BEST RECUMBENT TRIKE FOR TOURING

Some of us would love to travel while lying down. Just imagine, you’re strolling around like royalty without having to lift yourself, it’s a pleasant feeling. Recumbent trikes give us that feeling.

Trikes are three-wheeler bikes that give you great mobility while still being easy enough for anyone who is up for adventure. It’s cheaper than taking cabs or buses, you get to see more things along the way (like local markets), and it’s safe. You’ll have no problem getting anywhere on time with these eco-friendly vehicles! 

They are massively popular in countries like the Philippines or Puerto Rico. I have some of the best recumbent trikes for touring such places lined up for you. Have a look if you’re interested.

6 Best Recumbent Trike For Touring in 2021

Recumbent trikes are a great way to get around and enjoy the scenery without having to exert yourself. It is easy on your back, knees, and hips as you sit in a chair-like position with pedals underneath you.

They make for an excellent choice if you want low-impact exercise or would like to take up cycling but don’t feel comfortable on the traditional upright bike seat. Below I handpicked 6 amazing tricycles that will make touring a pleasant memory for you…

1. Mobo Triton Pro Adult Beach Cruiser Trike

Mobo tritons are renowned trike models when touring is concerned. So, it should be no wonder that I’ll start with something as good as this. They have this wonderful blend of grace and effectiveness that I’ve come to appreciate.

It’s got a pretty low center of gravity, making it a pretty stable vehicle, you don’t have to worry about it tipping over, even at fairly high pedaling speed. The reclining seats are firm and well-padded, just as I would want from a recumbent tricycle.

This also makes it a great choice for cardiovascular exercise as you won’t be putting much pressure on your knees and back. Can you believe that you’ll be having a good workout while you’re out exploring the world, what a win-win situation!

The maximum weight capacity of this cruiser equipment is 250 lbs, I believe it is fine for a lightweight frame that weighs 44 lbs.

The overall dimension of this machine is 28″W x 29″H x 48″L, however, you can extend its length by 20 slots up to 61″ so that anyone from 4’2″ to 6’3″ can ride this. Making it a joyride for kids and fully grown men and women.

It has a front wheel of 20″ with a rear wheel of 16″ with rubber tires and a Hi-ten steel frame. That’s not all, it’s got Chainless chassis and caliper handbrakes that elevate your riding experience.

2.   Mobo Shift 3-Wheeler Recumbent cycle

Yeah, you got it right. This product also comes from the same manufacturer [Mobo Cruise] who made the previous recumbent bike. However, this is so good that I couldn’t afford to pass it by. But that just shows how good of a brand Mobo Cruise is.

This one’s got a 12″ backrest that you can adjust for 6 different settings to find your most comfortable sitting arrangement. The seat is well-padded and ergonomic, providing relief as you go on riding this beautiful machine.

Well, beautiful is an understatement, it’s got this extremely eye-catching true black design that’s hard to miss. There’s also a red and blue variant but I like this one more.

Its dimension is 28″ W x 25. 6″ H x 48″ L but you could also extend its length to 62″ to fit people between 4’2″ to 6’3″; a feature just like the previous one, although this one has only 10 extendable slots, I don’t think that’s any major disadvantage.

Mobo Shift has some of the coolest features I’ve seen, including the innovative rear pedaling feature that lets you backpedal just by turning a dial.

And while the caliper handbrakes are great by themselves, they also managed to add in an emergency braking system which I appreciate, more vehicles should have this feature.

3. KMX Venom Recumbent Tricycle

Lying down comfortably and strolling around the city, that’s the dream, isn’t it? Well, not anymore. KMX is a well-known recumbent vehicle manufacturer. While you might know them for their prowess in making recumbent bikes for kids, they are just as good when making tricycles for adults.

KMX Venom might sound scary in name but is a delight to ride. It’s the lightest of all KMX trikes, and portable as well. Being made out of high-grade aluminum gives it the convenience of being super sturdy, but at the same time letting it be lighter than a steel-framed trike.

Firstly, I wanna talk about its seat, its 14″ wide bucket shell-designed seating system allows for people with wide backs to rest comfortably. Even a 6’4″ person can sit on it comfortably. It can be angled from 39 to 45 degrees.

There are 27 different speeds on this trike, I don’t remember seeing many tricycles that have that many gear combinations.

The handlebars are direct steer, and steering responds pretty fast and unlike BMX bikes, it has two bars on both sides of the rider for a better steering experience.

If you want to, you can also install an electric motor on it, I suggest the Falco rear hub.

