Tricycles are often referred to as trikes just as bicycles are abbreviated to bikes. Although less popular than bikes they have been around for the best part of 200 years. Very early trikes tended to be ridden by adults although that trend has now been reversed, with most trikes today being ridden by children.
When the extra wheel is at the front the configuration is called a "Tadpole Trike" and when at the rear a "Delta Trike". Tadpole trikes usually steer with both front wheels and these are also usually driven. Upright trikes tend to be a delta layout, while recumbent trikes tend to be the tadpole layout, to aid steering and stability.
Trikes naturally balance which is helpful at slow speeds and when stopped, however the extra wheel does add extra weight to the bike. They are produced in far smaller quantities and therefore tend to be more expensive than bikes at the lower end of the market.
Tricycles are most suitable for use on high quality, fairly level trails, paths and roads, as found in parks, villages, towns and cities.
