Why do some para-cyclists ride tricycles?
I · Intermediate · Classes and machines · 2 of 6Tricycles are for T1 and T2 riders, who cannot ride a bicycle because of poor balance or restricted pedalling. A tricycle has three equal wheels of 55 cm to 70 cm, with pedals driving the rear. Recumbent pedal tricycles are banned. It may be at most 200 cm long and 95 cm wide, with a safety bar between two rear wheels.
How it works
- Classes: T1 and T2.
- Who: riders who cannot balance a bicycle.
- Wheels: three, equal diameter.
- Drive: pedals and chain to the rear.
- Recumbent trikes: banned.
- Size: 200 cm by 95 cm at most.
- Safety bar: behind trikes with two rear wheels.
- Top tube: may slope down for easy mounting.
The glossary has the tricycle, the T1 and T2, the division, the road race (para-cycling), the feeding by foot and the para-cycling.
Tricky cases
Can a tricycle race on the track?
No. Track is for C and B.
Can a trike be recumbent?
No.
Do trikes race the full road circuit?
They may use a shorter, easier circuit.
Is the safety bar needed for front-wheel-pair trikes?
The rule is for trikes with two rear wheels.
Why the rule exists
Three wheels let riders with coordination impairments race without falling. The safety bar stops a following front wheel jamming in the gap.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | More severely affected | 16.5.006 |
| T2 | Better control | 16.5.006 |
| Two rear wheels | Safety bar | 16.16.010 |
From the rule book
UCI, Cycling Regulations, Part 16 Cycling for Riders with Disabilities (JCF edition 2025, amendments to 1 January 2026), articles 16.5.006 and 16.16.001 to 16.16.010. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 16.