Useful Information Regarding Recumbent Trikes

By Michelle Hughes


The name tricycle is usually used to refer to any three-wheeled, human- or gravity-powered vehicle. The abbreviation trike is used commonly in many cases. There are several different kinds of tricycles, including freight and cycle rickshaws. These vehicles are used for different purposes, including transportation, shopping, recreational, and exercise among many others. The use of tricycles for transportation is very common in Asia and Africa where most countries are still developing. Here are facts regarding recumbent trikes.

According to history, tricycles came to existence either in 1655 or 1680. It is also noted in history that a disabled German known as Stephan Farffler invented these kinds of vehicles. The aim of the invention was to enable him to remain mobile even with his disability. Hand cranks were used to power the tricycle that Farffler invented. Farffler got the idea of hand cranks from his career of making watches.

As years passed, different kinds of tricycles were made by different people from different parts of the world. Most popular tricycles came from Britain and France. The original design of making tricycles was patented by a British inventor known as Dennis Johnson. A common feature across the inventions is that they were either powered using hands or legs.

The elderly and kids are the people who mostly use tricycles in western countries. Trikes are most preferred by these people because they are more stable as compared to bicycles. Tricycles have poor dynamic lateral stability although they might be more stable when they are rode in a straight line. Therefore, for one not to fall off, they have to be very careful when negotiating corners.

In countries such as the UK where there are very many enthusiasts of tricycles, there are associations for people to register with. Associations organize events such as tours, time trials, and day rides among other activities. The associations are responsible for regulating the industry. They also set standards and ensure consumer safety. They also maintain statistics about tricycles among many other activities and responsibilities.

There are several different types of tricycles with different wheel configurations. Some of the commonest wheel configurations include delta and tadpole. In delta wheel configuration, the vehicle has one wheel at the front and two wheel at the back. On the other hand, in a tadpole configuration, there are two front wheels and a single wheel at the back. There are other wheel configurations that have existed over the years, but are no longer in existence.

Trikes that are used currently are also of different kinds with recumbent and upright tricycles being the most common. Upright tricycles have an open or a diamond-shaped frame just like a bicycle. They can either have tadpole or delta wheel configuration and are steered using a handlebar. One should be very careful when riding non-tilting upright tricycles since they are less stable.

Recumbent is the other type of trike in use today. This model offers more stability because of low center of gravity. There is also less aerodynamic drag. However, they cost more, are heavier, and they are wider. Given that the seat is usually very low, they may be less visible to other traffic.




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