Lately, I’ve been hearing from several older riders who are new to electric trikes, and many of them have mentioned feeling a bit unsteady or struggling to control the trike. Most of them have ridden bicycles before, so the experience of switching to a trike can feel pretty different. If you’re one of those riders, or if you’re just starting out, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Getting the hang of an electric trike can take a bit of practice, but with the right tips and techniques, you’ll find your balance in no time. Let’s go over some simple tips to help you feel more confident and in control on your first ride.
Let’s get straight to the point and address the issue of feeling unstable while riding a trike. Riding an electric trike does require a bit of a learning curve. Based on my own experience, I’ve put together a few key tips that should help you feel more confident, stay in control, and enjoy a smoother ride as you get the hang of it.
Tip 1: Look Ahead, Not Down
One common mistake riders make, especially new ones, is looking down at the front of the trike or through the basket while riding. It’s important to focus your gaze about 20-30 meters ahead of you, rather than directly in front of the trike. Looking ahead helps you anticipate obstacles and stay on course. If you focus too closely on the front, it can affect your confidence.
Remember: if you don’t steer aggressively, the trike will generally go straight without you having to do much.
Tip 2: Keep Your Body Still
Many new riders mistakenly think they need to lean into turns, but this can cause confusion and lead to unwanted steering. Instead of leaning, just keep your body upright and relaxed. When you want to turn, simply steer the handlebars in the direction you want to go. Tricycles are designed to turn with minimal effort, and you don’t need to use your body to shift the trike. Just use one finger on each handlebar to guide the trike in a straight line or to turn smoothly. With practice, you’ll be able to steer easily and confidently.
Tip 3: Avoid Oversteering or Weaving
Some riders, particularly older riders, might start to feel nervous and unconsciously weave or shake the handlebars. This is usually a result of not trusting the stability of the trike. If this happens, try to relax and keep both hands firmly on the handlebars. Stay calm and focused on steering, and avoid jerking the handlebars. When you feel your confidence growing, you can gradually release the grip on the handlebars, but always keep both hands on them while you’re learning.
Tip 4: Practice Turning in a Controlled Way
Turning on a trike is different from a bicycle. The key is not to lean into the turn but to steer gently with your hands. Practice making wide, controlled turns. You can complete a full circle without needing to lean, and this is especially important for new riders. Start by slowly turning left or right, focusing on using just your hands to guide the handlebars. This will give you confidence and control as you master the turning technique.
Tip 5: Help for Nervous Riders
For those who are nervous or unsure of their ability to control the trike, it’s helpful to have someone walk alongside you. This is especially useful for older adults or people who are just starting out.
Consider asking a neighbor or a family member to walk alongside you. You can have them hold onto the front basket or handlebars to gently assist with steering while you focus on getting comfortable with balancing and riding. This added support can give you more confidence, making it easier to practice without the fear of losing control. It’s a simple yet effective way to build your confidence as you gain more control over the trike.
Tip 6: Gradual Speed and Gear Control
When riding, start at a slower pace until you feel comfortable with the controls. If your trike has gears, begin in the lowest gear for easier pedaling. As you gain more confidence and strength, you can shift to higher gears for faster riding. But always remember to focus on your balance and steering before increasing speed.
Thanks to Dean Schermerhorn for sharing his experience: Trikes have a relatively high center of gravity, so extra caution is needed when encountering uneven terrain or sudden height differences to ensure safety and continue enjoying the ride.
In conclusion, riding an electric trike may feel unfamiliar at first, but with a little practice and the right approach, you’ll soon find yourself riding confidently and comfortably. Remember, it’s all about taking it step by step—focus on looking ahead, staying relaxed, and practicing turning and steering. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it, and take your time to build your confidence. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying every ride. Happy cycling!
Feature Image Source: Youtube
I rolled my trike onto its side on day two of riding because of an unexpected change in the level of one of my rear wheels. I was riding quite slowly along a sidewalk and passed over a driveway that was pitched down to street level, with a curb running along the side of it. As my left rear wheel dropped over the curb and onto the low side of the ramped drive, the very sudden +/- 6″ drop on one side shifted my ‘high center of gravity’ self to the left enough to bring the trike over onto its side.
This is an unexpected and seldom mentioned hazard that needs to be addressed to folks who are starting to ride these trikes. I got the handbrake lever I had broken repaired and have been riding with great pleasure these 3 years since…if somewhat more cautiously.
This is not something I’ve brought up to deter folks from riding an electric trike; it’s just something to be careful of so that the riding is safe and enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing your experience!