Adaptive Tricycle Buying Guide: What You Need to Know
trikes for disability
7 min read

Adaptive Tricycle Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

More Than a Trike, It's Freedom on Three Wheels

An adaptive tricycle is a specially designed three-wheeled bike that provides stability, support, and independence for riders who may struggle with traditional two-wheeled bicycles. These trikes offer:

  • Improved stability through a three-wheel design and low centre of gravity
  • Customisable support including backrests, harnesses, and adaptive pedals
  • Electric assistance to help with hills and longer distances
  • Therapeutic benefits for strength, balance, and coordination
  • Social inclusion enabling riders to join family and friends on cycling adventures

Whether for rehabilitation, recreation, or simply a safer way to cycle, adaptive tricycles open up possibilities for riders of all ages and abilities.

I've seen how the right adaptive tricycle can transform a person's world. At 67, Margaret hadn't ridden in over a decade after a stroke affected her balance. She was nervous and worried she'd never feel that freedom again. But when she settled into our Trident sit-down trike, the fear melted away, replaced by pure joy. "I feel like myself again," she told me, tears in her eyes.

That's what adaptive tricycles are—not just mobility aids, but bridges back to independence, confidence, and the simple pleasure of feeling the wind on your face. Every body deserves that feeling.

The journey to finding the right adaptive tricycle doesn't have to be overwhelming. I'm Andrea Herklots from EveryBody eBikes, and I've spent years helping people across Australia find their perfect match. Through countless fittings and test rides, I've learned that choosing the right trike is about understanding your unique story. With the right guidance, we can find a solution that helps you write the next chapter, exceeding your expectations and helping you refind your freedom.

Find more about adaptive tricycle:

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Adaptive Tricycle

Start with the Rider: Understanding Your Needs for an Adaptive Tricycle

Finding the right adaptive tricycle starts with the rider. What are their goals? Some seek therapeutic benefits—building strength, balance, or coordination. Others simply want the recreational joy of riding with family and friends.

Adaptive tricycles help build muscle, improve circulation, and improve motor planning, turning exercise into fun. The cardiovascular benefits are significant, aligning with global recommendations for physical activity. Beyond the physical, these trikes are a bridge to social inclusion, confidence, and independence.

To find the best fit, we consider the rider's goals and needs for balance support, trunk and head control, and leg strength, as well as their past cycling experience to ensure they feel secure and comfortable.

Key Features That Create Comfort and Confidence

An adaptive tricycle uses thoughtful modifications to provide support, safety, and customisation. Key features include:

  • Supportive Seating: Adjustable backrests, lateral supports, and pelvic harnesses provide stability and proper posture, which is essential for riders with conditions like CP Cerebral Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy.
  • Adaptive Handlebars: Padded or loop-style handlebars accommodate different grip strengths, while steering limiters can prevent over-steering for nervous riders.
  • Specialised Pedals: Foot straps or heel cups keep feet securely positioned. Some models offer pulley systems to assist rotation or variable resistance for therapeutic goals.
  • Attendant Controls: Rear steering handles or caregiver brakes allow a companion to guide the trike, giving the rider a safe and joyful experience.
  • Electric Assist: Our pedal-assist technology offers a gentle boost on hills and longer rides, helping riders with limited endurance enjoy cycling without overexertion.

Sizing and Fitting for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride

A correct fit is crucial for safety and enjoyment. Unlike standard bikes, adaptive tricycles require precise measurements to become a perfect extension of the rider.

The inseam measurement (inside leg length) is the most critical factor, determining if a rider can comfortably reach the pedals. Our trikes accommodate a wide range of inseams, from 12 to 38 inches across different models. Overall height and weight determine the correct frame size, with our models supporting riders up to 310 pounds.

Well-designed adaptive tricycles are highly adjustable. Seats, handlebars, and pedals can be modified, allowing the trike to adapt with the rider as their needs change. This flexibility is why our comprehensive Fitted to You process and a test ride are so important. Our customisation ensures your trike becomes your trusted partner for freedom and joy.

Exploring Different Types of Adaptive Tricycle

Adaptive tricycles generally come in two main styles: upright and sit-down (semi-recumbent).

Upright trikes offer a familiar, bicycle-like posture. Our best-selling upright model, the Trojan fat-tyre e-trike, is loved for its robust feel and natural power delivery from its mid-drive motor. It’s a high-performing, street-legal trike that allows riders to confidently join friends on two-wheeled bikes. As we say, "Don't stay indoors—get out and enjoy the world from a Trojan."

Sit-down (semi-recumbent) trikes place the rider in a more reclined, chair-like position with their feet forward. This lowers the centre of gravity, providing exceptional stability and comfort, especially for those with back concerns. Our top-selling Trident is a favourite for its confidence-inspiring ride. It handles uneven surfaces well, making it ideal for older riders or those in coastal and rural areas.

The choice between Upright or Semi-Recumbent? depends on your comfort, physical needs, and desired riding experience. Our Semi-Recumbent E-Trikes: Comfort, Stability, and Power with the Trident Range have become especially popular for riders seeking maximum stability and ease of use.

Taking the Next Steps on Your Riding Journey

The Role of Therapists and Professional Guidance

Involving allied health professionals like physical or occupational therapists can be incredibly valuable. They can assess an individual's needs, recommend specific features, and help integrate the tricycle into a broader rehabilitation plan. Their expertise ensures the trike is not just for recreation but also a powerful therapeutic tool for improving muscle tone, balance, and coordination.

At EveryBody eBikes, we are bike experts, not health professionals. We value a collaborative approach and work alongside your therapist to find the right solutions for challenges like limited leg rotation, back weakness, or endurance issues. This partnership ensures the best possible outcome, as detailed in our A Practical Guide to Adaptive Trikes: Freedom, Confidence, and Joy on Three Wheels.

Funding, Support, and Making It Happen

Understanding funding for an adaptive tricycle is an important step. Prices vary based on features and customisation, with options starting from around $2,500. We believe the freedom they offer is priceless.

As a registered NDIS Provider, we have experience in this area, but we don't prescribe bikes or influence funding. The NDIS requires a therapist to confirm a device is "reasonable and necessary." While we can guide you, the approval is led by your allied health professional.

It's important to know that government funding wait times can be long—sometimes one to two years. We strongly encourage you to consider private purchase to avoid missing out on years of riding joy. Why wait to regain your independence? We can help you find the right ride now.

We offer onsite trials at our Gaythorne workshop and can discuss options for offsite trials. We are also building partnerships across Australia to improve access to our bikes. No matter where you are, we're here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right adaptive tricycle is a deeply personal and empowering journey. It's about more than just finding a bike; it's about opening up freedom, fostering independence, and refinding the sheer joy of movement. By carefully considering the rider's unique needs, understanding the myriad of adaptive features, ensuring a precise fit, and exploring the various types available, we can find a tricycle that truly transforms lives.

At EveryBody eBikes, we are passionate about making inclusive cycling possible for every body. We don’t just sell bikes; we offer custom guidance, expert customisation, and ongoing support to ensure your cycling journey is safe, comfortable, and full of confidence. Whether you're looking to regain mobility, pursue therapeutic goals, or simply enjoy the outdoors with loved ones, we're here to help you get riding and keep riding.

We invite you to reach out, share your story, and let us help you find the perfect adaptive tricycle that works for you. The road to freedom and joy on three wheels starts here.

Ready to find your perfect adaptive tricycle?