Tricycles

If you need to cycle slowly, have difficulty balancing, trouble standing, or feel uncomfortable on a bicycle, a tricycle might be a solution.

If you dont have enough strength in your leg or mobility to pedal with your feet, a hand-propelled tricycle can be an alternative. With a hand-propelled tricycle, you will typically semi-lie on a seat with a backrest.

There are also carrier tricycles suitable for transporting larger loads. However, carrier cycles are larger, heavier, and harder to maneuver than regular tricycles. They can be challenging for individuals with reduced mobility or strength. This guide primarily focuses on tricycles without carrier capacity.

Many factors influence the best choice of a tricycle for you, and it is a good idea to seek professional advice, e.g. from your local assistive device department or a bike dealer. It is also a good idea to try out different bikes before making a decision.

The following discusses some of the choices you need to make before deciding which type of bike best meets your needs.

One or two front wheels

You need to decide whether your tricycle should have two front wheels or two rear wheels. Regardless of the type you choose, riding a tricycle will feel different since, when turning, you need to lean in the opposite direction compared to a bicycle.

The advantage of having two front wheels is that you have better control over the width of the bike, especially on narrow bicycle paths or when navigating through tight spaces. Its easy to push a tricycle with two front wheels as you can get very close to the saddle and steer the bike with one hand on the saddle and one hand on the handlebars. However, a bike with two front wheels requires more space to turn.

Some tricycles with two front wheels can lean when turning because they are equipped with a leaning stabilizer. Leaning means that the front wheels can tilt in the same direction as you are turning, making the tricycle feel somewhat like a bicycle where you lean toward the side of the turn.

One challenge with a tricycle with two front wheels is that it can be heavy to maneuver at slow speeds.

The advantage of a bike with one front wheel is that it is easy to maneuver at slow speeds, and it requires less space for turning. However, it can be challenging to gauge the bikes width since you cant see the two rear wheels, and it can be difficult to push the bike as the rear wheels will often be in the way.

Mounting and dismounting

The step-in height matters when it comes to getting on and off the bike. Most tricycles have a low step-in height, but the bikes can have different designs, and the available space for mounting can vary. Some bikes are designed with a footboard that can facilitate mounting and dismounting.

The placement of the saddle or seat also affects mounting and dismounting. If you have difficulty rising from a low seat, it may be challenging to get on and off a bike with the seat in a low position.

Saddle or seat

There are usually several options when choosing between saddle and seat. SSeats are often used when you sit low on the bike and pedal forward. A saddle is typically used when you sit high on the bike and pedal downward.

Seats often have a back support, but there are also saddles that can be equipped with a back supports. A back support can provide better stability on the bike. It can also help you apply more force to the pedals by bracing against it.

Some seats and saddles have built-in suspension, which makes it more comfortable to ride in uneven terrain since the suspension reduces shocks from the surface. This can be an advantage if you have pelvic or back pain.

There are seats with a swivel console. This can make it easier to get on the bike since the seat can be turned to your mounting side. Once youre on the bike, you can rotate the seat into position.

Upright or recumbent riding position

Foot-pedaled and hand-propelled bikes come in models with both upright and recumbent riding positions.

A recumbent riding position has the advantage of reducing the weight on your arms, shoulders, and back compared to riding in an upright position. It also allows you to transfer more power to your legs when you can push against the backrest. The lower center of gravity in these models provides the bike with good stability.

However, when sitting low, your visibility is limited, resulting in reduced view of the traffic. Other road users might not spot you. It can also be difficult to check behind you without a mirror on the bike. Finally, getting on and off the bike can be challenging.

Auxiliary motor

Choosing a tricycle with an auxiliary motor can be a good idea if you have reduced strength in your legs, get tired quickly, need to cycle longer distances, want to keep up with someone cycling faster, or ride in hilly terrain. An alternative to an auxiliary motor is to have the bike equipped with low gearing, making it easier to pedal, even with reduced strength. Cycling with low gearing will be relatively slow, though.

