What is a Trike? Recumbent?

People are always asking us questions about our trikes. After all, they are pretty unique. The most common questions we get as we are riding are:

What is that thing? Is it a bike? Is it a pedal car? Is it comfortable? Is it fast? Is it expensive? Is it safe? Where can I get one?

Wow! That's a lot of questions!

What Is That Thing?

The trikes we ride are known as "tadpole recumbent trikes". "Recumbent" means that you are sitting down with your feet in front of you. These "trikes" have three wheels with two in the front and one behind the rider. This style of trike is known as a "tadpole". (The other style of trike is known as a delta trike and has one wheel in front and two in the back.)

Is it a Bike? Is it a Pedal Car?

These trikes ride like a little sports car or a go-cart. With their extremely low center of gravity it is easy to take fast turns without fear of flipping over. Like a bicycle, these trikes are pedal powered and will go as fast as you can pedal. Unlike a bicycle, the trike does not lean when turning, so it is up to the rider to lean and keep all the wheels on the ground. Turning is done with the steering bar that goes under the seat and has handles on each side.

Is it Comfortable?

Riding a trike is similar to pedaling a really comfortable lawn chair. Most of our trikes have a mesh seat which keeps you cool, and many models offer adjustable seat positions. Some people ask if it is uncomfortable to pedal with your feet in front of you. Actually, it is very easy and isolates most of the pedaling effort to your legs, which means that your entire upper body does not become fatigued. The recumbent trike is fast becoming the cyclist's machine of choice for long tours precisely because you can ride all day without hurting.

Is it Fast?

It depends on who is asking and how much riding experience you have. Because of the recumbent position of the rider, different muscles are used to pedal. You cannot use gravity to help you by standing on the pedals and instead you learn to "spin" the pedals. Most people that are currently fast riders will find the trike to be slower initially because of this. Once accustomed to the recumbent style of riding it is possible to go very fast. You also have the option of adding a motor to your trike for added potential speed.

Is it Expensive?

Adult trikes have a wide range of prices, just as with bicycles. Much of the cost depends on the features and components that you get on your trike. We offer many ways to customize your trike so that it can best fit you and your needs!

Is it Safe?

Riding a trike is very safe and offers some safety advantages over riding a conventional bicycle. It is very stable at any speed and eliminates the need to balance. Instead of wobbling up a hill you can go as slow as you want and even rest without taking your feet off of the pedals. Riding in traffic is also very safe. Since most people have not seen trikes regularly they usually give you more room and slow down to take a look. If you are riding in tight traffic you can enhance your visibility with a flag, head lights, and taillights.

Want to Learn More?

If you want to learn more about trikes we have lots of information on our websites and our YouTube Channel. For trike reviews and articles about trikes check out our Articles Page. To view the details about the different trike models we offer check out our Trikes Page. View trikes in action on our YouTube Channel! If you have any question feel free to send us an email at trikes@utahtrikes.com

Where can I get one?

You can order a trike right here on our website! We would love to have you Utah Trikes in Springville, Utah. Come in for a free test drive and find out what everyone is talking about. With the Ergonomic design, our recumbent trikes are far more comfortable than a standard diamond frame bike. Not only will your body feel better from the impact-free ride, but you'll become healthier and have fun too! Feel free to email us at trikes@utahtrikes.com if you have any questions or give us a call at our toll free number:866-446-2065. Thanks for reading and keep an eye out for our article about our Quads! in the mean time remember to Relax. Spin Fast. Ride Trikes. UTAH TRIKES!