Mobility

Adaptive Tricycle

Exercise with all the fun of riding a bike

Freedom to Ride. Strength to Grow.

At Rifton, we believe every child deserves to experience the joy and freedom of bike riding. Our adaptive tricycle is more than fun— it’s a tool for growth, inclusion, and movement. Whether for school, therapy, or home, this special needs tricycle is designed to make independent mobility possible for children and teens who can’t use a standard bike.

Rest when you need it, ride when you're ready!

We’re excited to announce a new freewheel feature for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle! The freewheel allows caregivers to disconnect the pedals from the drivetrain so the tricycle can coast while the pedals stay stationary. This allows the rider to rest when tired or needing to be transported quickly, while remaining seated on the tricycle. The tricycle can switch between drive mode and freewheel mode easily with the flick of a switch near the rear wheels.

We’ve also added new high traction tires designed to improve wheel traction on outdoor surfaces such as gravel, woodchips, dirt or mud. They improve the experience of pedaling and steering for rougher outdoor activities, but roll equally well on hard, smooth surfaces due to a smooth center band.

See these new features in action.

A girl riding on a Rifton Adaptive Tricycle with the help of her mother.

Why Choose an Adaptive Bike?

Riding builds strength, balance, and confidence. And for many children with disabilities, such as limited mobility, an adaptive bike is a medically necessary device, not just a recreational extra.

We’ve seen the therapeutic benefits of special needs bikes. Cycling improves:

Lower extremity strengthening
Reciprocal leg motion patterning
Balance and core stability
Visual-motor coordination
Social engagement and confidence

With over 40 years of experience, the Rifton adaptive trike has been reimagined to meet the highest standards of accessibility, safety, and adjustability.

Download the Adaptive Tricycle brochure.

Key Features of the Rifton Adaptive Trike

Riding a bicycle is an important part of childhood, and this adaptive trike aims to provide a similar experience for every child. This thoughtfully engineered tricycle for children with special needs combines clinical insight with family-friendly design.

We've carefully designed every feature—from the supportive backrest to the low step for easy access—to make this tricycle as comfortable and accessible as possible. Use the slides below to learn more about Adaptive Tricycles.

1 Freewheel feature
2 Seat adjustability
3 Carbon fiber drive belt
4 Variable resistance & parking brake
5 Easy access
6 Backrest angle
7 Adjustable pedals
8 High traction wheels
9 Rear basket
10 Easy transport
11 Colors

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Components

Every part of the Rifton adaptive trike is purpose built for comfort, safety, and function. It’s an ideal tricycle for any special needs child, offering both therapeutic support and an enjoyable riding experience. Explore each component to see how this disability trike helps children ride with greater ease and confidence. Use the slides below to learn more about each component.

Handlebar options for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle

Handlebars

Trunk support

Backrest pad

Seat options for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle

Seats

Headrest options for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle

Headrests

Laterals

Push handle

Rear steer

Hand anchors

The front hand brake for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle

Front brakes

Front guide bar

Abductor

Abductor with adduction straps

Pelvic harness for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle

New! Pelvic harness

Pedal raise kit

Stationary stand

Mounting bar for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle

Mounting bar (for device holder)

Front basket

Large cover for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle

Outdoor cover

Choosing the Right Size

To ensure the best fit, select from our three sizes based on the rider's leg length. Their extended legs should reach the pedals comfortably from when both feet and torso are strapped into place.

Note: The user's weight must not exceed the maximum working load. Adaptive Tricycles are not intended for clients with strong reflexes, poorly developed trunk balance, or poor head control.

Key user dimensions (inches)

The client’s extended leg should reach comfortably from seat to pedal when both feet and torso are strapped into place.

X320 Small Adaptive Tricycle

Inside leg length :

12 – 22

Build Compare

X330 Medium Adaptive Tricycle

Inside leg length :

19 – 28

Build Compare

X340 Large Adaptive Tricycle

Inside leg length :

25 – 38

Build Compare

Item Dimensions (inches)	X320 Small Adaptive Tricycle	X330 Medium Adaptive Tricycle	X340 Large Adaptive Tricycle
Inside leg length	12 – 22	19 – 28	25 – 38
Overall width	25½	27½	31½
Overall length	44	53	65
Overall height (at lowest position with wheels/front end removed for transport)	21¼	21¼	30
Overall length with no rear handle (wheels and front end removed)	36	41	49
Overall length with rear handle (wheels and front end removed)	48	51	60
Wheel diameter	12	15	18
Seat center to extended pedal	12 – 22	19 – 28	25 – 36
Seat to top of trunk support	15 – 20	Small trunk support: 15 – 20 Large trunk support: 19 – 24	19 – 24
Gear ratio (approximate)	1:1	1:1	1:1
Seat sizes*	Small or medium	Medium or large	Large
Tray sizes†	n/a	n/a	n/a
Distance between laterals	6 – 12	Small trunk support: 6 – 12 Large trunk support: 9½ – 15½	9½ – 15½
Backrest pad height	5	5 (small) / 6 (large)	6
Backrest pad width	10	10 (small) / 14 (large)	14
Item weight (lb)	47	56	65
Maximum working load (lb)	125	250	310

*Seat sizes (inches)
	X324 small	X334 medium	X335 large
Length	8	10	12
Width	8	13	17

†Communication tray (inches)
Inside dimensions	small: 8½ x 12½ large: 11½ x 13½
Maximum working load (lbs)	small: 10 large: 15

Abductor dimensions (inches)
	X355 small	X356 medium	X357 large
Abductor height	n/a	n/a	n/a
Pad height	8	10	10
Pad length	3	4	4
Pad width	3	4	4

For more information about Adaptive Tricycles, view or download the Product Manual.

Resources for Therapists and Caregivers

Get the most from your adaptive bike with our downloadable resources:

Downloads

Adaptive Tricycle Order Form

Adaptive Tricycle Product Manual

Adaptive Tricycle Brochure

Adaptive Tricycle Sample Letter of Medical Necessity

Adaptive Tricycle Positioning Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance coverage varies by provider and plan. In some cases, adaptive tricycles may be covered when they are considered a medically necessary therapeutic mobility device with supporting documentation from a therapist or physician. Rifton offers resources, including a sample letter of medical necessity, to help families and clinicians explore funding options.

An adaptive tricycle is designed to provide additional support, stability, and adjustability for riders who cannot safely use a standard bike. Features such as trunk support, positioning components, and a stable three-wheel base help riders maintain alignment and participate more confidently and comfortably.

The Rifton Adaptive Tricycle is designed with transport in mind. Features like quick adjustments and removable components make it easier to fit into many vehicles. The best transport method will depend on the tricycle size and the vehicle, so caregivers may want to consider their specific setup.

Adaptive tricycles can fall into either category, depending on how they are prescribed and used. While they provide enjoyment and recreation, they can also serve therapeutic goals such as increasing muscle strength and tone, improving coordination, mobility, and range of motion. Classification often depends on funding sources and clinical justification.