You may have seen the Trikke 3-wheeled carving scooters are on TV or the cover of Time Magazine.  These cleverly designed scooters don’t really require a push of like a 2-wheeled one does, you propel your self with a side-to-side motion called carving, which is similar to skiing. The biggest selling model of the line is the Trikke T8 Sport, a durable and lightweight vehicle you can easily fold away and store in your closet or car trunk. Trikke has 3 other adult-sized models available at considerably different prices. Let’s consider these differences to better help you choose the one that is best for you.

Just below the Trikke 8 in price are 2 models by the number T78: the CS (“Convertible Steel”) and the Deluxe. The biggest difference between these models and the T8 is the frame material. The T8 is made of aircraft-quality aluminum and both T78 frames are steel. That makes for a weight difference of about 3 pounds between the T8 Sport and the T78 Deluxe. The T78CS is actually a bit lighter than both because it has smaller polyurethane wheels on the rear. The T8 and T78 both have similar secondary features: 3 inflated rubber tires, as well as the same brakes and foot traction pads. If you want quality features, but your budget can’t quite fit the T8, the T78 Deluxe will probably serve you well. If you buy the T78CS, be prepared to buy an air-tire upgrade kit in a couple of months. I you’re like most buyers, you’ll want one.

 While the T12 Roadster also has an aluminum frame, the similarities between it and the T8 end there. This model has 12 inch inflated rubber tires. The T8’s tires are 8 inches. Also, the T12 has 3 disk brakes, while the Trikke 8 and lower models have “canty-lever brakes”, which stop by putting pressure on the tires.

 The first thing you notice when you get on a T12 is how high you stand. Many users remark that the T12 requires more effort to move than the T8, especially going uphill. Most people adapt to this difference in time and find like the intense workout and speed you get with the T12, though.

Which model it best, the best-selling T8 or one of the others?
The T78CS, as delivered, is fine for smooth concrete, but if you wish to spend any amount of time on the streets or climbing hills, you’ll want rubber tires on the rear wheels. That means the T78 Deluxe would be a better choice for you. Buy the T8 Sport if you want a lighter weight and easy to maneuver model that you can put in some serious riding time on. Many users say trikking is kind of addictive and it’s not unusual for owners to spend a couple of hours a day on theirs. If you expect to be a power user or plan to cover long distances, the T12 would be a better choice than the T8. Just remember that the T12 folds a bit too large to carry in the average car trunk, while all the others should fit quite well.

 A detailed chart that compares the features of the various Trikke models can be found at my site, Trikke T8 Videos and More. For an in-depth comparison between the Trikke T8 and the Trikke T12, check this article, Trikke T8 or T12 Carving Scooters: Which is Best?