4. True Decor Trident Adult Recumbent Tricycle

Hit the road in comfort on the premium Adult Recumbent Tricycle from True Decor. With a comfortable mesh seat, 4130 Chromoly frame, and wide aluminum rims with steel spokes, you will be confident while exploring since the trike is tailor-made for riders who like to have longer trips.

The great thing is the beautiful and heavy-duty design of this trike automatically sets your comfort level high to keep you feeling great whether it be on country roads or in big-town traffic. From dirt trails and gravel paths to steep mountainside climbs – the 24-speed (3X8 drivetrain) function will ensure effortless touring.

With disc brakes, you can always have confidence in stopping power whether it’s raining or dry outside. Also, the gear shift is pretty smooth. Moreover, its chain is covered by Teflon tubes so that the chain can’t come in contact with your legs or shins. 

Besides, the adjustable handlebars give you more space to relax while pedaling!  You can also fold up the frame within a minute when it’s not in use to make room when indoors. Also, this foldable style provides ease of transportation.

Overall, The Tw-Bent Trident is one of the best recumbent trikes in its class and it has great value for money. 

5. Top End Force-3 Stock Handcycle Trike

For trike lovers who love to travel to beautiful spots using a handcycle, I’ve got a fantastic prospect for you. Yes, this Hand trike from Top End will blow your mind with some mouthwatering features with top-grade build quality.

This excellent vehicle’s hand operation style will be a great advantage for people who have leg or knee problems. To ensure optimal safety, this guy is molded with a wrap-around frame design. The seat is made 17 inches wide to give you heavenly comfort and you won’t feel congested while enjoying the roadside view.

In addition to that, this Force-3 trike incorporates a tall and straight backrest which makes your ride further effortless. Apart from that, the lightweight aluminum frame of it gives your aerodynamic advantages as well as supreme comfort where it counts. Also because of less weight, you can easily lift and put it into your van.

This rugged, lightweight recumbent trike keeps you performing at optimum levels for hours with its 30-speed feature and Shimano components. It also includes seat and back cushions, seat straps, a safety flag, a chain guard, a disc brake, and a drafting bumper to make sure your ride is as safe and secure as it seems.

Moreover, the wheel size (26-inch) makes finding replacement tires way easier – it’s perfect for high mileage enthusiasts who want premium features on one seriously fast baby!

6. Mobo Triton Pedal Go Kart Kids Trike

If you want your kids to join the fun of memorable expeditions with you, this kids’  trike can be a worthy option. This three-wheeler will allow your youngster to experience the overwhelming joy of touring without compromising safety.

The recumbent tricycle comes with a dashing look that will immediately make your kids fall in love with it. Not only it have a stunning appearance, but it is also crafted with premium materials so that your kids won’t get hurt due to any lackings from the trike’s end.

Additionally, the vehicle has a low-design frame for high stability. Also, the frame is fashioned with a durable hi-ten steel frame so that it lasts for years. Though the trike frame is placed considerably low to the ground, its 11-inch seat height will make sure your kid can maneuver it without any inconvenience.

Speaking of maneuverability, the trike’s dual-joystick steerings let your child handle the tricycle the way they like. The caliper brakes, chainless design, smooth pedal, and the safety flag of the recumbent trike make it further special.

The tricycle is ideal for 7-12-year-old children whose height is between 3.2 ft and 5.2 ft. It also holds up to 200 lbs which makes it ideal for large kids. You can easily adjust the trike length to match your child’s height by using the 8 slots.

With an easy instruction manual, you can assemble the vehicle without any prior knowledge of trike assembly. It takes only 20 minutes to put together.

Things to consider while buying a recumbent trike for touring

 A recumbent trike is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something that will allow you to take in the scenery without taxing your back, neck, and spine. Depending on how much you plan to travel with your trike, there are a few key things you should consider when making a purchase.

Durability

No matter where you are in the world, weather conditions can change very quickly so make sure the frame of your recumbent trike is made out of a material that won’t rust or corrode. Stainless steel frames are a good choice because they’re not only resistant to the elements but also tend to be very lightweight compared to other metals.

Tires

Depending on your route, you may encounter a variety of terrains. It’s important to consider what kind of terrain you’ll be traveling over and get the proper tires for the job. In general, fat tires are great for road trips because they can handle slick conditions, but fatter tires also add several pounds to your overall weight.

Seat comfort

After a long day on the road, you’ll want to rest your bones in a comfortable seat that is easy to get in and out of. A flip-up or adjustable backrest allows you to ride reclined comfortably while still giving you enough room for adjusting if needed. You should also make sure it has enough padding to keep you comfortable even if the seat is brand new.

