Ride With Confidence: The Best Adult Tricycles In 2022
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. But remaining active and fit when you have balance problems or suffer from knee or hip pain is easier said than done. If you’re recovering from an injury or have a runner’s knee, jogging is obviously out of question, but so is biking if you struggle with poor balance and are afraid of falling.
Enter tricycles. No, they’re not just for children – extremely stable, comfortable, and easy to ride, adult tricycles are the perfect bike alternatives for adults and seniors. Compared to regular bikes, adult trikes are easier on knees and hips, not to mention much more stable. As a bonus, they have more storage space and are a heck of a lot of fun.
To give you the very best adult tricycles, we looked at both well-known brands and smaller companies. We focused on upright trikes but made sure to include a couple of recumbent trike models for folks looking for extra back support and low-impact body workouts. Without further ado, here are the best adult trikes currently on the market.
- Most Stable Tricycle: Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle
- Best for Hilly Terrain: sixthreezero Body Ease Adult Tricycle
- Best Folding Adult Tricycle: Mantis Tri-Rad Adult Unisex Folding Tricycle
- Highest Weight Capacity: VANELL Adult Mountain Tricycle
- Best Electric Tricycle: sixthreezero EVRYJOURNEY 250W Tricycle
- Best Recumbent Tricycle: Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle
- Best with Backrest: Slsy Adult Tricycle 7 Speed
The Best Adult Tricycle
1 Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle
Originally founded in 1895, Schwinn is one of the best-known bicycle brands in the world, and their flagship adult bike Schwinn Meridian is known as one of the best adult tricycles on the market today. With 26-inch three wheels, a large, cushioned and adjustable seat, and a super-low sturdy aluminum frame, this tricycle for adults ticks all the right boxes: it’s durable, comfortable, and above all, very stable.
The Schwinn Meridian adult trike has a wide wheel position and wide upright handlebars, providing a stable, smooth ride even on rougher terrains. At 73 pounds, this is a heavy adult tricycle bike, no doubt about that, but this is also what makes it so durable and stable. And with a weight limit of 300 pounds, it’s perfect for slightly larger folks as well as those who like to carry groceries on their bike. Speaking of which, this three-wheel bike comes with a large rear basket that can easily fit several grocery bags or a small pet. Available in 26-inch or 24-inch wheels and various colors, the Schwinn Meridian adult tricycle is a great all-around single-speed trike.
Low aluminum tricycle frame
24 or 26-wheel size
Wide, adjustable handlebars
Adjustable, padded cruiser saddle
Front and rear fenders
Large wire basket
300 pounds capacity
- BrandSchwinn
- ModelS4002
- Weight71 Pounds
Good quality trike from a trusted brand
Super-stable and comfortable
Good weight capacity
Heavy, so not great for riding on hills
Can be tricky to assemble
2sixthreezero Body Ease Adult Tricycle
If you live in a hilly area, we highly recommend this Body Ease Adult Tricycle from sixthreezero. It’s a seven-speed model with medium-width hybrid tires and enough gears to help you easily tackle light to moderate hills. And as the name suggests, it’s designed to help your body relax on rides. From the ergonomic frame that’s designed to keep you in an upright position, to 1.95-inch tires that glide smoothly and absorb bumps, to the cushy dual-spring seat, this is the best tricycle for adults and seniors who live in hilly areas.
The sixthreezero Body Ease has a low step-through frame so you can easily mount and dismount the bike. The pedal position is aligned directly below your hips which provides balance and stability without sacrificing comfort. We’re also fans of the grips – made from thick rubber, they’re soft but durable and should not leave your hands sweaty even after particularly long rides. Like most upright adult tricycles, this one, too, comes with a rear basket that’s large enough to hold your groceries, everyday essentials, or perhaps Fluffy. Unfortunately, the basket is not as sturdy as the Schwinn model due to the lower-quality tin clamps it comes with. The good news is, if you tend to carry lots of stuff with you, you can reinforce the basket with some basic elastic tarp tie-downs. Other than this minor con, this is a fantastic, ultra-sturdy, seven-speed adult tricycle.
