How to Ride a Three-Wheel Cycle

An upright three-wheeled bike (sometimes called a trike or three-wheeler) with a cargo basket allows you to carry heavy loads for shopping or commuting and is an easy-to-master form of human-powered transportation. Learning to ride is easier on a three-wheeler due to its stability, but general two-wheel riding skills apply. Whether you never learned to ride a two-wheeler and want a safe and stable way to pedal yourself around or you just want a way to carry more groceries than you can while walking, a three-wheeler gets you out of your car and feeling better about your commute.

Things You'll Need

  • Bike pump
  • Helmet
  • Hook-and-loop strap
  • Bike lock
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the three-wheeler before riding. Check the pressure in the tires, either by touch (they should be firm for easier rolling) or with a gauge (the correct pressure is printed on the tire sidewall). Squeeze the brakes to ensure that they work. Check the cycle for loose hardware. If you have any questions, bring it to a local bike shop for help.

    • 2

      Wear a helmet and clothes that are visible at the hour you are riding (bright or reflective colors are best). Dress in clothes appropriate for riding. Loose clothing can get caught in chains and gears, so secure your pant leg on the chain-side of the three-wheeler with a hook-and-loop strap.

    • 3

      Practice riding, braking and shifting gears in a traffic-free place before going out on the road. Try riding with some weight in the basket to learn how the bike feels when loaded down.

    • 4

      Go slow in the corners. The fact that three-wheelers don't tip makes them more stable in the straightaways, but you can't lean into turns as you would on a two-wheeler. Keep your speed down when turning, at least until you have become familiar with how your three-wheeler rides.

    • 5

      Get ready to work a little harder when your trike is loaded down. You may need to stand up on the pedals to get your three-wheeler rolling from a stop when you're carrying a load of groceries. Once you have a little momentum, it isn't hard to keep moving.

    • 6

      Obey all traffic laws. Learn basic hand signals for communicating with drivers (left arm straight out for a left turn; left arm bent and hand pointed up for a right turn), and watch for drivers to signal their intentions as well. Avoid routes with heavier traffic.