Written by Hulet Smith, OTR/L
Adult tricycles, or three-wheeled bikes, offer a reliable and stable alternative for those who find traditional bicycles challenging. They provide a safe and enjoyable way to enhance physical activity, whether for exercise, transportation, or leisure, without the worry of losing balance and tipping over. When choosing an adult tricycle, it's important to consider factors such as the ease of mounting and dismounting, seat comfort, and the inclusion of storage options to ensure it meets all your mobility and functional needs. Let's explore our top 4 picks for the best adult tricycles on the market.
Positioning flexibility is an extremely important feature for people with limited mobility, and Special Needs Tricycles are no exception. Most of them offer some amount of options for seat and handlebar adjustment, but some are more versatile than others. Additionally, tricycle seats come in Upright, Semi-Recumbent, and Recumbent positions, which can make a significant difference to the rider depending on the experience they are looking for.
When reviewing the tricycle you are interested in, make sure that it can accommodate your particular needs, as comfort and support are vital to your long-term enjoyment of the product.
Even though the tricycle’s third wheel offers improved stability and safety when compared to a regular bicycle, there is one glaring downside - the tricycle is necessarily larger and bulkier, making it much more difficult to store and transport. For some, this is a non-issue - if you have a garage to store the product and only intend to ride it near your home, you’re in the clear - but for those with limited storage space or the desire to take their trike with them on trips, this can be an important distinction. Some trikes are lightweight and even foldable to remedy this issue,
From simple, single-gear cruisers to highly flexible 21-speed exercise trikes, there is a lot of variety amongst these trikes in terms of intended use. For users looking for a highly customizable experience with lots of options for optimized exercise and workouts, it might be worth looking into trike models with a higher number of speeds. On the other hand, some folks are looking for simplicity, and just want to cruise the neighborhood. For someone like that, a single-speed or 3-speed trike might be the better, more streamlined option.
Safety concerns are a big priority for all products designed for active use such as tricycles, and this is especially true when it comes to Special Needs Tricycles. Some common ones for trikes include lights and reflectors for enhanced visibility, fast-acting hand brakes to stop on a dime, and open or step-through frames to limit the risk of accidents when getting on or off the trike. Depending on your specific needs, some of these features may be more vital than others - make sure that the trike has everything you require before you pull the trigger!
There are three basic styles of 3-wheeled bikes for adults, each with its own benefits and serving slightly different needs for riders.
Upright adult tricycle bikes have similar characteristics to standard bikes, except for the extra wheel in the back. They are similar in design to the trikes most people think of for children, but these models are big enough for adults. A rider is seated in an upright position and these trikes often have a low step-through so they are easier to mount and dismount. They are great for transportation and often have storage baskets for carrying things or running errands, but they’re not ideal for anyone looking to take on cycling as a sporting activity.
The rider is in a reclining position on a recumbent bike. The rider’s weight, which is supported by the back and buttocks, is more evenly distributed over a larger area, making a recumbent trike more comfortable for people with back problems. These cycles are low to the ground and are controlled with levers on either side of the seat rather than a front-mounted handlebar. They are built for exercise and longer rides but aren’t as practical for casual use.
If you find pedaling a standard adult trike is too difficult, but the recumbent model is too low to the ground for you, a semi-recumbent bike brings together the best features of both. With the stability of an upright model but easier pedaling and steering that comes from sitting back farther, this body style offers a comfortable ride for most people.
For people recovering from surgery, an injury, or a stroke or who have Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy need a safe (and hopefully fun) way to work on improving mobility and strength, and cycling is an effective therapeutic activity to address those issues.
Adults with special needs might need a way to socialize, so a trike is a great way to get them engaged with peers and other cycling enthusiasts.
As people age, they can lose the strength and balance needed to ride a conventional bike, but an adult trike can keep them riding and enjoying the benefits of cycling.
Yes! Adult tricycles offer a solid cardio workout and also target the quadriceps (thigh muscles), glutes, calves, hamstrings, tibialis anterior (shins), and even your abs.
If riding a conventional bike is potentially more dangerous because of a user’s physical limitations, a trike is definitely the better choice for safety reasons alone. Adult trikes are more stable than bikes with wider seats and a solid 3-wheel platform.
