If you haven’t seen the unusual Trikke 3-wheel scooters yet, you should take a look. Instead of pushing yourself off the ground or pedaling, you propel one by “carving”: rocking from left to right while holding onto a steering column designed to do so. There are currently 8-wheel models available, all with different design features that are better suited to different people and needs. They all provide great low-impact exercise that may be superior to jogging or biking, but make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.

Rider age and size

Your first consideration when choosing one of these scooters is age. The smallest model, the T5WS, is generally recommended for riders who are at least 6 years old. Keep in mind that there is a similar learning curve to learning to ski (although not quite as difficult), so a younger person may need some instruction to catch up, so to speak. All Trikke models have recommended height and weight levels to consider. The maximum weight for a passenger in any of them is 250 pounds. This small person kids model is fine for riders up to about 4’10” and 150 lbs. For larger kids, the taller T67 is best and its weight limit is up to 200 lbs.

Thanks to the great full body workout you get with one, these scooters are even more popular with adults than kids. If you’re taller than 5′, you should be able to handle any of the full-size models, although most models aren’t recommended for anyone taller than 6’4″. If you’re taller than 6’4″, the T12 model is your only choice.

Needs

After the size of the rider, you need to consider where and how you want to ride. The biggest difference is in the types of tires. If most of your use will be on smooth concrete surfaces, such as sidewalks, you can do just fine with the T78CS, which has 1 air tire and 2 smaller poly tires. However, the most frequent complaint I’ve heard from new users is that the poly tires make the ride too difficult for use on average streets. If you think you can ride the street, you need at least a T78 Deluxe, which includes all air-filled tires. Most people who want one for both exercise and occasional cross-country trips opt for the slightly larger and lighter T8 Sport. This is the most popular model and probably has the best balance between lightness, ease of handling and comfort on the road.

Force

If you consider yourself a more advanced user, the Trikke T12 Roadster may be your best option. It’s best for people who want a max workout and cover some serious miles along the way. The sturdy build and 12.5″ tires on this model are well-suited for street use. Lots of people actually ride their own. Remember that the bigger wheels and slightly more weight make going up hills more of a chore than with the T8.Also, the T12 doesn’t fold as compactly as the others and may not fit in the trunk of your car.

Of course, if you’re looking to leave gas guzzling behind and go for a greener daily commute, you might want to consider the motorized model, the Tribred Free Rein. For riders 12 and up, this is essentially a T8 with an electric motor. Good for about 12 miles on power, it can still be used in off-power mode, allowing you to save battery power just by using it on those long uphill stretches.

One word of warning I can give you, no matter which Trikke model you choose: these things can be addictive. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll probably find yourself in it almost every day. Get ready to leave the runners and cyclists in your wake while receiving more benefits and having double the fun.