With three wheels instead of two, and slung low to the ground, recumbent trikes are significantly different from traditional bicycles. They come in two different types. Delta trikes have two drive wheels in the back, pedals up front and a single wheel for steering past that. Tadpole trikes, have two wheels in the front and one drive wheel in back. Some trikes use traditional "Over-The-Seat" or OSS steering with handlebars, while others use "Under-The-Seat Steering" or USS grips to the sides of the seat. Both versions are stable, easy to pedal and comfortable to ride.
Step 1
Adjust the seat, if the model of trike you are riding allows it, to provide the highest level of comfort possible.
Step 2
Step over the center bar of the trike, sit down on the seat and get comfortable. Place your feet on the pedals in front of you. There is no need to balance yourself as on a traditional two-wheeled bicycle.
Step 3
Place your hands on the handlebar grips as you would a regular bike, if on a delta trike with OSS handle bars. For those trikes with USS grips, grasp them in your hands.
Step 4
Begin pedaling. Use the handlebars to steer the trike. When turning, take into account that a trike, depending on the make, may have a larger turn radius than a traditional bike. Because the trike rides on three wheels there is little or no need to lean in the direction of a turn, as there would be with a bicycle.
Step 5
Shift gears as you accelerate, using the shifters on the hand grips. Unlike traditional bikes, where the rider must maintain a critical minimum speed, recumbent trikes can go very slowly and still climb. Downshift to a higher gear ratio to climb more easily and downshift for a lower ratio for more power on even terrain.
Step 6
Slow and stop the trike with the brake levers on the grips. Because many trikes use disc brakes, be prepared to stop more quickly.
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