Riding Through the Rain at 61: Carara Tests a Canopy eTrike

A Rainy Day Becomes the Best Kind of Test Ride

Carara is 61 years young, and she says so with the kind of grin that tells you she means it. She had come out to try an electric trike, and the plan was simple: hop on, take a few laps, talk about how it feels. Then the sky had other ideas. Right as she settled into the seat, it started to rain.

Most of us would call that a reason to postpone. Carara called it perfect timing. The trike she was riding happened to be what she nicknamed the "deluxe version," a recumbent-style model fitted with a full canopy overhead. Instead of running for shelter, she pulled under her own. "What a perfect time to check this out," she said, laughing as the drops started to fall around her.

That moment captures something a lot of riders never get to see in a showroom or a product photo. A canopy sounds like a nice extra when the weather is clear. It becomes a completely different proposition when the rain actually arrives and you are the one sitting underneath it. Carara got to find out in real time whether the cover was more than decoration, and her reaction was immediate: "Oh my gosh, this is so fancy."

What follows is a closer look at that ride: what she noticed about the seat and posture, how the pedal assist behaved, why reverse turned out to be one of her favorite surprises, and what a covered trike might mean for anyone who has ever looked out the window, seen gray clouds, and decided to stay home. If you are browsing electric trikes and wondering whether a canopy model is worth considering, her experience is a useful place to start.

Why Weather Keeps So Many Riders Parked

Ask people why they don't ride more often and the weather comes up fast. It is too hot, too cold, too bright, too wet. Carara put it plainly during her ride: a lot of the time, people assume bikes are only for nice days. The bike stays in the garage the moment the forecast turns uncertain, and a week of unsettled weather can quietly turn into a month without riding.

That pattern matters more than it seems. Consistency is what makes riding good for you. A ride you take twice a week, every week, does more for your energy, mood, and fitness than an ambitious outing you only manage when the conditions are ideal. When the weather is the deciding factor, your routine is at the mercy of something you cannot control.

For older riders, the hesitation can be even stronger. Getting caught in a sudden shower is uncomfortable for anyone, but wet clothes, chilly wind, and slick surfaces can make the experience feel less like an adventure and more like a risk. It is not surprising that many people simply don't bother.

This is where a covered trike changes the conversation. Carara's point was not that you should go out and ride through a storm. It was that a canopy gives you options. A light drizzle no longer has to end your plans. A bright, punishing afternoon sun no longer has to keep you indoors. You get to decide how far you want to push it, rather than letting a few clouds decide for you.

She even speculated that a setup like this might handle somewhat more rugged conditions than people expect. That is worth taking with sensible caution, since every rider should know the limits of their own trike and check the manufacturer's guidance before heading out in heavy weather. But the broader idea holds up: having cover overhead expands the number of days when riding feels reasonable and pleasant.

The feature that stole the show on this ride was the canopy itself. Mounted above the rider, it forms a roof that keeps rain off your head and shoulders and shades you from direct sun. Carara spent a good part of the ride simply marveling at it, and by a few minutes in she joked that she wasn't even sure it was still raining because she couldn't feel it anymore.

That comment says a lot. The best weather protection is the kind you stop noticing. When you are no longer thinking about drops on your glasses or water running down your neck, you can pay attention to the ride, the route, and the people around you. Carara went from "we're going to test it out" to forgetting the rain entirely within a couple of minutes.

She also pointed out that this kind of protection is something you can choose. Plenty of riders love the open-air feeling of a standard trike and never need a roof. Others live somewhere with frequent showers, intense sun, or both, and a canopy turns their trike into a far more practical everyday vehicle. If you already own a trike or are deciding between setups, it is worth browsing the sixthreezero canopies to see what is available and what fits.

There is a style element too. Carara wrapped up her ride by calling the whole thing "very classy," and it is easy to see why. A covered recumbent trike has a distinctive look on the road. It reads as intentional, comfortable, and a little bit luxurious, which is exactly the vibe she was going for when she dubbed it the deluxe version.

One practical note: a canopy changes how a trike interacts with wind. On gusty days, a roof catches more air than an open frame does, so it is smart to take it easy, keep your speed modest, and get a feel for how your particular setup handles a crosswind before heading out on a longer route.

Sitting Up on Purpose: Turning the Seat Into a Core Workout

One of the first things Carara talked about once she got moving was her posture. The trike she rode has a full seat with a backrest, so you can sink all the way back and let it support you. She knew that, and she mentioned she could do exactly that. But for the first part of the ride, she chose to sit a little more upright instead.

