The 3 Best Adult Recumbent Trikes Buying Guide – Ride In Comfort, explores the features and pros and cons of 3 of the best recumbent trikes available for adults including seniors. The trikes reviewed are the Mobo Triton Pro Beach Cruiser; Mobo Shift; Mobo Triton Pro. Whatever your reason for considering an adult recumbent trike, learning the features and pros and cons beforehand will make you a more informed consumer.
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to start cycling. Adult recumbent bikes are a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors without straining your back or knees. With so many options available, choosing the right type of trike can be overwhelming.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, this post is for you. We’ll walk through important considerations that will help narrow down your search for an adult recumbent trike that suits your style and preferences best. This blog post includes tips on what to look for when shopping for an adult trike as well as reviews on some of our favorite models currently available for casual and serious riders alike.
Another post you might find helpful is What is a Recumbent Trike? Ride With Comfort. This post goes over 21 features to consider when purchasing a recumbent bike.
If you’re looking for an indoor stationary recumbent bike take a look at this article: 5 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes – Buying Guide
Best Adult Recumbent Trikes (Updated List)
Why You Should Get An Adult Recumbent Trike
Do you want to get out and enjoy the fresh air but are feeling too lazy to walk or jog? If you’re tired of being hunched over on a bike, or if the idea of a traditional upright bike is just too uncomfortable for you, then an adult recumbent bike might be perfect for you.
These bikes with three wheels are designed specifically for adults, so they offer plenty of space for your legs while still being easy on your back.
Recumbent trikes offer stability – even while encountering loose gravel paths, sand, ice, tire blowouts, etc. these road conditions most likely will not send a trike crashing to the ground.
What to Look for When Choosing Recumbent Trikes
Comfort
Not all recumbent trikes have comfortable seats, so make sure to get one that is suitable for long commutes or rides up hills. Also, a padded seat is something you might consider adding to the comfort of your ride.
You also need to ensure that the handlebars on your trike feel right. Some but not all recumbent trikes come with adjustable handlebars but either way you want to be able to reach them without straining any part of your body.
Finally, the trike should be easy to get on and off of while you are riding.
Safety
The head-up position not only lets you enjoy the scenery but you will be more inclined to see oncoming cars and obstacles since you’re not looking down.
Recumbent bikes are all low profile – Be careful with cars not being able to see you, especially on driveways, etc. They have flags you can buy that make it easier to see you.
Weight Capacity
Depending on your body size and mass, most manufacturers will advertise the maximum weight capacity for their trikes. Some can hold up to 300 pounds, while others have a bit lower capacity rating.
Warranty
The warranty for any recumbent trike is important. If a trike has a lifetime warranty, then this is a sign that it will last you, but if its warranty only lasts for six months, then it may not be that durable.
Adult Recumbent Trikes Product Reviews
Mobo Triton Pro (Best Beach Cruiser)
Features
- Colors
- Orange
- Red
- Single Speed
- Chainless Design
- Hand Brakes
- Reclined Seat
- Tires:
- 16 Inch Rear Wheels
- Inflatable Rubber Tires
- Adjustable Frame
- 10 slots
- Fits Individual Height of 4′ to 6’2″
- Construction: Hi-ten Steel
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Specifications
- Dimensions:
- 28 x 29 x 48 inches (61 inches extended)
- Weight
- 44 lbs
- Manufacturer:
- ASA Products Inc./Mobo Cruiser (Established 1996)
- Brand Name: Mobo Cruiser
- Some Assembly Required
Video: Mobo Triton Pro: The Ultimate Three Wheeled Cruiser
Pros
- Adjustable Frame
- Chainless
- Variety of Colors
Cons
- Non-Adjustable Seat
- Single Speed
Review
This 3-wheel recumbent bike is perfect for women and men who want to cruise and exercise on flat paved surfaces and gently sloping terrain.
With the adjustable frame, this bike accommodates riders from 4′ to 6’2″ and up to 250 lbs. It features a hi-ten steel frame for durability and a chainless design for easy mobility.
One downside is though the frame is adjustable for height the seat is stationary and does not adjust.
Mobo Shift
Features
- Color
- Blue
- Single Speed
- Reverse Function
- Hand Brake
- Chainless Design
- Seat
- 12″ Above Ground
- Cushioned
- Adjustable Backrest Support
- 6 Positions
- Tires
- Inflatable Rubber – 20″ Front Wheel; 16″ Rear Wheels
- Two Wheels rear – One Wheel front
- Adjustable Frame
- 10 Slots
- Accommodates riders 4′ 6″ to 6′ 3″ in height
- Frame Material
- Steel
- Weight Capacity
- 250 lbs
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 62 (L) x 28 (W) x 26.5 (H) inches (48 – 62 inches extended)
- Weight
- 44lbs
- Manufacturer: ASA Products Inc./Mobo Cruiser (Established 1996)
- Brand: Mobo Cruiser
- Some Assembly Required
Video: Mobo Shift – The World’s First Reversible Cruiser
Pros
- Adjustable Frame
- Reverse Function
- Smooth Ride
Cons
- 1-Speed
- Slow
- Wide-Turning Ratio
Review
The most affordable trike in our buying guide, the Mobo Shift, is the Runner-Up. The reason it is placed above the Mobo Triton Pro in our ratings is for the reverse function.
