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About Recumbent Trikes

3/20/2018

42 Comments

 
Smiling woman riding a Hase Kettwiesel recumbent trike
Recumbent? What does that mean?
 
When you ride a recumbent bike, you’re not sitting on a small saddle seat, hunched over your handlebars. You ride in a semi-reclined position, with your legs in front of you. As a result, your body’s weight is distributed over a wider area. It’s really comfortable and reduces bodily wear-and-tear and fatigue compared to a conventional bicycle.
 
Trike? Like Tricycle?
 
Yes! Three wheels on a recumbent cycle means lots of stability and less worry about balance! There’s no need to dismount or place a foot down on the ground when you slow down or stop on a recumbent trike. One of the pleasures of riding a recumbent trike is that you have a comfortable seat to rest, no matter where you go!
Check Out Our Recumbent Trikes!
Where are the handlebars?
 
Most recumbent trikes feature something called under-seat steering - turning is controlled by a steering bar underneath the set, with handlebars on either side. This puts your hands and arms in a more natural position, and you’re not obligated to use your arms to support your weight as well as determine the direction you want to go.
 
Can you go fast?
 
Absolutely! In fact, a recumbent holds the world speed record for a bicycle! Recumbents have a more aerodynamic profile than upright bicycles. You can cruise as fast as your legs (or e-motor) can carry you. ​
Riding a recumbent trike on a beautiful day
Are they safe?
 

Yes! Three wheels and a low center of gravity make these bikes pretty difficult to tip over or fall from. Even if you should fall, you’re much closer to the ground than when riding a conventional two wheeled bike, so your impact is greatly reduced. You’re also less likely to land on your head because of your recumbent position. There’s no wobbling or tipping over when you slow down or come to a stop. You may be slightly less visible to other riders and vehicles because you’re closer to the ground, but you can easily attach a flag to your bike if you’re not already attracting a lot of attention - these bikes are pretty unique and most folks will slow down to take a second look!
 
Tadpoles & Deltas
 
There are two basic types of recumbent trikes. A “tadpole” style recumbent trike has two wheels in the front, and a “delta” style recumbent trike has two wheels in the back. Which is better? Well, that all depends on your preferences.
Check out our blog post on tadpoles vs. delta trikes for more information. Tadpoles tend to have a lower center of gravity, which makes them a little easier to turn at higher speeds. Delta trikes are generally a little easier to get on & off and provide the best “smallest” turning radius. We recommend you test ride both and decide what works best for you.
View RAD's Recumbent Trike Models
Riding a recumbent trike through the countryside
Why choose a recumbent trike?
 

There are a lot of reasons to choose a recumbent trike over a conventional bicycle. Let’s look at some of the top reasons people are turning to recumbents:

  1. Ergonomics. On a traditional bicycle, all of your weight comes down on your sit bones, hands, and feet. Over time, this is stressful and can be uncomfortable or even painful. The seating configuration on a recumbent trike relieves stress and pressure on bones, tendons, ligaments and joints, since you spread your weight over a larger surface area. Your seated position also relieves stress on your back and pelvis.
  2. Comfort. This is perhaps one of the most common reasons people choose to go with a recumbent trike - it’s simply one of the most comfortable cycles available. Everything about the position of your body on a recumbent trike is meant to relieve stress compared to two-wheeled biking. Your back, legs, arms, hands, and posterior will all thank you.
  3. Enjoy the scenery! A recumbent trike puts you in a “heads up” position, which makes it easier for you to enjoy your surroundings beyond the road right in front of you, without craning your neck upward.
  4. Stability. Uneven road surfaces are not a crash and fall hazard on a trike. Individuals with balance issues can ride without worry. Even on icy surfaces, a recumbent trike isn’t going to slip out from underneath you. Go ahead and lean into that turn!
  5. Adaptability. Recumbent trikes make cycling possible for many who wouldn’t be able to ride a conventional bicycle due to disability or injury. Most trikes can be custom built to take advantage of your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses. Whether your back and knees just don’t bend the way they used to, or your balance isn’t what it used to be or your mobility is limited by conditions like paralysis, Stroke, MS, Parkinson’s etc  a recumbent trike can be adapted to fit your unique needs.
  6. Instant Celebrity! While recumbent trikes are growing in popularity, they’re still fairly uncommon. Everyone in your neighborhood will immediately recognize you on the road, and many will want to stop and talk about your eye catching ride.​
Check out our recumbent trikes!
Which recumbent trike is right for me?
 