Her reasoning was simple. When she sits forward and holds herself up without leaning on the backrest, she has to engage her abdominal muscles to stay stable. That turns an easy cruise into a gentle core workout. She is a runner at heart, someone who likes to feel her body working, so she was happy to find a way to add a little effort to the ride.

This is a nice reminder that a comfortable trike doesn't have to mean a passive ride. Recumbent and semi-recumbent seats are often described as relaxing, and they are, but they also give you room to choose how much work you want to do. Sitting tall, pulling your shoulders back, and keeping your midsection engaged is a small change that can make a regular ride feel more purposeful.

It is also a good example of listening to your body. Some days you may want that extra engagement. Other days, after a long walk or a tough week, leaning back fully is the right call. Neither is more correct than the other. What matters is that the seat gives you the flexibility to switch between the two without stopping or adjusting anything complicated.

If you have any back or joint concerns, it is worth talking with your doctor or physical therapist about which riding position suits you best. And if you're unsure which trike shape fits your body, sixthreezero's fitting tool can help narrow things down before you commit.

Leaning Back: When Full Support Is the Point

A little later in the ride, Carara decided to show the other side of the seat. "Now watch," she said, scooting back further until she was resting against the backrest. Even in that more reclined position, she noticed that her core still felt supported, just in a different way. Instead of holding herself up, the seat did the holding, and she could focus on pedaling and steering.

This is what makes recumbent-style trikes so appealing to many riders. On a traditional upright bike, your weight is split between a narrow saddle, the handlebars, and the pedals. That puts pressure on your hands, wrists, and sit bones, and it can be tiring for your neck and upper back on longer rides. A recumbent seat spreads that load across your back and hips, which many people find far more comfortable.

For riders who have stepped away from cycling because of discomfort, this can be the difference between dreading a ride and looking forward to one. If you are curious about this style, take a look at sixthreezero's recumbent electric trikes and their broader lineup of comfort-focused electric trikes.

Carara also mentioned how easy the seat was to adjust. That is no small thing. A seat that is set at the wrong distance from the pedals can leave your knees cramped or your legs overextended, which takes the fun out of riding quickly. Being able to make a change in seconds means you can get the fit right for you, and change it again if someone else in the household wants to take a turn.

Between the upright, core-engaging posture and the fully supported recline, she found she could shape the ride around what she wanted that day. That kind of adaptability is a big part of why she kept saying, again and again, that she was "digging it."

Alongside the seat and backrest, the trike Carara rode includes armrests. During the first part of the ride she chose not to lean on them, again preferring to hold herself up for a bit of extra core work. But she made a point of mentioning that they are there, and at the end of the ride she casually folded one down as she wrapped up, noting it with a cheerful "put the armrest down."

Armrests might seem like a minor detail, yet on a longer ride they can make a real difference. Resting your forearms takes pressure off your shoulders and lets your upper body relax. For riders who deal with stiffness, arthritis, or general fatigue, having somewhere to settle your arms can make the experience feel more like sitting in a comfortable chair than balancing on a bike.

The fact that they can be moved out of the way matters too. When you are getting on and off, an armrest that stays fixed can get in the way. One that folds down or swings aside lets you slide into the seat easily, then bring the support back once you are settled.

This theme came up repeatedly during Carara's ride: lots of little features that, on their own, sound modest, but together create a ride that feels considered. An easy seat adjustment here, a supportive backrest there, an armrest that moves when you need it to. None of them is flashy, but they are the things that determine whether you actually want to get back on tomorrow.

If you're thinking about upgrading comfort on a trike you already own, sixthreezero's seat options are a good place to look. Fit and comfort are personal, and small changes can go a long way.

Sun Protection for the Warmer Months

Rain was the headline on this particular day, but Carara was just as excited about what the canopy would do once summer arrives. "For me, I love sun protection," she said. She pictured herself riding on hotter days, shaded from above instead of baking under direct sunlight.

For many riders, sun is a bigger obstacle than rain. Long rides in strong sunlight can leave you overheated, dehydrated, and sunburned, particularly across the shoulders, forearms, face, and the top of the head. Those are exactly the areas a canopy overhead tends to shade. It won't replace sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat entirely, since light still reflects off pavement and comes in from the sides, but it can significantly cut down on how much direct sun you take in.

