Every conventional outdoor bike puts at least a little pressure on your back. Anyone with average physical fitness can easily withstand this pressure, but for the elderly or people who are in recovery from a back injury, it can be too much.
While the indoor recumbent bike can be a good option for seniors to get some low-impact exercise without putting any unnecessary stress on the back, but it won’t be as fun as outdoor biking.
The recumbent bicycle can be a great solution for the elderly and the people under-recovery. But are there any recumbent bicycles commercially available? Well, there are some, that should technically be called tricycle or we can simply call them recumbent street bikes.
The outdoor recumbent bike is not so widespread. You can’t find all the details about them on the internet. That makes it difficult to understand and compare the various options available.
To make this task easier for you, we have brought you all of the best recumbent road bicycles for seniors in this fitness equipment buying guide. Go through the complete article to understand the recumbent road bikes better.
Best Recumbent Road Bike For Seniors
We have chosen them depending on comfort, convenience to operate, durability, and performance. You won’t need to worry about any of these factors if you are choosing one of the bikes mentioned in this buying guide. Just check out the features, pros, and cons to make sure which one suits you the best.
Mobo Shift 3-Wheel Recumbent Bicycle Trike
The adjustable frame length of Mobo Shift recumbent outdoor bike makes it usable for riders from 4 feet to 6’3” in height. The extendable frame is made using durable steel tubes, it has ten different length choices to choose from.
The ergonomic seat has foam rollers installed on steel tubes for back support and cushioning. The back support can be adjusted to six different angles. You can choose the position to ride in the most comfortable way.
This three-wheeled beauty has chainless chassis. The front wheel is the power wheel and the bike can be steered by a rear-wheel steering system. This arrangement engages your arm muscles more than front wheel steering bikes.
The Mobo Shift bike can be used with freewheel like any ordinary bicycle or can be turned into a fixie and used in forward and reverse motion.
Features & Specs | |
Frame Material | Steel |
Number of Speeds | Single |
Wheel Size | 20 inches front, 16 inches rear |
Suspension Type | NA |
Brake Style | Hand caliper brake |
Unique Features | Rear-wheel steering, extendable frame |
Dimensions | 48x 28 x 26.5to 62 x 28 x 25. 6 inches (LxWxH) |
Weight | 44 pounds |
Pros:
- Self-balancing three-wheeled bike
- Engages arm more muscles in steering movement
- Can be used in forward and reverse motion
- Can be turned into a fixie and back
- 12 inches high ground clearance
- Comfortable seat and adjustable back support
- Highly efficient chainless design
Cons:
- No suspension
The Mobo shift recumbent trike is suitable for the elderly wishing to do some low-impact fun workout outdoors.
Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle
The elderly can perform the necessary cardiovascular workout on Mobo Triton without putting unnecessary stress on the back or on the joints. The tall reclined seat provides enough back support and cushioning for a comfortable outdoor riding exercise.
The low center of gravity of this recumbent road bicycle keeps it stable. This along with the dual-joystick steering lets you maneuver the trike safely and easily even at higher speeds.
The bike can support up to 250 pounds of user weight. The rider height can be anywhere between 4 feet 2 inches to 6’3”. The frame length is adjustable to 10 different positions to accommodate the riders of different heights.
Features & Specs | |
Frame Material | Hi-ten steel |
Number of Speeds | Single |
Wheel Size | 20 inches front, 16 inches rear |
Suspension Type | NA |
Brake Style | Rim brakes |
Unique Features | Dual-joystick steering, extendable frame |
Dimensions | 48x 28 x 29to 61 x 28 x 25. 6 inches (LxWxH) |
Weight | 44 pounds |
Pros:
- Can be used on concrete and tar roads
- Provides maximum stability to the rider
- Durable steel frame
- No maintenance chainless design
- Smooth and easy steering
- Comfortable cushioned and reclined seat
Cons:
- The seat’s recline angle is fixed
The dual-joystick steering of this recumbent outdoor cycle for the elderly is so much fun and safe to use that it is a single feature that should be enough reason to buy this bike.
Schwinn Meridian Trike, Three Wheel Cruiser Bike
Resembling the old classics, the Schwinn Meridian Trike is not exactly a recumbent road bike, but it is comfortable and safe enough to be used by the seniors for a low-impact workout.
The low stand-over frame, adjustable seat post, adjustable handlebars, and step-through design makes it usable by riders of different heights and fitness. This stable and safe tricycle can be used to bring groceries or can be used for a joyride around the block. The wire basket attached to this trike has enough room to fit all your grocery bags.
Features & Specs | |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Speeds | Single (available in 3 or 7 speeds too) |
Wheel Size | 26 inches |
Suspension Type | Telescopic spring below the seat |
Brake Style | Linear pull caliper brakes |
Unique Features | Mudguards, wire-frame basket |
Dimensions | 76 x 31 x 40 inches (LxWxH) |
Weight | 73 pounds |
Pros:
- Easy to hop on
- Can ride at higher speeds
- Adjustable seat and handlebar height
- Easy to maintain
- Can ride even on wet roads
- Padded saddle
Cons:
- No back support
This is not just an exercise bike; it can also be used for your daily chores and commute to the grocery shop.
Slsy Semi Recumbent Cruise Tricycle
The Slsy semi-recumbent trike is a seven-speed commute come exercise bike. With adjustable seat post height and backrest on the seat, it can be comfortably used by riders of various heights. The bike is available in three different wheels sizes, 20”, 24”, and 26”. You can choose the wheel size suitable to your height.
This 3-wheeled cycle has a wire-frame basket attached to it. The cycle can handle up to 350 pounds of weight.
