Tricycle training

Tricycle training

Introduction to riding a tricycle - the different models and their advantages

The basic challenge of riding a tricycle is to steer with your arms without moving your upper body. As cyclists, however, we are used to shifting our body weight towards the direction we want to move in. This habit initially makes it more difficult to get into riding a tricycle, and it admittedly also requires some practice, because when you shift your weight on a tricycle, everything’s the other way round to usual: So, shifting your body weight to the left, for example, causes the wheel to steer in the opposite direction. And vice versa. This gives the rider the feeling that the tricycle is not under their control. In order to generate confidence, we therefore recommend familiarising the customer with the most important basic rules before they get on the tricycle.

Models and frame shapes

Our tricycles essentially consist of six different frame shapes, each coming with modified equipment and motorisations as part of the package. Depending on body size, body weight, cycling behaviour and cycling confidence, there is an ideal vehicle for every cyclist, perfectly tailored to their needs. Below you will get an insight into the different models and their features.

1) Scooter trike

The main advantage of scooter trikes is their ease of handling, which makes these models ideal even for inexperienced tricycle riders. The low seat provides a low centre of gravity, thus giving the cyclist that sense of safety which comes from being able to quickly put their feet on the ground. The armchair-like seat provides a comfortable position in the seat, with a backrest helping the cyclist to maintain an upright sitting posture. This special sitting posture means that the cyclist is no longer tempted to steer using his or her body weight. The small 16" front wheel used on these sporty scooter trikes provides considerable manoeuvrability despite the length of the wheelbase. Our scooter trikes are amongst the easiest tricycles to learn to ride.

• Scootertrike L, Scootertrike FM, Trizon, Scoobo, Scoobo+

2) The classic design

First designed and built by us a good 20 years ago, we have continuously developed and improved the classic frame shape since then. Its well-known advantages, such as the low step-through and the “bicycle feeling”, have been retained, so that it is no longer possible to imagine our product range without these classic tricycles. These models are particularly suitable for taller people.

• Classic, Napoli, Grazia

3) The small classic design

This “shortened version” has emerged from the classic shape. It differs from the classic shape by having a smaller wheelbase, a shorter footrest and higher handlebars, supporting an upright posture. The front and rear wheels on this model are both 24”. The advantages of these changes to the frame are an improved sitting posture, a smaller turning circle, and the ease of steering which results. We recommend this model for those who are up to 180 or 185 cm tall.

• Ally, Roma, Passo, Ally-FM

4) The comfortable design

This frame shape has a seat tube which curves slightly towards the back, a low step-through and raised handlebars, which makes it very easy to get on the trike. Due to the special frame geometry, the rider pedals further towards the front on this model than on a bicycle, for example. This model is therefore particularly comfortable and knee-friendly. The combination of higher handlebars and an offset bottom bracket makes it easy to steer without physical effort, so that even inexperienced tricyclists can quickly get good at riding this model.

• Comfort, Comfort FM, Combo

5) The tadpole trike

The tadpole tricycle is the opposite of the classic frame shape and is based on a bicycle’s rear and two front wheels. This frame shape likewise has a very low entry with a footboard to climb on. The most obvious advantage with this frame variant is probably that the rider has full view of both front wheels. On the one hand, this gives the rider a good idea of the width of the vehicle and, on the other hand, the rider is constantly visually aware of the fact that he or she is riding a tricycle. Compared to the other frame shapes, however, the tadpole tricycle is more prone to tipping because the rider sits further away from the widest point (the two wheels on one axle). In addition, the wheel is ten cm wider and thus the turning circle is also larger, making this variant ideal for experienced riders.

• Siena, Asolo

6) The four-wheeler

Our four-wheeler is a combination of the classic shape and the tadpole tricycle. The four wheels give a particularly stable ride and ensure a solid and more satisfying hold on the road. The vehicle’s unladen weight is much higher than that of the other variants - but this is also necessary in order to carry the desired payload. The firm hold on the road makes the four-wheeler particularly suitable for people who need an extremely high level of safety. Furthermore, our four-wheeler is particularly suitable for people with a higher body weight (130 to 180 kg).

• Tibo+