Discover the Best Recumbent Trike for Seniors On The Market

Recumbent trikes have been on the market for a while and have many advantages to them—especially if you’re a senior or have back or leg difficulties. These trikes are designed to avoid injuries and ensure stability that a two-wheel bike can’t always offer.

The Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle for Men & Women is the best overall model. It’s suitable for flat-paved surfaces and gently-sloping hills with some terrain. The trike’s reclined seat provides ergonomic support while the cushioning enhances comfort for long or fast rides.

Discover the Best Recumbent Trike for Seniors in 2020

Choosing the best recumbent trikes isn’t necessarily an easy task—especially with many brands claiming to have the best units. Fortunately, we’ve searched the Internet for the top options to create a list of the seven most efficient and high-performing models. 

To uncover these options, we looked into the frame, suspension system, accessories included, and most importantly, the ergonomic benefits of the trike. Take a look at our findings, and don’t forget to check out the buying guide afterward to narrow down the best option(s) for you.

Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle for Men & Women—Best Overall

This Mobo model is the best recumbent trike for seniors for many reasons. This three-wheel bike allows you to enjoy the outdoors and is designed for cruising and exercising. You can even use it on flat-paved surfaces and gently-sloping terrain with ease.

You’ll also be able to get a low back workout in place while you’re riding this by minimizing stress on your back and knees. Plus, the reclined seat provides even support, thanks to the cushioning. Overall, you’ll experience a stable, comfortable ride, no matter where you’re heading.

The low center of gravity provides maximum stability, so this trike doesn’t require any balance, helping you to remain secure during your rides. In fact, the dual-joystick steering offers more support and provides smooth maneuverability with simple hand movements and a little effort.

This Mobi tricycle easily adjusts to fit adults and youth riders from 4’2” to 6’3”, making it highly versatile and extensive. It’ll even accommodate a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs. Also, this recumbent is durable and long-lasting. Its steel frame ensures that it can handle riding over bumps and slight gravel with minimal struggles. 

It’s also easy to maintain, thanks to the chainless design, and the free-wheel single gear hub features caliper brakes and a safety flag to provide maximum stopping power and keep you feeling safe.

Mobo Shift 3-Wheel Recumbent Bicycle Trike—Best for its Frame

Next on the list is this Mobo Shift three-while bicycle trike. It features a durable, long-lasting frame that accommodates riders from 4’6” to 6’3”, making it highly versatile. The trike’s steel frame is designed to last for years. In fact, the frame is even extendable to provide 10 slots that can suit different heights and comfort levels.

This trike features a unique rear-wheel steering system that can increase arm and leg muscle strength while providing an enjoyable ride. This system encourages you to lead an active lifestyle for many years, without putting any unnecessary strain on the lower back.

You can easily adjust this trike to suit your comfort levels. In particular, the seat features six different angle settings that allow for maximum comfort and riding experience. This feature means you can use this Mobo trike for years or even switch between different people.

Most importantly, this trike is easy, fun, and comfortable to ride. Its ergonomic design puts minimal stress on your lower bike and makes it enjoyable to steer. It’s also equipped with a reverse-gearing function to allow for maximum control. You can also choose to ride in a fixed gear, allowing for forward and reverse pedaling. Alternatively, opt for a free-wheel gear to easily adjust between different surfaces.

Trident Adult Recumbent Tricycle—Best for Handling

If you’re looking for the best recumbent trike for seniors for handling, then this option by True Decor makes an excellent contender. In particular, you can handle this with only one hand on the bars—even at high speeds—and you won’t have any issues with controlling it. In fact, the handlebars are widely adjustable, so dialing those in shouldn’t be an issue.

This trike has excellent construction that makes it durable and long-lasting. This steel material can handle scrapes and falls, while its construction quality is outstanding. You can even fold the frame on this trike to make it easy to transport in your car or easily store it in smaller spaces.

It comes with the option of 24 speeds, allowing you to feel completely in control when riding and provide you with plenty of options when you’re adjusting from different terrain and riding in a range of environmental conditions. In fact, it only takes around one minute to fold the bike for easy storage.

This trike provides a smooth, light, and responsive steering. You’ll experience the smoothest ride when you’re on smooth pavements, but it can also steer well and handle slight terrain.

Performer Trike-X 27 Speed Recumbent Trike—Best for Tough Terrain

When looking for the best recumbent trike for seniors, you need to consider the surfaces you’ll be riding on, and you can’t always guarantee that your route will have smooth pavements along the way. Performer designed this to become the best senior’s recumbent trike on this list for rough roads. In particular, this trike features a rear-spring suspension system that makes riding over tough terrain comfortable. 

