If this is the first time you have ridden an adult tricycle and feel that the tricycle is pulling to the right or left, this is normal and just part of the nature of the design of a three-wheel bicycle.  In fact, more than 50% of the first time riders initially find this experience a little unsettling.   However, as you begin to ride, keep these thoughts in mind: as a small child you certainly would have ridden a tricycle and never gave it a second thought; then came a pretty painful period when you began learning to ride a two wheel bicycle, but guess what, you did it.  This time, the process is much easier, you have the basic knowledge of bicycle riding, and you have a riding platform that is stable and difficult to overturn.  So with that said, let’s go learn to ride and have fun!

When riding a tricycle it is important to sit upright and straight in the seat, even while making turns.  Unlike a bicycle, which you usually lean in toward the turn, doing this on a tricycle causes you to turn the opposite direction.  As you can see in Figure 2 the rider wants to go right, but leaning the body right actually pulls the left arm back making the tricycle turn left instead of right.

When riding a tricycle, it is important to sit upright and straight in the seat, even while making turns.  Unlike a bicycle, which you usually lean in toward the turn, doing this on a tricycle causes you to turn the opposite direction.  As you can see in the above photo, the rider wants to go right. But leaning the body right actually pulls the left arm back making the tricycle turn left instead of right.

To gain experience and confidence, it is good to have an assistant to work with while you practice in a large level area without obstacles.  The first order of business is, have your assistant adjust the tricycle to fit your body measurements.  Sit upright and squarely on the seat with both hands gripping the handlebars.  The upper torso should be bent about 10 degrees forward.  The handlebars and seat should be adjusted to provide the most comfort to the rider. The seat, when correctly adjusted, should allow the leg to extend almost completely.  All screws from the adjustments must be checked to insure they have been tightened.

Important things to remember:

• Ride only on bike lanes, and bike routes until you gain full confidence.
• Avoid routes with large camber "lateral tilts" on the road payment edge, and always turn into speed bumps, curb transitions, etc. at right angles.
• Regularly preform safety inspections of your tricycle; in particular tire conditions, pressures, and proper functioning of the brake systems.