That makes a covered trike especially appealing in sunny climates, where midday rides can feel off-limits for a large part of the year. Instead of planning every outing around early mornings and evenings, you gain more flexibility. You can run an errand at lunchtime, meet a friend in the afternoon, or simply stay out longer on a beautiful day without worrying quite so much about the sun.

There is also a comfort factor that goes beyond skin protection. Shade keeps you cooler, which means you can keep a steady effort without feeling wiped out. Combined with pedal assist, which lets you dial back how hard you're working, it becomes much easier to ride comfortably in warm weather.

A few common-sense habits still apply on hot days: carry water, take breaks when you need them, and wear light, breathable clothing. A water bottle within easy reach is one of those simple additions that makes summer rides much more pleasant.

Smooth Turning and Confident Handling

As she rode, Carara noted that the trike had "nice turning capabilities." It is a short comment, but it touches on one of the main reasons people choose three wheels over two.

On a bicycle, turning relies on leaning and balance. At low speeds, especially when maneuvering around a tight corner, a parked car, or a crowded path, that balance can feel shaky. Many riders, particularly those returning to cycling after years away, find slow-speed turns to be the most nerve-wracking part of riding.

A trike removes that worry. With three points of contact on the ground, it stays upright whether you are moving or stopped. You steer rather than balance, which lets you focus on where you're going instead of on keeping the bike from tipping. That stability is a big part of why trikes are so popular among older riders, and sixthreezero has a dedicated collection of electric trikes for seniors built around that idea.

It's still worth remembering that trikes handle differently from bikes. Because you don't lean into a turn, taking a corner too fast can feel unsettling, and a wider footprint means you need a little more room on narrow paths. The best approach is to practice in a quiet space first: try gentle curves, tighter turns, and stops until the handling feels natural.

In wet conditions, that caution becomes even more important. Rain makes painted lines, metal covers, and leaves slippery, so it's smart to slow down before a turn rather than in the middle of one. Carara kept her pace relaxed throughout her ride, which is exactly the right instinct when the ground is damp.

One of the most honest moments in the ride came when Carara admitted she isn't naturally a cyclist. She would rather be running, out on her feet, moving under her own steam. Biking had never quite clicked for her the way running does.

And yet, as she cruised along under the canopy, she said something that stuck: "This makes me want to ride a bike." She had tried another model earlier and described herself as "madly in love" with it, and this one was winning her over too.

That shift is worth paying attention to, because many people share Carara's feelings about traditional bikes. Maybe a saddle has always been uncomfortable. Maybe balance feels tricky. Maybe hills turned every ride into a struggle. Over time, those experiences add up, and cycling ends up filed under "not for me."

Electric trikes chip away at many of those barriers at once. The seat is supportive rather than punishing. Three wheels take care of balance. Pedal assist smooths out hills and headwinds. What's left is the enjoyable part: moving through your neighborhood, feeling the air, and getting some exercise without the parts that used to make you avoid it.

For someone like Carara, who still runs and values feeling active, a trike doesn't replace her favorite activity. It adds another option. On days when her legs need a break from impact, or when she wants to cover more distance than she would on foot, a ride offers a low-impact way to keep moving. That kind of variety can help anyone stay active longer, which is a goal worth keeping in mind at any age.

If you've written off cycling in the past, it may be worth taking another look. sixthreezero's 30-day test ride gives you time to see whether a trike changes your mind the way it did for Carara.

Pedal Assist: Why She Chose Level One

Partway through the ride, Carara decided to show how the electric assist works. She had been riding on level one and bumped it up to level two. The difference was instant. "You notice how quickly it just took off on its own," she said, clearly a little delighted by the jump.

Pedal assist works by adding motor power while you pedal. You still turn the cranks, but the motor helps, and higher levels mean more help. On a flat path, a low setting might feel like a gentle tailwind. On a higher setting, the trike feels eager to move, and climbs that would normally leave you breathless become much more manageable.

What's interesting is what Carara did next. After showing off level two, she brought it back down to one. Her reason: she wanted a stronger workout. With less assistance, her legs do more of the work, and she gets more exercise out of the same ride.

This is one of the most underrated benefits of an electric trike. People sometimes assume that riding electric means you don't exercise. In reality, you control the balance. You can ride on a low setting for most of the trip to keep your effort up, then raise the assistance for a steep hill, a strong headwind, or the last stretch home when you're tired. Pedal assist isn't about doing less; it's about choosing when to work hard and when to coast.

