Best Foldable Tricycle For Adults [year]: Top 4 Folding Trikes

If you are looking for a stylish yet comfortable way to get around town, you might want to consider a folding adult tricycle. When you get to your destination, you’ll be able to collapse it down into a compact trike package, making it easy to store. 

My favorite foldable tricycle for adults is the SLSY 7-speed because it’s compact and easy to fold while providing exceptional performance. Thanks to the high carrying capacity, you should be able to use it to carry your shopping.

On the other hand, if you travel long distances or live in a hilly area, you might want to consider the 3Score Electric Fat Trike. It comes with a motor, providing pedal assistance during steep sections. 

Here’s my favourite folding tricycles best on testing, research and my experience as a tricycle mechanic (paid links):

Of course, trying to find a suitable adult tricycle for your needs can be a little tricky. There are many aspects that you will need to think about. Read on to understand better what is available and the types of features you should be looking for.

Are Folding Adult Tricycles Good?

Folding tricycles are good for adults who need a trike that offers stability and safety when riding, can fold away easily to be more compact, and can carry heavier loads.

The advantages of tricycles that fold include the following: 

1. It can carry additional weight. Tricycles are known for their high carrying capacity. This can be ideal for those wishing to use tricycles for their shopping or for heavier adults who might not be able to use a folding bicycle. 
2. Stability and safety. Unlike a bicycle, tricycles are very stable. This makes trikes easy to ride, mount and dismount. 
3. Compact nature. Tricycles can be a little bulky, but a folding item will be easy to store. This is a good choice for people who don’t have a lot of storage space available, like those living in an apartment. 

How Do You Fold A Tricycle?

To fold an adult tricycle, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Lower the seat
2. Position the pedals, so they don’t get in the way when folding.
3. Locate the central hinge, which should be in the middle of the frame
4. Loosen the hinge
5. Fold the trike, then tighten the central hinge so it stays folded.

It should be noted that the exact method you use to fold a tricycle can vary a little, depending on the hinge structure.

For example, you might have to remove the handlebars to get them into a compact size. So, if your model is different, you will need to consult the owner’s manual. This will lay out the steps you need to follow.

The good news is that most tricycles can be folded and unfolded reasonably quickly. Ideally, you should be able to be on your way in under a minute.

Let’s take a closer look at my favorite folding adult trikes so that you can find the best model for you. 

Best Folding Tricycle For Adults: Slsy 7 Speed

Slsy Folding Tricycle Review

There are many reasons to like using the Slsy 7-Speed. Let’s start with its exceptional performance, particularly in hilly areas. Thanks to the Shimano gears, it was always easy to shift up or down, with the gear change feeling smooth.

Due to its heavy weight, I’d recommend avoiding steep inclines. 

Traveling on this trike is comfortable. It has a front fender to protect you from mud on rainy days. Plus, there is some suspension on the front of the bike. This takes some of the bounce out of rocky roads so that you can enjoy a smoother ride. 

The Slsy 7-speed has been solidly constructed.

It has a strong steel frame, which comes with a lifelong warranty. The handlebars and saddle are padded, making it a good choice for a longer ride. I also found it easy to adjust the handlebars. When you’re done riding, folding it up should be a breeze with a central hinge. 

The only major downside I experienced with the Slsy tricycle was the assembly process.

The instructions that came with the bike weren’t overly helpful. Because of this, I had to turn to this YouTube video to help me put it together.

If assembly gets too complex, you might need to visit a local bike shop to help you assemble them. 

Best Electric Folding Tricycle For Adults: 3SCORE Electric Fat Trike

3Score Electric Fat Trike Review

Sometimes, an electric folding trike will be the best option. This allows you to rely on the motor when traveling uphill.

I was very impressed with the 3Score’s motor performance.

It has a relatively long battery life, with a screen allowing you to monitor the status of the battery. You’ll also be monitoring your trip, following the miles you have completed and the speed you are doing.  

