Monday, June 10, 2019

Useful And Essential Facts About Recumbent Trikes

By Michelle Hughes


A vehicle that is either powered by human labor or gravity and has three wheels is referred to as a tricycle. Trike is usually used as the short form for the name tricycle. Trikes are of different kinds, including cycle rickshaws and freight. Different functions such as recreation, transportation, exercise, and shopping among others are achieved using trikes. Transporting goods using tricycles is very common in developing countries of Asia and Africa. This is what recumbent trikes are all about.

According to historical records, the history of tricycles goes way back to either 1655 or 1680. Also, history mentions that tricycles were invented by a disabled German man. The man was called Stephan Farffler and his intention was to enable himself keep his mobility. Farffler designed a tricycle which was powered by hand cranks. He borrowed the concept from his watch-making career.

Over the years, different people from different countries have developed different versions of tricycles. Some of the notable inventions were made in France and Britain. A British inventor named Denis Johnson patented a design for making trikes. One thing that all the inventions had in common is that they powered by hands or legs.

The elderly and kids are the people who mostly use tricycles in western countries. Trikes are most preferred by these people because they are more stable as compared to bicycles. Tricycles have poor dynamic lateral stability although they might be more stable when they are rode in a straight line. Therefore, for one not to fall off, they have to be very careful when negotiating corners.

There are many tricycle enthusiasts in countries like the UK and there are associations that one can register with. These associations usually organize events such as day rides, time trials and tours among many others. Also, these organizations are responsible for the regulation of the industry. The organizations also set standards which are aimed at ensuring the safety of consumers. It is their responsibility to maintain statistics about tricycles among other responsibilities.

There are several different types of tricycles with different wheel configurations. Some of the commonest wheel configurations include delta and tadpole. In delta wheel configuration, the vehicle has one wheel at the front and two wheel at the back. On the other hand, in a tadpole configuration, there are two front wheels and a single wheel at the back. There are other wheel configurations that have existed over the years, but are no longer in existence.

Trikes that are used currently are also of different kinds with recumbent and upright tricycles being the most common. Upright tricycles have an open or a diamond-shaped frame just like a bicycle. They can either have tadpole or delta wheel configuration and are steered using a handlebar. One should be very careful when riding non-tilting upright tricycles since they are less stable.

The other kind of trike used nowadays is recumbent. Due to its low center of gravity, this model have more stability. Also, it has less aerodynamic drag. Nevertheless recumbent are heavier, wider and cost a lot more. Since they are normally set very low, they may not be visible to other traffic.




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