Study design <p>This is a descriptive qualitative study.</p> Objectives <p>To explore factors influencing the adoption of innovative assistive outdoor devices in persons living with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), using a tricycle designed for people with reduced mobility as a case in point.</p> Setting <p>Community-based research conducted in Switzerland.</p> Methods <p>Twenty-five participants with SCI used a tricycle for a period of six weeks. Data were collected via diaries, and semi-structured interviews conducted before and after the trial. Thematic analysis of the interviews was performed using MAXQDA software, combining deductive and inductive approaches.</p> Results <p>Participants valued the tricycle’s innovative design, therapeutic potential, and recreational use, especially in outdoor settings. However, challenges such as difficulty in maneuvering, incompatibility with routines, and perceived impracticality limited its acceptance. Contradictory feedback highlighted the variability in user needs, emphasizing that “one size does not fit all.” Customization and user support were critical but did not fully address all limitations, as the tricycle was often deemed unsuitable for daily use.</p> Conclusions <p>Novel outdoor mobility devices require an extended usability and lifestyle integration to meet diverse user needs. For individuals with SCI, compatibility, simplicity, and adaptability are crucial. Co-creation with users and flexible designs are essential to ensure new devices align with their lived experiences.</p> Sponsorship <p>No commercial sponsorship was involved in this study.</p>