Guide – Tricycle riding made easy

Dear future tricycle riders,

The first step is always the hardest, but as we all know: practice makes perfect. A little patience and the ability not to be too hard on yourself are often the best companions when it comes to learning something new. With this guide we want to help you to ride the tricycle safely and move forward. Very important: Go easy on yourself. No one is born a master.

A typical beginner’s experience: The tricycle pulls towards the left or the right

When you sit on a tricycle for the first time as an adult and, as you steer, you get the feeling that you are being pulled to the left or to the right, it really is nothing to worry about. You share this beginner’s problem with about 50 per cent of all people who normally ride a bicycle. And that’s irrespective of age and disability, too. Just think back a little: You probably sat on a tricycle at some point as a toddler and happily zoomed around your neighbourhood after a few practice rounds. When you then moved on to riding a bicycle, it was hard to get used to it. All of a sudden, you had to steer by shifting your weight rather than by moving the handlebars. What you now have to do is reverse this process. The good news: You can totally relax, because the tricycle is not going to tip over.

Steering the tricycle

In order to steer your tricycle you only have to move the handlebars. There is no need to move your upper body to one side. For example, if you lean to the right in order to turn right (image 3), you automatically pull on the handlebars with your left arm in such a way that you turn left. Precisely the opposite direction to the one you want to go in. To avoid this you need to sit up straight. That’s it. The easiest way to start riding a tricycle is to practise together with a helper in a large space where there are no obstacles. The most important thing: Don’t put yourself under pressure, and make sure you enjoy each step on the path of progress. You’ll see: With a bit of practice, each time you will feel more and more confident.

Practical tips

First place the tricycle on a flat surface and apply the parking brake.

Now the tricycle needs to be adjusted to the dimensions of your body. The best thing to do is to have somebody else help you with this. Now, sitting on the saddle with both hands on the handlebars, you should have your upper body bent forward by about ten degrees. You can influence this by adjusting the height and tilt of the handlebars, as well as by changing the position of the saddle clamp. The saddle height should be adjusted so that you can stretch your legs almost completely with the pedals in a vertical position (image 2). Make sure that all screws on the tricycle are tightened and that the air pressure of the tyres is correct (see also the instruction manual).

To familiarise yourself with your tricycle, first tilt your upper body far to the right and to the left a number of times (image 3). Make sure that the parking brake has been pulled. You will soon realise how stable the tricycle is. However, please also note that on sloping surfaces or during rapid cornering, the stability of the tricycle also has its limits.

Ask a helper to stand in front of the tricycle and then, whilst moving slowly in 1st gear, to hold the handlebars together with you, so that you can move in the direction you want (image 4). Focus on keeping your upper body vertical.

If you have a very tense grip on the handlebars when riding and are therefore unable to maintain the direction of travel, try steering with just your fingertips. When doing so, it is important not to look at the front wheel, but rather that you look in whatever direction it is you want to go.  And don’t forget to always keep your upper body upright! If you do these exercises often and persevere for several days in a row, success is guaranteed not to be far away. Now you can move into a higher gear and cycle faster. But remember: If you are not confident at steering yet, don’t ever jump off the saddle! Stay seated, apply the brakes, and come to a stop. Afterwards, simply refocus and continue on your way.

General remarks

• Do not go out on public roads until you are absolutely sure that you can handle the tricycle
   
• Always observe the rules of the road and, if in doubt, yield your right of way
   
• Avoid roads which slope strongly to one side or the other, and approach obstacles and kerbs at a right angle if possible in order to avoid tipping over
   
• Read the instructions carefully and follow the rules and advice documented there
   
• Treat your tricycle with care and make sure that the obligatory service is carried out at regular intervals, in order to maintain the required safety standards

If you pay attention to all of these tips, you will experience a completely new feeling of mobility and quality of life. We wish you lots of fun and enjoyment and more than anything else: have a safe journey!