Best Heavy Duty Adult Tricycle for Overweight People (300 lbs to 500lbs) – Top 7 In 2024 Reviews

Cycling is a great form of fitness. It’s a low impact activity that has numerous health benefits and is great for people of all shapes and sizes. It happens to be a good form of transportation, too. We find tricycles more appealing than bicycles because of their stability and comfort, both of which are significant factors for a 300-500 lb cyclist.

Being a bigger person can have its challenges when it comes to fitness. But being able to find the right trike bike shouldn’t be one of them. If you are a cyclist or interested in cycling as a new hobby, a tricycle is a great option for a larger person since adult trikes have a higher weight limit than a traditional bicycle. If you are looking for a tricycle with a higher capacity weight limit, look no further! We have done all the digging for you and picked out the best heavy duty adult tricycle on the market for bigger people.

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  • Features: Durable and lightweight trike from a reputable brand for the everyday rider.
  • Benefits: Easy and comfortable bike known for its durability.
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  • Features: Industrial three speed trike perfect for hauling large gear.
  • Benefits: Adjustable and comfortable for a larger rider.
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  • Features: Rugged seven speed trike with mountain rims and tires.
  • Benefits: High weight capacity and stability for larger cyclists.
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Why is the Schwinn Meridain the top pick?

The Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle is our top pick as a heavy duty tricycle for adults. With its exceptional reputation and quality construction, this trike bike has it all. It starts with a simple assembly. Then, once you’re on this three wheel bike, it’s a comfortable, easy ride whether you are headed to the market or getting in a heart-pumping workout. And whatever you’re doing, you can fit all your cargo in its large rear basket.


7 Best Heavy Duty Adult Tricycles for Overweight People (300 lbs to 500lbs)

Apart from weight capacity, there is a lot to consider when buying a heavy duty adult tricycle. We’ve researched countless adult tricycles and have gathered a complete list below of the top heavy duty tricycles for you. Each one will provide an enjoyable, safe ride and is appropriate for the experienced and beginner cyclist alike. The beauty of a trike is that you don’t necessarily need any experience to ride them. Because of their stability and ease of use, you can get started as soon as you purchase the right one for you!


1. Schwinn Meridian Adult Trike – Top Pick

The Schwinn Meridian is easily our #1 pick. The Schwinn brand has been around for 125 years, making it a notable and popular brand for products of all kinds. Its name is associated with durability and this tricycle is no exception. As is typical for adult tricycles, the Schwinn Meridian features a step through design, making it simple to get on and off. This lightweight, aluminum frame trike is a breeze to use and makes it easier for a heavier individual to ride. It’s a single speed tricycle with front and rear wheel fenders, which is perfect for the everyday rider. There are no gears to worry about, which means no learning curve for even the most beginner of riders.

The adjustable handlebars are upright and wide, helping to keep you stable on your ride. The seat is padded and adjustable to keep you nice and comfortable. If you prefer, you can always switch out the bike seat for a wider one as well. This tricycle also comes with a large rear steel basket that you can load up with groceries or can be folded down flat when you don’t need it. With 26″ wheels, this is a heavy duty tricycle designed for riders 5’4″ to 6’2″ inches. While the weight capacity is stated to be 300 lbs, numerous reviewers report that they are able to comfortably ride it even at 400+ lbs.

Features: Aluminum frame, step through design, single speed, V brake

Pros

  • Multiple color choices
  • Lightweight
  • Very sturdy

Cons:

  • Could be more challenging to use in a very hilly area


2. Medium Duty Industrial Tricycle, 3 Speed – Best Industrial Tricycle

Another great option for a heavier cyclist is the Medium Duty Industrial Tricycle. Designed as a more industrial tricycle, it does not have a rear basket, but rather a storage platform to place your items on. This can be very handy if you are moving boxes or even luggage around from place to place. Of course, if you want to switch it out and place a basket there instead, you can just purchase a basket separately. The Medium Duty Industrial Tricycle has a step through design, keeping the seat low to the ground and easy to get on for adults to ride. It is constructed of steel, making it a nice heavy duty, industrial grade option. This adult tricycle has a three speed grip shifter and also has a coaster brake.

We find this three speed trike bike to be a nice in-between option, not just a single speed, but also not a full-on seven speed like some of the other bikes mentioned here. The seat is padded to add extra comfort and the handlebars feature comfort grips as well. With a 350 lb weight capacity and an adjustable seat, this industrial cycle is built to accommodate a variety of cyclists.

Features: Industrial grade, step through design, steel, 3 speed

Pros

  • Durable
  • 3 speed
  • Comfort grip handlebars
  • 350 lb weight capacity

Cons

  • Basket not included


3. VANELL Adult Tricycle – Best for Hills

The Vanell tricycle is a sturdy bike made from a steel frame. Featuring seven speeds, this heavy duty tricycle is going to get you where you need to go in a hurry. The multiple gears also allow you to better manage hills while riding around town on this bike. The design is step through, keeping it low and easy for larger cyclists to mount. A feature of the adult tricycle that we like the most is the backrest on the seat. This is a huge benefit for any cyclist suffering from lower back pain or just looking to relax a little bit while riding. As a bonus, the seat is nice and padded for extra comfort. The trike also has front and rear brakes for optimum control.

