Directions For Riding A Recumbent Tricycle

By Martha Murray


Summer days excite many people with the opportunities to get out and have some fun in the sun. A great way to stay fit is to ride a bike. There a number of people that enjoy moving around but have trouble riding because it is not easy to lean over the handlebars due to back pain or other issues. Using a recumbent tricycle is a great way to enjoy the summer fun without the pain that a traditional bike may cause.

One question people have is why they should use a vehicle with 3 wheels instead of 2. The history for the 3-wheeled nonpowered vehicle goes way back beyond the two-wheeled bicycles. The early days showed people having difficulty balancing the new vehicle and therefore a three-wheeled vehicle was created. Having a trike is a great way of riding without having to lean forward over the handlebar part of the bike.

Another question that is often asked is why should they use a recumbent vehicle instead of a regular 10-speed bike or dirtbike. The advantage to having a recumbent trike is you are able to lean back and ride in a relaxed pose rather than leaning forward over the handlebars. Another advantage is by leaning back on the vehicle you're also able to see the scenery around you and ride for many more miles.

One issue some people are concerned about is how difficult it is to get in and out of the vehicle. It doesn't have to be difficult because you can start by making sure the brakes are locked. This keeps the vehicle from rolling away while you prepare to enter the vehicle. The initial step is to be sure to straddle the front section of the trike and leaned back into the seat as you sit down. Since the brakes will be locked you can sit down without worrying about the vehicle rolling when you do. Do not use the handlebars as they may become damaged because they're not designed to hold your weight but rather just to steer the vehicle. Exiting the vehicle is the reverse. Simply begin by locking the brakes and as you stand up you'll lean forward and then step to the side of the vehicle.

Pedaling can take some time to learn. It is recommended that you use the type of pedals that have a clip or strap so your feet don't slip out. If they do, they could slide under the bike and cause an injury. You won't have to worry about tipping over when you stop since you're on three wheels instead of two. This way, you can keep your feet strapped in until you come to a complete stop, lock the brakes and step out.

There are two different types of steering configurations. The linkage steering is like power steering for a bike. This type uses a sway bar under the trike and can easily be controlled with one hand. The direct steer seems more like a sports car with two handles.

Gear changing is very simple. It is pretty much the same as the traditional 10-speed bike. Some will have just one set of gears, while others will have the combination gears to achieve more torque when you're going uphill. Change it as needed and don't worry about what gear you are in.

There's no reason to not get out in the sun and have fun in the summertime. Riding a bike is not something that some people are comfortable with but using a recumbent trike helps those who have a hard time bending over the handlebars of regular two-wheeled vehicles. These kinds of options make it easy for anyone to ride and enjoy the summertime weather and get the exercise that will help them get fit.




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