How to Ride a Three Wheeler Bike to Increase Exercise and Mobility

Of all the fun things we used to do in our lives, bike riding has to be in the top three. Some memories of Christmas morning or a special birthday may include the mental picture of a fabulous new bike. Maybe it was bright red, blue or gold, and for the true bike lover, the smell of new rubber tires is never forgotten. Oh, a new bike. The thrill of getting on it and taking it outside for the first time rates right up there with being one with the universe.

Perhaps with getting older, getting distracted or finding yourself with physical problems, bike riding might have taken a back seat to other priorities. But do you ever see kids riding their bikes and feel a twinge of angst? A bit of nostalgia may bring in thoughts that you wish you could ride again. Do you walk by the bike rack in your local stores and admire all those bikes on the racks?

Perhaps your balance is off a bit and you would be afraid to risk falling off a bike. Maybe thinking about your arthritis, fibromyalgia, joint problems or other ailments make you even wonder why you are reading this article. It's because you want to ride again. Physical problems can be accommodated on a Three Wheeler type of bicycle. They are also called Adult Trikes, and they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be modified to fit your tush, your extra weight, your short/long legs, your bad balance, weak grip, etc. They can be outfitted with just about anything you can think of, including an electric motor.

The Three Wheeler Bike is safer than a bicycle for several reasons. It has better balance. It is extremely hard to tip a Three Wheeler over as it has two large back wheels that hold the bike very stable. So, even if your steering isn't the best at first - maybe a bit wobbly - the stability of the back wheels lets you wobble as much as you like without tipping over.

Another safety and comfort issue is the ease of getting on and off. Unlike a regular bike that you have to "hop" onto and get going right away to keep your balance, the Trike style lets you climb on and just sit there until you wish to move. You can sit there to rest between rides, too, if you need to. They also can be fitted with very wide seats (as seen in the picture) if you like, preventing thigh chafing and discomfort, along with distributing your weight more evenly.

You can add a basket on the back for groceries or belongings. Some Trikes come with all these features anyway. You can order it just the way you like it.

Getting back out and learning to ride a Three Wheeled bike can provide you with some much-needed exercise, get you into the sunshine and fresh air, and help you to get to know your neighborhood. You could ask a friend to join you, or start a club if you like.

See below for some ways to get started.

Things You'll Need

  • A Three Wheeled Bike (Trike)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look in your local Yellow Pages for bike shops and call them. See if they carry three wheelers or if they can get some models in for you. Go there and see how they feel to ride. Ask about accessories, colors, sizes and modifications you may need. There are ones that fold, also, and are more lightweight. Picture is on this page.

    • 2

      See if you know anyone who already has one. If you do, ask them if you can try theirs out if you know them well enough. Or, you can alternately just talk to them about their experience with the trike and how they like it. Maybe they can recommend a store that carries them.

    • 3

      Buy one used if you cannot afford a new one. A new one will run from $250 on up. Local listings in your paper may have one or two. Look online on eBay, Craigslist or other local listings. Using the term "Adult Trike" or "Three Wheel Bike" should get you the information online that you are looking for.

    • 4

      Get a friend to start riding with you. If you are a senior, see if you have a local senior's organization or center, see if getting a club or group started would be something interesting for them, or maybe they already have one.

    • 5

      Practice riding every chance you can. It is easy, good exercise, helps you get to know your neighbors and the neighborhood, helps you get the groceries home if you don't drive, and saves on gas if you do.