As Carara put it, the trike can go faster or slower "depending on what you like." That flexibility makes it possible for riders with very different fitness levels to enjoy the same machine, and it lets one rider adapt the ride from day to day. Some models also include a hand throttle for extra control, and sixthreezero has a collection of electric trikes with throttle if that appeals to you.

A small tip for rainy days: start on a low assist level. The gentler acceleration gives your tires a better chance to grip on wet pavement and helps you avoid surprises when pulling away from a stop.

Reverse: The Feature You Don't Know You Need

Of all the features Carara tried, one drew a particularly happy reaction: the trike reverses. "It also reverses, which is super cool," she said, rolling backward with obvious enjoyment.

If you've never ridden a trike, it may not be obvious why that matters. On a bicycle, backing up is easy. You hop off or put a foot down and push. On a trike, especially a larger recumbent model with a canopy, it's a different story. Trikes are heavier and wider, and when you're seated low with your feet on the pedals, shuffling backward isn't comfortable or practical.

That becomes a real problem when you pull into a tight parking space, nose into a dead end, overshoot a driveway, or need to back out of a garage. Without reverse, you might end up climbing off and wrestling the trike around by hand, which is exactly the kind of hassle that makes people ride less.

With powered reverse, those situations become simple. You stay seated, ease backward, and reposition without fuss. For riders with limited mobility or strength, that convenience can be the difference between feeling independent and needing help. It's no surprise that sixthreezero groups these models into their own collection of reverse gear electric trikes.

As with any powered movement, use it carefully. Check behind you before backing up, go slowly, and be extra mindful of pedestrians, pets, and kids. A canopy can limit your view slightly, so it's worth turning your head fully and taking your time.

While riding, Carara glanced over her shoulder and started thinking out loud about what else the trike could do. "I feel like I could put a passenger in the back," she said, adding that she could probably carry quite a lot with her if she wanted to.

That observation points to one of the big lifestyle advantages of trikes. Their frames are generally sturdier and their footprint wider than a standard bike, and many models are designed with carrying capacity in mind. Depending on the model, that can mean a large rear basket, rack space for bags, or even a seat for a second person.

It's important to check the specific model's design and rated weight capacity before carrying anyone or loading up heavily, since not every trike is built for a passenger. sixthreezero makes this easier to sort out with dedicated collections, including trikes for passengers and cargo electric trikes, as well as models with large baskets and high weight capacity.

Cargo space changes how a trike fits into your life. Suddenly it's not just for exercise or a scenic loop. You can pick up groceries, bring a picnic to the park, carry a change of clothes to the gym, or run a handful of errands without getting in the car. Combined with a canopy, it becomes even more useful, because an unexpected shower doesn't have to cut your shopping trip short.

If you plan to carry things on rainy days, consider waterproof storage. A good bag or pannier keeps your belongings dry even when the canopy can't cover every angle.

Staying Warm, Not Just Dry

Toward the end of her ride, Carara noticed something she hadn't expected. The canopy didn't only protect her from rain. "It keeps you kind of warm," she said.

That makes sense when you think about how riding in cool, wet weather usually feels. The chill often comes less from the temperature itself and more from wind and moisture. When rain soaks into your clothes and air moves across you as you ride, your body loses heat quickly. A roof overhead reduces the amount of water hitting you and can block some of the breeze from above, which helps you hold on to warmth.

It won't turn a trike into a heated cabin, and on a properly cold day you'll still want layers, gloves, and something to keep your ears warm. But that extra bit of comfort can stretch your riding season. Spring and fall days that might otherwise feel too damp and chilly become more inviting, and early-morning or evening rides become easier to enjoy.

For older riders in particular, staying warm isn't just about comfort. Cold muscles and joints tend to feel stiffer, and a chilly ride can leave you achy afterward. Anything that helps you stay comfortable makes it more likely you'll keep riding regularly, and that regularity is what delivers the real benefits.

Layering remains the smartest approach. A water-resistant outer layer, a breathable middle layer, and the ability to remove a piece if you warm up will serve you well on changeable days, canopy or not.

On and Off in Two Seconds

When the ride came to an end, Carara made a point of showing how easy it was to get off. "Get on and off. Two seconds. Boom. Boom. Boom," she said, demonstrating with a confidence that made it look effortless.

Mounting and dismounting is often an overlooked part of choosing a ride, but it can make or break the experience. On a traditional bike, you have to swing a leg over the frame or step through it, then balance while you push off. For anyone with hip, knee, or back issues, or anyone who simply isn't as flexible as they used to be, that moment can be daunting.

