Customer Reviews

Trikke Tech T8 Series 3-Wheeled Carving Scooter (Army Green)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've owned a T8 Trikke for about 3 years now and have not only enjoyed riding it but also getting a really good workout. I have the 'FAT' version(Front Air Tire) with polyurethane wheels on the back. For me this combination affords me excellent control without worrying about pebbles or other small obstacles in the road. The polyurethane wheels in the back allow for faster speeds. I ride mine on a track, located in a local city park, that's about a mile long. I endeavor to log at least twelve miles in my workouts utilizing my arms, shoulders, legs, and core muscles; a great cardio-workout!

My Husband had a heart attack 3 years ago. Dr's orders.. "Lose weight, do more cardio, cut out the fats, sweets and junk.. increase water intake". He really didn't do the cardio or weight loss thing, However he did drop all drinks except water and is on a better diet. A year later, he showed no improvement on his stress test. Doc was not happy. Repeated same advice.. Last year, he started to walk with me and the dog and lost a few pounds. Got a Vita mix and REALLY started to try healthier diet. This spring, blood work came back better, no real change on stress test. What a downer. So, he started to walk more, and would do 30 minutes 5 days a week walking up and down our stairs at the house. He's trying.
Late one night, I saw an infomercial for the Trike and it looked fun and easy. I could tell by the people using them they were REALLY using major muscle groups and breathing hard.. Money was tight, so I found a used one. The guy had bought it new and could'nt figure out the rhythm and coordination to find the "sweet spot".
I started to worry, what if it's harder to use and I am wasting money? My husband used to ride a skateboard 25 years ago so how much harder could it be?
So, one morning, He and I went out to the end of our road, onto the cul-de sac.. we live in a large gated equestrian communities where we have long paved roads, and houses are few and far between. We took turns in the
cul de sac for about an hour.. Not really getting "IT".. I decided to kick off and go in a straight line up the road... Thinking about the way the video explained to get it to move, I started to push off like I was on roller blades, leaning and pushing side to side.. SHOOM! I took off.. I'd hit the sweet spot and was moving! Fast! Our street is about a mile long and I went almost to the end ( having a little trouble on the turns) and off again, back to my husband.. The secret is to lean into the carve, like a skier or in line skater.. My husband jumped off, I was out of breath, but felt great. He had a little more trouble, because he wanted to be more upright like a skateboarder, but down the road he went and back up.. he was doing better coming back. Still stiffer, not really leaning, but he'd kept it going. It's a Trikke T8 Air..
I found another one this weekend and am buying it too, so we can carve together. The next day, I was sore..My sides (Obliques), my calves, my quads and my pecs were sore.. I had to take 2 aspirin. I had gotten a major multiple muscle group workout plus and had fun doing it. I got to travel outside, and not be stuck in a house or gym walking a treadmill or stat bike.. How boring.
This is one of the most fun contraptions I've ever ridden on. I have a bike, but would rather walk, and this is like walking super fast, only better. It's foldable and lightweight, so you can pack it on your back, or throw it in your trunk to go else where. Even though it has three rubber tires, it still tends to feel slippery on wet pavement.. don't do it when the pavement is wet..
It took about an hour to get the hang of it.. sort of.. but pace yourself, it sneaks up on you and you will pay for it later.. best thing to do, is take 2 aspirin/tylenol.. wait about 20 minutes and go use it for about 15 minutes to loosen those muscles back up..
Living in So. Florida.. we have nothing but flat land. However, I tried to go up a neighbors inclined driveway and gave up. either I don't have the technique down, not in good enough shape, or the hill was too steep anyway.. maybe a combo of all three.
This price for a new one is steep, but it's a bargain compared to separately purchasing gym equipment like a stair climber, an elliptical, a stat bike, and or bowflex /total gym that can do pretty much the same..AND you can take it all with you.
I recommend 100% the T8 Air

Actually 3.5...

The Pros:
Great body workout.
You feel your core, legs and triceps.
Very fun and easy to learn.
Well made and sturdy.
Easy setup.
Folds for storage if space is an issue.
Fun way to exercise and the rocking motion is relaxing.

The Cons
Very hard to go up even a slight incline. May be easier if you are a tall guy.
You need a flat, fairly smooth road or sidewalk to use this.
It can be difficult to ride along with bikers, skaters and runners because of the amount of side to side space it takes to carve.
Very hard to ride into the wind. You may go out with the wind at your back and not notice how hard it is to get home until you turn around.
The wind issue can be overcome by developing more strength but its still difficult and this means you should not stray too far from home or your car on initial runs.

I'm a pretty strong and fit 5'3" woman. If you are a guy you may have less trouble with hills and distance. I recommend sticking to a relatively circular path (like going around the block or a few blocks) until you build up the stamina to deal with wind and hills.

Learning to trikke is the hardest part, but once you learn...well, it's a blast. Like others have said, it IS addictive. I'm 5'2" and have no trouble carving uphill, downhill and flat out (although flats are a bit challenging to find here in Santa Fe, so it's mostly up or down), and for anyone who wants to get in shape and have fun, I would highly recommend a Trikke. Make sure you choose the right model, so check out the Trikke website before you buy (trikke.com).

A good low impact exercise on level ground. A challenge up hills (and for now small inclines.) With practice, seeing improvements every day. Looking forward to the day I get good enough to upgrade to a T12.