Unlike the TerraTrike above, the Mobo Shift has one speed. This will make it more challenging to ride on certain terrains, and it will go slower.
The adjustable frame accommodates riders between 4′ 6″ to 6′ 3″ in height. This is convenient if more than one person will be using it.
The Mobo Shift, with the combination of six adjustable backrest positions and a cushioned seat, makes for a more comfortable trike ride.
The seat has six positions, making it possible to find just the right amount of comfort depending on your needs during the journey ahead.
Overall the Mobo Shift is a good choice with the stability and confidence a trike brings as long as the speed is not something you are looking for.
Mobo Triton Pro (Best With Adjustable Frame)
Features
- Colors
- Red
- Orange
- Silver
- Single Speed
- ChainlessChassis
- Seat
- Cushioned
- Tires
- Inflatable Rubber – 20″ Front 16″ Rear
- Two Rear Wheels; One Front Wheel
- Adjustable Frame
- 10 Slots
- Accommodates Riders 4′ 6″ to 6′ 3″ In Height
- Frame
- Hi-Ten Steel
- Weight Capacity
- 250 lbs
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 28″W x 29″H x 48″L (61” extended)
- Weight
- 44 lbs
- Manufacturer: Tri-Ton
- Brand: Mobo
- Manufacturer’s Part Number: SWERRS-P
- ASIN: B009S57024
Pros
- Adjustable Frame
- Comfortable Seat Position
- Easy Assembly
Cons
- Lack of Speed
- Navigate With Rear Wheels
- Single Speed
Review
The 3rd choice is another Mobo; Mobo Triton Pro.
This entry-level trike comes in three colors; orange, red, and silver.
With a ten-slot adjustable frame, the Mobo Triton Pro accommodates riders measuring 4’6″ up to 6’3″ in height and a weight capacity of 250 lb. This allows multiple people to share this recumbent trike.
The padded seat makes for a more comfortable ride.
There are a couple of disadvantages: the lack of speed that a single speed trike lacks, and you do navigate with the rear wheels. This has a slight learning curve but can be learned quickly.
The difference between the Mobo Triton Pro and Mobo Shift that affects our rating is the Triton Pro does not have a reverse function.
If you’re looking for an affordable trike that you will mainly use on flat surfaces such as paved bicycle paths, and not wanting speed, this could be the bike that’s for you to take on your next adventure.
FAQs for Adult Recumbent Trikes
What are the advantages of riding a recumbent trike?
The most noted advantage to riding a recumbent bike is comfort. The wide seat supports the body well and keeps pressure off major muscle groups like the shoulders and lower back, and this places the body in a more relaxed comfortable riding position with the head looking forward rather than down.
People who convert to riding recumbent bikes note that pain in the shoulders and hips is nearly non-existent.
How does the speed of a recumbent trike compare to a traditional bicycle?
A recumbent trike will accelerate slower and be harder to maintain high speed compared to a road bike, and you won’t be able to cover as much ground.
Are recumbent bikes really better for your back than a traditional bike?
Yes, because of the way you sit, recumbent bikes are easier on the lower back (lumbar spine). While an upright bike has you hunched over the handlebars, a recumbent bike encourages better spinal posture.
Recommended Reading
Best Electric Trikes For Adults
Jeekee Recumbent Exercise Bike
Final Words
So that concludes our list of some of the best adult recumbent trikes on the market today. These trikes are amazing for people of all ages who want a healthier lifestyle without any fuss or hassle.
There’s plenty of variety when it comes to choosing from recumbent bikes- from comfort level to weight capacity, there’s something out there for everyone.
These recumbent bikes are all low profile – Be careful with cars not being able to see you, especially on driveways, etc.
Remember, with all products, features can change, so before purchasing, be sure the qualities that attracted you to the product are still the same.
If your not sure if a recumbent bike is for you another article you might be interested in reading is Bicycles and Seniors – I Bet You Haven’t Forgotten How. This is an article that discusses all types of bikes.
Whether you plan to take your recumbent trike on the open road, off the beaten path, if you want to discover hidden trails, or explore new horizons, a new world awaits you. I hope in reading Best Adult Recumbent Trikes Buying Guide – Ride In Comfort, you came away with a clearer vision of the perfect trike for you.
Have any stories or experiences with these types of trikes? I would love them if you share your thoughts on this blog post by leaving me a comment below!
