Written by Mike Price, OT
Research shows that adaptive tricycles improve the range of motion, motor coordination, and independence in kids with physical disabilities. In a study published by the University of Kentucky, every single participant agreed that the trike improved their child's quality of life with many specifying improvements in physical, emotional, and social health.
In our experience, kids with mobility limitations don’t get the same opportunities to be as physically involved as others, limiting their physical growth. However, adaptive tricycles are available in a variety of styles and configurations to not only adapt to each child’s needs but to provide a fun and exciting adventure!
We know there are a lot of features and factors to take into consideration when purchasing a tricycle for your special needs child. The best choice will be one that will be used the most! This means the right size in a favorite color with safety features to keep it from tipping while riding, and a seat, handlebars, wheels, and brakes that will provide the most fun experience possible will all count when making a final purchasing decision.
An adaptive tricycle is a modified trike designed to provide recreation, exercise, and therapy opportunities for a child with special needs who is not able to operate a standard tricycle or bicycle.
Balance, coordination, and motor skills are improved by riding a tricycle, which is also great exercise and a fun way for a child to explore the surroundings.
The risk of falling off a trike makes it a good idea for all riders to wear them. Special needs riders who might have additional challenges with balance and coordination that make them even more susceptible to falls should definitely wear a helmet while on a trike.
Handlebars come in different configurations, ranging from loops to more standard handlebars. The best choice will depend on the child’s ability to reach, grab, and hold. Handlebar adjustability is key so you can get the correct height and distance from the rider.
In our opinion, how a tricycle is accessed should be considered. If a child is transferring from a chair to a trike seat, having an open-body design and transfer pedals is helpful. If a child is ambulatory and will independently get on the trike, a more standard design will work.
Different trikes offer different support options, usually utilizing safety belts and harnesses, and straps with hook-and-loop closures to maintain user position and provide safety and security while riding.
Some models don’t offer brakes, some offer parking brakes only, and some have hand or pedal brakes. If you choose a trike with a braking system of some sort, the braking action should be easy to engage and reliable once deployed.
The size of the wheels and the gear ratio will contribute to the ease of pedaling. Larger tires will add stability to the trike, while a low gear ratio will make it easy for beginners to get started and keep them from going too fast and getting out of control. Some models have the option for hand pedals since hand trikes can be independently propelled even if a child can’t operate foot pedals.
The seat should be comfortably padded. A wider seat will facilitate a more stable upright position, and the seat position should be adjustable to allow for the best fit possible.
Whether it’s a basket, a bin, or a pouch, a handy carrier is a great option on an adaptive trike. This is especially true if medical equipment needs to be kept nearby.
To make riding fun and engaging, a good-looking trike in a favorite color will add to the enjoyment and usage of the special needs rider.
Some trikes are built for younger children, some are built for older and bigger children, and some are highly adjustable. We advise you to pay attention to the height and weight parameters to ensure you are planning for your child’s current size and allowing for growth in the years to come.
At number 5 on our list is the AM-16 Therapeutic Tricycle from AmTryke, which is the largest trike providing the option of using it as a foot trike or a hand trike.
The hinged front end of this trike has three positions to choose from when adjusting the hand pedal/foot pedal to the alignment of the seat. The rider can choose to use the hand cranks individually or together or choose the foot pedals. This highly adjustable adaptive trike is suitable for children 8 years and up, and it can accommodate riders weighing up to 175 pounds.
The seat has a 58-inch lap strap and moves up, down, forward, and backward to allow for any leg length. We love that the plastic seat back has two 40-inch chest straps. This trike has a safety steering lock so a caregiver can allow the rider to steer straight, 20 degrees in any direction, or steer freely. The rear steering feature enables a caregiver to turn the tricycle in any direction, and the rear steering feature easily converts to a push bar. The footplates each have a heel trap and toe and insert straps to secure the rider’s feet to the pedals. The 16-inch front wheel has a flat-proof insert and the 16-inch pneumatic tires on the back provide stability and versatility. A loading lock ensures a safe and simple transfer on and off the trike.
The low center of gravity makes this large cycle very stable, and a loading lock ensures a safe and simple rider transfer on and off this trike. We also love that it comes with a safety flag, a safety handle, and a helmet. Assembly is required, however.
For older children who can’t rely on leg strength to self-propel this trike, and for caregivers who would like the ability to control or limit direction or speed, this durable special needs tricycle will provide a very comfortable, stable ride with the option of using it as a foot trike or a hand trike.
Watch AmTryke's Product Showcase video!
Gliding into our number 4 spot is the Mobo Triton Three Wheel Tricycle Cruiser. Its sleek, attractive design comes in three different colors and features an adjustable frame that grows with your child for years of memorable rides. In our opinion, what separates this trike from many others on the market is the advanced rear-wheel steering system, single-speed gear, and premium seating for unparalleled comfort.
Many people may underestimate a single-speed trike, but this usually means that they are lighter in weight and easier to transport, and with the Mobo Triton by Asa Products being chainless, it is virtually maintenance-free! Single-speed trikes are ideal for flat, even terrains and are great for natural exercise as they require a bit more work to go up any hills. Nevertheless, this design ensures increased concentration, agility, and strength for the user. When it comes to steering, this cruiser features an inventive rear-wheel steering design that works well with those with low muscle tone or who can only use one arm. Users can push down on one steering bar and the other will follow. The bars can also be placed in a way where the user can pedal in circles, with supervision, and not have to steer at all. Designed to accommodate a variety of users, the Mobo Triton Cruiser ensures every child experiences the joy and freedom of bike riding!
