to an adult tricycle. You can’t lean into the turn when riding a trike like you usually would. That could tip the trike.
Instead, you have to plan when you see a turn coming. You will need a wider turn radius for the trike, so the sooner you map that out in your head, the better.
Health Benefits of Adult Tricycle Riding
Riding a three-wheel bike offers many of the same health benefits women who use two-wheelers enjoy. Today’s active women are paying extra attention to their health, and physical activity plays a role, especially in caring for your heart.
Biking for Heart Health
Riding a bike regularly helps to strengthen and enhance your heart and circulation. That activity may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. It also helps develop cardiac muscle, which lowers your resting pulse while working to control blood sugar and cholesterol.
Biking for Mental Health
Active women of all ages can benefit mentally from regular exercise, too. Bike riding helps build self-esteem, reduces sadness, and lowers anxiety levels. Riding an adult trike improves your mood by circulating endorphins that make you feel good, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
That increased activity will also result in better sleep. Riding regularly helps you control your circadian cycles and lowers stress hormone levels, resulting in more restful sleep.
How to Buy an Adult Tricycle?
Once you or the woman in your life decides that an adult tricycle is a suitable option, the next step is to shop for one. You need to watch for some features to ensure you get the best adult tricycle for you.
The Design
There are several designs available for adult bikes. You should pick the one best suited to what you need.
- Upright – The upright position is the most common. It has a step-through frame, so you can get on and off the bike quickly without climbing.
- Semi-recumbent – The semi-recumbent trikes have a longer rear seat, allowing you to stretch out your legs further. This is a sensible option for someone who wants the pedals to be easier to reach. This is also a wonderful option for heavier riders.
- Recumbent - A recumbent trike sits low to the ground with the seat and pedals aligned. This reclining position lets you appropriately distribute your body weight and be more comfortable, especially if you have back problems.
- Electric – Electric tricycles include a motor and a battery to make riding more convenient. The engine can provide a little more push while you cycle. This is useful if you fatigue easily or bike too far. It also makes biking uphill or against the wind more comfortable.
- Folding – One disadvantage of an adult tricycle is its size. They might be heavier and more challenging to store. A folding trike is somewhat smaller than a conventional tricycle, but it folds up for storage. That is a significant benefit for someone who does not have a lot of room.
- Chopper – A chopper tricycle is more about fashion than function. The chopper trike is lower to the ground and has a forward-extending front, similar to a chopper motorbike.
Once you choose a design, you can focus on the characteristics of the adult trike.
The Seat
You want a saddle that is sturdy enough to support your back. Positioning is also important. You want the seat to be positioned such that as you pedal, your knees align with the balls of your feet.
The Handlebars
Sit on the trike before purchasing it to verify that you can easily reach the handlebars. Bending forward puts additional tension on your back, hips, and shoulders.
The Top Five Adult Tricycles for Women in 2022
Women deserve the best of the best, so let us help. These are the five we think are the best on the market right now.
1. Sixthreezero's EVRYjourney
Sixthreezero's EVRYjourney tricycle features a top-of-the-line step-through frame for simple mounting and dismounting. Furthermore, the bike's design guarantees that the tires absorb the impact of road bumps, making it one of the more pleasant adult tricycles on the market today.
The backload basket measures an enormous 23"x19," giving you plenty of space to carry everything from groceries to your favorite bag. The EVRYjourney also has the industry-leading innovative frame that makes Sixthreezero bikes stand out from the competition—sitting erect when riding reduces back discomfort and makes you more comfortable.
The EVRYjourney trike has the following features:
- Shimano 7-speed shifter and derailleur
- Aluminum frame that is both light and sturdy
- Fenders
- Grips made of synthetic leather
- The foam saddle is extensive.
They also come in exciting colors women will love.
2. BodyEase by Sixthreezero
The BodyEase Tricycle by Sixthreezero also has a step-through frame and a comfort-forward design. The BodyEase's unique frame helps keep the rider's body properly positioned and facilitates vertical pedaling for improved stability and balance.
This model trike has medium-width tires for controlled riding on various terrains. It also has a dual-spring saddle for additional back and hip support.
The BodyEase trike has the following features:
- Supports up to 300 lbs.
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Shimano Tourney 7-speed rear derailleur
- Extra-large cargo basket
- Grips made of synthetic leather
This is the best option for women who suffer from knee and back problems.
3. Mantis Tri-Rad Adult Unisex Folding Tricycle
Moving an adult tricycle around can be a problem because they are heavier and have larger frames. Enter the Mantis Tri-Rad Adult Unisex Folding Tricycle. This foldable option offers a steel frame with a front suspension fork for a more comfortable ride.
The large saddle can help get you over some of the bumps too. It has a low-cut frame that makes mounting and dismounting as simple as possible.
The biggest feature, though, is that it folds up. That makes it easier to store and more manageable to move. You can put it in your car, for example, and drive to the local park or take it on your next road trip. There is a quick-release mechanism that allows you to fold the tricycle in seconds.
The Mantis Tri-Rad trike has the following features:
- Foldable frame
- Comfortable saddle
- V-brake in front
- Adjustable saddle stem
- Durable steel frame
A steel frame means it may be a bit heavy, though. Amazon reviewers also mention that assembling is a challenge with this trike.
4. Happybuy 24 Inch Adult Tricycle
If you are looking for something at the lower end of the price scale, the Happybuy 24-inch trike might be the right choice. It has the added advantage of being lightweight for an adult trike. This model weighs in at just 30 pounds.
There is an ultra-large capacity basket that can carry practically anything for your convenience. The frame is built of iron and can handle a total load of 300 pounds.
Each wheel is 24 inches in diameter, and the alloy rims and stainless steel spokes provide a safe and smooth riding experience for people of all ages. There are also fenders to keep the bike clean and tidy when riding in damp areas.
The Happybuy, 24 Inch trike, has the following features:
- Soft saddle
- Multiple speeds
- Large cargo basket
- Lightweight yet sturdy frame
- Upright riding
The is one downside to this adult tricycle – size. The 24-inch wheels may mean it is not a good choice for taller women looking to ride.
5. Raleigh Bikes Tristar 3-Speed Trike
This Raleigh Tristar has a Sturmey Archer 3-Speed drivetrain with fewer parts, so lower maintenance costs.
The Raleigh Tristar features a front V brake that works with the 24-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels to keep you stable when riding about town. It also comes with a lifetime frame guarantee, a standout option you don’t see with many brands.
The Raleigh Tristar trike has the following features:
- Three-speeds
- Spring-loaded saddle
- Front V-brake
The downside to this trike cost. It is a little pricier than some of the other trikes on the list.
Find out more about the adult tricycles from Sixthreezero today by visiting our website.
