Although I longer sell electric assist, trikes can be adapted to handle electric motors. I would be happy to tell you my experiences with electric trike (and bike) conversions. Such trikes can assist an even wider range of people to enjoy the thrill of mobility, great handling, with the option of varying the amount of exercise and the range involved.

THESE PROBLEMS MAY INCLUDE:

POOR BALANCE - Trikes do not require any effort to balance, they are stable and safe for people with balance problems.

BACK PROBLEMS - People who can no longer tolerate the pain of sitting on regular "wedgie" bikes often find that the "chaise lounge" seating position of recumbent trikes can eliminate back pain. Weight is spread comfortably over a large area. The head is held naturally erect.

WRIST - ARM - SHOULDER - UPPER BODY PROBLEMS - Sitting on a recumbent trike is like sitting on a chaise lounge on your deck... but far more exciting and fun. There is no stress on the upper body, arms, wrists or shoulders.

OVERWEIGHT - Trikes can accommodate, in comfort, riders who are very heavy. They also offer a means of combatting problems of obesity and ill health by making regular exercise interesting, fun and even exciting! Catrike has a trike for people up to 275 lbs.

Freedex is a Toronto based company that provides adapted and electric tricycles for people with more serious handicaps. If you are in that category or wish more information visit their website at FREEDEX or call Ron McCurdy at (416) 742-2310.

Recumbent trikes re-open a world of excitment, fun, and regular exercise - with all of its inherent benefits - for certain people who had previously been forced to give these up, or perhaps, had never discovered them in the first place.

It should be noted however, that recumbent trikes are very low - which, while it provides stable, secure handling, does require a degree of physical dexterity to get "into" and "out of". A safety flag is standard and bright colours as well as rider awareness are important for safe riding in traffic.

Trikes also have a somewhat different leg motion than regular bicycles. Initially, this may seem somewhat unusual and perhaps strenuous for some newcomers. Be sure the seat to leg adjustment is correct. Cycling can be very beneficial to strengthening legs - and with them, the cardio-vascular system.

Of course Catrikes are not the only recumbent trikes you might wish to consider. We see Catrike as an economical route to a quality trike... There are many others which may also fulfil your unique needs. Check for yourself.