I’m going, to be frank, I don’t own a tricycle. I own an adult trike, and it’s pretty nice. But because I don’t quite have the spare cash for the high-end models with all the bells and whistles out there, I thought it best to find out what it does and doesn’t have, so you can decide for yourself.
10 Amazing Benefits of Adult Tricycles for Seniors and Their Riders
As a healthy and safe transportation option for seniors, tricycles are a wonderful option. A trike is a type of three-wheeled bicycle with one front wheel, one rear wheel, and one steerable wheel in the center of the frame. Fortunately for seniors who feel more comfortable on this vehicle over a standard bicycle or low-rider bicycle, there are many benefits of trikes:
Elderly Tricycle Riders
Consider a senior in a retirement home in a nearby city. He’s been riding a tricycle in his retirement home garden for the last few years, but lately, he is having problems with getting around by bike. He has some hip problems, so he needs to use another form of transportation preferably a wheelchair. The tricycles are available in his retirement home, but they are very expensive. He is not able to walk with the assistance of a walker or with the use of braces on his legs, due to medical conditions. He will have to pay for transportation. He cannot afford this expense. The tricycles are only used by the residents who want to ride them once in a while for exercise or fun.
For elderly riders who may have balance issues, adult tricycles can offer a sense of stability and security. However, it’s important to choose the right tricycle that would fit your body, such as 24-inch bikes for adults and taller children. That way, you can ride comfortably and maintain proper posture as you exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Disabled tricycle riders
There are many reasons why a tricycle is a good choice for disabled seniors. The tricycles have a comfortable seat and there’s room in the tricycle to place a wheelchair in front so if the senior needs an extra boost to get up hills or downhill, they can use a wheelchair or walker. The tricycles are also great for indoor riding because they’re lighter than wheelchairs and walkers. They’re also easy to fold up and carry from one place to another. In comparison with wheelchairs, the wheels on a tricycle will not tire out easily. There are different styles of tricycles suitable for different needs such as mountain bikes, beach cruisers, sports models, and city models.
For Those Who Lack of Confidence
Tricycles are a good option for seniors with limited balance and lower-body strength. For those who lack of confidence, they will have a smooth ride because there’s no jerking from the front wheel. In addition, if a senior is too tired to pedal, they can use an electric wheelchair that is powered by a motor. If there’s not enough time to charge the batteries or if there is no place to charge them, then the rider will have no choice but to pedal it slowly. There are other reasons why tricycles are suitable for seniors.
If you are struggling with lack of confidence, it might be helpful to look at how others have dealt with mental health issues. Check out 50 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Mental Health. You may find inspiration in how they have battled and overcome their struggles. Remember, seeking help is always a sign of strength.
Coordination and Muscle strength
Tricycles are not as difficult to learn to ride as upright bicycles or motorized wheelchairs. The rider must know how to use his/her legs and arms. The rider can use his/her arms for steering, stomping the pedals with the foot, and also for leaning with the seat.
Great for the environment
Tricycles are great for the environment! All of the materials used to make a tricycle such as the plastic and metal parts, tires, and even its fuel (gasoline) will not end up in a landfill. Instead, they can be recycled and broken down into other products that we use every day. At the same time, tricycles use less energy than motorized wheelchairs since it doesn’t require gasoline.
Allow you to be more social
Tricycles allow you to be more social! You can ride your tricycle at the retirement home or take it out on the street. Riding a tricycle is an activity that brings new friends. Even though your body isn’t as fit as it used to be, there are many benefits of riding a tricycle.
Cycling will strengthen bones
Cycling is a great way for seniors to stay active and improve their overall health. Cycling helps to strengthen bones, which can help prevent osteoporosis. Cycling also helps improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle mass, and reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer.
Seniors will have lots of health benefits
Seniors who maintain a high activity level tend to have higher mobility, as well as a better quality of life. Research shows that cycling is a great way for seniors to maintain their physical fitness. Riding a bicycle can improve balance and coordination, as well as help keep the heart healthy.
Seniors who cycle tend to have a decreased risk of arthritis. Cycling can also help maintain bone density and give seniors a sense of independence in their daily lives.
It is also thought that cycling can help to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Cycling is a good sport for seniors who cannot perform high impact sports due to injuries or other conditions. It is an aerobic activity, so it can help with cardiovascular health.
Improving strength, posture, and circulation are some of the numerous health benefits that seniors can enjoy by riding an adult tricycle. To complement tricycle riding, try incorporating these bursitis exercises for seniors for better joint mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Easy to transport
Some tricycles are compact and foldable so they can be stored away in a small space. If a senior doesn’t have a lot of energy or time, they can take advantage of hand-powered tricycles. There are no gears to shift and the rider only has to pedal forward to go forward.
