HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR ADULT TRICYCLE

Transporting your adult tricycle is not as difficult or complicated as it first appears. With the right techniques and tools, you can fit your tricycle into your truck, van, or even an SUV with almost as much ease as you would fit a bicycle. There are solutions for everyone’s needs, irrespective of the trike size.  Let’s discuss the best ways to transport your adult tricycle and explore some of these solutions for different types of vehicles.

1. USING A TRUCK OR VAN

The simplest way to move your 3-wheel bike from place to place is to load it up in your truck or van. If you are like 55% of older Americans, you already own either one of these larger vehicles.

A truck or van is perfect for transporting your trike because it offers enough additional space for you to comfortably fit the trike without having to completely disassemble it.  

A  Flatbed or Pickup Truck Can Do the Job

If you have access to a pickup truck, there is really no need to worry about transporting your tricycle. You can load it directly into the truck bed, and with the three wheels, you can be sure that it will remain upright and secure during the whole trip. However, you must be careful when loading your trike onto the truck. Here is a suggestion on how to do this:

You Might Have to use Ramps

Even older models of adult tricycles, like the Viribus City Adult Tricycle are likely to be heavier than you can carry. In this case, it would be easier to use ramps to roll it up into the truck bed.

Many ramps are designed specifically for bikes and trikes, so the process will be smooth and effortless.

1. Secure the Trike: Once inside the truck bed, you have to find a way to prevent it from shifting or tipping over while you drive. You can use bungee cords, ratchet straps or any other kind of solid rope to secure it in place. This will help protect both the trike and your vehicle.
2. Cover the Tricycle: Depending on the duration of your trip or the season during which you are driving, you might have to prevent your trike from being exposed to rain, snow, or dust. In this case, you can spread a tarp or any specialized bike cover over it. This helps prevent rust, corrosion, or damage to the paint.

A VAN IS ALSO A GOOD OPTION

A large van is perhaps even better for transporting adult tricycles. Most modern vans already offer folding or removable seats, so you can easily create ample space to fit the tricycle inside. Follow these steps:

2. Fold or Remove Seats: The first step is to create enough space for the bike to fit in. Remove or fold down the rear seats (depending on your van) and make sure there is enough space for the trike to fit in.
3. Tilt the Tricycle if Necessary: Tilting your tricycle to one side will not damage it. So, if you are having trouble getting it to fit through the door, or creating enough space to accommodate it, you can just tilt it sideways. Be careful while tilting it though: and do not drop it. Also make sure it’s positioned securely once inside.
4. Secure the Tricycle: As with the truck method, you don’t want the trike moving during the drip. Vans are generally more secure, but the trike might still shift if you stop suddenly, or take a sharp turn. So you have to strap or tie it down.

2. USING A CARRIER OR RACK 

If you are going to be transporting your tricycle regularly, you might want to consider investing in a tricycle carrier or rack. These racks work similarly to traditional bike racks but they are designed to accommodate the larger, three-wheeled structure of a tricycle. Investing in one will all but eliminate any concerns with transportation. Check out these options:

A  Hitch-Mounted Carrier Works Great

If your vehicle already has a hitch receiver, then you are just one step away from joining the numerous people who use hitch-mounted carriers to transport their tricycles. This carrier attaches to the back of your car, truck, or SUV and can support the weight and width of a tricycle without compromising safety.

1. Choose the Right Carrier:You cannot get a regular bike rack. These are usually too narrow for adult tricycles. So, when selecting a hitch-mounted carrier, ensure that it is designed with enough width and support to accommodate a tricycle.
2. Load and Secure the Trike: Loading the tricycle onto the carrier is relatively simple. The trike sits on the rack, and you can use straps or clamps to secure it in place. Be sure to double-check the security of the trike before driving.
3. Check Local Regulations: Some areas of the country have specific regulations regarding how rear-mounted racks have to be used, especially if they obscure the vehicle’s license plate or lights. You will have to use your rack constantly, so consider purchasing a separate plate holder or light kit for visibility.

 3. USING AN SUV FOR TRICYCLE TRANSPORT

If you are not driving over a long distance, then even a larger SUV can suffice. Of course this depends on the size of your trike and the amount of interior space your vehicle has, but you may be able to fold down the seats and fit the trike.

How to Fit the Trycicle  Into Your S.U.V

Measure the Space: Before attempting to load the trike, measure the interior space of your SUV and ensure it can fit the dimensions of the tricycle. Most  tricycles are about 30 inches wide and 70 inches long, so you’ll need an SUV with enough cargo space to accommodate this size.

1. Remove or Fold Seats: Fold down the rear seats to maximize space. You might also need to tilt or remove one of the wheels to make the tricycle fit snugly.
2. Tilt the Tricycle: If necessary, tilt the trike slightly to get it through the back door. Once inside, secure it with straps or padding to prevent damage during transport.

 4. DISASSEMBLING YOUR TRICYCLE FOR TRANSPORT

If your vehicle is really small, you might need to partially disassemble the tricycle in order to transport it. Fortunately, manufacturers such as Viribus, take this factor into consideration, and put in quick-release mechanisms that allow the wheels to be easily removed or some parts of the frame to be folded.

Disassembling Your Tricycle

5. Remove the Wheels: If you own a modern tricycle like the Viribus SC5 Fat Tire Electric Tricycle, then taking off the front and rear wheels can significantly reduce the overall size of the trike and make if easier to fit into a normal car. Many such adult tricycles come with quick-release wheels, which can be removed without tools.
6. Fold the Frame: Some tricycles are designed with foldable frames. If your trike has this feature, simply fold it down and place it in your vehicle.
7. Use a Bike Bag or Case: Place the parts you just disassembled into a bike bag or protective case. This will prevent them from getting damaged or lost during transport.

5. FOLDING TRICYCLES: A CONVENIENT OPTION

If none of the above options work for you, or if you just want a hassle-free solution from the onset, you might want to get a folding adult tricycle. These trikes are specifically designed to collapse for easy storage and transportation, and they are an ideal choice for people with smaller vehicles or limited space.

BENEFITS OF FOLDING TRICYCLES

1. Portability: When you collapse the tricycle, it becomes so small and easy to transport. You can store it in the trunk of most cars or even in a closet at home. This makes them ideal for city dwellers or those who need to transport their trike often.
2. Ease of Use: Unlike traditional trikes, folding models don’t require much effort to disassemble. Most come with a simple latch or lever mechanism, allowing you to fold the frame in seconds.
3. Compact Size: Once folded, these tricycles take up much less space, making them easy to store and transport.

RECOMMENDATION: VIRIBUS' FOLDING ADULT TRICYCLE

Ultimately, if transportation is a major concern to you, it might be best to get a folding tricycle. A folding tricycle, like Viribus' Folding Adult Tricycle is specifically designed for easier and more efficient transportation.

When folded, it shrinks to a compact size of (L x W x H) :55.5 x 29.5 x 35.4 inches (140x75x90 cm). Thanks to its quick-release buckle, you can easily fold it in half and easily fit it into your truck or SUV.

CONCLUSION 

Remember, the key to successful tricycle transportation is securing the trike properly and considering weather protection if necessary. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or simply moving your tricycle to a new location, these tips will make the process smooth and stress-free!