An auxiliary motor allows you to cycle quickly, so its essential that someone assesses whether its safe for you to travel at the speed the auxiliary motor offers. Read more in the "Safety when cycling" section.

Some auxiliary motors offer a boost mode, allowing you to start the bike without pedaling. This can be an advantage if, due to reduced strength in your leg, you cant kick-start the bike. An auxiliary motor can also make it possible to reverse the bike, making it easier to maneuver and park the bike.

Some auxiliary motors have adjustable settings, allowing you to fine-tune the motors assistance. If you need specific settings, its essential to determine whether you can physically operate them, whether the controls are on the bike or controlled via an app.

If you choose a bike with an auxiliary motor, consider the batterys characteristics, including charging, capacity, and lifespan, as well as its physical size and removal and charging procedures.

Internal or external gears

If you choose a bike with external gears, you will have the opportunity of getting more gears than if you choose a bike with internal gears.

The advantage of internal gears is that they are easy to maintain and you can shift gears both when you stand still and when the bike is moving.

External gears have the advantage that the power transfer is more direct, thereby the energy loss is not as great as with internal gears, and the bike becomes easier to pedal.

Please note that only bikes with internal gears are available with foot brakes.

Shift levers with click are available for both external and internal gears, which facilitates precision in gear shifting. Some gear shifters can be difficult to operate, and there may be a difference in the design of the shifter. This can have an impact on the demands the gear shifting puts on your hand function. It may be a good idea to try several types before deciding which one suits you best.

For some bikes with internal gears, you can buy a reverse gear, which can make it easier to turn the bike, for example if you have difficulty getting off the bike. If you want to be able to reverse on a tricycle with external gears, this will require an auxiliary motor.

Although a bike has many gears, it is essential that the gearing also suits you so that you can utilize all gears. Most bikes can be supplied with individually adapted gearing. You can talk with your bike dealer about the options.

Bikes with external gears are not available with foot brakes. If you want a bike with a foot brake, choosing internal gears is the only option.

Foot or hand brake

If you have been used to a bike with a foot brake, it may take some getting used to switching to a bike with hand brakes and vice versa, as operating the brakes is often an automated action. You must therefore consider whether you should have the same types of brakes as you are used to, or whether there are reasons why you want to switch to a different brake system.

Fixed hub or freewheel – foot powered bikes

The hub is the center part of the wheel and thus the wheels pivot point. For the hand-propelled bikes, the type of hub varies a lot, and therefore only the different types of hubs for foot-pedaled tricycles are described in this section.

Fixed hub

On a bike with a fixed hub, you can step both forwards and backwards on the pedals making the bike move either forwards or backwards. The pedals will rotate constantly when the bike is moving, which has the disadvantage that you cannot "rest" on the pedals, e.g. downhill. Fixed hub may be suitable for children who are learning to ride a bike, or for people who have difficulty making a circular motion with one or both legs, as the legs are guided as the bike rolls.

Free hub (freewheel) without foot brake

If the bike has a free hub without a foot brake, you can pedal backwards without the bike reacting. Because of the freewheel, you can "rest" on the pedals when the bike is rolling, e.g. downhill.

Free hub (freewheel) with foot brake

If your bike has a free hub with a foot brake, the bike will brake when you step backwards. It still gives you the opportunity to "rest" on the pedals when the bike is rolling.

Free hub (freewheel) with foot brake and reverse gear

Some bikes with free hub and foot brake also have a reverse gear. If the bike is in reverse, reverse thread will cause the bike to go backwards. If the bike is not in reverse, reverse thread will activate the foot brake. Reverse gear can i.a. be useful if you have difficulty getting off the bike, and reverse gear can make parking and maneuvering the bike easier.

With or without differential drive

Tricycles are available with or without differential drive. Differential drive means that the traction on the 2 front wheels or the 2 rear wheels is even and uniform, even if the wheels roll at different speeds, e.g. when you turn a corner. The differential drive means that the power transfer is better and that the bike is easier to maneuver in bends.

There are various types of equipment and adaptations that can be used to adapt the bike to your needs, e.g. baskets, walking stick holders, side mirrors, etc. Your bike dealer will often be able to give you advice and guidance as to what is available. Below are some examples of equipment and adaptations.

