A 75-Year-Old Rider Test Rides Our Rickshaw Recumbent eTrike

A 75-Year-Old Rider, a Rickshaw Recumbent, and a Few Laps Around the Block

Don Nunari is 75 years old, and he did not come to sixthreezero's headquarters to sit in a chair and listen to a sales pitch. He came to ride. Specifically, he came to try one of our rickshaw-style recumbent electric trikes, a machine that looks a little unusual if you've spent your whole life on upright two-wheelers, and one that tends to make people curious the moment they see it parked.

The video of his ride is short. Don introduces himself, settles into the seat, says it already feels really comfortable, and then says the two words that every good test ride should start with: "Let's go." A few minutes later he rolls back in and gives us his verdict, and it's about as clear as a verdict can be. He liked the seat. He liked the turning. He felt stable, he felt quick off the line, and, in his words, he never felt unsafe.

That's the whole review in a nutshell, but there's a lot packed into those few minutes that's worth unpacking, especially if you're a rider in your sixties, seventies or beyond who's wondering whether a recumbent trike could fit your life. Don's comments touch on nearly every question we hear from riders shopping for an electric trike for seniors: Is it comfortable? Will I feel safe? Is it hard to steer? Does the motor actually help? Below, we walk through his ride moment by moment and add some practical context so you can judge for yourself whether this style of trike belongs in your garage.

There's no shortage of bike reviews online, and a lot of them are written by people who ride for a living. They're useful, but they don't always answer the question most of our customers are actually asking, which is something like: "Will this work for someone like me?"

Don is someone like a lot of our riders. He's not a racer. He didn't arrive with a list of torque figures he wanted to verify. He arrived at 75 with a body that, like everyone's at that age, has opinions about how it wants to sit, how far it wants to reach, and how much wobble it's willing to tolerate. When he says a seat is comfortable, he means comfortable for a 75-year-old back and pair of hips. When he says he felt stable, he's measuring that against the very real worry that a lot of older riders carry about falling.

That's exactly the perspective that matters when you're choosing a trike. A 30-year-old's "comfortable" and a 75-year-old's "comfortable" are not the same thing. So when Don sits down and says, before he's even pedaled, that it's really comfortable, that's a meaningful first data point.

It's also worth noting what Don didn't do. He didn't spend ten minutes being coached on how to ride it. He got in, got his bearings and went. That says something about how approachable a recumbent trike can be, even for someone who's never owned one. If you'd like to see more rides like his, our Video Blog collects real test rides and walkthroughs, and the Product Reviews section goes deeper on individual models.

First Impressions: Comfort Before the Wheels Turn

The very first thing Don comments on, before the trike has moved an inch, is comfort. That might sound like a small thing, but on a recumbent it's the whole point. A recumbent puts you in a reclined, seated position with your legs out in front of you rather than below you. Your weight is spread across a full seat and backrest instead of being perched on a narrow saddle, and your arms aren't holding up your upper body.

For a lot of older riders, that alone solves the biggest complaint they have about conventional bikes. The usual pain points of traditional cycling, things like a sore seat, stiff lower back, tingling hands and an aching neck from looking up at the road, mostly come from the upright or forward-leaning position. Take that position away and many of those aches go with it.

Don later expanded on this after his ride, saying that the seat was very comfortable and, separately, that the position of the seat was very comfortable. Those are two different compliments, and both matter. The first is about cushioning and support: does the seat itself feel good? The second is about geometry: does the seat sit at the right height and angle relative to the pedals and handlebars so your body isn't straining to reach anything?

You can have a plush seat in the wrong position and still end up uncomfortable after twenty minutes. You can also have a perfectly placed seat that's too hard. Don's take was that this trike got both right, at least for his body. If you want to compare options built specifically around rider comfort, our collection of the most comfortable electric trikes is a good place to start, and the recumbent electric trikes collection shows every reclined model side by side.

If you watch the full video, there are a couple of moments early on where Don lets out a surprised "Whoa" and, a little later, a "What the heck?" We left those in our account of the ride on purpose, because they're honest, and because they reflect something nearly every first-time recumbent rider goes through.

A recumbent trike simply feels different from anything most people have ridden. You're lower to the ground than on an upright bike. Your feet are out in front of you. Steering behaves differently from a two-wheeler because you don't lean into turns the same way; a three-wheeled machine stays flat and you steer it more like a small vehicle. And with an electric motor in the mix, the first time the assist engages it can catch you slightly off guard if you're not expecting the push.