Step-through aluminum frame
High-density foam saddle
7-speed, up to 20 mph
Smooth cruiser configuration
Front and rear fenders
26″ wheels, 1.95″ slick, cushioned tires
- BrandSixthreezero
- ModelBody Ease Tricycle
- Weight59 Pounds
Ultra-stable and comfortable
Allows for a truly ergonomic riding position
Ideal for hilly areas
The basket is a little flimsy
Seat height is not adjustable
3Mantis Tri-Rad Adult Unisex Folding Tricycle
The Mantis Tri-Rad Adult Tricycle features a folding frame that helps reduce its size by almost half when not in use, helping you save precious space. In addition to being foldable, the Mantis’ upright trike comes in six-speed or single-speed options and 20-inch or 24-inch wheel models. Opt for a six-speed geared model if you’re a bit more adventurous and want a faster trike, or for a single-speed option if you’re looking for an uncomplicated folding bike that you can predominately ride on smooth terrain.
With a low-cut frame and parking brake, the Tri-Rad tricycle is pretty easy to mount and dismount. The same frame is built from steel so it’s both highly durable and able to carry heavier loads – up to 330 pounds to be precise – making it a great option for heavier folks. For additional support and comfort, Mantis opted for a large padded seat, while the front wheel fender helps prevent water from splashing up on you from the wheel. The rear wheels don’t have fenders, though. Thanks to the super-large rear basket, you can effortlessly carry loads of groceries or take your pup on a ride with you. For a cheap tricycle, Mantis’ Tri-Rad sure is packed with great features!
Durable low-cut steel frame
Folding frame & collapsible handlebars
Large spring seat
Only front fender
Large rear basket
Available in six or single-speed options
20-inch or 24-inch tires (the six-speed model has 24″ tires)
Supports up to 330 pounds
- BrandMantis
- Model67520
- Weight45 Pounds
Easy to store, easy to transport
One of the more affordable trikes
Great customer service
Requires full assembly which can be tricky
Quality issues, some customers report receiving scratched/bent parts
4VANELL Adult Mountain Tricycle
Made with durable steel, the VANELL Adult Mountain Tricycle has the highest tested weight limit of up to 400 pounds. Sturdy and stable, this is the ideal tricycle for heavier folks, including obese adults and riders who use their bike as a commuter bicycle, as their main mode of transportation including grocery shopping.
The Vanell adult trike has seven adjustable speeds and an 18-inch by 22-inch cargo basket with lots of storage space. Since this is designed as a mountain bike, it’s perfect for hilly and generally rougher terrain, but this also means that it has a slightly higher step-over than other tricycles for adults. The seat, while fairly comfortable, could use some improvement. For one, it’s on the smaller side, plus it’s not sufficiently padded so it is stiffer than seats on other trikes in this guide. This aside, the Vanell is comfortable for a mountain three-wheel bike: it’s heavy-duty and stable, providing a smooth ride even on rocky terrain. However, if you cannot lean over when riding due to back problems, you might want to skip this one. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for an affordable off-road mountain trike with a high weight capacity, this is a great option.
Mountain trike made with quality steel
7-speed Derailleur with 24″ tires
Max. weight capacity of 400 pounds
Front and rear brakes
18″ x 22″ cargo basket
Water bottle holder
- BrandVANELL
Highest recommended weight limit
Roomy back basket can fit multiple grocery bags
Ideal for off-road use
Affordable
As this is a mountain trike, it’s not recommended if you have back problems
The seat could be bigger and comfier
5sixthreezero EVRYJOURNEY 250W Tricycle
If you’re going to splurge on a trike, splurge on this fantastic electric adult tricycle from sixthreezero. Powered up by a 250-watt battery and a 250-watt electric motor, this awesome tricycle’s top speed is 15 mph when in full-electric mode, or 28 mph in pedal-assisted mode. Thanks to the powerful battery, you can go 18 to 40 miles in electric mode and 20 to 60 miles in pedal-assisted mode.
With a step-through frame that promotes an upright ergonomic riding position, wide tires for a smooth ride and more control on all types of terrain, and foam-engineered extra large saddle, the sixthreezero EVRYJOURNEY 250W Tricycle just might be the most comfortable three-wheeled bike on the market. But its biggest selling point, of course, is the fact that it’s electrified. Thanks to the whisper-quiet 250W front-wheel-drive motor, the trike provides a cushioned, easy ride whether you choose to pedal it or not. A small display located on the handlebar tells you how fast you are going and which level of pedal-assist power you are engaged in. From the powerful motor and battery, to the wide semi-slick tires, to the massive rear basket, this electric tricycle is in a league of its own.