Affordable Price
In addition to being environmentally friendly, tricycles cost less than most other mobility transportation options. A standard three-wheeled tricycle can be purchased from anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to a thousand dollars depending on style and brand. Maintenance is minimal since there are no gears, special mechanisms, or complicated electronics involved in its operation.
Investing in an adult tricycle doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many affordable options available, such as the Priority Bicycles, a brand that offers affordable yet high-quality tricycles. They are designed to prioritize simplicity and durability, making them a great investment for those who are looking for an adult tricycle but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Tricycle Basket
Tricycle has a big basket, which is really helpful for storing goods, for example, groceries. You can also use it to store your sweater or jacket. Many seniors use it to go shopping and store goods.
Fun Riding
Rides can be fun: If you’re able to get an adult trike for a good price, riding around town is enjoyable. However, even if you buy the best tricycle in the world, riding one is still cumbersome. If you have problems with your balance, or if you tend to feel light-headed when riding, it wouldn’t be the best option.
Tricycles are very suitable for recreational activities. You can go to the beach or park with your friends. You can join an exercise group that has a tricycle club or rent one from a company that provides recreation services.
Cycling can also help seniors fight against anxiety and depression, as research shows that exercise can help reduce those conditions.
For those looking for a fun riding option, consider heading out to one of the top equestrian places for trail riding or lessons. Not only is horseback riding a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also provide a low-impact workout. Riding a tricycle can also offer a fun and unique experience, particularly for those who haven’t ridden in a while.
Balance
You can ride with confidence: When I used to own a tricycle, I was very nervous about riding one around town. It was always an effort to get up and start riding again. My hands were sore from holding on so tight. After practicing a lot, I got more relaxed about my bike and was able to ride more easily. You never feel like you’re in danger, but it is quite an adjustment.
That’s about it. Of course, all of the benefits that I mentioned are based on having a bicycle that is truly well-made. It’ll be easier to ride around the park and enjoy your trips if you feel safe and balanced.
To know more about which tricycles are fit for seniors, please check the link.
FAQs
Difference between an electric tricycle and a regular tricycle
The main difference between an electric tricycle and a regular tricycle is power. Electric wheelchairs have a motor to push the chair. Electric tricycles, on the other hand, have a motor to propel the bike, so it can be ridden faster than it would otherwise go and help up in “hills” better since you don’t need strength for pedaling. Good brands of electric tricycles are Trike Motors, A&D Mobility, Fury Mobility, and Handicap Mobility. They have good-quality tricycles.
Related: Tricycles vs Bikes
What is the weight capacity of an adult trike?
The weight capacity varies wildly from model to model, but most adult tricycles are rated between 300 and 900 pounds. I have one that I can use on the beach, and it’s rated for a maximum of 600 pounds. Other adult trikes are made for hauling and may be able to hold over 1000 pounds. Finding the right weight capacity should be a major factor in your decision if you want to use your trike for hauling.
For me, a 600-pound weight capacity works fine. I’m approaching the upper limit of it, but it’s still safe and I can use it for hauling other than just myself.
See also: Adult Tricycle Weight Limit
Do you need one with an electric tricycle?
I have a trike that has an electric tricycle and it’s pretty nice. It has variable speed settings and is capable of speeds up to 12 miles per hour.
They may not have the highest top speeds, but they’re still fast enough to get out of trouble if the need arises.
Do you need a low step over height?
I think a low step-over height is important, especially if you plan on taking your kids out for a ride. I have kids, and one of the things I like most about my adult trike is the low step-over height. It makes it easy to get my kids on and off the trike without me having to struggle.
If you have a trike using regular pneumatic tires, I would definitely consider it. Low step-over heights are necessary for an adult trike that is going to be used as a kid hauler.
Are there any extra features you should look for?
There are a few other features that you may want to look for, but they will run out of the price of the trike and might not be things that would make your purchase dependent on it.
Things like shocks, electric pedals (like on a bicycle), wide seats, and the ability to carry a passenger could all be nice additions depending on your needs. If you’re looking for a trike for hauling or just general use, then these things may end up being deal-breakers.
To get the most out of your adult tricycle, consider looking for models with additional features like baskets, cargo trailers, or comfortable seats. These features can add convenience and comfort to your ride. Need some inspiration? Check out these protective hairstyles for natural hair to keep your hair out of your face while cycling.
How much should I expect to pay for an adult tricycle?
Adult tricycles vary wildly in price from $100 bucks to well over $1,000.
There are pros and cons to both ends of the spectrum. You can find some really cheap tricycles, but they will probably be low quality and won’t last too long. I’ve purchased some cheaper trikes in the past, and I haven’t been impressed with them at all. In the end, you get what you pay for.
