Products Adaptive Tricycle
A girl rides on a small teal Rifton Adaptive Tricycle.
Mobility

Adaptive Tricycle

Exercise with all the fun of riding

Adaptive Tricycle: Features Components Sizing Resources Build

Freedom to Ride. Strength to Grow.

At Rifton, we believe every child deserves to experience the joy of 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.

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 bike is an important part of childhood, and this adaptive trike aims to provide a similar experience for every child. This thoughtfully engineered tricycle for special needs children 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 Seat adjustability
  • 2 Carbon fiber drive belt
  • 3 Variable resistance & parking brake
  • 4 Easy access
  • 5 Backrest angle
  • 6 Adjustable pedals
  • 7 Puncture proof wheels
  • 8 Rear basket
  • 9 Easy Transport
  • 10 Colors
The Rifton Adaptive Tricycle in teal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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
Large trunk support component for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Trunk support
Large backrest pad for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Backrest pad
Seat options for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Seats
Headrest options for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Headrests
Large laterals for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Laterals
Push handle with rear brake for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Push handle
Rear steering handle with rear handbrake for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Rear steer
Large hand anchors for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Hand anchors
Front handbrake for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Front handbrake
Front guide bar for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Front guide bar
Large abductor for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Abductor
Abductor with straps for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Abductor with adduction straps
Pelvic harness for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
New! Pelvic harness
Pedal raise kit for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Pedal raise kit
Stationary stand for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Stationary stand
Mounting bar for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Mounting bar (for device holder)
Front basket for the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
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)

 

sizing image

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

A small blue Rifton Tricycle X320 Small Adaptive Tricycle
Inside leg length :

12 – 22
Build
A teal medium Rifton Tricycle X330 Medium Adaptive Tricycle
Inside leg length :

19 – 28
Build
A large red Rifton Tricycle X340 Large Adaptive Tricycle
Inside leg length :

25 – 38
Build
Related Articles
A boy sits on a trike while his caregiver smiles and claps with him.
Article
Adaptive Tricycle Funding Resources
A bike is the quintessence of childhood happiness. But for a child with disabilities, we think it’s a medical necessity. Beyond the joy and exhilaration of free-wheeling movement, the opportunity for reciprocal lower extremity…
A girl rides on a Rifton Adaptive Tricycle while her caretaker steers from behind.
Article
It Started with a Bike
As pediatric therapists involved in the school special interest group of the APTA Pediatrics, our goal is to improve the success and quality of life of children with medical complexity in the classroom and beyond.
A young woman uses the steering bar on the Rifton Pacer gait trainer to guide the walking of a young boy.
Article
Mobility and Fitness Interventions for Children and Adults with Medical Complexity
Children with medical complexity benefit from use of supportive walkers and gait trainers...
Article
Evidence Update: Finally, a Compelling Case for Coverage for Adaptive Bikes
Health insurance coverage for adaptive bikes has been rare at best, and this needs to change. A recent policy brief effectively dismantles the policy flaws surrounding adaptive cycling and provides regulatory and legislative paths to…
View more related articles
Related Videos
A mother and father help their daughter get on a Rifton Tricycle.
Video
Adaptive Tricycles Can Change Lives: The Zwiercan Family Tell Their Story
The Zwiercan family describe the joy of seeing their daughter ride her adaptive tricycle for the first time, and explain the importance of protecting and expanding access to adaptive equipment for children with disabilities.
The rear steer shown on a Rifton Adaptive Tricycle
Video
Adding Rear Steering to Your Rifton Tricycle
With the rear steer modification kit, adding rear steer functionality to your Rifton Adaptive Tricycle is a breeze!
A girl pedals a Rifton Adaptive Tricycle while her caretaker walks behind her.
Video
Adaptive Cycling as an Effective Intervention
This 35-minute webinar provides an introduction to adaptive cycling as an effective intervention for individuals with disabilities.
View more related videos

Related Products

Mobility

Pacer Gait Trainer

Better than a traditional walker, the Pacer gait trainer offers a range of functional weight-bearing assistance options to improve ambulation.
Sitting

Activity Chair

Adaptive seating to meet the needs of clients of all ages and diagnoses with our hi/lo or standard base options and positioning components.
Standing

Mobile Stander

A mobile prone stander for children with ambulatory disabilities, the Mobile Stander provides partial weight-bearing support while enabling mobility in an upright position.
Back to top