With correct gearing, an adult 3-wheeled tricycle can climb very steep hills. Since you don’t have to maintain enough speed to stay balanced, as is required when riding a 2-wheeled bike, you can go slower and steadier without the fear of tipping over from losing your balance. You can also set the brakes and safely stop for a rest on a hill without getting off the bike.
 | Folding Electric Tricycle With 5-Speed Settings for Adults and Children - Di Blasi R34 View Product |
Our number 4 pick, The Di Blasi R34 5-Speed Folding Electric Tricycle combines sleek Italian design with practical functionality, creating a premier solution for adults seeking a reliable and portable mode of transportation. This tricycle stands out with its compact, foldable design, allowing for effortless storage and transport. Constructed from durable carbon steel and finished with a resilient polyester powder, the R34 ensures longevity and performance under various conditions. It features an accessible low step-through frame, making it easy to mount and dismount. It also has a powerful 250-watt motor paired with a 9Ah lithium battery, offering substantial power and range for everyday use.
 | Reversible Cruiser Recumbent Tricycle - Mobo Shift View Product |
The best value in a recumbent adult trike, our number 3 pick is the Mobo Shift Reversible Cruiser by Asa Products. It is the first adult tricycle of its kind to be able to go in reverse!
Its rider-friendly gear system, easy-to-apply caliper hand brakes, and front flywheel structure make it easy for just about anyone to operate this adult trike safely and comfortably. Its durable steel frame is designed to enable riders recovering from an injury or dealing with back issues to stay active. The seat reclines at 20, 30, 35, 45, 50, and 60 degrees and is cupped to help prevent falls.
This adult tricycle's unique ability to reverse helps you maneuver it in tight spaces. It is a single-speed tricycle with a 16-inch front wheel and 20-inch back wheels and a 250-pound rider weight capacity.
Whether you are shopping for a recreational therapy adult tricycle bike or just want a trike to get around on or ride for fun, the Mobo Shift Reversible Tricycle can meet any of those needs. It allows cyclists who have developed balance issues to enjoy still riding, and its price point makes it a good value that will prove its value as a wise investment in your health and well-being.
 | Adult Recumbent Tricycle Cruiser - Mobo Triton Pro View Product |
The Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle Cruiser by Asa Products is a cutting-edge trike that redefines the riding experience with its innovative three-wheeled design and rear-wheel steering for superior control. Our #2 choice, this cruiser, features an adjustable frame that can accommodate riders ranging from 4 feet to 6'3", making it a versatile choice for individuals of various heights. Its ergonomic recumbent seat provides comfortable seating, and the durable caliper hand brakes ensure reliable stopping power. Available in four striking colors—blue, red, silver, and orange. The Mobo Triton Pro combines functionality with style, making every ride enjoyable and safe.
 | Two Seat Tricycle - Side-By-Side Therapeutic 3 Speed Trike View Product |
The Side-by-Side Therapeutic Trike by School Specialty, with its 3-speed dual-rider pedal-drive system, stands as our top pick for those seeking a shared cycling experience with the flexibility of individual speed control. This trike is expertly designed to accommodate two riders, each able to pedal at their preferred pace, making it ideal for therapeutic sessions or leisurely rides with a partner. This trike ensures a smooth and secure ride with adjustable dual seating for personalized comfort, triple braking systems for enhanced safety, and heavy-duty tires suitable for all terrains. The added rear basket offers convenient storage for personal items or shopping essentials, making it not just a means of transport but a practical tool for everyday use.
No matter what your physical abilities or challenges are or what you want to get out of your cycling experience, our list includes an adult tricycle bike that will provide you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable ride. Our number 1 pick is The Side-by-Side Therapeutic Trike. Designed to accommodate two riders with the ability to pedal at their own pace, it's clear why this is our top choice.
If you are unsure which tricycle is best for you, read the helpful article How to Choose the Best Adult Trike. You can also view our entire catalog of Adult Tricycles and Bicycles. We hope that you enjoyed this article and it helps put you on track to a more active lifestyle!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