The Vanell comes with a large basket on the back of the trike for carrying around or picking up whatever items you may need and has a total weight capacity of 350 lbs.

24 or 26 inch wheels

Features: Steel, step through, front and rear brakes, 7 speed, back rest

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Ability to shift gears for climbing hills
  • Multiple color choices

Cons

  • Heavy


4. Slsy Adult Tricycle – Best for Short People

The options on the Slsy tricycle is one of things we really like about it. Depending on your height and what size bike you need, you can get a 20″, 24″, or 26″, making this tricycle work for nearly everyone, from short to tall. We have found a number of tricycles offered in 24″ and 26″, but this is one of the few that offers the trike in a smaller 20″ as well. This, along with its low step design, is why we recommend this particular bike for anyone who may be a bit shorter. The backrest on this trike also greatly increases the comfort factor for those longer rides.

The heavy duty tricycle is constructed of a sturdy hi tensile steel frame, ensuring a solid, stable ride for the cyclist. If you are the type of rider who will encounter hills or will be cycling long distances, the seven speeds make this a good option since you can put it in the lowest gear and have a much easier time pedaling up a hill. This durable tricycle can support heavier riders up to 350 lbs. and also features a rear steel basket for toting around all your things.

Features: Steel, seven speeds, basket, step through, back rest

Pros

  • Multiple color choices
  • Ability to shift gears for climbing hills
  • Multiple size options

Cons

  • Heavy


5. Barbella Adult Tricycle – Best Budget Option

The Barbarella Adult Tricycle is a good quality, more affordable heavy duty option for a heavier rider. With a steel construction, seven speeds, and a front v type brake, this sturdy trike bike will easily get you around town whether for fitness or leisure. Whatever you purpose may be, with its low step design and back rest, this trike will be easy to mount and ride. A great feature of this tricycle is its lightweight alloy rims with galvanized iron spoke, which helps to keep the bike light and the ride smooth by absorbing any bumps along the way. So, even though it’s a heavier steel bike, the alloy rims help create a lighter ride.

This heavy duty trike comes with a large basket on the back to hold all your cargo, and can support up to 331 lbs., including anything in your basket as well as body weight.

Features: Steel, seven speed, alloy rims, front v brake, back rest

Pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Sturdy
  • Multiple color choices

Cons

  • Can be difficult to assemble, important to watch the video


6. MOPHOTO Mountain Tricycle for Adults – Best Mountain Trike

One of the more rugged three wheel bike options for adults, the MOPHOTO Mountain Tricycle has a weight capacity of 400 lbs. This is one of the few trikes we have found that has such as high weight limit and should definitely be considered if you are in the upper weight range.

This heavy duty adult tricycle is constructed of steel and is available in 24″ or 26″ wheels. We like the seven speed gear system and mountain rims and tires, making it a breeze to take on any terrain. It’s also pretty easy for adults to mount and even easier to customize to your height with adjustable handlebars and seat. With a front disc brake and rear band brake, you are in complete control, able to stop on a dime when you need to. The tricycle does have a large rear basket for any groceries or other items you may need to carry around as well a handy water bottle cage to make staying hydrated on long rides that much easier.

Features: steel, seven speed, water bottle cage

Pros

  • Higher weight capacity
  • Multiple wheel options
  • Heavy duty

Cons:

  • Doesn’t allow for upright position


7. KNUS Adult Tricycle Trike – Best for Long Rides

The KNUS Adult Tricycle is a nice heavy duty tricycle available with 24″ or 26″ wheels. The tricycle’s body is constructed of hi tensile TIG welded steel and features adjustable handlebars and seat to accommodate varying sizes. It features a classic low step through design, which makes getting on and off this bike very easy for adults.

The tricycle has a front v brake and rear drum brake, providing optimal safety for riders. The seven speed design will make it easier for getting up hills by shifting gears as needed during your rides. Several reviewers also mentioned that the padded and cushy extra large bike seat makes longer rides enjoyable on this tricycle. The larger bike seat also contributes to its stability, making even a beginner rider feel comfortable on this trike. The KNUS does come with a rear basket, capable of storing all your essential items, and has a total weight capacity of 330 lbs.

Features: Hi tensile steel, front v brake, rear drum brake, seven speed

Pros

  • Multiple color choices
  • Sturdy construction
  • Comfortable seat

Cons

  • heavy


What to Consider When Buying a Heavy Duty Adult Tricycle

When you are overweight, the durability and stability of a tricycle is incredibly important. First of all, you need to make sure that the tricycle can handle your body weight. So, it’s important that before you even begin your search for a bicycle, you need to know your weight, since most bikes have a weight capacity. In addition to knowing your weight, it’s also helpful to know your height, or at least your approximate height since most trikes have adjustable seats that can accommodate a variety of heights. Many of the bikes have different wheel heights though that fit a range of heights.

