In my previous article, I shared some essential tips for first-time riders of electric trikes. After reading through the feedback from some of you, I realized that there are a few specific challenges, particularly when it comes to riding over curbs and navigating slopes, that weren’t fully addressed. These are common concerns for new riders and can be more hazardous than you might expect. So, in this article, I’m going to provide some additional tips and practical advice to help you handle these situations safely and enjoyably.
How to Safely Enter and Exit Sidewalks with Curb Cuts?
Riding a tricycle can be a lot of fun, but when you’re navigating sidewalks with curb cuts, it can feel a little tricky, especially if you’re new to three-wheelers. Whether you’re entering or exiting a sidewalk, curb cuts present a unique challenge.
Approach the Curb Cut at a Wider Angle
So, here’s the deal: one of the first things you should notice on a trike is that the back wheels are wider than a regular bike. If you’re used to a two-wheeler, you might think that once the front wheel clears the curb, the back wheel will just follow, right? Nope! With a trike, that back wheel needs more space.
Many cyclists habitually set the turning angle of their tricycles too small. Guess what happens? The rear wheel hits the curb, causing the bike to wobble.
To avoid this, approach the turn with a wider angle to ensure the rear wheel can pass over the curb smoothly. The ideal approach is to maintain a smaller turn of the handlebars as you approach the curb, only beginning to turn after the rear wheel is far enough from the curb.
I know it might feel a bit odd at first, but trust me, giving yourself more space will make things a lot smoother.
For beginners, using rearview mirrors can help better assess the surrounding space. Like those on cars, rearview mirrors can help you see the position of the rear wheel more clearly, especially when turning. This way, you’ll be more confident in timing and angling your turns.
Slow Down Before the Curb Cut
When approaching the curb, make sure to slow down in advance. Don’t make a sharp turn, as quick turns increase the risk of losing control. Slowing down and stabilizing the bike will help you pass over the curb smoothly, avoiding any impact between the wheels and the curb.
Not all curbs are the same. Some are sloped, some are more steep. In urban areas, you’ll encounter curbs with different heights and angles. Before you try to go over a curb, take a quick glance to see what you’re dealing with. If you’re unsure, slow down even more to give yourself extra time to adjust.
This is especially important in areas with a height difference in the curb, as slowing down allows for more precise control, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Remember, the goal is to clear the curb smoothly—not race through it.
This awareness will make a huge difference, especially if you’re riding on unfamiliar roads. When in doubt, always give yourself more space to maneuver.
Build Up Your Confidence
As with anything new, riding a tricycle over curb cuts gets easier with practice. The more you ride, the more comfortable you’ll become with understanding how your trike handles different types of curb cuts and sidewalk transitions.
Start by practicing on curb cuts that you’re familiar with, and gradually challenge yourself with more complicated ones as your confidence grows. Soon, handling curb cuts will feel like second nature.
How to ride an electric tricycle on a slope?
When I first rode my trike on a slope, I encountered a driveway that was tilted. The first time I rode up, it felt like the trike was pulling me downhill, almost as if someone had grabbed the handlebars and was steering me in that direction. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the trike itself. But when I got onto more level ground, I realized that it was the slope affecting my ride.
The weight distribution of the trike and the two rear wheels create a unique dynamic, especially on a slanted surface. It’s easy to feel like you’re being pulled off course, and if you’re not careful, the trike will naturally lean into the slope. At first, this can feel intimidating, but with a little practice, I learned how to counter that pull by steering into the slope and shifting my weight.
The key here is that you need both leaning and steering to ride safely on slopes. The leaning keeps you grounded, but the steering keeps the trike moving in the right direction.
As you approach the slanted area, lean into the slope. This doesn’t mean you’re leaning your upper body like you would on a bike, but rather, shifting your body weight. For example, if the slope is leaning to the left, shift your weight to the right side of your body. This weight shift helps keep all the wheels aligned and prevents tipping.
While you’re riding, you’ll notice the trike pulling in the direction of the slope. That’s where the counter-steering comes into play. You’ll need to actively steer the trike in the opposite direction to maintain control. So, if the slope is pulling you to the left, steer to the right. Keeping the handlebars straight will keep the trike on track and prevent you from losing control.
Just remember: always assess the slope before riding, and if it feels too steep or unstable, it’s okay to find another route.
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, navigating curbs and slopes on a trike might seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you’ll quickly gain confidence.
Whether you’re approaching a curb or handling a sloped driveway, the key is to slow down, steer carefully, and adjust your body weight to maintain balance.
As with any new skill, the more you practice, the more intuitive it will become. Don’t be discouraged if you feel uneasy at first; every rider, no matter how experienced, started somewhere. Take your time, be mindful of the terrain, and soon, managing curbs and slopes will feel like second nature.
Riding a trike is all about enjoying the journey—safely and with confidence. Happy riding!