Trikke Scooter - A Whole Body Workout?

Photo: Trikke.com

It might not look like your typical exercise machine, but some folks swear by this scooter, which doesn't just get you to and from your destinations but apparently offers a whole body, no-impact workout.

Your bike might work your legs, but the Trikke (pronounced "trike") can put a hurting on your arms, shoulders, calves, abs and obliques. That's what 29-year-old Lawrence Mayes told the Washington Post. He said he lost 36 pounds after three months of motoring a couple times a week.

Seem too good to be true? Dutch researchers asked by Trikke Europe to study the scooter found that an average-size man taking an hour-long ride at 9.3 mph could burn about 500 calories. Maybe the thing does work.


The Trikke is powered by a running start and "carving," a leaning, back-and-forth motion you combine with leg power to move forward. Some say it's like the foot motion of inline skating; others compare it to skiing. Regardless of how you get this contraption going, you'll want to ride with caution -- you can jackknife if you're not careful, and it takes practice to find a comfortable groove.

The Trikke, which you can fold and stash in closets and can cost upwards of $600 for an adult model (there are kid versions too), isn't just a fitness gadget -- it's also a greener way to get to your favorite spots.

But would you buy it?