HP Scorpion fs 26 Review: Is This the Most Comfortable Bike Ever?

The HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26 is a recumbent trike. This type of cycle has three wheels and a seat that lets you lean back while riding. It’s not the kind of bike most people see every day. It looks different from regular bicycles, and it feels different too.

In this review, I’ll talk about what it’s like to ride the Scorpion fs 26. I’ll describe the design, comfort, speed, handling, features, and the kind of rider it might suit. I won’t try to make it sound better than it is. I’ll just describe what I learned and how it feels to use this trike over time.

Frame and Build Quality

The frame is made of aluminum. It feels strong and stiff. The trike doesn’t feel cheap or fragile. Everything fits together well. There are no rattling parts or loose bolts when you ride it properly assembled. The welds are clean and solid. The materials feel like they’ll last many years.

It has a wide wheelbase, so the trike feels stable. It doesn’t tip easily. Even during turns, the low center of gravity keeps it balanced. The trike is heavier than a normal bike, but that’s expected. With full suspension and three wheels, some extra weight is normal. If you need to lift it, you’ll notice the weight, especially if you try to carry it upstairs.

Suspension System

One of the main features of the Scorpion fs 26 is the suspension. It has front suspension and rear suspension. The front has two small shock absorbers on each side. The rear has a swingarm with a larger shock in the middle.

When you ride over bumps, the suspension softens the impact. You don’t feel sharp jolts. Cobblestones, cracks, and small potholes are no big deal. It’s not perfect, though. If you ride very fast over rough ground, you will still feel some shaking. But compared to no suspension, this is a big improvement.

The suspension doesn’t bounce when you pedal hard. That’s important. Some full-suspension bikes bounce and waste energy. This one feels efficient. You get comfort without losing too much speed.

Seating and Riding Position

You don’t sit on this trike like a normal bike. You sit in it. The seat is more like a chair. Your back is supported, and your legs stretch out in front. It feels different at first, but after a few minutes, it feels very natural.

There are two seat options. One is a mesh seat, and the other is a hard shell with padding. I tried the mesh seat. It keeps you cool, and it has side support. The backrest is firm but not too hard. I didn’t feel sore after long rides.

Your head is up and your arms are down at your sides. The handlebars are under the seat. It’s a relaxed position. You don’t have to lean forward or strain your back. This is good for people who have pain in their wrists, shoulders, or lower back when riding upright bikes.

Gearing and Drivetrain

The Scorpion fs 26 has many gearing options. Some models have a traditional derailleur system. Others have internal gear hubs. You can choose a setup that fits your needs. I used a model with 27 gears, using a triple crank in the front and a 9-speed cassette in the back.

The shifting feels smooth. It’s easy to switch gears while pedaling. Because of the recumbent position, you don’t feel the chain move as much as on a regular bike. The chain is very long and runs through tubes, so it stays clean.

If you choose an internal gear hub, the shifting might feel different. Those systems let you shift while stopped, which can help in city riding or on hills. Some people prefer this because there’s less maintenance.

Brakes

The trike comes with disc brakes. On the model I tried, all three wheels had hydraulic disc brakes. That means strong stopping power with very little effort. You pull the brake lever lightly, and the trike stops quickly.

Even on wet roads, the brakes work well. There’s no slipping. Because it’s a trike, there’s no danger of flipping over the handlebars. That makes braking feel safer. You can stop fast without fear.

Each front wheel has its own brake. When you use only one side, you can actually steer the trike a little using the brakes. It takes some getting used to, but it can help with tight turns.

Steering and Handling

The steering is indirect. That means you don’t turn the wheels directly with the handlebars. Instead, your hand movements are translated into steering through a system of rods and linkages. At first, it might feel strange. But after a while, it feels smooth and controlled.

The turning circle is wider than a regular bike. You need more space to turn around. That said, the trike is very stable in curves. You can lean into turns without tipping. It stays grounded, even at moderate speeds.

At low speeds, it handles well. At high speeds, it tracks straight and doesn’t wobble. You feel safe even going downhill fast. However, the trike sits low to the ground. That means cars might not see you easily. It’s smart to use a flag or lights for visibility.

Comfort on Long Rides

This trike is made for long rides. After several hours of riding, I didn’t feel sore. The seat supports your back, and your weight is spread out. You don’t get saddle pain like on an upright bike.

