Embarking on adventures with your recumbent trike can be a thrilling experience, but the challenge lies in transporting this large piece of equipment. This article delves into the various efficient methods for transporting your recumbent trike, ensuring you can reach those far-off trails with ease.
One of the most convenient ways to transport your trike is by choosing a folding model. Folding trikes are designed to collapse into a more compact form, making them ideal for travel. Among the top folding trikes available are:
– **Terratrike Traveler:** This model is perfect for those with sub-compact cars, as two Travelers can fit in the back, leaving room for additional items. It’s an excellent choice for couples who enjoy trike adventures together.
– **Catrike Trail, 5.5.9, & Dumont:** These models offer a comfortable riding experience with features like padded seats, wrist rests, and ergonomic adjustable seatbacks. They are perfect for those seeking a luxurious trike ride.
– **Greenspeeds:** All Greenspeed trikes come with a quick-fold feature that requires only a 6mm Allen key to release a single-seat bolt. This makes them the easiest choice for frequent travelers and those with limited storage space at home.
Folding trikes not only offer hassle-free transport but also open up a world of possibilities for exploring new trails.
Another practical solution for trike transportation is the use of trike ramps. These ramps allow you to roll your trike directly into your SUV, minivan, or pickup truck storage area. Despite the lightweight nature of most trikes, which average around 35 pounds, a motorized trike can weigh an additional 17 pounds. For those with lifting limitations or who find trikes awkward to handle, trike ramps are an ideal solution. The ramp consists of two aluminum rails that attach to the trunk and rest on the road, making it easy to load your trike. When not in use, the ramp can be stored conveniently within your vehicle.
The Easy Load Ramp System and Trays are a space-saving alternative for vehicles with limited space. This system attaches to the rear of any vehicle, providing a straightforward method for loading and transporting your trike. It’s crucial to ensure that there is at least a 16-inch clearance between the road and the tray to avoid damage when driving over bumps. An adapter can be purchased to raise the tray for lower vehicles, reducing the risk of damage. The ELRS-Tray connects to your vehicle’s lights, ensuring that all signals are synchronized. The frame is adjustable, accommodating longer trikes, and can be raised and locked flat against the vehicle when not in use. Reflective safety tape enhances visibility, and the tray is secured with a pin for safekeeping.
For those who own a non-folding adult trike and prefer not to invest in a foldable model, vehicle roof racks are an excellent option. Roof racks are ideal for smaller, lower cars and can accommodate up to two trikes. Longer bike trays are available for longer trikes. The trikes are secured by the wheels, which are attached to the roof rack bars using straps. In most cases, the trike seat must be removed for secure placement on the rack. However, roof racks are not recommended for SUVs due to the difficulty of safely and easily loading the trike onto the roof. In such cases, a trike/bike ramp is a better alternative.
Trailers towed by a receiver hitch can also be considered for trike transportation, but they are not the most affordable option. A receiver hitch must be designed for the specific year, make, and model of your vehicle and installed correctly, which can be expensive. When comparing the benefits of a trailer to a ramp and tray system, the latter is more cost-effective and easier to use.
Transporting your recumbent trike opens up a world of opportunities to explore new and challenging trails, whether you’re driving to trails an hour away or in a different state. By choosing the best option that suits your budget, vehicle type, and lifting capabilities, you can enjoy seamless transportation of your trike.
In conclusion, the joy of trike riding extends beyond the trails and into the journey itself. With the right tools and methods, transporting your recumbent trike can be a breeze, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. Whether you opt for a folding trike, trike ramps, an easy load ramp system, vehicle roof racks, or even a trailer, the key is to find the solution that best fits your needs and preferences. Happy trails!