With the popularity and general acceptance of bicycles, why not stand out from the crowd and ride on a three-wheeled vehicle? Tricycles offer many special features not found on two-wheeled bikes. And they are not just for children. Many styles of adult tricycles are available, and whether you want to carry cargo or cope with a disability, you are sure to find the right one for you.
      The Facts
A tricycle is defined as a human-powered vehicle that has three wheels. Tricycles, unlike bicycles, are able to support themselves, requiring less balance by the rider. This makes tricycles (also known as "trikes") a popular choice for toddlers, people with disabilities and anyone else who doesn't want to balance their bike when stopped at a traffic light. The wheels can be distributed with two in the front and one in the back, or the other way around.
      Types
Tricycles for children can be divided into two categories: upright and recumbent. Upright tricycles have a seat that is fitted above the height of the wheels. The most popular version of an upright trike is the classic Red Rider. Kids' recumbent tricycles are usually called Big Wheels and have a seat that sits lower than the height of the wheels. Both types may have a bar in the back that parents can push if the child gets tired of pedaling.
There are many adult styles of tricycles, as well. Besides upright and recumbent trikes, there are tandem tricycles that fit two or more people. There are even tricycles with built-in cargo boxes that can carry items weighing up to 200 lbs.
      Benefits
Tricycles are an ideal method of gas-free transportation on icy, slick or damaged roads. They don't require the balance of a bicycle and riders don't have to take their feet off the pedals when stopped. Adaptive tricycles allow people with disabilities to experience bike riding and are usually custom-made. Tricycles are stylish. Riding a trike is a way to promote a car-free lifestyle.
      History
The history of tricycles is shaky at best. Many people today are still trying to piece together the puzzle of the trike's 150-year history, but a few things are known. The first tricycle appeared in the 1860s and was likely developed to address safety concerns and prevent injuries by adding stability to the standard bicycle. Wooden tricycles for children appeared at this same time.
In the 1870s, the Coventry "Rotary" tricycle appeared as the first to have a chain drive attached to the wheel. This design was improved upon in the 1880s with the introduction of the double chain drive. At this time, "sociables," tricycles with two riders, were popular. Tricycles for children moved from being made of wooden materials to steel.
Fast forward to the 1960 and 1970s, when plastic became a popular material and Big Wheels were introduced. Today most tricycles are made of steel or plastic.
      Features
Antiquetricycles are a collectors item. There are many replicas and reproductions of antique tricycles being sold at auctions--and many fakes. People who collect tricycles are often confused about which trike is an antique and which is a fake. Tricycles are a popular decoration, with many made to be used as a flower pot or basket.