Your legs don’t get numb. Your hands don’t go numb either, because you’re not leaning on them. Your neck stays in a neutral position. It’s easy to look around. The only thing that might get tired is your legs, especially if you climb hills.

One thing to note: because you sit low and stretched out, you don’t get much airflow. On hot days, that can feel stuffy. The mesh seat helps a little, but it’s not as breezy as an upright ride.

Climbing and Descending

Climbing takes effort. Because you can’t stand up on the pedals, all your power comes from your legs and core. That means hills feel slower. You just shift into an easy gear and spin. It works, but don’t expect to race up steep roads.

Descending is a different story. It feels very stable and smooth. The trike stays planted. You don’t have to worry about balance. The brakes work well, so you can control your speed. If the road is bumpy, the suspension helps a lot.

One downside: you’re low to the ground, so you can’t always see far ahead. On fast descents with blind curves, that can feel a bit risky. You have to slow down and be careful.

Folding and Transport

This trike is not small. But it can fold. You can remove the seat, fold the frame, and lower the handlebars. It doesn’t get tiny, but it becomes easier to store. The folded size still takes up space, so you’ll need a decent-sized car trunk or a hatchback to carry it.

Folding takes a few minutes. It’s not instant. You’ll need tools for some parts. Once you learn the steps, it’s not hard, but it’s not something you do every day unless you have to.

If you live in a small apartment or plan to take the trike on a trip, folding helps. Just be ready for some planning and lifting.

Storage and Luggage Options

There’s space for carrying gear. You can attach racks to the back and even some side bags. This is useful for commuting or touring. If you want to carry groceries or camping gear, you have options.

The weight stays low to the ground, so it doesn’t affect handling much. Just be sure to balance the load evenly. A heavy bag on one side can pull the trike slightly when turning.

There’s also room for a water bottle or two. Some riders use a hydration pack since it’s hard to reach bottles while riding. You can also mount lights, mirrors, and even a small computer.

Safety and Visibility

Because it’s low to the ground, visibility is important. Drivers might not see you easily. That’s why it’s a good idea to use a tall safety flag. It moves in the wind and catches attention. Bright clothing and flashing lights help too.

The trike itself feels safe. You’re less likely to fall off. There’s no risk of going over the handlebars. You don’t have to balance, so you can ride slowly without tipping. You can even stop and rest without putting a foot down.

If you ride in traffic, be cautious. Take the lane when needed. Signal your turns. Some riders add a horn or bell to alert others.

Who This Trike Is For

This trike fits people who value comfort and stability. It works well for older riders, people with joint issues, or anyone who finds upright bikes painful. It’s also good for long tours, thanks to the storage options and comfort.

It’s not a racing trike. It’s not super fast uphill. If you’re looking for performance and speed, there are lighter options. But if you want a solid, smooth ride that doesn’t hurt your body, this trike makes sense.

It also suits people who enjoy gear and adjustments. There are many upgrades and parts to customize. If you like fine-tuning your ride, this trike gives you options.

Electric Motor Options

Some versions of the Scorpion fs 26 can be fitted with an electric motor. I didn’t test one myself, but many people choose this upgrade. It helps with hills and long rides. The motor assists your pedaling but doesn’t replace it.

These systems are quiet and smooth. They add weight and cost, but for some riders, the trade-off is worth it. If you live in a hilly area or ride with faster friends, the motor can help you keep up.

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintaining this trike takes some effort. The chain is long and runs through tubes. You need to clean and lube it regularly. The suspension parts need occasional checks. The brakes might need adjusting too.

Because it’s a trike, some bike shops might not know how to service it. It helps to find a shop familiar with recumbents. Or learn to do small repairs yourself. HP Velotechnik has manuals and support, but you’ll need patience if something goes wrong.

Final Thoughts

The HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26 is a unique machine. It offers a smooth, comfortable ride. It’s stable, easy on the body, and well-built. It takes time to get used to it, but once you do, it feels natural.

It’s not a fast bike. It’s not easy to carry. But for the right person, it can be the perfect way to enjoy cycling again — especially if upright bikes no longer feel good.

It works best for people who ride for pleasure, health, or long-distance travel. It’s a thoughtful design that focuses on comfort, safety, and stability.