None of that is a flaw. It's just unfamiliar. The pattern we see over and over, and the pattern you can hear in Don's video, is that the surprise fades fast. Within a few minutes his comments shift from exclamations to evaluations. By the three-minute mark he's saying things like "Nice" and "Has a good feel," and he's talking about turning radius, which is the kind of detail you only notice once you're relaxed enough to pay attention to it.

If you're planning a test ride of your own, give yourself that adjustment window. Start in an open, quiet area, begin on the lowest assist setting if the trike has adjustable levels, and take a few slow laps before judging anything. The first two minutes on a recumbent tell you very little. Minutes three through ten tell you almost everything.

Turning Radius: The First Thing Don Praised

Once Don settled in, the first specific feature he called out was the turning radius. He said he liked it, and that the trike turns well. For someone shopping for a trike, this is one of the most underrated things to pay attention to.

Turning radius is simply how tight a circle a vehicle can make. On a trike it matters more than people expect, because you can't do what you'd do on a two-wheeler and just lean and carve. A trike with a wide turning radius can make everyday riding frustrating: three-point turns in narrow driveways, awkward maneuvers on sidewalks and bike paths, and nervous moments trying to swing around at the end of a cul-de-sac.

A trike that turns tightly, on the other hand, makes ordinary riding feel easy. You can loop around in a parking lot, navigate a tight garden path, pull into a garage, or turn around on a narrow street without stopping and shuffling. For older riders especially, fewer awkward maneuvers means fewer moments where things feel out of control.

It's worth mentioning that rickshaw-style trikes, which are designed around carrying a passenger as well as the rider, are not usually the first category people associate with nimble handling. So hearing a rider single out the turning as a strength is a good sign. If maneuverability is high on your list, it's also worth comparing different wheel layouts. Some riders prefer a tadpole design with two wheels in front, while others like the feel of a single front wheel. The best way to know which suits you is to ride both, and the full electric trike lineup lets you see the different configurations in one place.

About ten seconds after praising the turning, Don made the comment we suspect matters most to many readers. He said the trike felt very stable on the ground. Later, in his wrap-up, he said it gripped the road.

Stability is the reason a lot of people consider a trike in the first place. Balance naturally gets harder with age, and for many riders, the fear of tipping over at a stop or during a slow turn is what kept them off two wheels for years. A three-wheeled design takes that particular worry away because you don't have to hold yourself upright. When you stop, you just stop. Your feet don't have to come down to catch you.

A recumbent adds another layer of stability on top of that. Because you're sitting lower, your center of gravity is lower too. A lower center of gravity generally makes a vehicle feel more planted and less prone to that top-heavy, tippy sensation you can get on a tall upright trike. That planted feeling is likely a big part of what Don was describing when he talked about how the trike felt on the ground.

"Gripped the road" is also a telling phrase. It suggests the tires and the trike's weight distribution gave him a sense of traction and connection with the pavement, rather than a skittish or floaty ride. That's the sort of feel that builds confidence over time. If stability is your top priority, you may also want to look at our fat tire electric trikes, which use wider tires for extra grip and cushioning, and our easy-to-mount eTrikes, which make getting on and off simpler.

Pickup and Acceleration: Where the Motor Earns Its Keep

The next thing Don noticed was performance. He said the trike had good pickup and good acceleration, and he repeated that in his final comments, calling the acceleration very good.

For an electric trike, acceleration isn't about speed for its own sake. It's about getting moving without strain. Starting from a dead stop is the hardest part of pedaling any bike or trike, and it's where tired knees and hips feel it most. A rickshaw-style trike is built with extra frame and seating behind the rider, which means more weight to get rolling, especially once a passenger is aboard. Without electric assist, those first few pedal strokes can be a real effort.

Good pickup changes that. When the motor helps you off the line, you can pull away from a stop sign or a driveway without standing on the pedals or holding up traffic. It also makes small inclines far less intimidating. Many riders tell us that what kept them from riding before wasn't the flat stretches, it was the one hill between their house and the park.

There's a safety angle here too. Being able to get up to a comfortable speed smoothly helps you clear an intersection or merge onto a path with confidence, rather than wobbling across slowly. If you like the idea of moving without pedaling at all when you need to, look at models in our electric trikes with throttle collection, and if you'll be stopping often or carrying weight, our eTrikes with disc brakes are worth comparing for confident stopping power to match the acceleration.

