At Rifton we believeeveryone deserves the chance to ride. Biking is more than just recreational; it’s therapeutic. We know the health benefits that come with cycling, especially for children with disabilities – improved leg strength, posture, balance and range of motion. We’ve also seen how it helps their socialization, their engagement with friends and family. Adaptive tricycles help non-ambulatory people experience the joy and freedom of independent movement.
In the forty years that we’ve been making adaptive tricycles, we’ve sought continually to make our designs more accessible and functional. The new Rifton Adaptive Tricycle brings our experience and your input together with cutting-edge materials and technology to create the ultimate ride. It is sleek, rugged, adaptable and a whole lot of fun.
Thankfully, even insurers and other funding sources are beginning to recognize that for a person with disabilities, a trike is far more than merely recreational; an adaptive tricycle is often medically necessaryfor someone who cannot walk independently or who sits for long hours in a wheelchair.
Therapeutic Benefitsof biking:
Lower extremity strengthening
Reciprocal leg motion patterning
Balancing skills
Using visual spatial perception for steering
Social Interaction with peersand neighbors
Benefits of using the Adaptive Tricycle:
No-tool adjustments
Components such as the trunk support system, caregiver brake, and rear steering handle customize the tricycle to meet your child or chielt's needs
Features
Riding a bike is part of childhood, and this bike for children with special needs aims to provide that exhilarating experience to every child. We’ve thought through all the features – from the supportive backrest to the low transfer step – that will make this tricycle as accommodating as possible. Use the slides below to learn more about Adaptive Tricycles.
Seat adjustability
Theseat depthadjusts easily with a knob underneath.
Available for the large tricycle only.
The seatglides up and downon a low-friction rail with height indications marked in increments. This rider pushes with his feet to help his caregiver raise the seat.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Theseat depthadjusts easily with a knob underneath.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Carbon fiber drive belt
Thecarbon fiber drive beltwill not rust or stretch, and will last at least five times longer than a bicycle chain.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Variable resistance & parking brake
The easily engaged parking brake grips both back wheels and keeps the Adaptive Trike firmly in place.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Variable pedal resistance:The adjustable brake can provide drag or lock the wheels for safe transfer.
Available for the large tricycle only.
The easily engaged parking brake grips both back wheels and keeps the Adaptive Trike firmly in place.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Easy access
The low step, flip-away handlebar and removable laterals make transfers easy.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
The laterals and handlebar swing away foreasy transfers.
Available for the large tricycle only.
The laterals on the Adaptive Tricycle swing away foreasy transfers.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Open access combined with a low transfer step make it easy to get on and off the trike.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
The low step, flip-away handlebar and removable laterals make transfers easy.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Backrest angle
Backrest angle:Position the backrest vertically or at a 7½° or 15° recline.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Adjustable pedals
With the hook and loop straps on the self-leveling pedals, feet are secure. Your client can ride unaided and have healthy exercise and fun.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
The pedalsadjust forward and backwardon a pedal crank to position the rider’s feet. The straps, adjustable using snaps and slots, can be secured at any location on the edge of the pedal. The sandals can be removed to reveal standard bike pedals underneath.
Available for the large tricycle only.
There is a heel stop on the back of the sandal.
Thepedals with sandalsshown in use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Use thepedal raise kitto accomodate leg length discrepancy. The pedal raise kit includes two blocks and two longer bolts with knobs.
Available for the large tricycle only.
With the hook and loop straps on the self-leveling pedals, feet are secure. Your client can ride unaided and have healthy exercise and fun.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
The Benefits:
Accessories
Handlebars
Large Loop Handlebars:
The paddedloop handlebarhas extra adjustability. It can flip up to help with transfers.
Available for the medium and large tricycles only.
Conventional Handlebars:
A stylishconventional handlebarthat flips up to help with transfers.
Available for the medium and large tricycles only.
Back Support
Large Backrest Pad
Thebackrest padis great for clients who need less support.
Dimensions Width:11" Height:6"
Trunk Support
Thetrunk supportstabilizes a rider with low trunk control, and comes with a butterfly harness for anterior support. Laterals and a headrest can be added as well.
Dimensions Width:16" Height:16"
Available for the medium and large tricycles only.
Headrest
Contoured Fixed Headrest:
Thecontoured-fixed headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically for positioning.
Dimensions:9" x 5"
Note:Requires trunk support
Contoured Adjustable Headrest:
Thecontoured-adjustable headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically and horizontally using Rifton’s unique two-knob adjustment system.