Furthermore, there are multiple settings on the 750W motor.

Over flat ground, it’s easy to keep the level of battery support to a minimum. But you can turn it up to max when going uphill or carrying a heavy load.

Plus, it has seven gears to make it easier to get up hilly ground.

You should find it easy to travel over 30 miles per hour at this level. But you should be aware that there might be speed limits placed on bikes. In most cases, this will be 20 miles an hour. 

There are a few other features that an electric motor can provide. For example, you will have electric blinkers and a horn. This can come in handy when driving in the traffic on a busy city street. 

I was also impressed by the performance of the bike. The fat tires allow you to take it along a broader range of terrain. You shouldn’t have any problems tackling sand or dirt. 

Fat tires will add more traction and slow you down along paved city streets. Furthermore, the low profile gives you more stability, particularly when you are going around the corner. 

But there is a downside to using an electric motor. It will add additional weight to the bike. This trike weighs 99 pounds, making it harder for you to lift and store.

The battery will need five hours to charge and require you to attach a USB.

This isn’t a problem after a shorter day trip, as you can charge up at home. But it might be a problem going on a longer, multi-day ride. 

Another significant issue is that installing the mechanical motor will be more complex. As a result, you will need to pay a higher cost to purchase the bike. 

Best Folding Trike For Women: Lillypelle

Lillypelle Tricycle Review

There are many things I love about the Lillypelle trike. First, it is easy to control, even if you are new to riding trikes. For example, both the front and rear wheels have brakes. As a result, you won’t have any trouble slowing the bike down as you are going around a tight corner. 

Furthermore, the Lillypelle folding trike is easy to adjust, to suit your needs better.

For example, you will easily be able to change the way the handlebars are set up. It also has a quick-release seat, which automatically adjusts when you sit down. 

I think this tricycle would be best used for short trips around the town, using paved roads.

The basket on the back makes it easy to transport shopping.

Fold And Go Tricycle For Adults: True Fold And Go Trike

Fold and Go Trike Review

This Fold And Go could be a great option if you need a basic folding trike. It is straightforward to customize to ensure the bike is right for you.

For example, you can opt to add additional features, like upgrading the gear system. Though these will come at an additional price, the $450 price for the base model is a relatively good place to start. 

I also liked the lightweight and compact nature of this bike.

It weighs 47 pounds, which is significantly less than the other options on the market. Plus, it’s relatively easy to fold. If you need help, the manufacturer has a YouTube video showing you how to fold and unfold the bike. 

Furthermore, it has a smaller wheelbase.

This is good for shorter riders, making it easy to get on and off. But it might make for a slightly uncomfortable ride for taller people.

Also, this bike is easy to maneuver, particularly around tight corners.

While the 20-inch wheels do provide some protection from bumps in the road, it might be best to avoid taking it on rougher terrain. This will be a good choice if you want a compact trike to ride around town. 

While this part might be uncomplicated, you might have some issues with the assembly process. Some people have reported that their bikes only contained the components but didn’t come with any instructions.

Unfortunately, unlike with more popular models, there aren’t many YouTube videos you can turn to.

Because of this, you might have to pay extra to take it to a local bike shop and get them to assemble it for you. 

Lightweight Folding Tricycle for Adults: CarryAll Tricycle

If you are looking for a light, easy-to-fold adult trike, the CarryAll Tricycle is the ideal option for you. It weighs just 22.7 pounds, significantly less than the other models that we have looked at.

The small 8-inch wheel makes it easy to fold into a compact package.

CarryAll Tricycle Review

You should be able to slide it under the bed or store it upright in a cupboard. The folding mechanism is a little more complicated than other options on this list. 

The good news is that the frame is pretty sturdy, so it can last long.

But it was made to be as light as possible. This means it is a single speed to eliminate the cost of installing a gear system. However, this means that you will only be able to use it on relatively flat ground, as the smaller wheels will make it harder to get up a hill. 