Once you’ve decided to make the switch to a recumbent trike, you’ll find you have a lot of options! It’s always best to discuss your choices with an expert, and whenever possible we recommend test riding as many recumbent trikes as you can.
 
At Rad-Innovations, we work closely with our customers to make sure they get the right trike for them. We can custom build bikes to adapt to most any disability or special circumstance. An adaptive recumbent trike from RAD is an investment in mobility, freedom and fun, and should work seamlessly with you to achieve your goals.
Contact RAD to get your perfect trike today!
42 Comments
Wesley A Hall
9/1/2018 12:35:22 pm

Do you sell in california?

Reply
Bill Howell
10/1/2018 05:22:13 pm

Need info and locations

Reply
Bonnie Williams
12/5/2018 05:55:15 pm

How much do this bike cost?

Reply
Bob
8/12/2019 09:17:16 pm

Prices vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
If you're handy there are many plans out there for bikes and trikes, even some using scavenged parts from standard bikes.

cheryl athmann
4/16/2020 07:09:50 pm

Do they sell these in Minnesota? And How Much$$$

cheryl athmann
5/7/2020 11:31:12 am

What is the lowest price for this bike? I've been Off of work for a yr. So I have ALOT of medical bills.

Julie Yates link
9/26/2022 06:16:03 pm

Asking cost?

Denise Galuppo link
8/9/2019 05:57:53 pm

Where can I buy one near Pittsburgh, PA, or at least watch them for affordable sales? Will med insurances help pay for these for people with disabilities?

Reply
cheryl athmann
4/16/2020 07:07:13 pm

I have RA. And knee replacement done. Is this bike good with that? Cuz it's hard for me on a regular bike.

Reply
cheryl athmann
5/7/2020 11:33:18 am

I live in Minnesota. Do they sell any in the state?

Reply
Kenshin at RAD-Innovations
7/28/2020 05:49:29 pm

Hey Cheryl,

Yes, we have dealers in Minnesota. Shoot us an email through the contact form (https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html) and we can refer you to a dealer near you.

Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

Sam link
6/8/2020 12:12:10 am

Are there any dealers in the Phoenix Metro area?

Reply
Kenshin at RAD-Innovations
7/28/2020 05:52:35 pm

Hey Sam,

We do have dealers near the Phoenix metro area. But if there's a bike that they don't stock, we may also be able to ship direct to your local bike shop. Shoot us an email through the contact form: https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html and we can get you started on finding the right product.

Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

James Hudnall link
2/19/2019 04:34:53 am

Paralyzed below knees but if you could adapt peddles and clip on shoes to center along leg line I could peddle. How much for tadpole for 6ft. 4in male?

Reply
Gregory Wells
2/27/2019 05:01:45 pm

Interested

Reply
Kenneth Zwibel
3/13/2019 10:46:40 pm

I have MS and can't get my foot over the crossbar on my trek 7.5. I saw the sun recumbent one wheel in the front with the handle bars in the front like regular bikes. I would like to try the handle.bars under the seat.. My budget would I be of the ball park around a thousand dollars. One question do you know a bicycle near west palm beach fl who carries these. recumbents with the handle bars below the seat.

Reply
Donald
7/11/2019 06:15:33 pm

I have one of these trike but I can not find inter tubs to fit the weels on the trike.

Reply
Anja link
7/11/2019 06:21:14 pm

Hi Donald,
We carry inner tubes in 20", 24" and 26". Let me know what you need: email me at anja@rad-innovations.com.
Kind regards, Anja

Reply
Brian M Mayo
9/11/2019 02:30:36 pm

What about climbing? Or decending for that matter. I live in Colorado and oddly we have mountains and they are really nice to ride.

Reply
Janice Davis
10/5/2019 02:16:27 pm

I am 5ft tall and over 300 lbs. I am embarrassed to try and ride a bike because of my wieght. I would melt through the floor if i got on and the bike bent. My legs and knees wont allow me to get on a reg bike and I am short so id have to adjust a lot. Are these sturdy enough for a big girl who is tired of being big.

Reply
Calvin White
10/6/2019 01:32:42 am

I have a herniated disc, and can only stand up from a chair height position l
I bought a Terratrike Rover 8, and converted to a nuvinci, but the cable linkage fatigue because of friction & I need a larger diameter rh & ph shifter.