Dimensions:9" x 5"
Note:Requires trunk support
Flat Headrest:
Theflat headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically and horizontally using Rifton’s unique two-knob adjustment system.
Dimensions:9" x 5"
Note:Requires trunk support
Winged Headrest:
Thewinged headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically and horizontally using Rifton’s unique two-knob adjustment system. The side wing pads adjust from almost flat to 90°.
Dimensions:16" x 5" when flat to 6" between wings at 90°
Note:Requires trunk support
Large Laterals:
Thelateralsslide in tracks on the back of the trunk support. They have independent vertical, width and angle adjustment, and can swing out of the way for transfers.
Dimensions:5" x 6"
Note:Requires trunk support
Available for the medium and large tricycles only.
Rear Handles
Push Handle:
Thepush handlecan be ordered with or without the caregiver brake. It allows the caregiver to assist the rider and control the tricycle’s speed.
Push Handle Wth Rear Brake:
Thepush handlecan be ordered with or without the caregiver brake. It allows the caregiver to assist the rider and control the tricycle’s speed.
Rear Steer:
The rear steer can be ordered with or without the caregiver brake. It lets a caregiver aid in steering the tricycle from behind, giving the rider a feeling of independence.
Rear Steer With Brake:
The rear steer can be ordered with or without the caregiver brake. It lets a caregiver aid in steering the tricycle from behind, giving the rider a feeling of independence.
Hand Anchors:
Thehand anchorsprovide soft, comfortable support for users who have difficulty keeping their hands on the handlebars.
Dimensions:fits hand length of 6" or over
Front Guide Bar:
The front guide bar lets a caregiver guide the tricycle from the front. It enables eye contact between the caregiver and rider.
Front Handbrake:
Thefront handbrakegives riders control over their speed and conveniently locks for parking. It is an option for left- or right-hand use, and can be installed on both conventional and loop handlebars.
Note:Factory installation recommended
Large Abductor:
The abductor separates the knees and helps to control spastic muscles that cause leg scissoring. It is adjustable forward and back with depth markings.
Large Adductor:
The abductor with adduction straps. The adduction straps attach to rods on the abductor pad, and provide a comfortable lateral boundary for a client’s knees to maintain proper body and joint alignment.
Large Pelvic Harness:
Rifton’s uniquepelvic harnessfirmly positions a client’s pelvis, securing hips and upper thighs without pressure on the abdomen. It provides a stable, comfortable base for postural control and encourages proper alignment of the spine. It also controls extreme extensor spasticity that can result in sacral sitting.
Max. thigh circumference: 31"
Pedal Raise Kit:
Thepedal raise kitincludes two blocks and two longer bolts with knobs. Stack them singly or in pairs to accomodate leg length discrepancy.
Block thickness:½"
Stationary Stand:
The stationary stand converts any Rifton tricycle into a stationary trainer for pedaling practice or rainy-day activity.
Mounting Bar:
Themounting barclips to the center of the handlebar and provides a place to attach a device mount. Great for communication devices.
Mounting bar diameter:⅞"
Front Basket:
The front basket is a convenient storage space for small items.
Puncture proof wheels
Tricycles have puncture proof BMX-type wheels. A low gear ratio makes pedaling easier for beginners and slows down speeders.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
The sturdywheelsare manufactured with solid polyurethane foam tires.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Tricycles have puncture proof BMX-type wheels. A low gear ratio makes pedaling easier for beginners and slows down speeders.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Rear basket
There’s a tote box at the back of your trike for storage or for transporting items.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Therear basketcomes with every tricycle and is useful for storage or transportation. It is big enough to hold the stationary stand.
Available for the large tricycle only.
There’s a tote box at the back of your trike for storage or for transporting items.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Easy Transport
When collapsed, the tricycle can fit into the back of a minivan for transport.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Remove the rear wheels and front end, and flip down the backrest foreasy transport.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Remove the rear wheelsfor easy transport.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Remove the front endfor easy transport.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Flip down the backrestfor easy transport.
Available for the large tricycle only.
When collapsed, the tricycle can fit into the back of a minivan for transport.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Colors
The Adaptive Tricycle inpink.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Carmakers believe in the long-term benefits of baked-on powder coating. So do we. Designed to stand up to wind and weather, our colors also conform to American and European toy safety standards.
The large Adaptive Tricycle is available infive colors: blue, red, teal, black and white.
Components
Scroll below to learn more about the components of the Adaptive Tricycle.
Handlebars
Loosening the oval knob on the steering column allows the handlebar to be raised and lowered. Tightening the knob locks it in place.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
A stylishconventional handlebarthat flips up to help with transfers.
Available for the large tricycle only.
