How to Do a Wheelie on a Bicycle

If you're interested in doing BMX bike tricks, learning how to do a wheelie on a bicycle is the first step. A wheelie is a simple trick where you pull the front wheel off the ground so you're balanced only on the back wheel. Give it a try if you haven't before. It's not as hard as you might think.

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle
• Helmet
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads

Instructions

Five Steps to the Perfect Wheelie

1. First, you'll need to be able to gain speed pretty easily. So if your bike has gears, put it in a low gear.

2. Pedal until you're going just fast enough so that the bike doesn't wobble (that back-and-forth motion caused when you start peddling from a stop). You can even try pulling up the front wheel right as you start pedaling. After a lot of practice you'll be able to do a wheelie while going fast. But for now, keep in mind that the faster you go, the harder it will be to lift the front wheel.

3. Now it's time to execute the wheelie. All in one motion, push down on the handlebars and then pull up. Your goal is to get the front wheel of the bicycle off the ground while continuing to pedal.

4. Once you successfully lift the front wheel, you'll need to lean forward or backward to keep your balance. You can also apply the back brakes or pedal more to adjust your balance. Using the back breaks is equivalent to leaning forward, while pedaling more will do the opposite and shift balance backward. Balance your weight over the back wheel, which is now your center of gravity. If you can't keep the front wheel up, you're leaning too far forward. If you feel like you're going over backward, you're leaning too far back.

5. Once in the move, most experts find it easiest to keep balance using the back brakes. This will take some practice to get used to, and there's nothing wrong with leaning back and forth if that's easier for you. To finish the move, lean forward or apply the back brakes just enough to bring the front wheel back down.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel yourself falling backward, take your feet off the pedals and hop off the back while still holding the handlebars so you don't fall over. You can also prevent yourself from falling backward by jamming on your back brakes. The sudden stopping motion will pull the front wheel back down.

• While the logistics of performing a wheelie are simple, it takes practice to master this trick. Use a helmet and elbow and knee pads. Don't use the front brakes when you're coming down from a wheelie, or forward momentum can throw you over the handlebars. Avoid clip-on pedals when trying to do a wheelie on a bicycle or you won't be able to jump off quickly if you're falling.

Resources

• Watch a Wheelie on a Bicycle