RIDING FORWARD: 5 REASONS WHY ADULT TRICYCLES ARE BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

There might yet be hope for our planet! Millions of people around the world are putting in efforts to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing eco-friendly modifications to their daily activities. Tricycles, for example, have emerged as suitable alternatives to traditional methods of transport.

But is an an electric trike really an eco-friendly alternative? Do tricycles have minimal environmental impact? Or are people are just fascinated by their ease of use, comfort, safety and stability? This blog will introduce five important ways in which adult tricycles   contribute to environmental protection and sustainability, helping reduce the carbon footprint, and improve health and cleanliness in urban areas.    

1. NO EMISSIONS

It is a well-known fact that the US ranks high on the list of countries with the most greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional cars are powered by internal combustion engines, which literally burn fuel, and as a result, they release Co2, Nitrogen Oxides and other dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere. About 20% of all carbon emissions in the US are accounted for by cars and trucks. Globally, that percentage stands at about 10%.

Tricycles are better for the environment because they have no mechanism for internal combustion. The modern models, electric trikes, are powered by rechargeable electric batteries. The older models,  3-wheel bikes, are powered by human effort. Nowadays, tricycles for adults, such as the Viribus TriGo Plus Electric Tricycle are even powered by a combination of both electric power and human effort. Hence, there is 0% chance of any dangerous substances being released into the air.

For this reason, transitioning to tricycles is could be an amazing move. If more people rode tricycles, we could significantly reduce the emission of dangerous substances into our atmosphere, live safer and cleaner lives and ensure the longevity of our planet. Riding a trike is a significant step in the ride direction.

2. NO FUEL CONSUMPTION

In order to meet the demand for transportation fuel and other fuel oils, the US alone has a total of about a million oil and gas production facilities, which range from active wells to productive plants. Add to that more than 1500 giant and major fields in Russia, Venezuela, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Brazil

 At each one of these sites, extraction, refining and transportation of fuel is carried out. These activities contribute significantly to environmental degradation: including air pollution, water pollution, climate change, habitat disruption and land pollution. Equally important, about12 million people live within less than a mile of these sites, and are constantly exposed to pollutants on a daily basis. 

Tricycles run on electric power or human effort, which are by far more environmentally friendly options. Human effort, of course, is healthy and flawless. But what about lithium-ion batteries? For starters, the use of lithium-ion batteries does not result in the emission of greenhouse gases. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of environmental degradation resulting from the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

However, the manufacturers always attach instructions for the proper disposal after their 2–3-year lifespan. By riding tricycles, we reduce the demand for oil and gas, thus taking away the incentive for big companies to go digging and exploit the natural environment.

3. NO NEED FOR COMPLEX INFRASTRUCTURE

In 2022, the average car sold in the US weighed about 1,857 kg. That is almost 20% more than those sold in Europe. These heavy American SUVs and pick-up trucks inevitably have large frames, meaning they take up more space on parking lanes, and on the road. As a result, the country finds itself needing to build wider and more extensive road networks, parking lots and fueling stations.

From 1977 to 2021, for example, state and local government spending on highways and roads has increased a hundred percent, from $103 billion to $206 billion. A report shows that new road-building projects around the world are worth an estimated USD3.4 trillion. For upgrades on existing road infrastructure, an approximate USD 0.7 trillion is currently being invested.

This infrastructural expansion does not bode well for the environment. Habitat loss and destruction, deforestation, noise pollution, air pollution, erosion, green house and gas emissions…... these are just some of the environmental consequences of our devotion to our big cars. 

Tricycles are smaller in frame, and can maneuver in small spaces. They can be ridden or parked in almost in any bit of space, thus reducing the need for for  need for special infrastructure which damages the environment. With our current road systems and infrastructure, there is probably excess space to accommodate more tricycles. No need to go constructing extra roads only to accommodate trikes.

In addition,3-wheel bikes are becoming a vehicle that allows harmony with nature. They are ideal for vising parks, beaches natural sites. Triking reduces congestion and the need for larger road infrastructure which would damage the environment.

   4.  INCREASED HEALTH BENEFITS

Statistics have shown that Over 40% of US adults aged 20 and over are at least at risk of being obese. Cars, the preferred and most common mode of transport amongst adults, promote a more sedentary behavior and a rather passive lifestyle, as such, are not really helping with this problem. A Harvard Health Watch study found that the average American spends about 101 minutes per day driving.

Switching to adult tricycles could be a proactive way to harmonize your need for exercise with the need to move from place to place. Rather than 101 minutes sitting in a car, a transition to actively riding an adult tricycle can significantly improve health, especially for adults.

 Over long distances, it is possible to switch periodically between different modes, alternating between riding and pedaling. Riding on Etrikes is safe and comfortable step towards a healthier world: both our environment and our bodies. Riders of the Viribus Trio Plus , for example, enjoy long and relaxed rides consistently, and have reported better health in body and mind.

 5. REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Cars require heavy energy to move their big frames: overcome air resistance, and power different a variety of engineering systems. This means increased consumption of fuel, which as discussed already, contributes to environmental degradation through the emission pollutants into our atmosphere. With high energy consumption comes the rising demand for energy in the form of fuel.

Tricycles are less heavy, and they do not have multiple complex parts which depend on energy for movement. With human effort alone, a rider can power their bicycles over long distances: an exercise which boosts health and vitality. Even in instances where human effort proves insufficient, tricycles rely on electric batteries, which are a lot more energy efficient than fuel.  Either way, transitioning to electric trikes is guaranteed to be better for the environment.

Good tricycle models provide riders with an alternative to cars which embodies comfort, ease and space to carry their goods. And one cannot speak of good tricycle models without mentioning Viribus. Check out the Viribus collection of electric trikes and take the first step towards a healthier planet.