250W battery; up to 40 miles in electric mode/60 miles in pedal mode
250W electric motor; top speed 15mph in electric mode/25 mph in pedal mode
26-inch wheels with 1.95-inch semi-slick tires
LCD with Speedometer, Battery Meter, and Power Meter
Ergonomic, durable aluminum frame
Wide, adjustable foam-engineered seat
Rear folding basket included
Weight range up to 300 pounds
- BrandSixthreezero
- Weight76.2 Lbs
When you get tired of pedaling, let the trike do the triking
Allows for an upright, comfortable riding position
Very stable and glides smoothly
Possibly the best-looking trike on the market
Expensive
6Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle
If you’re looking to get a full-body, low-impact workout with a trike, check out the Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle. Recumbent bikes allow you to exercise your glute muscles, thighs, and calves with less strain on your joints and they’re comfier than traditional bicycle and tricycle models. This particular recumbent trike comes with a durable, adjustable frame with 10 slots that can accommodate anyone from 4′ to 6′ 2″ in height.
The Mobo Triton is a single-speed cruiser tricycle so it’s quite slow, but this also makes it uncomplicated and great for exercising. Its ergonomic seat provides evenly cushioned back support so riding is comfortable and easy on the back and shoulders. This said, if you have serious back or hip problems, this is not the right adult tricycle for you. To get on a traditional tricycle, all you need to do is swing your leg over the low frame and you’re done. With a recumbent bike, you have to actually bend down to get on the bike and then position yourself right. Recumbent trikes are first and foremost excellent for low-impact exercise, and they’re also incredibly fun to ride.
Recumbent single-speed trike
20″ front wheel, 16″ rear wheels
Chainless Hi-Ten steel frame
Adjustable frame fits riders from 4’2” to 6’3”
Max. weight limit 250 pounds
- BrandMobo Cruiser
- Weight54.75 Pounds
Ergonomic, padded seat is super-comfortable
Great for low-impact, full-body exercise
Lightweight construction, easy to transport
As with all recumbent trikes, getting on and off can be challenging
Riding a recumbent trike comes with a bit of a learning curve
No cargo basket
7Slsy Adult Tricycle 7 Speed
The Slsy Adult Tricycle is an affordable but reliable seven-speed model with a sturdy frame that can support riders weighing up to 350 pounds. It’s available with 20, 24, and 26-inch wheels so pretty much all riders should be able to find the right model regardless of their height (the 20-inch wheel model is suitable for 4’11” – 5’10” rider height).
Unlike most cheap tricycles, the Slsy trike comes with an adjustable and sufficiently padded seat with a backrest. This said, it’s not the biggest seat out there – in fact, it’s on the smaller side so it may not be ideal for bigger folks. On the plus side, it’s pretty comfy and the trike is stable on various types of road surfaces. We also like the large basket that can fit multiple grocery bags, as well as the water bottle holder. For such an affordable tricycle, the Slsy trike sure packs a punch.
Aluminum low step-through frame
7-speed model with 24″ tires
Adjustable padded seat with backrest
Water bottle holder and rear basket
Load capacity up to 350 pounds
- BrandSlsy
Ideal for folks looking for some back support
Comfortable and stable
Great value trike
Difficult to assemble
The seat could be bigger
Why Trust Us
Because we did our research, and we did it right. To give you the very best adult tricycles, we spent over 50 hours on market research, looking into all of the manufacturers, comparing the best-sellers, and reading hundreds upon hundreds of the worst and best adult tricycle reviews online. It wasn't easy since there are many brands out there making subpar adult trikes, but we're certain we came away with high-quality options that are not only stable and comfortable but also durable.
Who This Is For
Anyone looking for a good-quality trike for adults! Whether you're after a folding tricycle that won't take up much storage space, are looking for traditional three-wheeled bikes that can support a lot of weight, or you're eyeing recumbent tricycles for full-body workouts, we've got you covered.
How We Picked
We looked for trikes with solid, durable construction (steel or quality aluminum frame), large and comfortable seats (ideally heavily padded), large wheels with cushy tires for smoother rides, and multiple brakes for obvious safety reasons. And since they're so practical when grocery shopping, we also looked for larger back baskets.
