| If you haven't seen the unusual Trikke 3-wheeled | | | | tires. The most frequent complaint I've heard from |
| scooters yet, you should take a look. Instead of | | | | new users, though, is that the poly tires make riding |
| pushing yourself from the ground or pedaling, you | | | | too rough for use on average streets. If you think |
| propel one by "carving"-- swaying left to right holding | | | | you may want to do any amount of street travel, |
| a steering column designed to do so. There are | | | | you need at least a T78 Deluxe, which includes all |
| currently 8 wheeled models available, all with different | | | | air-filled pneumatic tires. Most people wanting a one |
| design features best suited to different people and | | | | for both fitness and occasional distance travel opt for |
| needs. They all provide a great low-impact workout | | | | the somewhat larger and lighter T8 Sport. This is the |
| that can be superior to jogging or biking, but make | | | | most popular model and probably makes the best |
| sure you choose the right one for you. | | | | balance of lightness, ease of handling and road |
| Rider Age and Size | | | | worthiness. |
| Your first consideration in choosing one of these | | | | Power |
| scooters is age. The smallest model, the T5WS, is | | | | If you see yourself as more of a power user, the |
| generally recommended for riders who are at least 6 | | | | Trikke T12 Roadster may be your best choice. It's |
| years old. Do note that there is a learning curve | | | | best for folks who want a maximal workout and |
| similar to learning to ski (though not quite as difficult), | | | | cover some serious miles on the road. The beefy |
| so a younger person may need some instruction to | | | | framing and 12.5" tires of this model are well suited |
| get up to speed, so to speak. All Trikke models have | | | | for the street use. Many people actually commute on |
| recommended height and weight levels to consider. | | | | theirs. Do remember that it's larger wheels and |
| The maximum weight for a rider on any o f them is | | | | slightly greater weight make climbing hills a heartier |
| 250 lbs. This child's model for small folks is OK for | | | | task than with the T8. Also, the T12 does not fold |
| riders up to about 4' 10" and 150 lbs. For bigger | | | | nearly as compactly as the others and may not fit |
| children, the taller T67 is the preferable and it's | | | | into your car trunk. |
| weight limit is up to 200 lbs. | | | | Of course, if you're looking to leave the gas guzzler |
| Thanks to the great full-body workout you get using | | | | behind and make a greener daily commute, you might |
| one, these scooters are actually even more popular | | | | want to consider the powered model, the Tribred |
| with adults than with children. If you are over 5' tall, | | | | Free Rein. For riders ages 12 and up,this is essentially |
| you should be able to handle any of the full sized | | | | a T8 with an electric motor. Good for about 12 miles |
| models, though most models are not recommended | | | | on power, it can still be used in unpowered mode, |
| for persons over 6' 4". If you are over 6' 4", the T12 | | | | allowing you to save battery power by just using it |
| model is your only choice. | | | | on those long uphill stretches. |
| Needs | | | | One warning I can give you, no matter which Trikke |
| After rider size, you need to consider where and | | | | model you choose: these things can be addictive. |
| how you wish to ride. The biggest difference is in the | | | | Once you've gotten the hang of it, you'll probably |
| tire types. If most of your use will be on smooth | | | | find yourself on it almost every day. Be ready to |
| concrete surfaces, such as sidewalks, you may do | | | | leave the joggers and cyclists in you wake while |
| OK with T78CS, which 1 air tire and 2 smaller poly | | | | receiving greater benefits and having twice the fun. |