How to Adjust the Seat on a Tricycle

Correct fit is essential to riding an adult bicycle or tricycle. For this reason, it is important that you buy the correct size tricycle. Measuring your inseam before you buy a tricycle will ensure that you have the proper fit. Adjusting the seat on your tricycle will not help you if the frame is too large or too small. Once you have the proper frame size, you can adjust your tricycle seat for the optimal fit.

Instructions

Measure Your Inseam

1. Ask someone to help you measure your inseam (the distance between your pubic bone and the floor). You cannot get an accurate measurement by yourself.

2. Take off your shoes to ensure an accurate measurement.

3. Stand with your back against the wall.

4. Place a book between your legs so that it is touching the wall. Be sure to use a book that is long enough it can touch the wall and still stick out beyond your legs.

5. Raise the book until it is touching your pubic bone. When correctly measured, this might be a little uncomfortable.

6. Write down your inseam measurement.

7. Keep your heels flat and ask your helper to measure the distance from the floor to the top of the book.

8. Use your inseam measurement when selecting your tricycle.

Adjust Your Tricycle Seat

1. Sit down on the tricycle.

2. Place your feet on the pedals.

3. Pedal a short distance to get a feel for the tricycle. If your range of motion is restricted or your feet lose contact with the pedals, you will need to adjust the seat.

4. Step off of the tricycle.

5. Locate the manufacturer's owner's manual.

6. Search the index for a seat adjustment entry.

7. Flip to the correct page and see if you will need any tools to adjust your seat. Most bicycles and tricycles do not require the use of tools to adjust the seat.

8. Locate the "pin." The majority of tricycle seats are secured with a pin that fits into any of the holes drilled into the seat support frame tube. The pin will be located under the seat and along the tube.

9. Pull the pin towards yourself to disengage the seat.

10. Grasp the seat with your other hand and raise or lower it depending on your need.

11. Place the pin in the hole nearest your new seat position.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that the seat is fully secured after you adjust it to avoid injury.