According to SavvySenior.org, lots of Boomers (and our elders), want to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise via bicycling (not to mention the money savings via gasless trips to the neighborhood store - OK, that didnt' sound right, but you know what I mean...), but have concerns about their balance on a two-wheeler, or their stamina to handle one, or both.
Well, Boomer Nation! to the rescue! Here's an alternative you'll love...
Head back to the future with a tricycle
Yep... you heard me, an adult tricycle is a smart option because it provides stability and requires less stamina: a tricycle allows you to ride as slow as you want without ever losing your balance, and you can put both feet on the ground while seated, which is very reassuring for many of our elder riders.
In addition, adult tricycles are made with a low "step through" design making mounting and dismounting much easier than a two-wheeler, they use bigger tires ensuring a smoother ride, they have raised, ergonomic handlebars that are easier to reach and grip, and offer oversize seats (some even have backrests) for comfort and support. And, other than the frame, tricycles use the same standard components as two-wheelers, so replacement parts are readily available and repairs are not a problem.
Types of adult tricycles & where to find 'em
There are lots to choose from with prices ranging anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. To help you figure out the right kind of tricycle that meets your needs and budget, here's a breakdown of the different styles and costs, along with some popular models to checkout.
Well, Boomer Nation! to the rescue! Here's an alternative you'll love...
Head back to the future with a tricycle
Yep... you heard me, an adult tricycle is a smart option because it provides stability and requires less stamina: a tricycle allows you to ride as slow as you want without ever losing your balance, and you can put both feet on the ground while seated, which is very reassuring for many of our elder riders.
In addition, adult tricycles are made with a low "step through" design making mounting and dismounting much easier than a two-wheeler, they use bigger tires ensuring a smoother ride, they have raised, ergonomic handlebars that are easier to reach and grip, and offer oversize seats (some even have backrests) for comfort and support. And, other than the frame, tricycles use the same standard components as two-wheelers, so replacement parts are readily available and repairs are not a problem.
Types of adult tricycles & where to find 'em
There are lots to choose from with prices ranging anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. To help you figure out the right kind of tricycle that meets your needs and budget, here's a breakdown of the different styles and costs, along with some popular models to checkout.
     | Upright: Great for a leisurely ride around the neighborhood for pleasure, fitness or running those gasless errands (they come with rear cargo baskets). Some popular models in this category include the Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle sold at Target for around $230, the Sun Traditional 24 trike that retails for around $375, and the Torker TriStar three-speed which costs around $500. Recumbent: These are lower to the ground with a stretched-out frame allowing you to recline with your legs out in front of you - you see alot of these on the road because they're very comfy, easy on the back and aerodynamic which makes them ideal for long rides. Check them out @ terratrike.com, sunbicycles.com, industrialbicycles.com, trailmate.com and bikemania.biz. Recumbent trikes typically ranging between $800 & $2,500. Tandem: If you plan to ride primarily with your spouse or a partner, you opt for one of these cuties - you can choose either front and back, or side-by-side seats (shown). These run around $1,000 to $2,000, and can be found at the same websites listed for recumbent trikes above. Folding: Great for those who like to travel or have limited storage space. The Adventurer Three-Speed Folding Trike which sells for about $390 at adventurebikes.com, and the Kent Westport Folding Tricycle sold at Target and Amazon for $308, are two good options. Electric: If you have days when pedaling is not an option (with my RA, I know about days when using joints more rigorously is just not an option...), electric tricycles are the way to go: they have pedals and an electric motor so you can exercise when you want or you can sit back and let the trike do the work when you need. Some good options include the EW-88 electric trike (shown) for $1,400, or the more modest and affordable Cabbike 3 Electric Tricycle for $920. |
Happy Trails!
You have been officially alerted...
You have been officially alerted...
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