What’s the Difference Between an Upright Trike and a Semi-Recumbent Trike?

Most people think of an upright trike when they think of bikes with 3 wheels. When choosing the right electric tricycle, it’s important to understand the differences between that style and the alternative semi-recumbent or sit-down trike. Each style offers unique benefits depending on the rider’s needs, mobility, and comfort preferences. 

Upright Trikes | Traditional and Familiar 

An upright trike, also known as a traditional trike, features a saddle where the pedals are positioned almost directly below the rider. Getting onto an upright trike requires a bit of strength and balance, as riders must lift themselves over the frame and onto the saddle. Taller riders, in particular, may need a higher saddle to allow for proper leg extension while pedalling comfortably. 

One challenge with upright trikes is how they handle across uneven surfaces. The design can make the trike feel “tippy,” especially when the rider encounters slopes. As the rider’s height and centre of gravity increase, they may experience a pendulum-like motion on sloped terrain. This requires leaning into curves and steering against the slope, much like a skier does when navigating across a slope. 

Here we have Matty on our brilliant BF Trojan!

Who Benefits from Upright Trikes? 

As the Upright Trike appears more mainstream, riders who wish to fit in more easily may feel more comfortable on an upright model. 

Upright models are particularly well suited to: 

• Riders who have never ridden a 2-wheeled bike before.
• Riders with even pedalling and steering strength.
• People who have ridden on other mobility devices such as quad bikes or on a motorbike with a sidecar.
• People who are adaptable and willing to embrace the differences in handling between 2-wheels and an upright 3-wheeler.

Sometimes, our customers don’t find as much enjoyment re-learning to ride and want a more comfortable and enjoyable experience from the get-go. For them, we have the another option:

Semi-Recumbent Trikes | Comfort and Stability 

In contrast, a semi-recumbent or sit-down tricycle offers a different riding experience. These trikes come with a seat instead of a saddle, with the best-selling semi-recumbent having the seat at the height of a dining chair. The seating position allows for a more prone pedalling action toward the front of the bike rather than underneath the bottom of the rider. 

 Semi-recumbent trikes provide a greater level of stability and comfort, especially for riders who may struggle with balance or strength. Unlike upright trikes, they are less sensitive to changes in slope, as long as the rider maintains both rear wheels at the same elevation (i.e. square to the slope and not across-slope). This makes the semi-recumbent trike much easier to handle and control, with less strain on the wrists and a more relaxed steering experience. 

Who Benefits from Semi-Recumbent Trikes? 

Semi-recumbent trikes are particularly well-suited for: 

• Older adults or active seniors 
• Riders with mobility issues or disabilities 
• Taller or heavier individuals 
• Riders with prosthetics or one-sided weakness 
• People who have tremors or are anxious 

These trikes offer a comfortable, fun, and exciting riding experience. For those who prefer the pedalling action closer to their seat, there are several semi-recumbent options available, each offering different crank positions to suit individual preferences. 

Our Best-Selling Trike in Australia: The Trident 

Roger on his Trident semi-recumbent (sit-down) Electric Tricycle 

At Everybody eBikes, our best-selling trike in Australia is the Trident semi-recumbent electric tricycle. It’s perfect for riders seeking a blend of comfort, stability, and fun, making it a great choice for those who want an easy and enjoyable way to stay active. 

Whether you’re looking for a traditional upright trike or a more comfortable semi-recumbent option, we’ve got you covered. Explore our range of electric bikes and trikes today!