When Don rolled back in, the first thing he said wasn't a technical observation. It was "That was fun." It's easy to skip past a comment like that, but it might be the most important thing he said.

Here's why. The best trike in the world does you no good if it sits in the garage. Riders keep riding when they enjoy it, and they stop when riding feels like a chore, a risk or a hassle. Every other quality Don mentioned, the comfort, the handling, the stability and the acceleration, feeds into that one result. Remove any of them and the fun drains away. A comfortable trike that feels tippy isn't fun. A stable trike that's a struggle to get moving isn't fun. A quick trike that hurts your back after a mile isn't fun.

For older riders, enjoyment is also tied to independence. A trike that's genuinely enjoyable becomes the thing you use to go to the coffee shop, to visit a friend a few streets over, or to take a long loop around the neighborhood on a nice afternoon. It gets you outside more often, and it keeps you moving in a way that feels like recreation rather than exercise.

So if you're test riding, pay attention to how you feel when you climb off, not just what you noticed along the way. If your first instinct is to grin and say you want to go again, that tells you something no spec sheet can.

"I Never Felt Unsafe": Confidence Is the Real Test

In his closing thoughts, Don said something that stood out: "I never felt I'm unsafe." Coming from a 75-year-old rider on an unfamiliar style of trike, that's a strong statement.

Feeling safe is not the same as being told something is safe. You can read about stability features all day, but the feeling either shows up on the ride or it doesn't. When it does, it comes from a combination of things working together: a seat that holds you securely, a low and planted stance, steering that responds predictably, tires that grip, brakes you trust and power that's smooth rather than jumpy.

Notice that Don's comment came after those early "whoa" moments. In other words, even with the normal surprises of riding something new, he never crossed over into feeling at risk. That's an important distinction. Being surprised by a new sensation is normal. Feeling unsafe is a sign something's wrong with the fit, the machine or the setting. Don experienced the first and not the second.

If you're nervous about riding again after years away, or after a fall, confidence is something you can build in steps. Start on smooth, empty pavement. Ride with someone the first few times. Keep your speed modest until the controls become second nature. And make sure the trike actually fits your body. Our Get Fitted tool matches you to models based on your height, riding style and needs, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of whether a trike will feel right before you ever sit on it.

If the phrase "rickshaw recumbent" is new to you, it helps to break it into its two parts.

The recumbent part describes the riding position: reclined, with a full seat and backrest, and pedals positioned in front of you. As we've covered, this is about comfort and stability, taking the pressure off your back, wrists and seat while lowering your center of gravity.

The rickshaw part describes the purpose. A rickshaw-style trike is designed with carrying a passenger in mind, so someone can ride along with you instead of watching from the curb. For a lot of couples and families, that changes what a trike can be. Instead of a solo exercise machine, it becomes a way to share an outing. A spouse who can't or doesn't want to pedal can still come along to the farmers market. A grandchild can ride with you around the park.

Combining the two ideas gives you a trike that's comfortable for the person doing the riding and practical for sharing the experience. It also means the frame is built for more load than a typical solo trike, which is one reason electric assist makes so much sense in this category. You can browse the full range of rickshaw eTrikes and our broader collection of trikes built for passengers to compare layouts. If you and a riding partner both want to pedal, a tandem eTrike is another route worth looking at, and if weight capacity is a concern, we keep a dedicated list of high weight capacity electric trikes.

Who This Style of Trike Is a Good Fit For

Don's ride gives a pretty clear picture of the kind of rider who'll get the most from a rickshaw-style recumbent trike, though it isn't limited to people his age.

It's a strong option for riders who've found upright bikes uncomfortable, whether that's back pain, sore wrists, saddle discomfort or neck strain. The reclined position addresses most of those directly. It's also a natural fit for anyone whose balance isn't what it used to be, or who simply doesn't want to think about balance at all while riding. Three wheels and a low seat take that off the table.

It suits riders who want company. If you've got a partner, friend or grandchild you'd like to bring along, the rickshaw layout is designed with that in mind. And it suits people who want to ride regularly for errands and short trips without arriving sweaty and worn out, since the electric assist handles the heavy lifting on starts and hills.

There are a few things to think about honestly, too. Recumbent trikes are larger than standard bikes, so check your storage space and how you'll get the trike in and out. If you plan to transport it by car, look at size and weight carefully, or consider a folding electric trike instead. And if getting down into a lower seat and back up again is difficult for you, try that motion in person before deciding; for some riders, an easy-to-mount upright trike may be a better match. The right choice is the one that fits your body and your routine, not the one that looks the coolest in the driveway.