A low, chair-like seat changes that. You can approach the trike, sit down much as you would on a bench, and swing your feet onto the pedals. Getting off is the reverse: stand up and step away. Because the trike stays upright on its own, there's no need to hold it steady while you get settled.

That ease matters most on short, frequent trips. If you're running errands, stopping at a café, or hopping off to chat with a neighbor, quick mounting saves time and effort. And it lowers the mental hurdle of going out at all. When getting on feels simple, you're more likely to say yes to a ride. If ease of mounting is high on your list, sixthreezero has a collection of easy-to-mount eTrikes designed around low step-through access.

One of the threads running through Carara's ride was choice. She mentioned that she had already tried another model and loved it so much she might lean toward that one specifically. Yet she was clearly enjoying the canopy trike too. Her conclusion: "There's something for everybody."

That's an encouraging way to approach shopping for a trike. Rather than searching for a single "best" option, it helps to think about how you'll actually ride. Do you want shade and weather protection, or do you prefer open air? Will you carry groceries, a passenger, or just yourself? Do you want a fully reclined recumbent seat, or a more upright position? Is reverse important for where you park? Will you be climbing hills regularly, which might make a stronger motor or a throttle more appealing?

Answering those questions narrows the field quickly. Some riders find their perfect match is a simple, open trike for neighborhood loops. Others, like Carara, discover they love the deluxe treatment: a canopy, armrests, reverse, and plenty of room to carry things. Some will want fat tires for extra cushioning on rougher surfaces, while others might value a folding frame for storage.

The best way to know is to try. Carara's experience shows how much a real ride reveals that a spec sheet never could. She learned that she enjoys sitting upright for a core workout, that she prefers a lower assist setting, and that reverse is far more fun than she expected. None of that would have been clear from reading a list of features.

If you're weighing options, sixthreezero's buyer's guide walks through the main decisions, and the fitting consultation can match you with models that suit your body and riding style.

Practical Tips for Riding a Covered Trike in Light Rain

Carara's ride was a joyful demonstration, but if you plan to take your own trike out on a drizzly day, a few habits will help you stay safe and comfortable.

Slow down and leave space. Wet pavement increases stopping distances, so give yourself more room behind other riders and vehicles, and begin braking earlier than you would on a dry day. Be cautious on painted road markings, metal grates, and fallen leaves, which can be especially slick.

Make yourself visible. Rain reduces visibility for everyone. Bright clothing, reflective accents, and lights help drivers and pedestrians see you, even during the day. A canopy can make your trike more noticeable, but don't count on it alone.

Know your trike's limits. Electric components are designed to handle everyday conditions, but every model has its own guidance on water exposure. Check your owner's manual, avoid deep puddles and standing water, and don't take the canopy as a sign that the trike is built for heavy storms. Dry the trike off after a wet ride and store it somewhere sheltered, especially the battery and display. If you ever need replacement parts, sixthreezero carries batteries and chargers and fenders, which help keep road spray off you and the frame.

Wear a helmet. Weather protection overhead doesn't replace head protection. A comfortable, well-fitted helmet should be part of every ride.

Start small. If you've never ridden in the rain, try a short loop near home first. Get a feel for how the trike brakes, turns, and accelerates on wet ground before heading farther afield. Then, like Carara, you can relax and enjoy the novelty of riding while it rains.

The Takeaway: Don't Let the Forecast Decide

By the end of her ride, Carara had a simple verdict: "Amazing." She had set out to try a trike and ended up testing it in exactly the conditions that would show off its best feature. Instead of cutting the ride short when the rain started, she stayed out, stayed dry, and kept smiling.

Her experience highlights a few things that are easy to overlook. A trike can be both comfortable and a decent workout, depending on how you sit and what assist level you choose. Small features like adjustable seats, armrests, and reverse make a big difference to everyday usability. And weather protection isn't just a luxury. It can be the thing that turns occasional rides into a regular habit.

She also reminded us how much technology has changed what riding can look like. "It's just really cool how technology has changed so much," she said at one point, almost to herself. For someone who never considered herself a bike person, finding a ride that makes her want to get out and pedal is a meaningful shift.

If you've been holding off on riding because of the weather, your comfort, or doubts about whether cycling is for you, Carara's rainy-day ride is a good nudge to reconsider. Explore sixthreezero's full range of electric trikes, take a look at the available canopies, and browse more rider stories in the Video Blog and Bike Advice sections.

At 61 years young, Carara isn't slowing down. She's just found another way to keep moving, rain or shine.