Adaptive Tricycles: Boosting Mobility & Fun for All Ages

Why Adaptive Tricycles Matter for Every Body

Tricycles for special needs offer a life-changing solution for children and adults who face challenges with traditional two-wheeled bikes. These specially designed trikes provide:

• Stability and safety through a three-wheel design that eliminates balance concerns
• Therapeutic benefits including improved leg strength, posture, balance, and range of motion
• Independence and freedom for individuals to experience movement on their own terms
• Social connection through cycling with family, friends, and peers
• Customisable features such as supportive seating, adjustable components, and caregiver assistance options

Adaptive tricycles, including upright, semi-recumbent, and tandem models, open the door to outdoor adventures and community participation for riders of all ages and abilities. For many families, finding the right trike marks the beginning of a new chapter: one filled with fresh air, laughter, and the simple joy of movement. These are tools for building confidence, supporting physical development, and creating lasting memories.

At EveryBody eBikes, we've seen how the right trike can transform a person's daily life. I'm Andrea Herklots, owner-operator of EveryBody eBikes, and I've helped countless individuals find the perfect solution. Understanding your options is the first step toward making a confident choice that brings joy, independence, and freedom to ride.

An Extensive Guide to Tricycles for Special Needs

Adaptive tricycles are gateways to independence, health, and happiness for people of all physical abilities. We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect adaptive tricycle to fit your needs. For a broader overview, the general information on adaptive cycling is a useful starting point.

The Life-Changing Benefits of Adaptive Cycling

For individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility, adaptive tricycles make the dream of riding a reality. These machines are designed for kids and adults who cannot comfortably ride a traditional bike, offering benefits that extend far beyond recreation.

Adaptive cycling is a therapeutic way to support physical development. The reciprocal motion of pedalling strengthens the lower body, improving leg strength, posture, balance, and range of motion. Riding also refines motor skills and endurance.

The emotional and social impact is profound. Gaining new mobility builds self-esteem and independence. Cycling is also inherently social, enabling riders to join friends and family, which helps foster social participation and combat isolation for those with a stability & balance impairment. Biking breaks down barriers and opens up a world of possibilities.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Types of Adaptive Tricycles

Just as people come in all shapes and sizes, so do adaptive tricycles. Our goal is to match you with a trike that suits your unique needs, age, and activity level. We offer a comprehensive range of options to cater to diverse mobility challenges.

Here are some of the main types available:

• Upright Tricycles: Offering a traditional cycling posture and excellent stability, these are great for riders who prefer a conventional feel. Many standard models can be adapted for special needs.
• Semi-Recumbent Tricycles: With a slightly reclined seat and lower centre of gravity, these trikes reduce strain on the back and neck, providing a secure ride for those with balance issues or reduced core strength. Our Trident semi-recumbent electric tricycle is a great example of superior comfort and stability. Learn more in our ultimate guide to semi-recumbent trikes.
• Tandem and Companion Tricycles: Perfect for riding together, tandem trikes allow two riders to pedal in sync, while side-by-side models enable conversation. They are ideal for caregivers to offer support, and our Trojan Family Fat Tyre Electric Tricycle is a fantastic option for families sharing an adventure.

Adaptive tricycles cater to a wide spectrum of needs, from young children to adults. They can improve mobility for conditions like CP Cerebral Palsy or provide recreation for individuals with Muscular Dystrophy, offering a solution for nearly every rider.

How to Choose the Right Tricycle for Special Needs

Selecting the perfect adaptive tricycle is a personal journey to find a mobility solution that offers comfort, safety, and joy. At EveryBody eBikes, we believe fit is everything. Here are the crucial factors to consider:

1. Sizing and Fit: The most critical aspect is ensuring the trike is the correct size, which involves measurements like inseam and height. A proper fit ensures the rider’s leg can extend comfortably to the pedal. Our team offers personalised guidance to ensure your trike is fitted to you perfectly.
2. Adjustability: Needs can change, so look for trikes with adjustable components like seats, backrests, and handlebars. This ensures the trike can grow with a child or adapt to an adult's evolving needs.
3. Frame Design and Stability: A low step-through frame makes mounting easier, while a low centre of gravity (common in semi-recumbent designs) improves stability and confidence.
4. Safety Features: Safety is non-negotiable. Look for reliable braking systems (including parking brakes), puncture-resistant tyres, and integrated lights and reflectors for visibility.
5. Essential Accessories: A range of accessories can improve comfort and support, including supportive seating, foot straps, caregiver push handles, and baskets.