Equipment for transporting goods and objects

Most tricycles with an upright riding position can be fitted with a bike basket. Here you must pay attention to the manufacturers indications of the permitted weight in the basket. If you do not observe this, the bike may become unstable and difficult to maneuver. There are also luggage boxes and bike bags that can be used on a tricycle.

You can also get walking stick holders or walker holders, which make it easier to carry a walking stick or a rollator on the bike.

For inspiration, please see Equipment for transporting goods on cycles.

Other equipment for adapting the bike

A tricycle will always need to be set up specifically for you, but in addition, there is also various equipment that can be used to adapt the bike.

There are different types of handlebars and arm supports, which make it possible to use a different grip to hold the handlebars, or to bring the handlebars closer to your body, so that you sit more upright when cycling.

There are also pedals or footplates that make it possible to fasten the foot to the pedal, for example in order to pedal the bike with one leg. If you have difficulty keeping your balance while sitting on the bike, a body support may be mounted on your saddle or seat. Finally, it is also possible to have a side mirror fitted, which makes it easier to look behind you if you have, for example, reduced mobility in the neck or challenges with your balance.

Please see some of the options available under Cycle adaptations.

It is important to think about ways to park your bike, as a tricycle requires more space than a bicycle. An advantage, however, is that it can stand by itself without a bike rack or support foot.

If you have chosen a bike with an auxiliary motor, then you must have a place to plug it in when you want to charge it, unless it has a removable battery. If you do not have the opportunity to store the tricycle under a roof, you can get a cover or a "garage" to keep the bike dry.

You should follow the suppliers instructions regarding cleaning, maintenance, and service inspections. At regular intervals, you must ensure that the tricycle is fully functional by e.g. lubricating the chain and cables, tightening screws, checking that the brakes are working, and inspecting other parts. You can possibly have a service agreement with a bike dealer.

In relation to safety, there are both aspects regarding riding the bike and the bike itself.

At Cyklistforbundet you can read about the Road Traffic Acts special rules for cyclists (chapter 7).

If you want to know what requirements the Road Traffic Act has for bicycle equipment, you can read more about this in the Decree on bicycle fitting and equipment, etc.

Safety when cycling

Be aware that you must always drive at a right angle up and down ramps and other obstacles with a tricycle. Make sure that the two parallel wheels, whether they are located at the front or the back of the bike, force the obstacle at the same time. When you have to turn the bike, you have to slow down the speed of the bike..

Most surfaces, e.g. cycle paths, also slope slightly so that water does not collect on the road. You have to get used to adjusting for that.

Never venture onto a public road until you feel confident that you can handle it. Reduced mobility in the neck, balance problems, reduced overview of the traffic, or reduced ability to react can affect the ability to ride safely in traffic. It is therefore important that you consider whether you will be able to travel safely in traffic on a tricycle with or without an engine.

User weight

The manufacturer must state how much user weight the tricycle is intended for. This must be stated on the labeling and in the instructions for use. It is important not to exceed this weight; otherwise, the bike may break.

Brakes

According to the Road Traffic Act, a bike must be equipped with at least two independent braking systems that act on the front and rear wheels respectively.

A bike with more than two wheels, which is equipped for carrying big loads in a box or similar, must also be equipped with a parking brake on the wheels that carry the box. A parking brake ensures that the bike is stationary when you get on and off, and that the bike stays stationary where you park it. This is especially important on sloping ground.

Technical safety

All tricycles marketed to people with an impairment must be CE-marked as medical equipment. With the CE marking, the supplier guarantees that the bike meets the requirements of the regulation for medical devices. If the bike is not marketed specifically for people with impairment, it is not a requirement that the bike comply with the regulation for medical devices.

The tricycle must meet a number of requirements within, e.g., safety, including stability, durability, and functionality, which specifically ensures that the tricycle can be used by people with impairment. Some of these requirements are contained in the standard below:

• DS/EN ISO 21856:2022 Assistive devices – General requirements and test methods