Reply
Carla Brodacki
11/8/2019 08:19:43 am

Need a manual, it did not come with bike

Reply
Cliff
12/27/2019 09:12:25 am

I have pelvic floor dysfunction, severe osteoarthritis and degenerative disc and joint disease to name a few conditions that I have. I am unable to ride my traditional bicycle due to this and very much miss being able to ride so I am interested to know if others have been able to ride the recumbent bicycle with these conditions

Reply
Luigibleu
5/2/2020 12:12:35 am

I have same problem. Does anyone know how it works with pelvic floor dysfunction?

Reply
christine aytug
5/9/2020 12:13:40 pm

Cliff... lmk if you have an answer !! Following.....

Reply
Kenshin
7/20/2020 02:21:03 pm

Hey Cliff, Luigibleu, Christine,

We’ve certainly had riders of all abilities on our trikes. Our recumbents can be adapted to fit many needs, but its usually best if we can talk about your specific needs in person or over the phone.

Feel free to send us a message through https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html or give us a call at (802) 382-0093.

Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

Ken Cummings
1/8/2020 05:15:31 pm

I need to replace the fibreglass seat of an ancient recumbent tadpole trike. I'd like to convert to a webbing or other more-hammock-style seat. If you sell them as parts, please contact me with parts specs. Thanks!

Reply
Kenshin
7/20/2020 02:54:36 pm

Hey Ken,

Shoot us an email at https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html and we’ll see what we can do!

Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

Reply
Scott link
2/11/2020 04:58:12 pm

How difficult is it for a elderly man to get in and out of the trike?

Reply
Kenshin
7/20/2020 02:52:46 pm

Hey Scott,

We have plenty of elderly riders, including some in their 90s! It really depends on a variety of factors from general mobility to level of leg use.

People also find that delta-style trikes (one wheel in front, two wheels in back) are a little easier to get in and out of than a tadpole-style (two wheels in front, one in back).

If you want to talk options, reach out to us at: https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html or give us a call at (802) 382-0093.

Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

Reply
Carol Ann Fels link
5/4/2020 06:09:05 pm

I would like arRecumbent bike or just to ride around neighborhood. I live in Virginia Beach Va

Reply
Kenshin
7/24/2020 03:28:07 pm

Hey Carol,

Recumbents are perfect for riding around the neighborhood! Give us a call at (802) 382-0093, or contact us through our contact form at https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html and we can help you get set up in Virginia.

Best,
Kenshin

Reply
Julie Mancuso
5/20/2020 06:16:48 pm

Do you have catalogs?

Reply
Kenshin
7/20/2020 02:42:09 pm

Hey Julie,

We tried to put as much information as possible on our products page, but it can definitely be a little difficult to navigate. For our HASE trikes specifically, you can go to hasebikesusa.com for a cleaner online catalog.

Feel free also to contact us through our contact form at: https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html

Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

Reply
Duane Thomas
6/23/2020 03:03:42 pm

I'm interested in purchasing the right bike for my adult son who suffers from ataxia.

Reply
Kenshin
7/20/2020 02:31:18 pm

Hey Duane,

We can certainly help you find the right product for your son. Depending on the level of ataxia, there are different recumbents that would work best. You can contact us over email through this form: https://www.rad-innovations.com/contact-info.html or give us a call at (802) 382-0093 to discuss options.

Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

Reply
wallace jones
6/28/2020 02:38:14 pm

I would like to know more about the recumbent 3-wheel bike big enough for a guy that's about 350 pounds or more please contact me through email or phone at 502-552-7288

Reply
ASH Green
7/28/2020 08:31:01 am

Wow :)
This is an incredible collection of ideas!
Waiting for more helpful pieces.
You would amazing to read a similar one here-
<a href="https://www.mountainbikelabs.com/how-to-build-a-tricycle/"> Mountainbikelabs </a>

Reply
Caroll Harper
8/25/2020 05:29:15 pm

We are looking to purchase a tandem recumbent bike. We live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Where is the closest dealer or do you have a happy customer in Michigan that would let us look at their bike?

Reply
Kenshin at RAD-Innovations
8/25/2020 05:42:20 pm

Hi Caroll,

We have a couple of options - please send me an email at kenshin@rad-innovations.com or give us a call at 802-382-0093 and I can help connect you to the right dealer/customer!

Thanks,
Kenshin at RAD-Innovations

Reply
Yusuf Amin link
9/10/2020 09:58:58 am

I am very interested in your recumbent trikes. Do you offer drop-shipping?

Reply
Baby Rose link
4/2/2021 09:47:20 am

The product build and quality is excellent. Although I was apprehensive about installing the tri cycle myself but it turned out to be very easy to carry out. Recommend it for all parents looking for a tricycle for there kids in the 1 to 4 year range.

Reply



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