We highly recommend consulting with a physical or occupational therapist when choosing an adaptive tricycle, especially when customisation is needed. For a comprehensive overview, refer to our adaptive tricycle buying guide: what you need to know.

Customisation and Caregiver Assistance Options

One of the most remarkable aspects of tricycles special needs is their capacity for customisation. It's about tailoring the ride to the individual for maximum comfort, support, and independence.

Here’s how customisation can transform the riding experience:

• Targeted Support Systems: Trikes can be fitted with high-backed seats, chest harnesses, and specialised pedals to ensure the rider is secure and properly positioned.
• Pedal and Limb Assistance: Options like footsandals with pulley systems or wrist supports can assist with reciprocal leg movement and steering.
• Caregiver Controls: Push handles and rear steering controls allow a caregiver to guide the trike, providing support while the rider builds confidence.
• Electric Assist: Electric motors are a game-changer, providing a boost to make riding less strenuous and more enjoyable, especially over longer distances or on inclines.
• Tandem and Side-by-Side Trikes: For the ultimate shared experience, tandem and side-by-side trikes allow a caregiver or family member to ride along. Our Trojan Family Fat Tyre Electric Tricycle is designed for two riders, offering a stable and fun experience for everyone. These options truly facilitate pedal together side-by-side adventures.

The level of customisation available ensures that we can configure a trike for any level of need, fostering independence and confidence.

Maintenance, Durability, and Funding Your Trike

An adaptive tricycle is an investment in freedom and happiness. Understanding maintenance, durability, and funding will help ensure years of joyful rides.

Durability and Maintenance

High-quality adaptive tricycles are built to last, with rugged frames, reliable components from brands like Shimano, and low-maintenance options like puncture-resistant tyres. Regular servicing is key to keeping your trike in top condition. Our Brisbane workshop offers comprehensive servicing packages for all adaptive e-bikes and trikes. For more details, see how often should you service your e-bike or adaptive trike?

Funding Your Adaptive Tricycle

We understand that adaptive tricycles are a significant investment, and funding is often available.

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): NDIS participants can often use their funding to purchase a trike if it aligns with their goals and Assistive Technology is included in their plan. We can provide quotes to support your application, but we always recommend working closely with an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. A letter of support from a therapist is highly recommended to demonstrate how the trike meets your needs.
• Private Purchase: Funding applications through NDIS or My Aged Care can involve significant delays. We encourage private purchase if possible because life is too short to wait for the joy and freedom of riding. Every day on a trike is a moment of independence gained.

Our team is here to help with both product selection and funding avenues.

Your Journey to Inclusive Cycling Starts Here

At EveryBody eBikes, our mission is to make cycling accessible for every body and ability. Choosing an adaptive tricycle is a significant decision, and having a trusted partner by your side makes all the difference.

Our approach includes:

• Expert Guidance and Personalised Fitting: We listen to your needs and use our deep expertise to recommend the perfect solution. Our team provides hands-on guidance to ensure your trike is custom-fitted for optimal comfort and safety.
• A Curated Range of Quality Products: We offer a selection of high-quality adaptive tricycles, including our own EveryBody eBikes Trojan series and BF Trident models, like the robust Trojan Fat Tyre Electric Trike and the comfortable Trident semi-recumbent electric tricycle.
• Test Rides and Local Support: We encourage test rides at our Brisbane showroom. Through our nationwide network of partners, you can often find a test ride closer to home. Find out more in our guide to e-bike test rides in Brisbane.
• Comprehensive After-Sales Support: Our commitment doesn't end with a sale. We provide reliable after-sales support, including expert servicing and repairs at our Brisbane workshop. Learn about our Brisbane e-bike servicing.
• Community Focus: We are passionate about fostering an inclusive cycling community. As specialists in trikes for special needs, we are deeply committed to this mission.

We carefully curate our range of high-quality, expert-designed adaptive tricycles. Our understanding of each model allows us to guide you to the perfect choice with confidence.

Ready to experience the freedom of adaptive cycling? Contact us to start your journey. We're here to help you find the perfect tricycles for special needs that brings joy, independence, and the open road within reach.