Tricycle facts for kids
A tricycle is a vehicle with three wheels. You might also hear it called a trike. Tricycles can be powered in different ways. Some use pedals, like a bicycle. Others have an electric motor or a petrol engine.
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Pedal-Powered Tricycles
Tricycles are often thought of as toys for young children. However, many adults also use tricycles. Adult tricycles usually have chains and gears, just like bicycles. Many are recumbent, meaning the rider's feet are in front of their body.
Adult tricycles come in two main styles:
- Tadpole tricycles have two wheels at the front and one wheel at the back.
- Delta tricycles have one wheel at the front and two wheels at the back.
Usually, the front wheel or wheels are used for steering. Power to move the trike goes to the back wheel or wheels.
Special Types of Pedal Trikes
Some tricycles are completely covered by a shell. This shell helps to reduce wind resistance. These covered tricycles are called velomobiles. They can go faster with less effort because of their smooth shape.
Other tricycles are built to carry things or people. These are often called cycle rickshaws or pedicabs. You might see them in cities, giving rides to tourists or delivering goods.
Motorized Tricycles
Motorcycles can also have three wheels instead of two. Some people prefer these three-wheeled motorcycles. They offer better balance and often have more space for carrying items.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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Modern upright tricycle
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Stephan Farffler's hand-controlled three-wheeled wheelchair
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Girl riding a delta tricycle in 1952.
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Small folded delta trike parked in New York
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Delta layout Hase Spezialräder Kettwiesel
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Recumbent tadpole
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Racing handcycle
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Two kinds of tricycle rickshaw
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Spidertrike
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Industrial trike with storage box mounted between rear wheels
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High-mass counter-direction tricycle
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Children's tricycle
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Hand and foot trike
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See also
In Spanish: Triciclo para niños
