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 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.

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.

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.

Various tricycles vary in the way their wheels are configured. Tadpole and delta are some of the most common configuration for wheels in tricycles. There is one wheel at the front and two rear wheels for the case of delta configuration. On the contrary, two wheels are at the front while one wheel is at the rear for the case of tadpole wheel configuration. Other kinds of wheel configurations have been in use over the years but do not exist anymore.

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.

For the recumbent tricycles, the low center of gravity gives them more stability. The aerodynamic drag is also low. However, they are quite expensive, heavier and wider as well. It might be difficult for other traffic to see them as they are set very low to the ground.




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