With so many choices, how do you find your way? Differences in sizes, equipment, origin, price… At DAMIUS, here are the main tips we offer as adult tricycle specialists to help you find the tricycle that suits you.
A tricycle adapted to your height and weight is essential!
The first thing to know is that a tricycle is chosen based on your height and weight. It’s like finding a pair of shoes that fit. This will make all the difference during use, ensuring comfort and preventing pain caused by poor posture.
If you are taller than 165cm, you should opt for a tricycle with 24-inch wheels, which will be more suitable for your height. You will be more comfortable maneuvering, pedaling will be smoother, and the larger wheels will provide comfort and efficiency, especially if you travel long distances!
A tricycle that is too small will not be suitable. Even if you find it more compact or cuter, it would be like trying to ride a child’s bike. When you turn, your knees will hit the handlebars. Even with the saddle raised to its maximum, your legs will be too bent when pedaling. This will create discomfort while riding, potentially leading to joint pain and, eventually, injuries. Ultimately, you will tend to use your tricycle less, which would be a shame.
For individuals between 130cm and 165cm, a tricycle with 20-inch wheels will be perfectly suitable. It will be adapted to your height and more maneuverable; it will also be a little lighter and more compact!
Regarding user weight, most tricycles are limited to 90 kilograms. There is a weight limit because the frame could be weakened. There is an exception with DAMIUS brand adult tricycles, which are designed to support up to 150 kilograms, featuring a robust frame and a lifetime warranty.
Ensure its Origin
Where is the tricycle you wish to purchase manufactured? Is the brand truly the manufacturer or an importer?
Imported tricycles have the advantage of being inexpensive at the time of purchase; their quality varies, and their equipment is often very basic. They are designed for mass production at a lower cost and therefore do not fully meet the needs of their intended users. Their maintenance is complicated because spare parts are difficult to obtain, and repairs are often very complex as the mechanics were not designed for easy repair or maintenance.
Tricycles that are genuinely manufactured by the brand offer numerous advantages, unlike imported tricycles. Generally, they are produced more artisanally, designed to perfectly meet the needs of their users, and are of unparalleled quality. Furthermore, their warranty conditions are much more advantageous, and the manufacturer can provide all spare parts. They know their tricycles perfectly and can therefore easily and quickly diagnose any problem encountered. This is the case at DAMIUS and its quality after-sales service.
Conversely, when dealing with importing suppliers, it is difficult to find a contact person, obtain a diagnosis, or get spare parts…
An electric or non-electric tricycle?
Non-electric tricycles have the advantage of a more affordable price because they are not equipped with electric assistance, which includes a motor, a battery, and a complete electronic system. They are suitable for people in very good physical condition who do not wish to travel too many kilometers, as non-electric tricycles require significant effort. Indeed, a tricycle weighs a certain amount, between 25 to 30 kilograms, so it is not like a bicycle; you pedal with a heavier load, especially when encountering an uphill climb or headwinds.
The advantage of an electric-assist tricycle is that it will support your efforts and make pedaling easier. You can choose to activate or deactivate the electric assistance depending on your fitness level and desires. Some tricycles are equipped with a large LCD screen, which is practical for viewing various parameters (battery level, speed, assistance level, kilometers traveled, etc.). You can choose the assistance level (motor power) and adapt it according to your needs.
Based on our experience at DAMIUS, it seems essential to choose an electric-assist tricycle, which will be much more suitable and will retain its interest and utility for many years. Non-electric versions seem viable only for very short distances (less than 2 or 3 kilometers without inclines), for rehabilitation purposes, for example.
Medical tricycles:
They are designed very basically: no derailleur, simple rim brakes or even no braking system, less comfortable frame. These tricycles are designed for medical use in rehabilitation, allowing for exercises to regain muscle strength or movement coordination. These tricycles are not intended for long distances.
What type of assistance to choose?
There are two types of electric-assist tricycles:
– Manual assist tricycles with a throttle grip:
These are tricycles with a throttle grip. To activate the assistance, you must regulate the speed via the throttle grip, similar to a scooter or motorcycle. This requires constant speed modulation and careful attention when turning not to activate the motor too strongly. This is an advantage for those who do not want to pedal, but it is still a shame not to enjoy your tricycle for some exercise!
Please note that manual assist tricycles are not regulated as they are classified as mopeds.
– Pedal-assist tricycles:
They are equipped with pedal assistance, meaning the motor automatically engages when you pedal and stops when you stop pedaling. Everything is automatic, which greatly simplifies use. You simply select the assistance level (power) on the LCD screen and adapt it according to your feelings and needs (for example, you would choose higher power to climb a hill). The purpose of the assistance is to facilitate pedaling to complete journeys of varying lengths with less effort.
Another advantage is that the assistance can be deactivated, and the tricycle then behaves as if it were not equipped with electric assistance; you can activate or deactivate the system whenever you wish by pressing a simple button!
The Importance of Warranties
Be sure to inquire about warranty conditions and durations. A tricycle with extensive warranties allows for long-term savings because it has been designed more robustly and with quality components, providing greater peace of mind in case after-sales service is needed. A tricycle is a long-term investment, like purchasing a car. Some manufacturers are even committing to repair durations for their products, thus guaranteeing you the possibility of repairing your tricycle even several years later!
At DAMIUS, for example, you benefit from the highest manufacturer warranties:
- Lifetime warranty on frames
- 2-year warranty on the motor, battery, and all electrical and non-electrical parts, excluding wear parts
The Various Equipment Options
Ensure that your tricycle has the equipment you need. Here are a few examples:
– Does the battery have enough range for your usage?
– Does your tricycle have disc brakes, which we consider mandatory in hilly regions?
– Does it have suspension for added comfort?
– Does it have good electric pedal assistance, with a large, readable LCD screen?
These are important questions to ask to ensure you make the right choice.
If you need more specific information, or if you cannot find all the information online, it is essential to call a specialist who can advise you based on your needs.
Bonus Tip
Above all, remember to choose the tricycle you truly desire! Because it will become your faithful partner 🙂
