Adult tricycles?

StarSong

StarSong

Awkward is my Superpower
Location
Los Angeles Suburbs
Has anyone used or owned an adult sized tricycle? Something on this order: https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Meri...id=1525524533&sr=8-3&keywords=adult+tricycles

I'm fairly active, reasonably coordinated, and not overweight, but my balance isn't what it once was. As a frequent RV camper, I see - and greatly envy - seniors that tool around the RV parks on their bicycles. I'm quite nervous about even attempting a two-wheeler again, even though I'm "only" 65. I've seen a handful of trikes, which their owners say they really enjoy, but caution that they are a hot ticket for thieves and therefore need to always be secured.

Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.
 

I had one, and sold it again after almost killing myself with it. However, that being said, if you know how to ride one, and have a safe place to ride it, then it should be a wonderful bike to have.

I really miss riding a bicycle, but I just do not have the balance to ride a regular bike anymore, and I thought that one of the 3-wheelers would be perfect for me.
After I bought it (second hand from a pawn shop, but like new), I took it out to the street to ride it.
When you get on a regular bike, you can “push-off” with your left foot while pedaling with the right foot, and this is what I started to do automatically.
Well...... that does NOT work on a 3-wheeler !

Since the back wheels are on either side and not right in back, I ran over my left heel with the left rear tire. As I was trying to get my poor heel out from under there and stop the bike, a car came barreling down the street.
Without thinking, I then turned the handlebars sharp left in order to get over to the curb.
(This was my second mistake)
When I turned the sharp turn, it took out the front stabilization, and the bike started to fall over into the street, right in front of the oncoming car.
What saved me from a bad fall was my dear husband dashing out and grabbing the bike as well as supporting me, and the car swerved at the last minute and went on by.

Even though I could see that none of this was the bike’s fault, and I just needed more experience with riding it, I decided that our street was not a safe place for me, no matter what, and I sold the bike, explaining to the lady that bought it that it is vital to not start pedaling until you are sitting on the bike and have both feet on the pedals.

I think that once a person knows not to run over your own foot, and not to turn the front wheel sharply, and you have a safe place to ride it, then an adult tricycle would be a wonderful way to ride around and get exercise.
 
Many years ago, because of the Essential Tremor shaking in my legs and elsewhere, riding a two wheeler was just asking to crash. So I bought an adult tricycle. I was embarrassed riding it, but at least a neighborhood little girl happily loved seeing me ride my "giant" tricycle. lol. I even took my young grandson to the beach often as he sat in the back basket. Bought groceries that I put in its basket. Rode it to my dentist's office too. In time, my knees began to hurt badly when I rode it here & there, so I gave it away. It was my "wheels" that gave me freedom to go farther than I could walk, or carry anything, and without tiring. I always locked it to some post/whatever with a special type of lock because of bike thieves. Can't remember the brand of lock.
 

I often see an elderly man riding one in our small neighborhood park, he also walks 2 small dogs as he rides. I was amazed at how well he controls it on the path and on the grass, and he also crosses the street and rides down the sidewalk with it. He really seems to enjoy the ride.
 
If you need a three wheeler go for it.

A two wheeler needs a lot of coordination and balance just to get on and off, never mind riding.

Anything that keeps you active and moving is worth the price of admission.

I would think a three wheeler would be ideal for a senior. Easier to get on and off and stop.

I ride a two wheeler every day. It's really good but not without its disadvantages.
 
A neighbor of mine has one of those recumbent-trikes . Getting on & off ...more in & out actually, is a pain [literally] but he rides it quite a bit. I thought about trying one , until I tried getting in his. Then I saw him on the street one day as I was in my truck...and that thing is so damn low...it looks dangerous to me? [unseeable] . Then he told me about the cost...$5,000.00..add it all up and....No thanks !

I have a quality two wheeler , but arthritis has taken me off that.
 
I actually have that exact trike. It`s a lot of fun,but since we live on a rough dirt road,I have only used it when we go on vacation where the campground has miles of paved roads and paths. I have never had any problems with it`s stability or getting on or off it.
 
RGP - I'm not considering a recumbent trike for all of the reasons you cited.

Thank you to the rest who posted - your advice is very helpful. One of my concerns is the hassle of transporting it in our RV. I know there are collapsible trikes but the ratings don't seem to be as good for those.
 
StarSong said:
Mrs. Robinson - how do you transport your trike when you're on vacation?
Click to expand...

We just put it in the bed of my husband`s full size pickup,along with his Beach Cruiser and all of our stuff that we take on vacation. We are packed tight but manage. I think we may also have our kids take a few things for us-they have travel trailers and we all vacation together. If you don`t have a pickup,I`m not sure if it would fit on a bike rack or not.
 
My MIL had one many years ago. Riding it is very different from a 2 wheeler. You need to sit back and steer it like a car. If you try to lean like a 2 wheeler you will not go where you want to. Our then toddler daughter thought it was fun to ride in the big basket on the back between the wheels.

There was a lady near where we lived in AZ that had one that had an electric motor and a battery. She used it to fetch groceries and do errands. She told me she did not have a license, so she coould not run a car.
 