Brakes

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, it’s important to make sure the brakes on your recumbent trike are made out of materials that won’t corrode. V-brakes are great because they’re designed for wet conditions and usually allow you to adjust the tension depending on how much stopping power you need. Disk brakes are also a good choice because they tend to be easier on the brake pads than cantilever and caliper brakes.

Handlebars

The handlebars on a recumbent trike can make a big difference when it comes to overall comfort. If you plan on traveling long distances, then the grips and bars should be made out of a material that is very comfortable against your hands. Some trikes even have adjustable bars so if your height changes from one day to the next, you’ll still be able to cruise comfortably.

Easy to assemble

All recumbent trikes are different when it comes to assembly. Some come 90% assembled while others may need you to put on the pedals, handlebars, and seat. The last thing you want is for your new trike to sit in the corner collecting dust because you don’t have time to assemble it.

Reputation of manufacturer

A recumbent trike from a reputable manufacturer is worth the money you’ll pay for it. Quality parts and materials, along with a warranty that covers damages, are just some of the perks of going with a trusted brand.

Style and appearance

At the end of the day, a lot of people want a recumbent trike that will turn heads. If you’re going for a more traditional look, then a recumbent trike made out of dark wood or metal is a perfect choice. They also tend to be less expensive than high-end models with all the bells and whistles.

Types of recumbent trike

There are two types of recumbent trikes. They are delta and tadpole. Both of these models are very popular for their design among different people. Let’s see more details about these models.

Delta style trike:

The delta-style trike includes two wheels in the back and one wheel in the front. The rider sits higher inside the tricycle compared to the tadpole design trike so that one can easily get in and out of the vehicle. And, its handlebars are just like a bicycle’s handlebars.

The one wheel that is placed in front does the steering, which can make driving it a little tricky at first. Also, it can be difficult for beginners when climbing steep hills! Handcycles also have the Delta design.

Tadpole style trike:

The tadpole-style trike has two wheels in the front and one wheel in the back. Here the rider’s seat is placed slightly lower to give him further control.  The steering of the tadpole is more comfortable and responsive.

These 3-wheelers are lighter than Delta trikes. Moreover, they have a low frame that ensures more stability. Tadpole-style trikes also run pretty quickly and their price is lower than Delta trikes.

Why is Trike for Touring so popular?

It’s no surprise that trikes are getting more and more popular for touring purposes. You’ll see a lot of trikes in China, Mexico, and Japan, I’ve even heard of some in Australia. But it’s not a coincidence, rather the fruits of the hard labor of tricycle manufacturers that have won the hearts of tourists.

Trike touring is a new and exciting way to experience the world. A trike tour can take you through many different types of terrain, from dirt roads to paved highways, and offer an unparalleled view of the natural landscape around you.

Tricycle tours are great for those who have limited mobility or would prefer a more relaxed form of travel that doesn’t involve long hours in a car or bus seat. Travelers looking for something new will find that a trike tour offers them both adventure and relaxation all in one!

As for how they did it- simple, they’ve made their trikes to be convenient for touring. Trikes are much more stable than bikes, and more economical than a four-wheeler.

They also have much more room, and some even have carriers to bring a friend along.

Advantages of a recumbent trike

It’s not rocket science, the reason trikes are getting more popular is because they’re providing more perks for their investment.

If you’re curious to know, I’ll mention below what benefits of recumbent trikes for touring made it such a hit…

1. Secure

Trikes have a lot going for them. They’re more comfortable, they don’t require the same level of skill needed to ride motorcycles or two-wheelers. This means less risk involved in an accident because you’ll have better control of the vehicle. Also even if you suddenly have one wheel down you are less likely to get hurt or run into someone during traffic.

2. No counter-steering

Counter-steering is something new bikers or even the old ones that are out of touch need some time to get used to. Suppose you’re on tour but you’ve never ridden a bike or haven’t touched one in years. So, are you gonna waste your time learning? Hell no!

If you want to make it easier on yourself as a new rider, then the trike is for you. With no worry about leaning or counter-steering techniques and simple turns handled by direct steering with handlebars – all from one wheel instead of two!

3. All-terrain

Since trikes have three wheels and have better suspensions in general, they are a much better choice for off-road surfaces like gravel roads or uneven plains.

4. Easier to identify on the road

A trike motorcycle is a unique and stylish way to get around. A large percentage of these bikes have three wheels, making them easier for visibility than motorcycles with just two or four-wheeled varieties (although some have sidecars)

With their large size, trikes are easier to spot on the road. Sometimes, especially on a warm summer day on an asphalt pitch, it’s easy to mistake a pedestrian or a two-wheeler. But since trikes are flatter, wider, and to be honest, not that common on the road yet, it’ll catch anyone’s eye, avoiding accidents or bumps.

