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.

In the West, trikes are used commonly by senior citizens and kids. These groups of people prefer tricycles because they offer more stability compared to bicycles. However, even though tricycles may offer more stability when they are moving in a straight line, they have poor dynamic lateral stability. That means that the rider has to be extra careful when they are negotiating a corner to avoid tipping over.

There are many tricycle enthusiasts in countries like the UK and there are associations that one can register with. These associations usually organize events such as day rides, time trials and tours among many others. Also, these organizations are responsible for the regulation of the industry. The organizations also set standards which are aimed at ensuring the safety of consumers. It is their responsibility to maintain statistics about tricycles among other 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.

There are also different types of tricycles in use today. The two most common types are upright and recumbent tricycles. Upright tricycles are similar to bicycles, with a diamond or open frame. Upright tricycles may be have delta or tadpole wheel configurations. Steering is done through a handlebar. Non-tilting upright tricycles usually have a lot of stability issues and one must be careful to avoid accidents.

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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