Features & Specs | |
Frame Material | Steel |
Number of Speeds | 7 speed |
Wheel Size | Available in 20, 24, and 26 inches |
Suspension Type | Telescopic spring below the seat |
Brake Style | Caliper brakes |
Unique Features | Mudguards, wire-frame basket, water bottle cage |
Dimensions | 69 x 31 x 42 inches (LxWxH) |
Weight | 68 pounds |
Pros:
- 7-speed options make it easy to ride on rolling terrain
- Sturdy built with a high weight capacity
- Comfortable seat with backrest
- Water bottle holder
- All tools needed for assembly are included in the package
Cons:
- Assembling takes too much time
This bike is one of the most practical options for the elderly. It is comfortable to ride on and you can ride it on roads with slopes and uphill.
MOPHOTO Semi Recumbent Adult Tricycles Three Wheel Cruiser Bike
The MOPHOTO 7-speed trike is a great recumbent street bike for seniors. It can be used to move around, can be used for low-impact exercise, and can also be used to bring in groceries.
This cycle comes in 24 inches and 26 inches wheel size. The sturdy steel frame of this cycle can handle up to 350 pounds of weight.
Features & Specs | |
Frame Material | Steel |
Number of Speeds | 7 speed |
Wheel Size | Available in 20, 24, and 26 inches |
Suspension Type | Telescopic spring below the seat |
Brake Style | Rim brakes |
Unique Features | Mudguards, wire-frame basket, handlebar bell |
Dimensions | 69 x 31 x 42 inches (LxWxH) |
Weight | 65 pounds for the 24” wheel |
Pros:
- Long handlebars, easily accessible from a recumbent position
- Strong and durable frame
- Offers stable and safe ride
- Available in many colors
- Adjustable handlebar and seat post
Cons:
- Assembling by yourself can be challenging
With versatility and adjustability, the MPHOTO trike is good to buy not only for the elderly but also for adults of any age.
Bkisy Adult Folding Semi Cruiser Recumbent Bike
The only drawback of having a 3 wheeled recumbent bike for the elderly instead of having a bicycle is the storage space it needs. The storage space won’t be a problem if you go for Bkisy folding recumbent road bike.
This seven-speed recumbent bike folds down to 1 square meter size. This feature is coupled with a comfortable padded seat and lightweight carbon steel frame. This is one of the best recumbent outdoor bikes.
Features & Specs | |
Frame Material | Carbon steel |
Number of Speeds | 7 speed |
Wheel Size | 24 inches |
Suspension Type | Telescopic spring below the seat |
Brake Style | Linear pull V brakes |
Unique Features | Mudguards, foldable |
Dimensions | 71.6 x 30 x 41 inches (LxWxH) |
Weight | 65 pounds |
Pros:
- Takes up very small storage space
- Reliable V brakes
- Adjustable handle and seat height
- High-quality drivetrain
- Comfortable padded seat
Cons:
- Instructions on the manual are a bit confusing
- Not so durable
If you are someone who needs a practical recumbent outdoor cycle but doesn’t have enough storage space, then this is the bike for you.
Viribus Semi Recumbent Adult Tricycle Three Wheel Trike Bike
This stable and easy-to-ride recumbent cycle has a steel frame and aluminum alloy wheels. This single-speed bike can take up to 220 pounds user weight and can accommodate riders 5’7” to 6’11” in height.
It comes with two baskets. One foldable basket in the front and one detachable wheeled shopping basket in the back.
Features & Specs | |
Frame Material | Steel |
Number of Speeds | Single-speed |
Wheel Size | 26 inches |
Suspension Type | NA |
Brake Style | V brakes in the front, rear band brake |
Unique Features | Wheeled rear basket, foldable front basket |
Dimensions | 70 x 31 x 48 inches (LxWxH) |
Weight | 71.3 pounds |
Pros:
- The removable basket is convenient for shopping
- Corrosion-free alloy rims
- Comfortable seat
- Reliable brakes
Cons:
- The seat is not comfortable for long rides
If you want a recumbent bike that you would be using mostly for shopping, then there can be nothing better than Viribussemi Recumbent adult tricycle
How do I choose a recumbent bike for seniors?
Choosing any type of bike is one of those decisions where you need to be thorough and be considering all the factors affecting the performance and quality of the bike, as it is the kind of item that stays with you for a long time.
Here are few important factors that must be considered while choosing the recumbent bike for seniors.
- Frame Material: As it determines the weight capacity and durability of the bike, you must check the frame material specs.
- Number of Speeds: If the roads near your home where you will be riding the bike are flat, then you can choose any number of speeds, but if you want to ride on rolling terrains, you need at least a 7-speed bike.
- Wheel Size: Not all wheel sizes are suitable to your height. Look for the bikes with the wheel size that’s most suitable for the rider’s height.
- Features: The features like a basket, bottle holder, bell, adjustability, etc. add value to the bike and make your experience with it more enjoyable and comfortable.
- Weight and dimensions: Knowing the size and weight of the bike under consideration is important as it governs the space and efforts it would need to store and ride.
Don’t miss:
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FAQs
Is a recumbent street bike good for seniors?
Yes, these are definitely a good choice for seniors. A recumbent street bike brings all the advantages of the recumbent spin bike and adds the joy of riding in the outdoors to it.
Is riding a 3 wheel bicycle good exercise for the elderly?
Riding a 3 wheel trike takes more effort than riding a bike and it doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on joints or the back providing a low-impact, less injury-prone, and highly effective workout to seniors.
Is recumbent bike as good as walking?
Riding a recumbent bike can be better than walking in some contexts. Along with being a good exercise companion, a recumbent bike can be used to cover more distances faster than walking.
Are recumbent tricycles safe for seniors?
The recumbent tricycles are safe to be used by seniors as it has a comfortable sitting position that doesn’t put any pressure on the back and a low-impact circular pedal motion that doesn’t stress the joints.