zonatandem

Got access to a tandem? She can be the stoker!
Would solve mom's problem of never having ridden, balance, steering, gears, brakes, road rules etc.
All these things would be an issue for a novice, let alone an senior novice!
Go for it mom, you've got real moxie!

deraltekluge

I haven't decided, yet. I don't want to set up a supply line for thieves...my trike was locked to a rack that was full of 2-wheelers, and apparently, mine was the only one taken. The thief really wanted that trike, I guess.

BlazingPedals

There are lots of trike makers out there. But most are built low to the ground for speed and stability. Good for sports riding, bad for little old ladies who might have trouble getting into and out of a 6" high seat. And most are built with, shall we say, more expensive parts and materials than mild steel, ashtabula cranks, and steel rolled-bead rims. Their prices reflect that, too. Rather than list them all here, here is the link to BROL's buyer's guide. Select "trike" in the configuration and check 'em out. If nothing else, it'll give you a more realistic view of what constitutes "a bit expensive."

https://www.recumbents.com/brol_buyers_guide.asp

deraltekluge

And for little old men with bad knees, too...that's one of the reasons I chose the EZ-3 AX.

Digital Gee

Hey, I saw someone riding a bike just like your avatar yesterday in the park. He had a little bell, and he was kept busy ringing it with all the people about. That said, he had no hesitation riding in the midst of lots of pedestrians. They all loved his bike and smiled as they stepped aside. He even had a cool cap on as well (no helmet!).

geo8rge

You might find a 'mobiky genius' on ebay for what you want to pay. 2 wheeler, but small wheels, very low to the ground. If she does not like it there is a decent resale market.

Try craigslist for bargains.

zonatandem

Have you thought about putting mom in the stoker position on a tandem?
No balancing issues, no need to learn how to solo, no need to shift, brake, steer dodge traffic etc.
Go Girl!

woofman

Didn't really give it much thought, since she's a very independent dame and wouldn't want to have to rely on another geezer just to go for a ride to the market or see one of her gal-pals.

Tom Bombadil

Here are a couple of possibilities

This one is lightweight, fits through doorways, and has 3 spds
https://www.industrialbicycles.com/ez%20roll%20regal.htm

And this traditional comes in 20", 24", and 26" size, again with 3 spds
https://www.industrialbicycles.com/desoto%20classic.htm

The Desoto Classic has been around for a long time and is even sold by medical supply companies. Can't say if it is a great bike, but it is generally regarded by retirement communities as good quality.

And from Wal-Mart comes a Schwinn adult trike for just $250. Can't trust the Schwinn name like one used to though. Guess it might be worth checking out if you could find one in stock. But it is just a single-speed.
https://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4745117

Shaman

[QUOTE=woofman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artkansas

Like this?

It is hard to even find a decent DF for $500-. If you want a quality machine (which your mother surely deserves) you will be looking at a pricetag of at least a grand and up to two-half grand for a very nice HPV.

Delta upright trikes will be much more comfortable to get in and out of. Tadpole trikes are for those who like the lawnchair feel but may not be as comfortable to ride unless mom is, or has been, of the athletic persuasion. People in this agegroup come in all levels of abilities. Maybe you should take her for a Tour de LBS' who sell recumbents and pedal forward models. Let her decide the right price for her taste.

deraltekluge

I finally made up my mind, and ordered a new Sun EZ-3 AX to replace the stolen one. It's supposed to arrive in the next few days. I wonder how long this one will last.

Tom Bombadil

Back to the OP ... a lot of this depends upon what your 79 yr old mother wants to do with a tricycle. Is she looking to use it to get into shape and will be putting in several miles around town or on trails? Or is she looking for something to tool around the neighborhood on, and maybe do a little shopping?

If the former, then something like an EZ3 could fit the bill. She would be willing to put up with something that may be a little more difficult to accomodate but would be much better on longer rides.

But if she wants a convenience vehicle that can get her a little exercise, then one of the "traditional" trikes designed for senior citizens may fit the bill.

My mother is 78 and I can't see her on an EZ3, but as she's a ruler-flat mile from a Wal-Mart, I could see her on a traditional trike. But not all 75-80 yr olds are alike, some are running marathons.

As in everything, assessing the needs, skills, and desires is a big part of the buying decision.

Joe1946

Walmart adult trikes:
$269.96

$379.74 3-speed

DnvrFox

As I recall, these WalMart bikes are good quality, made by Worksman Bikes