Fit Gadgets: Trikke

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Aug 18th 2008 7:00AM

Want a new way to get around that keeps your feel off the ground while keeping your core, legs, and arms engaged? You might want to consider a Trikke (pronounced trike), which is a three-wheeled cambering vehicle that's human powered. So, like a bike, but also, not at all. Understand?

Basic physics are involved in making it go -- the rider moves his center of gravity toward the center of a turn he's making. By making these turns, you increase your speed, so you can work really hard and go as fast as 18 mph, or take it easy and creep along at a much slower pace. If that's not making much sense, check out the Trikke website, where they have pictures and video to explain it better.

There are several models available, with kids' versions running $79.99 and the most elaborate version, the T12 Roadster, coming in at $599.99. The T78, which looks like the basic adult version, sells on Trikke's website for $249.99. There's also a Skki version for snow, ringing up at $899.99. Refurbished versions of some of the models are also available at a reduced price.

Fit Gadgets - Trikke(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Outside of the Trikke site there are plenty of positive reviews, with pretty much everybody raving about how much fun it is as well as the fact that it provides a serious workout. Sounds like a cool tool for anyone with the space to ride safely. Would you try a Trikke?

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Comments (2)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Margie Cook 9-11-2008 @ 1:06PM

I bought a Trikke because i wanted to get fit. When it arrived (in the winter), my partner and I read all of the instructions and watched the video and then tried it out in the basement. As she was riding it, if flipped up, doing a wheelie, and off she fell, breaking her neck in the process. It took major surgery and 5 months of rehab for her to get well again.

Last weekend, I took it for a spin, and the same thing happened. I knew what not to do, but I wasn't able to avoid popping a wheelie and I ended up breaking my arm in the fall.

So, two people, two serious injuries, one Trikke. I don't recommend this carving vehicle to anyone. I'd sell mine, but I don't want the responsibility of another person getting hurt.

A Trikke should only be ridden by people who are in great shape already, who have a great sense of balance, and who are willing to take a chance for some serious injuries.

ashley vick 10-15-2008 @ 4:26PM

I love my Trikke! I was bought two of them for my birthday, one for me and one for my boyfriend. He thought he would look silly on it so me and my mom have been riding them around the neighborhood everyday. They are so much fun! Granted it is really hard to get used to in the beginning, but once you hit the "sweet spot" they call it, you can ride it for hours, not hard at all! As far as the comment before me, they can be a little dangerous if you dont use common sense. Such as, dont lean back and pull on the handle bars because you will flip it from under you. Dont jerk the handle bars when you are carving, the front wheel kinda slips. And what wver you do, dont look back while you are moving! I almost crashed doing this, not very cool looking! All in all, its an amazing workout and me adn mom look forward to our ride everyday. Just be prepared for the funny looks and being asked "what is that?!"