How to Ride a Recumbent Trike
A recumbent tricycle allows the rider to sit in a reclined position. The reclined seating position places less stress on your back, neck and shoulders than a traditional upright bicycle. Tricycles offer the rider the stability of three wheels rather than the balancing act of two. The trike's handle bars are generally located at the rider's sides near the upper thigh. These handle bars allow the rider to control the direction of the bike. The gear shifter and brake controls are also often located near the handle bars. Riding a recumbent trike can be as easy as sitting down and pedaling, but learning a few techniques will help you get the most out of your riding experience.
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Instructions
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Stand in front of the trike, and reach behind you to grasp the brake handles. This will immobilize the trike and allow you to safely sit down without it rolling away.
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Release your grip on the brakes and begin pedaling. As you gain some momentum use the gear shifter to shift the trike into a comfortable riding gear.
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Slow down and gently push forward on the right handle bar, while simultaneously pulling back on the left handle bar to turn left.
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Slow down and gently push forward on the left handle bar, while simultaneously pulling back on the right handle bar to turn right.
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Grasp the brakes gently on both sides to stop.
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Tips & Warnings
Ride your recumbent tricycle anywhere that you would ride a bicycle, depending on the trike's design. Most trikes are built for street riding, but some are designed for trail riding as well.
Purchase a recumbent trike through any local cycling shop. They may not have them in stock, but most shops will be able to order one to your specifications.
Make your turns at a gradual shallow angle, rather than an abrupt sharp angle. Turning too quickly or suddenly without slowing to the proper speed will cause the trike to either fishtail or capsize.
