Useful Information Regarding Recumbent Trikes

By Michelle Hughes


A three-wheeled, gravity- or human-powered vehicle is normally referred to as a tricycle. In many cases, the abbreviation trike is used. There are numerous types of tricycles which include cycle rickshaws and freight. Tricycles are used for many purposes such as exercise, transportation, recreational and shopping just to mention a few. In developing countries in Africa and Asia, the use of tricycles as a means of transportation is common. This is worth knowing about recumbent trikes.

According to historical records, the history of tricycles goes way back to either 1655 or 1680. Also, history mentions that tricycles were invented by a disabled German man. The man was called Stephan Farffler and his intention was to enable himself keep his mobility. Farffler designed a tricycle which was powered by hand cranks. He borrowed the concept from his watch-making career.

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.

Trikes are usually commonly used by kids and the aged in the West. They are preferred by these groups of individuals since they offer more stability as compared to bicycles. However, despite tricycles being more stable when they move in a straight line, their dynamic lateral stability is poor. This implies that the person riding should be very careful when negotiation corners to avoid toppling over.

There are various associations in countries where people love tricycles like the UK where one can register. Activities such as day rides, tours and time trials are usually organized by these associations. Regulations in the tricycle industry and safety standards for consumers are usually set by the associations. Other responsibilities of the associations are to maintain statistics about tricycles and so on.

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.

As of today, there are various kinds of tricycles in use. There are two which are common, that is, recumbent and upright tricycles. Upright tricycles resemble bicycles with an open frame or diamond-shaped frame. These tricycles can have a tadpole or delta kind of wheel configuration. The handlebar is used to steer them. However, one ought to be careful with non-tilting upright tricycles since they are not stable.

The other kind of trike used nowadays is recumbent. Due to its low center of gravity, this model have more stability. Also, it has less aerodynamic drag. Nevertheless recumbent are heavier, wider and cost a lot more. Since they are normally set very low, they may not be visible to other traffic.




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