This Performer trike features even you need for a comfortable and efficient ride. It includes a headrest, rear rack, fenders, basic tool kit, spare tubes, and more. Therefore, it’s a great purchase for those searching for a virtually maintenance-free option and you don’t need the pressure of having the components in already.

With 27 speeds available, you can adjust riding this trike to suit your preferences and the terrain. In fact, you’ll be able to ride up slight inclines with ease, thanks to the option of lowering the gear. You can then increase the gears as you ride back down the hill.

Mobo Mobito Kids 3-Wheel Bike Recumbent Trike—Best for Kids

Kids can enjoy the outdoors with this three-wheel bike specially designed for little ones. This Mobo recumbent trike is designed for exercising and cruising on flat-paved surfaces and gently-sloping terrain. Its frame adjusts to fit kids up to 4’8” with a maximum weight capacity of 180 lbs, which provides excellent diversity.

Another great feature of this recumbent trike is that it doesn’t require any balance. It’s low to the ground, which provides maximum stability and helps kids to feel comfortable and safe during their travels. Plus, the dual-joystick steering offers smooth maneuverability with simple hand movements, allowing little ones to feel completely in control while on route.

This trike provides low-impact exercise, so they can get a cardiovascular workout in with minimal impact. Plus, with its secure reclined seat, this exercise bike is fun and easy to ride, even if kids haven’t ridden a trike before.

This Mobo trike comes with high-quality, durable wheels that are 16” on the front and 12” on the rear. The combination of these sizes provides excellent traction when switching between different surfaces. 

KMX Venom—Best for Speed

This trike is great for picking up speed quickly and efficiently, thanks to its lightweight design. Plus, it’s lighter weight compared to other trikes also makes it more portable. There are 27 speeds available on this model, which makes it easier to ride on a variety of surfaces, including traveling up hills and even on sharp inclines.

This trike comes with two different sets of weight limits on it, including a maximum of 300 lbs for roads and 210 lbs for off-road surfaces. These figures have been put in place for your own comfort levels. Plus, the bike can accommodate riders up to 6’4”, so height shouldn’t be an issue when considering this trike. 

You can accessorize this trike to your liking, which provides you with plenty of options to customize it. Many users like to fit an electric motor system to this model, which is great if you prefer the extra support while riding. Plus, you can even attach a bike trailer to the back of this trike, which is great for when you’re grocery shopping and require space to put your food.

The bike features an aluminum frame, which is sturdy and one of the main reasons why it’s more lightweight and travels faster than other trikes. The seat is easily adjustable to suit different heights and comfort levels, with a range between 39 and 45 degrees. No matter which angle you choose, the seat provides support for the lumbar.

Finally, the handlebars and steering are self-centered that makes the trike have responsive handling. Plus, instead of a traditional BMX-style handlebar, the ride is more controlled by two separate bars on both sides of the trike.

Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle—Best for Commutes

Finally, this Schwinn adult tricycle is great for commutes and grocery shopping as it features a basket on the rear. This cargo basket is large and made of steel, helping you to fit as much in as possible without any fears that it’ll fall apart during use.

The trike is designed with 26-inch wheels, providing a comfortable ride, helping you to experience a smooth cycle, even on slight gravel. In fact, these wheels make the tricycle suitable for heights 5’4” to 6’2”.

Its linear-pull brakes deliver smooth and intuitive stopping and the front and rear fenders help to keep clothing clean in damp weather. This is particularly important if you plan to use this trike for commuting.

The wide, upright handlebars provide a stable, balanced ride, so you won’t feel like you’re about to fall off—even as you steer around corners. Plus, the adjustable, padded cruiser saddle helps to absorb bumps, thus, improving your riding experience and allowing you to travel over various surfaces.

Finally, it comes with a lightweight, yet durable aluminum frame, which is also designed to provide an easy step-three access. This is great for those with back or leg difficulties as it prevents you from having to stretch over and potentially hurt yourself. Plus, this convenient access makes you can quickly get on the trike when you’re using it to commute.

Buying Guide: How To Choose a Recumbent Tricycle

Tadpole vs. Delta Tricycles

One of the first factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the best recumbent trike for seniors is whether you choose a tadpole or Delta design. There are some significant differences between the two, which can help you to make your decision.

For example, a Tadpole tricycle has two front wheels that steer and one rear wheel, which is driven by the pedals. These tricycles tend to be lower, smaller, and lighter, and have a sportier, faster feel. Plus, they’re less expensive than Delta trikes, making them preferable for beginners or those on a budget.

