I really don't use my arms much on my Trikke, it's far more my butt and thighs.

You shift your weight as you lean/turn the front wheel. Feels like skating. There are people who commute on theirs, and you can ride them uphill (but it takes serious work).

I'd rather commute on my bike. The Trikke is just for fun at our house. We play with it in the school parking lot and playground.