So you have purchased a new Trikke, but you’re just not 100% sure how to ride it. Stop fretting. The Trikke is easier to ride than a bike. Here are five easy steps to help get started on your own Trikke way.

But, first let’s talk about precautions. With any sport you need to be safety-conscious and it’s no different with Trikke-ing. So grab a well-fitting helmet, elbow and knee pads and a pair of comfortable gloves. Use proper footwear and make sure your laces are tied. Once you have all of these things in place, take a moment to inspect your vehicle. Make sure the handlebar’s quick release is tightly locked and the dual rear brakes are functioning properly. Don’t ride in wet weather and avoid puddles. Trikke wheels become very slippery when wet.

Now it is time to pick a location. Since you are new to Trikke-ing, it is best to start on straight, smooth and wide paved area. Look for someplace that has little or no bumps or inclines. Bumps and Trikke-ing are never a good combination. The front wheel can snag and result in total loss of control or even worse, throw both the rider and vehicle heels over head. Don’t let that scare you, but this is a warning to be careful and think sensibly when learning to ride. Once you get more comfortable on your Trikke you can jump those pesky little bumps using a low hop maneuver. This is a more advanced technique done by pulling the handlebars upward then slightly pushing the body forward. Don’t worry. You’ll get there. Promise.

Remember practice makes perfect. The more time you spend on level ground mastering the Trikke, the quicker you can add more advanced moves. So don’t just jump on your Trikke and fly down a hill. The Trikke could get going to fast and then you won’t be able to control it.

Another thing to think about when choosing your practice location is distraction. Pick a spot free of pedestrians and traffic. The last thing we want is for you or someone else to get hurt. This is about fun, not stitches.

Now that the basics are over, you’re ready to start. Most people can get a firm grasp on the Trikke in less than an hour. So let’s get started.

1. Place both feet securely on the Trikke foot platforms, and then grasp the handlebars firmly with both hands. Use the hand brakes to keep yourself from rolling until you are ready to move. Stand up straight and get comfortable on the Trikke. Test the extent to which you can rock the steering column left and right. How’s that feel? Good? Great. Let’s move on.
2. Weight distribution. This is important to prevent you from falling backwards and will ensure sufficient traction on the front wheel. Your weight should be distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels of your Trikke scooter, with your weight centered on the balls of your feet and toes.
3. Propel the Trikke Scooter. With your shoulders parallel to the handlebars, quickly and continuously rotate the handlebars from right to left to generate a slow forward movement. Once in motion, lean and push the handlebars towards the right then left continuously to increase your speed. Leaning to one side will naturally cause the weight of your upper body to move very slightly in the same direction. This technique is fondly identified as the rock (pushing on the handlebars) and roll (rotating the handlebars). As you begin to add the rocking motion and as your Trikke speed increases, the degree of your rotations should diminish. Continue practicing this technique until you establish a comfortable rhythm. Don’t exaggerate this or you could fall. The Trikke scooter is designed to follow your body motions, so as long the steering column remains parallel to the center of your chest, there is no danger of falling off your Trikke.
4. Here’s where the fun starts: further accelerating the Trikke via weight transfer once the “sweet spot” is felt. The “sweet spot” is the part of your turn where most of your force is generated. Simply put, it’s when you feel the outside wheel (your left rear wheel during a right hand turn) drift away from you as you rock your Trikke to the opposite side. This feeling comes and goes during your run. If you apply a little weight or kick on the opposite foot of the direction you’re turning, then your acceleration will become more rapid. It’s claimed that the vehicle can reach speeds of up to 18+ mph on flat ground.
5. Stop the Trikke via proper braking techniques. Learning how to stop and slow down is essential is establishing control. Since the Trikke cambering vehicle contains brakes on both rear wheels, it is imperative that both brakes are applied evenly at the same time. Remember not to lean on the handlebars when braking.

It takes practice and determination to master any sport. Don’t rush. Remember patience is a virtue and the same goes for this. Move only to the more advanced Trikke-ing techniques once you have mastered the basic ones.

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