How to Transport a Recumbent Trike for Adult

Recumbent tricycle transport to the place where it will be used for tour, sport, relaxation, or any other event can be a bit challenging due to its size and shape. Hence how to transport a recumbent trike is one of the frequently asked questions by intending recumbent trike users.

In this article, we will discuss how to prepare the recumbent adult trike for transport, and the tips to ensure the safe transport of adult trikes.

The Potential Challenges in Transportation of Recumbent Trike

The size, shape, and weight of the recumbent trike are more than regular bicycles and can pose potential challenges in tricycle transport. Here are a few common challenges you may encounter when considering how to transport a recumbent trike.

Larger Dimensions of Recumbent Trikes

Transporting recumbent trikes can be somewhat challenging because of their large size and dimensions. For instance, an entry-level basic recumbent trike has an overall length of 201-216 cm, a width of 85cm, and an overall height of 84cm.

Unlike bikes that can be transported easily with bike racks fitted on a car, recumbent trikes require alternative storage solutions to move them over a long distance. 

To solve the problem of how to transport a recumbent trike, an extremely folding recumbent trike should be used in place of the conventional non-foldable recumbent trike. This way the large dimension of the recumbent trike can be compressed for easy transportation.

Weight Distribution and Balance

When the weight of the trike is not evenly distributed during transportation, the trike can roll off and can cause some damage. If multiple trikes are being transported, it is better to place them side by side instead of stalking them up on top of each other and tightly tied to keep them in place.

Before moving, the secured trike can be given a gentle shake to test its stability. 

Fragile Components

An adult tricycle carrier can be more delicate and has fragile components like the gear and derailleurs, wheels and spokes, and handlebars.

They often have longer frames and more complex components. They may be more susceptible to damage during transportation, particularly if not adequately secured or protected. Taking extra care to cushion and secure the trike to prevent any potential damage is crucial.

Transportation Regulations

Regulation of all tricycle transport varies depending on the country or region where it is being used and is set by the local authorities of that region. 

For example, in some places, there are regulations and restrictions on the size and weight of cargo that can be transported, which is also applicable when transporting trikes. If the weight or size of the trike does not meet the requirement of the local authorities you may run into problems when transporting the trike. 

Preparation for Recumbent Tricycle Transportation

There are some steps to follow when preparing to transport an adult tricycle carrier. These steps allow for a smooth and safe transportation process and they include the following:

Clean and Inspect the Tricycle

Beforetransportingit is important to inspect it, so as to ensure that it is in good working condition and note damage if any. Inspection includes checking the tires for proper inflation, brakes for sharp responsiveness, stability of the tricycle, wear, and tears on the seat. 

An inspection is an important form of ensuring the safety of the rider. The cleaning process also allows for the removal of dust, grime, mud, and debris which if left for too long causes deterioration of the tricycle transport and lubrication protects moving parts. 

Remove Detachable Parts

The various detachable parts of a transport tricycle are seats, baskets, handlebars, wheels, and pedals. It is important to understand each attachment mechanism, gather the necessary tools for removal such as and consult the manual and follow the appropriate removal process for different parts.

The Motrike manual comes with detailed explanations on how to properly use it. 

Secure Loose Items and Accessories

Securing loose items and accessories is important when transporting trikes. This will help prevent the lost items from falling off during transportation. All items should be checked for proper fitting and to identify loose attachments. Easy tips for securing items and accessories include the following: 

• Use Bungee cords for securing large items such as bags and backpacks as they are stretchable and can hold firm. 
• Panniers and saddlebags are bags attached to the side of trikes with small compartments and buckles to keep them in place. 
• Use Velcro straps for smaller items such as bottles, devices, and tools. 
• Seat back pockets or pouches can be also used to store smaller size items and most recumbent trikes come with them. 

Protect the Tricycle Frame 

The common materials for bicycle frames are aluminum, carbon steel, and other durable metals and alloys. The common materials for bicycle frames are aluminum, carbon steel, and other durable metals and alloys.

Before transporting the tricycle, and during the transportation, special attention should be given to the tricycle frame. 

Before transporting the tricycle, and during the transportation, special attention should be given to the tricycle frame. 

Some of the ways the tricycle frame can be protected on the adult tricycle carrier include:

• Dismantling the trike if it is possible
• Wrapping up the dismantled component, including the tricycle frame to protect it from scratching or dent on a rough road. 
• Properly load and secure the trike on the adult tricycle carrier using strong ropes or cords.

Tips for Ensuring the Transport Tricycle for Adult

Choosing the right transportation methods, using additional safety measures, and regularly inspecting the trike during transport can help to ensure seamless tricycle transport.

Choose the Right Transportation Method

One of the most important decisions to make when considering how to transport an adult tricycle is choosing the right transportation method. Transportation methods include vehicle racks, easy load ramp systems, trays, minivans, station wagons, trailers, and others. 

Roof racks are mounted on the roof of the vehicle, while hitch racks are attached to the vehicle’s hitch and can carry the trike horizontally or vertically. 

An easy load ramp system is needed to load the trike to the rack or truck of the vehicle without carrying the trike directly. Instead of carrying, the ramps allow the user to roll the trike into the vehicle or onto the rack. Trays are platforms on the rack where the trike is placed. Trays usually have clamps that can be used to hold the trike firmly in place to prevent it from falling off.

There are certain factors to be considered and steps to be followed to make the right decision and the following questions could be a guide: 

• Is my vehicle choice compatible with the size, capacity, and configuration of the adult tricycle carrier?
• How far is the distance to be traveled and is the transport choice suitable for long-distance travel or navigating challenging terrains?
• Would it require a ton of effort to load and secure the tricycle?
•  What is the budget for the transportation vehicle to be chosen?
• How safe and secure is the transportation choice?

Using Additional Safety Measures

Here are some additional safety measures you can take when ensuring the transport of tricycles for adults: 

• Drive cautiously especially when cornering a bend or accelerating. 
• Pause and regularly check to be sure the straps are still in place as road vibrations can loosen the straps over time. 
• Consider having them moved by a professional transport. 
• Use pads and cushioning materials to protect vulnerable areas of tricycle transport. 

Regular Inspection of the Trike

Regularly inspecting your recumbent trike helps to ensure its safety during transportation. At different intervals, it is important to stop the vehicle and check the trikes to make sure they are still firmly held. 

Motrike: Transport Recumbent Trike Securely

Transporting your Motrike recumbent trike offers you the opportunity to experience new, more challenging trails regardless of how far it is. The problem of how to transport an adult tricycle is made easier when choosing a Motrike. 

Pack Safely and Securely

The staff of Motrike company packs the recumbent trikes safely and securely before the transportation of the trikes to the location of delivery. This way, it occupies less storage and will get to any part of the world in a good physical condition without dents, and scratches. 

Short Lead Time

An advantage of buying Motrike recumbent trikes is that Motrike will deliver them soon. After each order, we have a short lead time to package the trikes and ship them to your location.

Conclusion 

Looking for a new tricycle solution that occupies less storage space, is easy to transport, and can be transformed into each other by changing body parts hence offering product variety? Get the Motrike recumbent trike for adults. 

With a variety of options to choose from based on your budget, the type of vehicle needed, with good suspension systems and seating options. Now the question of how to transport a recumbent trike is no longer a hassle. Reach out to us today for more information about our trikes.