The EZ-3 USX HD provides all the stability and control available in
recumbent trike technology while offering a little more thrill. And when
we say HD we mean heavy duty, with 110 psi tires, 48 spoke wheels with
double-wall rims, this trike will handle 400 pounds. Setting this trike
apart from others is its low center of gravity attained by three 20-inch
wheels that are cambered in the rear to increase cornering stability.
Also, the EZ-3 USX HD offers powerful brakes on all three wheels,
mid-frame suspension and under-the-seat steering. The EZ-3 USX HD might
not be for the superhuman daredevil, but it is quite perfect for the
casual to intermediate rider, and perfect for sunny days on the bike
path or zooming down the boardwalks. The EZ-3 USX features Direct
Steering, the new Slotted Seat adjustment system, and rattle-free and
infinite-adjust seat struts.
- Wheel Base: 59.5" (151cm)
- Overall Length: 78" (198cm)
- Width: 32" (81cm)
- Seat Height: 18" (45cm)
- Weight: 65lbs
- Weight Limit: 400lbs
- X-Seam: 36-47"
Review from Adult Tricycle Review
The Sun EZ-3 USX is a human-powered, recumbent, three wheeled
vehicle. It engages me in a way that the Segway did not. I am amazed
this product, what some call a “bent trike,” is not better known.
What’s significant about the USX? It’s the most comfortable human
powered vehicle ever, more comfortable than many cars. It’s safe,
practical, and affordable. I hate exercise but I find myself impatient
to get my next chance to ride this thing. The USX is potentially a major
step forward in promoting conservation and healthy exercise in America.
Riding the USX is eerie, because it feels like relaxing on a perfect
easy chair and performing aerobic exercise at once. You can go fast or
slow, and both are wonderful. You can load the thing with 400 total
pounds. You can pull carts. Some riders have decked out USX’s with ipod
sound systems and other amenities.
There are some downsides. It’s heavy: 65 pounds. Going up hills is pleasant, but slower than on a bicycle.
Another big plus: you sit high enough to be noticed by car drivers,
though I also added a flag and extra lights to err on the side of
caution. Although it looks wide, and encourages cars to give more room
than is commanded by bicyclists, it is actually narrow enough to roll
through a standard door. You can stand it up on end so it takes minimal
room when parked. You can just stop and rest while going up hill- it has
a parking brake.
There are lots of other bent trikes — dozens — but most are
“performance-oriented” — made for athletes. Some of the athletic brands
are
ICE, HP Velotechnik and , Catrike. I have tried some of them, and I
think they are fun and interesting, but not what I want. Some of them
are expensive, very low slung (you’re practically on the ground while
riding), and not so practical for non-atheletes. What I want is
something that’s super easy to get in and out of, that’s fun to sit on
while standing still, that’s high up enough to be safe around cars, and
that is fun to ride slow. I want something for life, not for sport, and
there’s not much competition in this niche. There is another interesting
comfort-oriented bent trike, the Hase Leupus, from Germany.
Beware that sometimes enthusiast cults get lost in fantasy. The
enthusiasm in the bent trike world sometimes reminds me of what happened
with high-end consumer audio. Superstitions crowded out reality. People
started to spend insane money on audio cables with impossible physical
properties.
Even though the USX is ridiculed by some hard-core bent bike
enthusiasts, it is an important product, even aside from the low price.