I loved that my three wheeler 'trike' had a comfortable large seat. I also had all-terrain wheels put on it because I'd be using it sometimes on rough ground. At times, I'd stand up, my feet on the pedals, and pump them hard to get up inclines. Or just to speed up. :) I also would sit back on the seat and wheel fast down inclines. woohoo! lol
 
I never learned to ride a bike and the few times I tried was a complete failure. I've always envied people who ride bikes. Your bike looks nice but I had no idea they were that expensive, and that you have to assemble it. My street is paved and long, but people always park on the street. I'm thinking, I'm thinking, thanks for the idea of it. I liked reading the reviews, too. Update us when you make your decision, please.
 
PVC - I LIVED on a bicycle from ages 7-15. Loved my bike for about ten years, but once I got my drivers' license my bicycling days were all but history.

If my husband can figure out how to transport a couple of trikes in our 5th wheel camper we'll buy them. Collapsible trikes exist but the Amazon reviews are sparse and decidedly mixed. I want the trike for exercise and the joy of riding it, so I'm eliminating a motorized version from contention.

Perhaps someone reading this thread has either had a collapsible trike or knows a good trick for stowing a standard one inside a camper.

I'll definitely keep you posted.
 
'Has anyone used or owned an adult sized tricycle?'


Got an immediate flashback of Laugh In's tricycle skit

...that's all I've got
 
Wintering in SW AZ this past year taught me a lot of humility. Walkers, canes, 3-wheeled bikes all very common methods of transportation & freedom for seniors or semi-invalids. I walk with a cane (stenosis) but for my daily longer walks I use a walker, one fall can pretty well end your activity. Why chance it, I swallowed my pride got out everyday & walked.

One AZ neighbor outfitted his wife's trike with a handlebar bell, a cup holder, a front basket, a wider more comfortable padded seat (my 1st accessory). She rode it 3 miles to the Dollar store & grocery store. One thing that Quartzsite has done is put in miles n miles of paved walking/biking paths in & around town.

I got interested in the adult trike because of the walking impact on my knees, still haven't made the purchase but did try out several of my neighbors' trikes. It took some getting used to but as mentioned it was easier to get on & off. I will have one before this next winter. My 75 YO Oregon neighbor purchased a folding type trike for transport, he paid more than twice what the Schwinn cost, but 'snowbirds' it with his pickup & travel trailer easily. Get yourself one of those dorky helmets for safety also.
 
StarSong said:
PVC - I LIVED on a bicycle from ages 7-15. Loved my bike for about ten years, but once I got my drivers' license my bicycling days were all but history.

If my husband can figure out how to transport a couple of trikes in our 5th wheel camper we'll buy them. Collapsible trikes exist but the Amazon reviews are sparse and decidedly mixed. I want the trike for exercise and the joy of riding it, so I'm eliminating a motorized version from contention.

Perhaps someone reading this thread has either had a collapsible trike or knows a good trick for stowing a standard one inside a camper.

I'll definitely keep you posted.
Click to expand...

You might find trikes at Camping World. I have no idea of prices.
 
Maybe removing one wheel would allow it to fit through the door of the camper. (I`m assuming that is the problem?) Shouldn`t be too difficult to put back on.
 
Install a receiver hitch on your rear bumper of the 5th wheel. You can get a metal platform that extends the carrying capacity & is removable when not in use. Put a plywood bed wide enough to accomodate the 3 wheeled trikes. Doesn't add a lot of weight. Easy peasy, build it so the rear lights & plate are visible. Usable for many things.

VH-TRAY-5T.jpg
 
@Roadwarrior - Thank you for an excellent solution! I'll have my husband look into it. He's pretty handy AND is in his happy place if it involves doing anything with the fiver!
 
Happyflowerlady said:
I had one, and sold it again after almost killing myself with it. However, that being said, if you know how to ride one, and have a safe place to ride it, then it should be a wonderful bike to have.

I really miss riding a bicycle, but I just do not have the balance to ride a regular bike anymore, and I thought that one of the 3-wheelers would be perfect for me.
After I bought it (second hand from a pawn shop, but like new), I took it out to the street to ride it.
When you get on a regular bike, you can “push-off” with your left foot while pedaling with the right foot, and this is what I started to do automatically.
Well...... that does NOT work on a 3-wheeler !

Since the back wheels are on either side and not right in back, I ran over my left heel with the left rear tire. As I was trying to get my poor heel out from under there and stop the bike, a car came barreling down the street.
Without thinking, I then turned the handlebars sharp left in order to get over to the curb.
(This was my second mistake)
When I turned the sharp turn, it took out the front stabilization, and the bike started to fall over into the street, right in front of the oncoming car.
What saved me from a bad fall was my dear husband dashing out and grabbing the bike as well as supporting me, and the car swerved at the last minute and went on by.

Even though I could see that none of this was the bike’s fault, and I just needed more experience with riding it, I decided that our street was not a safe place for me, no matter what, and I sold the bike, explaining to the lady that bought it that it is vital to not start pedaling until you are sitting on the bike and have both feet on the pedals.

I think that once a person knows not to run over your own foot, and not to turn the front wheel sharply, and you have a safe place to ride it, then an adult tricycle would be a wonderful way to ride around and get exercise.
Click to expand...

I hate to laugh but I can see myself doing the same thing! I've given my bike up, too. I used to love riding around early in the morning, but I'm so afraid of breaking something again and I'm so clumsy. I tried a "recumbent" bike, but I felt like I was on a kiddie car or something.
 

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