The paddedloop handlebarhas extra adjustability. It can flip up to help with transfers.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Choose a straight handlebar with conventional handgrips or a padded loop handlebar for extra support. Learn more about the features and benefits of these handlebars in the next slides.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only
The height-adjustable straight handlebar for Adaptive Tricycles has standard handgrips.
The handbrake is an optional accessory for the medium trike R130. A handbrake is not available for the small trike R120.
Note:Factory installation recommended.
The foam-padded loop handlebar adjusts in height and positions at any angle.
The handbrake attaches anywhere on the foam-padded loop handlebar. It is an optional accessory for the medium trike R130. A handbrake is not available for the small trike R120.
Note:Factory installation recommended.
Two oval knobs on the loop handlebar allow it to be set at the angle most comfortable for the user.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Loosening the oval knob on the steering column allows the handlebar to be raised and lowered. Tightening the knob locks it in place.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thetrunk supportstabilizes a rider with low trunk control, and comes with a butterfly harness for anterior support. Laterals and a headrest can be added as well.
Dimensions:width:16",height:16"
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thetrunk supportin use.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thetrunk supportstabilizes a rider with poor trunk control. The back rest adjusts for height and seat depth, and laterals can be removed for transfer. A butterfly harness provides anterior support.
One size only:14" wide x 15½" high
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thetrunk support systemshown on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Upgrading your old Rifton Adaptive Tricycle?If you are purchasing a trunk support system for your existing tricycle, be sure to include a new-style backrest tube with handle in your order, as it will not retrofit onto the old-style backrest tubes.
Backrest pad
Thebackrest padcan be adjusted vertically using a simple knob in the back.
Thebackrest padis great for clients who need less support.
Thebackrest pad for the large tricycleshown.
Dimensions:width:11",height:6"
Thebackrest pad for the small and medium tricycles.
Dimensions:width:11",height:6"
Thebackrest padcan be adjusted vertically using a simple knob in the back.
The largeseatinstalled on the Adaptive Tricycle, with a seat belt.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Seatsare made of soft foam for comfort, and include a seat belt.
Available for the medium and large tricycles only.
The largeseaton the Adaptive Tricycle, in use.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Seats are made with comfort and safety in mind. For the small R120 and medium R130 models, choose your size:
Small:10" wide x 10" long Large:16" wide x 12" long
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Headrests
Thewinged headrestshown on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Choose between winged, contoured-adjustable, flat or contoured-fixedheadrests. They adjust horizontally and vertically for optimal positioning and attach to the trunk support system, tool-free.
Flat and contoured:9" x 5" Winged:16" x 5" when flat to 6" between wings at 90°
Note:All headrests require trunk support
Thewinged headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically and horizontally using Rifton’s unique two-knob adjustment system. The side wing pads adjust from almost flat to 90°.
Dimensions:16" x 5" when flat to 6" between wings at 90°
Note:Requires trunk support
Thecontoured-adjustable headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically and horizontally using Rifton’s unique two-knob adjustment system.
Dimensions:9" x 5"
Note:Requires trunk support
Theflat headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically and horizontally using Rifton’s unique two-knob adjustment system.
Dimensions:9" x 5"
Note:Requires trunk support
Thecontoured-fixed headrestattaches to the trunk support system, tool-free, and adjusts vertically for positioning.
Dimensions:9" x 5"
Note:Requires trunk support
Thewinged headrestshown on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Laterals
Thelateralsshown in use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thelateralsslide in tracks on the back of the trunk support. They have independent vertical, width and angle adjustment, and can swing out of the way for transfers.
Dimensions:5" x 6"
Note:Requires trunk support
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thelateralscan swing away, making transfers easy.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thelateralsshown in use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Push handle
Thepush handlein use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thepush handlecan be ordered with or without the caregiver brake. It allows the caregiver to assist the rider and control the tricycle’s speed.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Therear handbrakegives the caregiver control over the rider’s speed and is an option for left- or right-hand use. It can be installed on both push handles and rear steering bars.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thepush handlein use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Rear steer
Therear steering barshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Therear steercan be ordered with or without the caregiver brake. It lets a caregiver aid in steering the tricycle from behind, giving the rider a feeling of independence.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Therear steerwith the caregiver brake in use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Therear steerin use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Therear steering barlets a caregiver guide the tricycle from behind, providing the rider with a feeling of greater independence. It’s ideal for beginners who can’t steer themselves.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Therear steering barshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Hand anchors
Thehand anchorin use on the conventional handlebar.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thehand anchorsprovide soft, comfortable support for users who have difficulty keeping their hands on the handlebars.
