Find your ideal adult tricycle for commuting and save up to 47% with Cyclescheme

Looking for a different way to cycle to work? An adult tricycle could give you the comfort, support, and confidence you need to make more journeys on three wheels.

Trikes give you three points of contact with the ground and come in several designs, including traditional upright trikes, electric trikes, folding models, and recumbent tricycles. That extra choice makes trikes worth considering if balance, comfort, carrying capacity, or your individual mobility needs make a standard two-wheeled bike less suitable.

Through Cyclescheme, you can save up to 47% on a new trike and eligible accessories, with the cost taken tax-efficiently from your salary. There’s nothing to pay upfront, and Cyclescheme gives you access to more than 2,600 retailers across the UK.

Three wheels, one better commute.

Save on a New Trike Today

What is an adult tricycle?

An adult tricycle, often shortened to trike, is a three-wheeled cycle designed for adult riders. Like a standard bicycle, most upright trikes have handlebars, pedals, gears, brakes, and a saddle. The main difference is the additional wheel, as adult tricycles usually use one of two wheel layouts:

• Delta trikes have one wheel at the front and two at the rear
• Tadpole trikes have two front wheels and one rear wheel

The three-wheel design can provide extra stability while you’re stationary or moving at lower speeds. You don’t have to balance an adult tricycle in exactly the same way as a conventional bike, which can make trikes useful for people who feel less confident on two wheels.

Adult trikes can also provide useful carrying capacity. Many upright models have space for a large rear basket, making a trike bike practical when your commute includes a laptop bag, change of clothes, shopping, or other everyday essentials.

Are trikes good for commuting?

A trike bike can make cycling to work accessible to people with a wide range of needs, preferences, and levels of cycling experience. Depending on the adult tricycle you choose, commuting by trike can give you:

• Extra stability at low speeds and when stopping
• Space to carry work bags and everyday essentials
• A comfortable alternative to some conventional bikes
• Electric assistance on eligible e-trikes
• A practical option for short and longer commutes
• An active way to complete part or all of your journey to work

The right trike depends on your route, storage space, riding position, and individual needs, so think about how your commute works before choosing a model.

Which type of trike bike is right for you?

Alongside differing wheel layouts, there are various types of trike bikes to choose from, each with its own features and benefits…

Folding tricycles

As it says on the tin, these are tricycles that can be folded into a more compact form. Designed with easier storage in mind, folding trikes can be taken on public transport and stored in smaller spaces.

Folding trikes can be extremely useful, especially for carrying cargo. However, the benefits will vary depending on each user’s level of mobility. Whereas public transport accessibility may be useful for some, it won’t be as big a benefit to all.

Electric tricycles

Electric-assisted bikes are revolutionising cycling. Opening the joys of cycling to a wider user base, the same can be said for electric tricycles or ‘e-trikes’.

If you struggle to pedal a regular bike over long distances and need the added stability of a trike, you may also need a helping hand for steep hills.

Assistive motors take some of the pressure off of your legs, giving you a little boost. Given that tricycles are often heavier than standard bikes, the motor can make all the difference.  

Recumbent tricycles

In a recumbent trike, you’re positioned lower to the ground and the pedals are in front rather than beneath. With this set-up, the trike will be more stable at speed and taking corners, though the exchange is that they’re harder to mount than other types of trike.

These trikes are ideal for people with muscular or health problems that prevent them from riding in an upright position.

Is an adult trike bike right for you?

Trikes can work for many different riders. You might consider an adult tricycle if you find balancing on two wheels difficult, prefer additional support when stopping, or want a different riding position.

A trike could also suit you if you are a disabled rider with an injury, reduced mobility, or discomfort that makes a traditional bike difficult to use. And of course, some riders simply prefer the feel of three wheels.

Try different adult tricycle styles where possible. Frame dimensions, seat height, steering, width, and riding position can feel very different from one trike bike to another.

Are trike bikes safe for commuting?

Yes, trike bikes are safe for commuting as long as you cycle as sensibly as you would with any other bike. That being said, an adult tricycle handles differently than a two-wheeled bike, so give yourself time to get used to your new trike before tackling a busy commute.

Pay particular attention to the width of your adult tricycle and allow enough space around bollards, kerbs, gates, and other road users. Corners can also feel different because three wheels remain in contact with the ground.

Start somewhere quiet and practise steering, braking, changing gears, and taking corners at comfortable speeds. Getting familiar with the handling of your trike bike can make your first journeys to work feel much more natural.

How much does an adult tricycle cost?

Adult tricycle prices vary considerably according to the design, components, materials, and features you choose. Entry-level adult tricycles can cost anywhere between £400 to around £1,000, with premium trikes exceeding £2,000. Electric, recumbent, and specialist models can also cost more than basic upright options.

That can make affordability an important part of choosing your trike bike. Fortunately, Cyclescheme can help eligible employees reduce the cost and spread payments through salary sacrifice instead of paying the full amount upfront.

Get a trike through the Cycle to Work Scheme

You could save up to 47% when you get an eligible adult tricycle and cycling accessories through Cyclescheme.

The Cycle to Work Scheme uses salary sacrifice, so your payments come from your gross salary before Income Tax and National Insurance deductions. This reduces the effective cost of your Cyclescheme package. You won’t need to pay for your trike bike upfront either, as Cyclescheme lets you spread the cost through interest-free salary sacrifice payments.

Want to see what those savings could mean for your budget? Use the Cyclescheme savings calculator today.

How to get your trike bike through Cyclescheme

Getting your adult tricycle through Cyclescheme is straightforward:

1. Check your employer offers Cyclescheme

Your employer needs to offer Cyclescheme before you can use the Cycle to Work Scheme. If your workplace hasn’t joined yet, you can encourage your employer to sign up.

2. Apply for your Cyclescheme package

Choose how much you want to spend and submit your Cyclescheme application. Your employer will then review your request.

3. Get your Cyclescheme Certificate

Once your application has been approved and processed, you’ll receive your Cyclescheme Certificate.

4. Choose your adult tricycle

Use your Certificate with a participating retailer to get your chosen eligible trike bike and accessories. Cyclescheme works with more than 2,600 retailers across the UK, giving you plenty of choice when you’re ready to ride.

Start Cycling Today