While they may be very wide and some people might think that makes them lose cool points because of weaving through traffic- in reality it’s just as safe but with less risk involved.

5. Large storage

Tricycles have a longer wheelbase and bigger rear ends, which means they can carry more and be better equipped for long journeys. If you enjoy taking road trips then this is the type of vehicle that will make your adventures easier!

All the storage space in addition to an awesome riding experience makes it easy on yourself when going out into unknown territory.

6. Comfort

We all seek the most comfortable situations for ourselves all the time. It’s the same while touring. If you’re going through a stressful time during your vacation, is it worth it?

With a recumbent trike, you can sit on a cushioned seat angle it to your convenience, and pedal away without any worry of the world. The key thing while touring is peace of mind, and this exactly accomplishes it. So you can sit comfortably and go at your own pace.

I hope the aforementioned reasons explain why a recumbent tricycle should be your go-to equipment when you’re out on a tour.

Problems you may face while touring with a recumbent trike

There are many problems that a recumbent trike rider may face when touring. Let’s see them so that you can minimize these issues before making your next tour.  Below are a few.

Difficult to carry

The first and most obvious problem is the difficulty of loading a recumbent trike onto a car in comparison to loading a regular bike.  Some recumbent trikes are quite heavy due to the increased amount of materials they use to make them sturdier.

Parts aren’t available

Another issue with this type of tricycle is that it can be difficult to find parts. So, if any part of the trick gets damaged in the middle of the tour, you may not find the replacement parts available in the nearest repair center.

Less maneuverable

Recumbent trikes are less maneuverable than standard two-wheeled bicycles. It’s also hard to take sharp turns while riding trikes and this type of vehicle becomes extremely difficult to operate in narrow places.

High price tag

Recumbent trikes cost way more than standard bicycles. They are generally much larger and heavier than traditional bikes, hence a higher price tag.

Less visible to other vehicles

Recumbent riders are lower to the ground than riders in traditional bicycles. This means that recumbent trikes can be more difficult to see by other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents when on the road. However, attaching a safety flag can reduce the amount of risk.

Exposed to harsh weather conditions

Recumbent trikes do not have a roof or any protection from harsh weather conditions and can be dangerous to ride in these circumstances. In the rain, scorching sun, or heavy storms, you will find recumbent trike much harder to control and ride.  

They’re slow

The speed of recumbent cycles is much lower than that of traditional bicycles- usually around half as fast. They are best suited for cycling on level roads rather than hills, which can be limiting.

Other common issues

Other problems include the inability to carry baggage, and possibly not being able to attach accessories such as water bottles or panniers. These can all be solved with a bit of creativity and problem-solving.

How do you transport a recumbent trike while touring?

Surely you aren’t gonna buy a recumbent trike for touring if you’re not gonna take it to places with you. So comes the important question: “How to carry a recumbent trike?”

The most convenient way to carry your recumbent bike on the road is with a car. If you have access to an SUV, truck, or even a small hatchback then this can work well because that type of vehicle usually has enough space for two folded tadpole trikes. Also, they’re easy enough when one tries them out!

With trucks it only takes tying down straps so there won’t be any problems at 70 mph in traffic lanes.

It’s also possible with a small hatchback. You have to put the rear seats down and position the trike there. Its wheels should be diagonally behind you or between the front seats by your elbow.

Some can fit in a car’s trunk. Folding recumbents might be too big for some back seats and front doors but if you have an old-school trike with a long wheelbase then that won’t matter as much!

A rear rack is another option – this one attaches next to your vehicle’s frame so it doesn’t take up any extra space behind your seatbelt buckle when not being used (which means less risk of theft).

Mounting a recumbent to the outside of your car is not always easy. Roof racks can make it easier. They’re secure enough that even an inexperienced driver could do this safely on their own.

Getting a trike carrier is the best I believe. It’ll cost you some cash, but everything will go smoothly.

These are some of the easy ways you can carry a recumbent trike while touring.

To sum up

There are a lot of options out there for recumbent trikes, but I believe the best type is one that provides stability, safety, and a lot of comfort. Surely, the best recumbent trike for touring would be one that doesn’t fall short in any of those aspects.

I hope this article has helped narrow down what’s important when looking at buying a new recumbent bike – now all you need to do is pick which style, size, color, etc.

Hope you pick a good one.