Features To Look For In Adult Tricycle
Frame material - Most tricycles for adults have a steel or aluminum frame. Both of these materials are great options and both have their pros and cons. Steel is harder than aluminum and therefore sturdier and more durable. When cared for properly, a steel frame can last a lifetime. On the flip side, steel is heavier and more prone to rust. Aluminum is quite durable as well, but since it's more brittle than steel, it cannot take as many dents and keep its integrity. In other words, you do need to be more careful with an aluminum frame. On the plus side, aluminum is lighter, does not rust, and is usually cheaper.
Brakes - Tricycles can have coaster brakes, hand brakes, or a combo of both. Coaster brakes, also known as back-pedal brakes, work by pedaling backward. Simple and efficient, yes, but not as efficient as hand brakes. This is because if the chain happens to fall off, coaster brakes won't work. Also, sometimes pedaling backwards may be uncomfortable or even impossible due to the rider's stability issues. Handbrakes, on the other hand (no pun intended), are more effective and easier to use. They can be placed at the front, rear or both for more stopping power.
Seat - Most three-wheel bikes have large and at least lightly padded seats, but it's still important to make sure the model you're eyeing has a good-quality, ideally heavily padded saddle. We also recommend looking for adjustable seats. However, if you find a trike that fits you perfectly, you may not need an adjustable saddle at all.
Gears - You can get a single-speed or multiple-speed trike depending on your needs and preferences. Opt for a single-speed model if you want an uncomplicated trike and you normally ride on flat terrain. Go for a six or seven-speed model if you take hilly routes often or simply want a trike that's faster.
Accessories - A back basket is not a must-have for everyone but there's no denying it's incredibly practical when grocery shopping. For this reason, we recommend opting for a trike with a basket unless you ride for pleasure and exercise only. If you find a trike you really love that doesn't have a basket but you think you may need it, you can always buy a basket and install it yourself (or take your trike to a local bike shop and let the pros do it for you). You may also want to make sure your trike has a bottle holder, a bell or a horn, and a mirror if you ride through busy neighborhoods.
Types Of Adult Tricycles
Upright tricycles - With a low step-through frame, the traditional upright trike is easy to mount and dismount. This type of tricycle also allows the rider to sit in a comfortable upright position when riding, making it the first choice for folks with back issues. If you're looking for the classic upright trike but don't have enough storage space, we recommend opting for an upright foldable tricycle.
Recumbent tricycles - A recumbent bike has a low, stretched-out frame that allows the rider to sit in a reclined position with the pedals in front instead of underneath them. This is the type of tricycle to get if you're looking for low-impact whole-body exercise and a comfortable riding position. Stay away if you have problems bending down.
Electric tricycles - An electric tricycle offers all the benefits of regular cycling, but with the helping hand of an electric motor. This is the ideal three-wheels option for people with disabilities as well as folks who live in hilly areas.
Adult Tricycle FAQ
Q: What is an adult tricycle?
A: An adult tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle designed for adult riders looking for a safer and more stable alternative to a standard bicycle. Available in various forms (upright, recumbent, mountain, etc.), adult trikes are a great option for individuals with balance or coordination problems, mobility issues, as well as seniors with hip and knee problems.
Q: Do tricycles come assembled?
A: This is mainly dependent on the manufacturer. There are some models which come pre-assembled and are ready to be used right out of the box. Most models, however, come in separate parts that you need to put together. The truth is, while some trikes can be relatively easy to assemble, others may need to be assembled by a skilled bicycle mechanic.
Q: Are tricycles easy to ride?
A: Tricycles are easier and more comfortable to ride than their two-wheeled counterparts. With three wheels, they remain steady even at slow speeds which can be invaluable to people with balance issues. Compared to regular bikes, they're lower to the ground, so when climbing uphill, riders don’t have to keep the often-uncomfortable forward-leaning motion to gather momentum.
Q: Why are tricycles better than bicycles?
A: Tricycles are not better than bicycles per se, they're just better for certain individuals. This includes people with balance and coordination concerns, knee, hip and joint issues, mobility problems, larger folks and seniors. They also tend to be comfier, not to mention a heck of a lot of fun.
Sources:
- About Recumbent Trikes - Bicycle Man
- 3 Wheel Bicycle Pros & Cons - Livestrong