Plus, Tadpole designs tend to be stable and comfortable. In fact, you can ride at higher speeds while remaining more stable compared to a Delta trike. 

On the other hand, Delta trikes have one wheel at the front that does the steering. The steering also usually drives one of the rear wheels, although a limited number of Delta trikes can also drive both rear wheels.

One-wheel-drive Delta trikes often pull to one side when accelerating and while climbing, which can be frustrating for some riders. In fact, the less expensive Delta trikes usually have an over-seat steering feature, which makes the trike easier to get in and out of. Although, its design becomes larger, heavier, and slower to ride. 

These features doesn’t mean that Delta trikes aren’t popular, as they’re a great option if you’re on a budget, since the least expensive designs have this style.

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Seat

The trike’s seat makes a huge difference to your comfort levels and enjoyment while riding the trike. No-one knows your comfort levels like you, so ensure that you make your preferences marked in your brain before beginning your buying search.

If you plan to ride long distances, the seat comfort and position have an even bigger impact. The short wheelbase models are ideal for those with disabilities or difficulties standing from low positions because of the seat’s design and position.

Alternatively, long-wheelbase trikes have a lower seating design, which can be harder if you have difficulties getting in and out of seats. But if you don’t have any difficulties with this, a lower seat can actually be more convenient since you can quickly get on and off your seat.

You should also consider your size when choosing a recumbent trike for seniors. Seats are available in a range of shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to choose one that matches your body style or you’ll be in an uncomfortable position for the remainder of your ride.

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Wheels

Wheel size matters to your overall comfort and can dictate if you have a comfortable or bumpy ride. In particular, if the wheels are too small, you’ll experience difficulties when riding in dirt and gravel. Alternatively, larger wheels are much more efficient and you’ll have an easier time rolling on tough terrain and in rain and snow.

Bear in mind that bigger isn’t always better as larger wheels can make it more challenging to transport your trike should you wish to store it in a small apartment or take it in your car. The front wheels will always be smaller and typically around 20 inches. The rear wheels will be bigger. Opt for around 26 inches if you plan on traveling through varying terrain to avoid any hiccups. 

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Gearing

Recumbent trikes are available in a variety of gears, although the traditional derailleur type system is the most popular and one that people are most familiar with. This will be the same system as a 10-speed Schwinn bike had. Typically, you’ll have eight to nine gears on the rear of the trike with a shifter to control those. Plus, you’ll have anywhere from one to three gears in the front with shifters, too.

Changing through the gears requires you to shift through the rear gears to achieve the full range. Often, a common issue that new riders have is cross chaining, which can reduce the lifespan of your components and cause your chain to derail.

For the best technique when shifting gears on your trike, you must have timing in mind. Most riders wait too long before shifting into the next gear. However, when you’re climbing a hill, you must shift to a different gear before the moment you need it. By waiting too long to make the shift, you won’t be able to push the harder gear and the load in the chain will become too high and disengage.

More: Discover the Best Commuter Bike Under $500 On The Market

Accessories

A recumbent trike doesn’t have to come with accessories, but this is purely down to your needs. A great feature of these bikes is the excellent versatility they have. You can stick to the basics of a rear basket to keep your belongings and shopping in when heading to the groceries. Bear in mind that while this feature is great for convenience, it’ll add further weight to your trike, so only purchase if it’s necessary. 

A great accessory we recommend is a canopy. You can buy a canopy specifically for a trike to provide shade on a hot summer’s day or some shelter when it’s raining outside. They conveniently attach to the trike and keep you dry and comfortable. Plus, you can continue riding your trike with the canopy set up.

A bottle cage is another great accessory to add to your must-have list. This allows you to take a bottle of water with you on the go and have it in a position for convenience.

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The Runner’s Up

We hope you enjoyed the senior’s recumbent trike review. With seven options to choose from, you won’t be short of choice. But if you’d like to narrow down your options further, we suggest these two runner-up trikes: Mobo Shift 3-Wheel Recumbent Bicycle Trike and Performer Trike-X 27 Speed Recumbent Trike.

The Mobo model features a rear-wheel steering system that increases your leg and arm movements to use your muscles without putting any pressure on them. In fact, it’ll reduce any strain on your lower back. Also, the trike features six different seating angles for maximum comfort. You can make these adjustments as you age and grow with the back and even share amongst several people.

The Performer Trike-X is another great runner-up because it features a rear suspension system that makes riding on tough terrain more comfortable. This model also includes plenty of accessories—such as fenders, a rear rack, and headrest—to make it convenient and suitable for a range of occasions. Plus, this unit features 27 speeds, helping you to adapt your riding to your conditions and preferences.