Dimensions:fits hand length of 6" or over
Available for the large tricycle only.
Securing thehand anchoron the loop handlebar.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thehand anchorin use on the conventional handlebar.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Front handbrake
Thehandbrakeattaches to the handlebar.
Available for the medium tricycle only.
Thefront handbrakegives riders control over their speed and conveniently locks for parking. It is an option for left- or right-hand use, and can be installed on both conventional and loop handlebars.
Note:Factory installation recommended
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thefront handbrakein use on the loop handlebar.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thehandbrakeis an option for the medium tricycle. It attaches anywhere on the padded loop handlebar. Factory installation recommended.
Thehandbrakeattaches to the handlebar.
Available for the medium tricycle only.
Front guide bar
Thefront guide barshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thefront guide barlets a caregiver guide the tricycle from the front. It enables eye contact between the caregiver and rider.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thefront guide barshown on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thefront guide barin use.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thefront guide barshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Abductor
Theabductorshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Theabductorseparates the knees and helps to control spastic muscles that cause leg scissoring. It is adjustable forward and back with depth markings.
Available for the large tricycle only.
The abductor installed on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
The abductor in use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Theabductorprovides comfortable abduction if needed. Just set it in place, tool-free. The medium size is height adjustable with a snap button.
Abductor height:small 17", med 19½" – 23½" Pad height:small 8", med 8" Pad length:small 8½", med 8½" Pad width:small 1½", med 1½"
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Theabductorshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Adductor
Theadductorin use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Theabductor with adduction straps. The adduction straps attach to rods on the abductor pad, and provide a comfortable lateral boundary for a client’s knees to maintain proper body and joint alignment.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Theadductorinstalled on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Theadductorin use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Pelvic harness
Thepelvic harnessin use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Rifton’s uniquepelvic harnessfirmly positions a client’s pelvis, securing hips and upper thighs without pressure on the abdomen. It provides a stable, comfortable base for postural control and encourages proper alignment of the spine. It also controls extreme extensor spasticity that can result in sacral sitting.
Thepelvic harnesspositioned on the seat of the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thepelvic harnessin use on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Pedal raise kit
Thepedal raise kitin use.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thepedal raise kitincludes two blocks and two longer bolts with knobs. Stack them singly or in pairs to accomodate leg length discrepancy.
Block thickness:½"
Available for the large tricycle only.
Assembling thepedal raise kit.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thepedal raise kitin use.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Stationary stand
Thestationary standshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thestationary standconverts any Rifton tricycle into a stationary trainer for pedaling practice or rainy-day activity.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thestationary standshown with the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thestationary standelevates the back wheels of the tricycle, enabling a client to pedal in place and exercise her lower extremities. As her muscles move through the cycling motions, they are flexed, extended and stretched. The variable pedal resistance allows the caregiver to adjust the effort level as desired.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thestationary standconverts any Rifton Adaptive Tricycle into a stationary trainer for pedaling practice or a rainy-day activity.
Raises rear axle:6⅜", 7⅜" or 9"
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thestationary standshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Mounting bar or communication tray
Thecommunication trayshown on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Themounting bar(for device holder) clips to the center of the handlebar and provides a place to attach a device mount. Great for communication devices.
Mounting bar diameter:⅞"
Available for the large tricycle only.
Themounting barclips onto the handlebar of the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Themounting barin use on the Adaptive Tricycle. It is ideal for attaching a communication device.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thecommunication trayis easy to clean and designed to hold many things, including a communication device.
It comes in two sizes: Small tray(8½" x 12½") fits the small, medium and large trikes. Large tray(11½" x 12½") fits the medium and large trikes.
Max. working load:Small10 lbs. /Large15 lbs.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thecommunication trayshown on the Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Front basket
Thefront basketin use on the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thefront basketis a convenient storage space for small items.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thefront basketshown on the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Thefront basketin use on the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Front pulley
Thefront pulleyshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thefront pulleymaintains a level pedal position for riders whose extreme tone forces the front of the pedal downward.
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Thefront pulleyshown on the Adaptive Tricycle
Available for the small and medium tricycles only.
Outdoor cover
Theoutdoor coverin use.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Theoutdoor coveris weather- and water-resistant for storing your tricycle outside.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Theoutdoor coverin use.
Available for the large tricycle only.
Sizes & Dimensions
Use this dimensions chartto help you make the right choice for your client.
Important:User’s weight must not exceed the maximum working load. Adaptive Tricycles are not intended for clients with strong reflexes or poorly developed trunk balance and poor head control.