While the first priority for adults purchasing a tricycle is to be safe, you also want to enjoy the ride. The more enjoyable your trike is, the more likely you are to use it. And the more you use it, the easier it will become. With all that in mind, we’ve identified several things you should consider when purchasing a heavy duty adult tricycle: frame, comfort, gears, wheels, and cost.

Frame

We are specifically focused on reviewing the best tricycles on the market for larger folks, 300-500 lbs. That means the tricycle frame needs to be heavy duty, substantial and sturdy. The quality of material used will directly impact the experience you have as a rider, not to mention safety. Typically, the frame of an adult tricycle will either be made of steel or aluminum.

Steel trikes tend to be heavier and more durable than aluminum frames. The heaviness can be great for handling a high weight capacity, but it can also slow you down. They are more durable than an aluminum body, which is a nice safety feature. However, steel is also prone to rusting, which is something to keep in mind regarding bicycle maintenance.

An aluminum tricycle tends to be lighter than steel, which can create a faster ride. They are still very durable, but can sometimes be more expensive than a steel tricycle.

Comfort

Comfort is key. It is the key to enticing you to get on the trike, and it will be one of the things that motivates you to continue using it, especially if you are using it for fitness.

The comfort of the ride is most often found in the seat of the tricycle. And, not all bike seats are created equal. When selecting a seat for maximum comfort, it’s important to make sure there is plenty of cushion. Not only will it feel the best on your bum, but it will be easier on your lower back if you maintain a proper position. Also, many of the heavy duty trikes we’ve identified below feature seats that are extra wide, another crucial element for heavier cyclists.

It’s also important to note that when it comes to comfort, the bike tires should be fully inflated so that your have an easy, smooth ride. You don’t want to work any harder than you have to in order to pedal and keep moving. We have an article on the best comfort bikes that you may want to check out.

Gears

Gears will make a big difference for you depending on the terrain you will be cycling. If the majority of your rides will be on greenways or generally flat roads, then a single speed trike will be the way to go. However, if you will be going up and down hills a lot, then perhaps you should consider something with multiple speeds. The ability to shift gears will make it substantially easier to get up hills, but it’s important to note that the trikes with multiple gears will require more maintenance than a single speed trike. We feature both single, three speed and seven speed adult trike options in our reviews below, so it’s up to you to determine what makes the most sense for you. You may also like our guide on bike pedal straps.

Wheels

The great thing about a tricycle as opposed to a bike is perhaps the most obvious thing about them: they have three wheels instead of two. A three wheel bike has the ability to handle a higher weight capacity and is much easier for heavier people to balance, providing better stability and security. A great feature of most tricycles featured below is the option for wheel size based on your height. To ensure a comfortable ride, you want to make sure you choose the appropriate size wheel. If you are into Fixie tires, then see our Fixie bicycle tires guide.

Cost

Tricycles are becoming less of an item we associate with children and more of products we associate with adults. Because the competition in the industry is growing, you can get a good, heavy duty adult tricycle that doesn’t break the bank. Things like the quality of the tricycle components, as well as included accessories will play a role in how much the trike costs. Sometimes a heavy duty trike with higher quality components will cost more up front, but will require less maintenance down the road, ultimately equaling out the total amount invested in the tricycle.

In terms of included accessories, it’s important to know how you will use your tricycle. Perhaps a rear basket is important to you for hauling around your groceries or luggage. Or maybe something like a bell or water bottle holder is an important accessory for you. If so, then you’ll want to be sure and select one of the heavy duty tricycles we’ve highlighted that comes with these items. Of course, those accessories can usually be purchased separately, either at the time of your tricycle purchase or at a later date.


Final Thoughts

It can certainly be hard to find an adult tricycle that’s strong enough to handle your body weight when you are a heavier adult between 300 – 500 lbs. But, it’s not impossible. We find the stability that trikes offers over bikes is incredibly valuable when you are a larger adult, making them the perfect option for working out or simply commuting around town. Not to mention, they are just fun to ride and functional with their ability to carry your groceries or other items.

With hours of research, we sought out to find the best heavy duty tricycle for adults and we believe we did it. Not only will the Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle keep you feeling supported and comfortable during your ride, it will be a trike that you can use for a long time due to its durability and heavy duty construction. We think it’s the perfect every day cruiser trike that will make you want to get outside and enjoy a ride every day. So what are you waiting for?

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  

  • Features: Durable and lightweight trike from a reputable brand for the everyday rider.
  • Benefits: Easy and comfortable bike known for its durability.
  •  
Check Latest Price

  • Features: Industrial three speed trike perfect for hauling large gear.
  • Benefits: Adjustable and comfortable for a larger rider.
  •  
Check Latest Price

  • Features: Rugged seven speed trike with mountain rims and tires.
  • Benefits: High weight capacity and stability for larger cyclists.
  •  
Check Latest Price

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Austin Mills

Austin Mills in an outdoor enthusiast. He's been featured on some of the top outdoor & fitness blogs sharing his expertise in order to help others. In his free time, he likes spending time with his dogs enjoying the outdoors.