As trikes grow in popularity among cycling enthusiasts, the need for effective transportation solutions has become increasingly important. Whether for recreational rides or practical commutes, trike owners face unique challenges in transporting these larger, heavier bikes. This guide explores the best methods to ensure your trike travels securely and conveniently, allowing you to enjoy your ride wherever you go.

First, Let’s Start With Understanding Trikes

Trikes, or three-wheeled bikes, are gaining popularity among various groups of cycling enthusiasts. These versatile vehicles are ideal for both recreational use and practical transportation. Recumbent trikes offer stability, comfort, and ease of use, making them a favorite among seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and those looking for a more relaxed riding experience. As trikes become more popular, the need for effective transportation methods has also grown.

The Challenges of Transporting Your Trike

Transporting a trike presents unique challenges due to its size and shape. Here are some common issues:

Size and Weight

Trikes are bulkier and heavier than regular bikes, making them harder to handle and lift onto racks or into vehicles. Their wide wheelbase and larger frame require more space, making them incompatible with standard bike racks. Even with Trike compatible racks, loading and unloading can be especially challenging for individuals with limited strength or mobility.

Storage Space

Finding enough space to store a trike during transport can be challenging, especially for those with smaller vehicles. Unlike regular bikes, trikes require more room, making them harder to squeeze inside cars even when folded. 

Securing the Trike

Ensuring the trike is securely fastened during transport is crucial to prevent damage. Standard bike racks do not provide the necessary support for trikes, making them unstable and unsafe. Trike-rated carriers, however, are designed to securely hold the unique shape and weight of trikes. 

By addressing these issues, trike owners can choose the most suitable transportation method, ensuring safe and efficient transport of their trike.

Best Ways to Transport Your Trike

There are several methods to transport your trike, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Trike Carrier

A dedicated trike carrier is one of the best ways to transport your trike. These carriers are designed specifically to accommodate the size and weight of trikes, ensuring they are securely fastened and easy to load and unload. For instance, the TriQuad Trike, Quad & eBike Carrier is an excellent option that provides both security and convenience.

Best For: Trike owners who frequently transport their trike and those with mobility concerns who prioritize ease of loading and unloading, as well as secure fastening.

Cargo Carrier

Cargo carriers are versatile and can often fit multiple trikes depending on their size. Their open design allows them to hold a combination of trikes, bikes, and quads. Some carriers, like the GearCage Carrier, even have bike mount options to carry additional bikes. Additionally, these carriers are great for transporting other items, such as camping gear, luggage, or sports equipment, making them a highly flexible solution for various transport needs.

Best For: Trike owners who need a flexible solution to transport multiple trikes and other equipment, offering versatility for various transport needs beyond just trikes.

Inside the Vehicle

For those with vans, SUVs, or pick-up trucks, transporting a trike inside the vehicle or truck bed can be a viable option. You can purchase ramps to assist with loading the trike into the back of the vehicle. This method keeps your trike protected from the elements and reduces the risk of theft, although it may make the interior of the vehicle feel cramped.

Best For: Trike owners with larger vehicles and don't mind sacrificing some interior space.

Trailer

If you need to transport multiple trikes, a trailer is an ideal solution. Trailers like the LittleGiant or Spec Ops Trailers are designed to handle multiple trikes, providing ample space and secure transportation. With mounting options both on the floor of the trailer and on overhead accessory sports racks, trailers can transport a whole team of trikes.

Best For: Trike owners who need to transport multiple trikes at once, such as those organizing group rides or events, and require ample space and secure transport. 

Roof Racks

While roof racks are an option for small vehicles without a hitch, we generally do not recommend them at Let's Go Aero. Roof racks can reduce fuel efficiency and limit overhead vehicle clearance, making them less practical for trike transportation. If your vehicle doesn't have a hitch, you can usually get one professionally installed by your vehicle dealer, trailer dealer or local U-haul.

Best For: Trike owners who have no other option but to use roof racks and are aware of the trade-offs in fuel efficiency and overhead clearance.

Choosing the Best Trike Transport Method for Your Needs

When selecting the best transport method for your trike, consider factors such as the number of trikes you need to transport, the type of vehicle you have, and your budget. Let's Go Aero offers a range of products tailored to meet these needs. For individual trike transport, the TriQuad Trike, Quad & eBike Carrier is an excellent choice. For those needing to transport multiple trikes, versatile cargo carriers like the GearCage or specialized trailers provide ample space and secure transportation options.

Below is a comparison table of Let's Go Aero products to help you choose the best option for your needs:

Specification	TriQuad Carrier & TriQuad HD	GearCage T6	LittleGiant or SpecOps Trailer
Number of Trikes	1	2+ depending on trike size and design	7+ depending on trike size and design
Weight Capacity	100 lbs (150 lbs with TriQuad HD)	100 lbs (150 lbs with TriQuad HD)	1500 lbs (LittleGiant) & 2000 lbs (SpecOps)
Loading	Ramps	Hand Loading (or with ramp, sold separately)	Hand Loading (or with ramp, sold separately)
Carrier Storage	Folds Against Vehicle	Folds Against Vehicle	N/A
Security	Includes Cables and Locks for Bikes and Rack	N/A (Cables and Locks for Bikes and Rack Sold separately)	N/A (Enclosed HexCap Cover)
RV Rated	RV Approved	RV Approved	Approved for Towing
	Shop Now	Shop Now	Shop Now

By exploring these various options and utilizing high-quality transportation solutions from Let's Go Aero, you can find the most efficient and secure way to get your trike from point A to point B, ensuring it arrives safely and ready for your next adventure.