There are a few other potential drawbacks that you should consider.

First, the wheels are only eight inches. This means you will need to take care to avoid any bumps in the road. If you hit a pothole, you’ll feel it. Plus, it means that you can only use it in the city. 

Another critical element to consider is the carrying capacity.

At just 176 pounds, it won’t be suitable for heavier riders. Plus, the functionality takes a hit. While there is a small platform on the back, this bike won’t be ideal for carrying your shopping.  

This might be the right choice if you want a compact bike to ride around the city.

But I wouldn’t recommend the CarryAll tricycle if you live in a hilly area or are looking for a trike you can take on a shopping trip. 

5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Folding Trike For Adults

As we’ve seen, many types of folding trikes are available on the market. So how can you find the right kind of vehicle for you? Here are some important things you should consider.  

1. Riding Performance

You want to feel comfortable when riding your trike. There are a few elements that will impact riding performance, including: 

• Size of the wheels. With larger wheels, you will find it harder to get it up to the top speed. But it will be easier to maintain your momentum. Furthermore, larger wheels will provide better protection against bumps in the road. 
• Stability. Most of the time, trikes are praised for their stability. But this can come undone when you are turning around a tight corner. If you are concerned about this, you might consider a recumbent or semi-recumbent bike. 
• The number of gears. Adult trikes can struggle when going uphill. Because of this, you will need to choose a model with a wide gear inches range, especially if you prefer riding at a more relaxed pace or living in a hilly area. 
• Padded seat. I recommend choosing a trike with a comfortable, padded seat if you plan on riding over a long distance. 

2. Folded Size

The next element to consider is how large it will be when folded. Two key factors will influence this element. First is the folding mechanism. It’s common for the front of the trike to fold in half. The next thing to consider is the wheel size.

Smaller wheels will make the bike more compact. 

3. Foldability

When examining the folding mechanism, consider how easy it will be to use. Ideally, you should be able to get the bike folded and unfolded within less than a minute. Most of the time, it will only take about 30 seconds. 

4. Value For Money

No one wants to end up overpaying for their bike. Though it’s best to pay for a high-quality model. This will ensure that it lasts for a long time. Ideally, it should come with a warranty. 

5. Weight

Lastly, consider how much the bike will weigh. This ensures that you can lift it to put it into storage if needed. It’s also a good idea to consider how much weight it can carry.

How We Picked The Best Foldable Tricycle for Adults

I am an experienced bicycle mechanic and former cycling athlete who has also previously undertaken extensive research and testing of tricycles, which gave me a great starting point for researching the specific considerations for folding trikes.

I spent over 60 hours performing online research on folding adult tricycle manufacturers. Next, I created five key criteria that I would rate and evaluate against:

1. Performance (this includes consideration of factors such as wheel size, quality of components, number of gears, comfort for long-distance rides, etc.)
2. Folded size
3. Ease of foldability
4. Value for money
5. Tricycle weight

Our Testing Process

Testing involved a combination of test rides, research, and desktop comparisons. I tested each folding trike in a range of conditions to compare them against each other.

Finally, I compiled a summary of all my findings:

#	Foldable Tricycle	Performance	Folded Size	Foldability	Value for Money	Weight	Overall
1	Slsy 7 speed	80%	75%	80%	85%	85%	81%
2	3SCORE Electric Fat Trike	85%	75%	80%	70%	70%	76%
3	Viribus 26 Inch	75%	70%	80%	80%	70%	75%
4	True Fold and Go Trike	75%	70%	80%	75%	85%	77%
5	CarryAll Tricycle	65%	90%	75%	80%	90%	80%

Final Thoughts

Trying to find a suitable folding trike can be a challenge. But it’s important to consider what is important to you. If you prize performance, consider the Slsy or 3Score trikes.

The Virburus is best for simplicity, while the True Fold and Go gives you lots of customization options. For those who want portability, CarryAll might be the best option.