Recumbent trikes
Ride relaxed and laid back: our recumbent trikes, designed and built in Germany.
On a recumbent bike you sit leaning back, with the pedals in front of you. Your weight is spread across the seat and backrest, taking the strain off your wrists and bottom. Our recumbent trikes, the Kettwiesel and the Trigo, have three wheels: you don't have to balance, and you can stop and stay seated at any time. We build them with a motor as standard.
Our recumbent trikes
Kettwiesel ONE (PLUS)
The recumbent trike with under-seat steering: adjustable seat and backrest, upright or slightly reclined.
Kettwiesel ONE UP (PLUS)
Sit back with your hands in front, as on a bicycle, and a handlebar that folds up.
Trigo E
The affordable way into recumbent trikes: light, with a seat and backrest and grips beside your hips.
Trigo UP E
With over-seat steering and a basket: you sit higher and more upright, ideal for everyday riding.
Recommended retail price of Hase Bikes GmbH for Germany, incl. 19% VAT, excl. delivery. Prices in other countries and at dealers may vary.
Recumbent trike: the recumbent bike with three wheels
A recumbent trike, often simply called a trike, combines the relaxed seating position of a recumbent bike with the security of three wheels. There are two designs: on a tadpole trike, two wheels are at the front and one at the back. On a delta trike, one wheel steers at the front and two wheels carry you at the back. We don't build two-wheeled recumbents. If you're looking for a recumbent bike to ride relaxed and safely, three wheels usually suit you better.
Delta design
The Kettwiesel and Trigo are delta trikes. You sit between the rear wheels, with a low centre of gravity.
Easy to get on
With a seat height of 52 to 66 cm (20 to 26 in), you sit higher than on many recumbents and get on and off more easily.
Manoeuvrable
Our recumbent trikes turn in the tightest spaces.
No balancing
Unlike on a two-wheeled recumbent, you can stop and stay seated, even on a hill.
Seating position: upright or reclined
On the Kettwiesel you sit lower, at 52 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in), and adjust the seat and backrest, sitting upright or sportier with a slight recline. The 3D mesh cover on the ONE keeps you pleasantly cool even on longer rides, and the ONE UP has a Vario comfort seat cover. The low bottom bracket makes pedalling easier. On the Trigo you sit higher, at 58 to 66 cm (23 to 26 in), almost like on a chair with a backrest.
Under-seat or over-seat steering?
With under-seat steering (Kettwiesel ONE, Trigo E), the grips sit beside your hips and your arms and shoulders stay completely relaxed. This is the classic recumbent position. With over-seat steering (Kettwiesel ONE UP, Trigo UP E), the handlebar sits in front of you and your hands rest in the familiar position, as on a bicycle. On the Kettwiesel ONE UP, it folds up to make getting on easy.
Electric recumbent trike
We build all our recumbent trikes with a mid-drive motor as standard: the Trigo with the Shimano EP5 (60 Nm), the Kettwiesel with the Shimano EP6 Cargo (85 Nm) or, in the PLUS version, with the Bosch Performance Line CX (100 Nm). As a pedelec, it assists you up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph). Find out more about the motor and battery on our electric tricycle page.
Recumbent trike for touring
For long distances we recommend the Kettwiesel: thanks to the full suspension and the comfortable seat, you'll still be riding relaxed after hours in the saddle. It carries up to 140 kg (309 lb), rider and luggage together. For your luggage there is the Cargo Rack (up to 30 kg), the Roller Rack with wheels and a matching 70-litre bag, plus seat bags and seat-back bags.
Test ride at a dealer or at the Schaltwerk
You only really know what riding a recumbent feels like once you're on one. Send us your request: we'll get back to you and find the right place for your free test ride, at a dealer near you or at our Schaltwerk in Waltrop, Germany.
Frequently asked questions about recumbent trikes
Who is a recumbent trike good for?
For anyone who wants to ride relaxed, without pressure on the wrists and bottom. On three wheels, a recumbent is also suitable for people who no longer feel safe on a bicycle, because they don't have to balance. That makes recumbent trikes a good choice for seniors, too.
Is riding a recumbent good for you?
On a recumbent, your weight is spread across the seat and backrest. Your wrists, shoulders and bottom take much less strain than on a saddle. Whether a recumbent suits your health situation is best discussed with your doctor.
Recumbent or upright bike: which is better?
An upright bike is lighter and more agile in city traffic. A recumbent is more comfortable over long distances and, on three wheels, also safer because you don't have to balance. The best way to decide is to try it yourself.
What is a recumbent trike?
A trike is a tricycle. With bikes, it usually means a recumbent trike: a recumbent bike with three wheels, like our Kettwiesel and Trigo.
How much does an electric recumbent trike cost?
Our recumbent trikes start at €5,690 for the Trigo E (recommended retail price in Germany, incl. VAT). The full-suspension Kettwiesel starts at €8,100 (ONE UP) or €8,600 (ONE), and at €10,600 with a Bosch motor (ONE PLUS). Prices in other countries may differ. We build every trike in Germany to your specification, and the configurator shows you the price straight away.
Will health insurance pay for a recumbent trike?
In many countries, health insurers or public bodies can subsidise an adapted tricycle under certain conditions, for our REHA models. The rules differ from country to country: our Adaptive Cycle Guide is a first overview, and your local dealer knows the options where you live. On the REHA models, the motor assists up to 12 km/h.
More tricycles and tandems
Adult tricycle
All models at a glance.
Electric tricycle
Motor, battery and range.
Electric trike for seniors
Easy to get on, secure seating.
Side-by-side tandem
Side by side instead of one behind the other.
Tandem
With a recumbent seat at the front: the Pino.