In 2007, three-wheel motorcycles, also known as trikes, started to become mainstream. There was some speculation that these bikes became more popular among older riders, due to the trike’s sturdier nature and easier maneuverability, but statistics soon proved those theories wrong as riders of all ages jumped on the trike wagon.
As trike technology advances, the once car-like vehicle is starting to ride more like a motorcycle drawing more riders in, and offering a safer method to cruising the open road.
Three-wheel motorcycles versus two-wheel motorcycles
The original two-wheel motorbike has three key disadvantages that make it difficult and dangerous to ride.
- Stability: When riding a two-wheel motorcycle, riders have to lean into curves to prevent their bike from falling over. This calls for good balance and experience maneuvering an unsteady vehicle.
- Control: As with any vehicle, control increases your safety. On a two-wheel motorcycle, a rider has to brake at the start of a curve and then accelerate through, something inexperienced riders may not know how to do safely.
- Protection: Unlike a car, when you are on a motorbike you are exposed to a lot more if an accident is to occur. You are not in an enclosed box with safety mechanisms ready to protect you upon impact.
Trikes solve two of these issues, stability, and control. The extra wheel on a trike means that a driver does not have to lean into curves to prevent tipping the bike. This extra stability also allows riders a less strenuous experience.
Because a trike is steady on its own, a rider no longer has to keep the vehicle balanced at all times, giving their muscles a break. A trike drives more like a car, which makes turns and low speeds easier to maneuver, and allows the driver easier control.
Other benefits to a trike
Along with stability and control, trikes offer other safety benefits. Because trikes are wider, they can’t slip between other vehicles on the road. So you won’t be caught between cars unexpectedly changing lanes or doors opening in the street without seeing you. The extra wheel on a trike also causes better equilibrium.
By adding an extra point of contact, the bike is more balanced and has better traction during steering and braking. Trikes are also bigger than two-wheel motorcycles and are generally easier to see. This is an added safety benefit, by being bigger, cars will be more aware of trikes and treat them as another equal vehicle on the road.
Trikes have safety issues too
Although trikes are generally safer than two-wheel bikes, they have some of the same disadvantages as their cousins. They are open-air vehicles that don’t have great protection if they come in contact with another object. If a collision is to occur, a rider could easily be thrown from a trike and hit the road or another vehicle. There are no safety mechanisms like airbags to reduce injury upon impact. Accidents of this nature can cause extreme injury and rack up a lot of expensive medical bills.
In conclusion, if you are thinking of purchasing an open-air vehicle, consider a trike. They are safer, more sturdy and there are a lot of options to fit your needs. If you already own one of these vehicles and have been in an accident. Contact Larson and Gallivan PLC, we’re here to help you with your personal injury claim.