Don's ride was short, but it followed a pretty smart pattern, whether he meant it to or not. He got comfortable before he moved, he let himself adjust during the first couple of minutes, and then he paid attention to specific things: turning, stability, acceleration and comfort. That's a good template for anyone.

Start before you pedal. Sit in the seat for a minute. Can you reach the pedals comfortably with a slight bend in your knee at full extension? Do the handlebars fall naturally to your hands without stretching or hunching? Does the backrest support you, or does it push you forward or leave you slumping? Small adjustments to the seat position can make a big difference, so ask for them if something feels off.

Next, give yourself the warm-up window. Ride slowly in a straight line, then try gentle turns in both directions. Use the brakes a few times at low speed so you know how they respond. If there's an assist level setting, start low and work your way up.

Then test the things that matter in daily riding. Make a tight U-turn the way you'd need to at the end of your street. Stop and start several times to feel the pickup. If there's a small slope nearby, try it. If you'll be carrying a passenger, have them ride along for part of the test, because a trike can feel different with extra weight aboard.

Finally, check in with yourself afterward. Any aches? Any moments that felt shaky? Would you want to ride it again tomorrow? If you can't make it to a store, that's what our 30-day test ride is for: you get real time with the trike on your own streets, and if it isn't right, we'll cover the return shipping. If you are able to come by in person, details are on our Visit Us page.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Buy

A good test ride answers the feel questions. A few practical questions are worth answering too, so there are no surprises after the trike arrives.

Think about where you'll ride most. Smooth neighborhood streets, paved trails, beach paths and gentle hills all suit a recumbent trike well. If your routes include rough or loose surfaces, wider tires may serve you better. Think about how far you'll typically go, so you can match your riding habits to the battery, and remember that carrying a passenger, riding hills and using higher assist levels will all affect range.

Consider storage and charging. Where will the trike live, and is there an outlet nearby? Many riders find a garage or covered patio works well. Consider your terrain at home, too. If your driveway has a slope, features like a reverse gear can make backing out and maneuvering in tight spaces far easier.

Then look at the support side. Our bikes ship free, and you can read the details on our shipping page. They arrive mostly assembled, and step-by-step assembly instructions cover the rest. The warranty page outlines your coverage, and if you'd like to spread out the cost, our financing options are laid out clearly. For a broader look at how to compare models, the Ultimate Bike Buyer's Guide walks through the decisions step by step.

Once you've found a trike that fits, a few accessories can make it even more comfortable and practical, especially for older riders who ride often.

Shade is a big one. If you ride in the middle of the day or live somewhere sunny, a canopy can keep the sun off you and your passenger and make longer outings much more pleasant. Our canopies are designed to fit our trikes. Storage is another. Errands are easier when you have somewhere to put the groceries, a jacket or a water bottle, and our bags and panniers and baskets give you options depending on how much you carry.

A good helmet is always worth having, even on a stable three-wheeler; take a look at our helmets. A bell is a simple, friendly way to let walkers know you're coming on shared paths, and a water bottle is easy to forget until you need it.

And if Don's comments about the seat struck a chord, it's worth knowing that seating can be customized. Browse our seats if you'd like to fine-tune comfort further. You can see everything in one place on our accessories page.

The Takeaway From Don's Ride

Strip away the background noise and Don's test ride comes down to a handful of plain observations from a 75-year-old rider: it's very comfortable, the seat and its position are right, it turns well, it's stable and grips the road, it accelerates well, and he never felt unsafe. Then, simply, "Really cool bike."

None of those comments are flashy, and that's what makes them useful. They're the things that decide whether a trike becomes part of your life or becomes something you meant to ride more often. Comfort keeps you riding longer. Stability keeps you riding confidently. Good handling and smooth acceleration make every outing easier. And when all of that comes together, you get the reaction Don had when he climbed off: that was fun.

If you've been thinking about getting back on the road, or trying three wheels for the first time, take a page from Don's book. Sit down, get comfortable, give yourself a couple of minutes to adjust, and pay attention to how the trike feels rather than how it looks on paper. Start by browsing our recumbent eTrikes and rickshaw models, take the fitting quiz to narrow your options, and when you're ready, put one through its paces on your own streets. For more rider stories, tips and comparisons, our Bike Advice blog has plenty more to explore.