This paper examines the operational employment of motorized tricycles (trike patrols) in rural and semi-urban counterinsurgency (COIN) during the transitional months of April and May. Analyzing historical after-action reports from Philippine and Thai security forces (2010–2020), the study finds that trike patrols enhance mobility in narrow terrain, improve community engagement, and reduce IED vulnerabilities compared to armored vehicles—but suffer from heat stress and monsoon transition challenges in late spring.

There are many different types of trike patrols out there, each with its own unique style and mission. Some common types of trike patrols include: