trikes

A trike is a three-wheeled vehicle that can be pedal-powered, motorized, or both. The term covers a wide range of machines, from children's tricycles to adult mobility devices and sport or touring trikes.

Pedal-powered trikes include standard tricycles with either one wheel at the front or one at the rear. They are used by children learning balance and by adults for recreation, commuting, or cargo transport. Recumbent pedal trikes place the rider in a reclined position for comfort or efficiency.

Mobility and cargo trikes are designed for stability and easy mounting, often used by seniors, people with mobility issues, or for hauling goods. They typically feature a low step-through frame and a wide wheelbase.

Motorized trikes are three-wheeled motorcycles, with two common layouts: tadpole, which has two front wheels and one rear; and delta, with one front wheel and two rear. They range from cruisers and touring models to enclosed or sport variants, such as Can-Am Spyder or Harley-Davidson trikes.

Regulation and safety vary by country. Pedal trikes are usually treated as bicycles; motorized trikes may require a motorcycle license, registration, and insurance. Stability depends on configuration, with tadpole designs typically more stable at speed than delta.

History: Three-wheeled designs appeared in the 19th century and evolved into consumer tricycles by the late 1800s, finding use in children's play, mobility assistance, and specialized sports.