Topping off how incredibly easy-to-use and accessible this trike is, is the extendable, low-to-the-ground frame. It suits users from 3’8” to 5’2” and has a weight capacity of 200lbs, ensuring the perfect fit for every kid. With the cushioned seat being only 11 inches off the ground, balance is hardly needed for operation. This allows people who naturally have balancing troubles the opportunity to join their friends on every exciting trip. We think the Mobo Triton Three-Wheel Tricycle Cruiser is one of the most accessible trikes on the market that lasts for years on end, ensuring a happy parent and over-the-moon kid!
Check out the smaller version of this tricycle!
Third on our list is the DCP 16 Special Needs Tricycle. Freedom Concepts has created a tricycle that is the true embodiment of fun with bright, exciting colors, an animal horn, and a range of accessories for customizability. With an adaptive build, the DCP 16 can grow with your child into their early teen years, ensuring familiarity, comfort, and independence for years to come.
While the kids are out riding and having a blast, the number one concern is always safety. This is why Freedom Concepts made sure to equip the DCP 16 with a safety flag, wheel reflectors, and squeaky horn for maximum outdoor visibility. We love the durable frame features and quick-release mechanisms on all adjustable parts as well as an adjustable crank and sprocket system for children who have spastic or different-length legs. With many adjustable parts, this trike ensures an improved range of motion, proper hip-to-foot positioning, and a refined sense of independence. Another standard feature that enhances safety is the 16-inch, Never-Go-Flat tires with aluminum rims. They provide one of the smoothest rides on the market and can withstand all the twists and turns for the ultimate trike experience!
The standard version of this trike is already loaded with incredible features, and to enhance the experience, nearly every part can be upgraded to your liking! Caregivers have the option to add on a steering assistance handle for extra support and for the kids, you can add on a variety of accessories to enhance comfort and maximize positioning. These accessories include but are not limited to a chest harness, headrest, hand-eye coordination gloves, canopy, and communication tray.
Check out the other Discovery series models below!
Coming in second on our list is the Worksman Cycles Pediatric Special Needs Tricycle Micah Flagship Deluxe - a premium outdoor cycling option for special needs children and small adults. This tricycle is thoughtfully designed to provide convenience and safety for both the rider and caretaker. With steering bars in the front and back, both rider and caretaker can easily control the direction, making it ideal for use on sidewalks and in parks.
The low-resting frame allows for easy entry and exit, while the brakes and handlebars in both the front and back provide additional control. We think this is suitable for pediatric patients aged six and up, as well as smaller adults, this versatile tricycle is a perfect choice for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
The tricycle features three premium wheels and tires, designed to tackle various outdoor terrains, from sidewalks to blacktops. The tread provides excellent grip, ensuring stability and maneuverability, even on slippery surfaces. The dual handlebars enable both the rider and caregiver to steer the tricycle, making it an ideal tool for teaching pedal control and promoting physical activity. In addition to its exceptional functionality, the tricycle boasts an eye-catching design with its bright green color, appealing to children and adults alike. We love that it's not only a means of transportation but also a fun and enjoyable ride that allows you to attend appointments, go to school, and visit friends and family with ease!
The Small Pediatric Adaptive Tricycle by Rifton tops our list as best overall! It is easily adjusted without any tools to provide an individualized fit that provides years of use due to its durable frame can be altered to accommodate a growing child.
Offering all the benefits of cycling with the safety of a seatbelt and a push bar, even the most specific needs for support and positioning can be accommodated by this trike. For standard features, the frame color, seat size, handlebar style, and back support are available in at least two options for your choice. This special needs trike provides a smooth and safe ride for users up to 150 pounds.
We love this trike for the low frame design, removable laterals, and flip-away handlebars that create easy access and simplify transfers. Its self-leveling pedals have hook-and-loop straps for a secure fit, so feet stay put on the pedals and riders can propel the trike without caregiver assistance. The low 1:1 gear ratio makes it easy to get this trike moving under pedal power. Its rear storage box makes it easy to take along toys or necessary equipment on a ride.
If you have special customization needs, from the look of the trike to support and positioning needs, you are sure to find the features that will best meet your needs with this tricycle. Your child can get on and off this trike quickly, enjoying the improved motor skills, exercise, and fun that come with riding.
Check out the other Rifton Adaptive series models below!
Children with special needs are almost twice as likely to be idle as their peers who do not face the same mobility issues. But there are pieces of equipment specifically designed to provide activity and engagement opportunities, and tricycles for special needs riders are on that list. Above, we have provided our Top 4 tricycles designed for children with special needs, and the Small Rifton Pediatric Adaptive Tricycle earned our #1 spot!
Your child’s unique needs will dictate which design will work best. Hopefully, a special needs tricycle on this list will provide a comfortable and safe ride for users who would struggle using a standard tricycle or bicycle. Our top pick provides the most support for the largest riders, who might have more challenges than younger and smaller riders would have to find a functional, fun, adaptive trike that fits them well. Whatever model works best for your child, the opportunities for exploration, engagement, and therapy will open up with the use of a tricycle designed specifically for a special needs child.
Feel free to browse the rest of our Special Needs Tricycles for sale.
Interested in learning more? Be sure to check out our Special Needs articles for in-depth product reviews, buying guides, innovative technology, and much more! And learn even more about safe patient handling, wheelchairs, top brands, and more on Caregiver University.
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
