April 2021

Guide – Tricycle riding made easy

Tips & Tricks

Guide - Tricycle riding made easy

 

 

Dear future tricycle rider,

every beginning is difficult, but practice makes perfect. A little patience and a lot of trust are often the best companions when it comes to learning something new. With this guide we want to help you sit safely on your tricycle and make progress. Very important: Be easy on yourself.

A typical beginner’s experience: The tricycle TILTS TO THE SIDE

When you sit on a tricycle for the first time as an adult and feel that it pulls to the side when steering, please do not consider it a big deal. 50 percent of all people used to riding a bicycle experience the same problem, which is independent of age or handicap. Think back to your time as a small child when you were probably riding around the neighbourhood on your tricycle happily after only few practice laps. When your first bicycle came along you may have had a hard time getting used to it. Suddenly you had to use your balance and steer by shifting your weight. Now it is a question of reversing this process again. The good news is that you can relax completely, because the tricycle does not tip over.

Steering your tricycle

To steer your tricycle, you only need to move the handlebars and not tilt your upper body to the side. As an example, if you lean to the right to go to the right (fig. 1), you automatically pull on the handlebars with your left arm causing you to steer to the left, the exact opposite direction you want to go. To avoid this, all you have to do is keep your upper body upright. That is all. The easiest way to get started on a tricycle is to practise with a helper in a large area without obstacles, and not to put yourself under pressure. You will see: With practice, you will feel more confident step by step.

Practical tips

Park the tricycle on a flat surface and activate the parking brake. You may adjust the tricycle to your body dimensions now. It is best to have another person help you with this. When you are sitting on the saddle with both hands on the handlebars, your upper body should bend forward by about ten degrees. You can achieve this by adjusting the height and angle of the handlebars and the position of the seat post. The saddle height should be adjusted so that you can stretch your legs almost completely when the pedals are in a vertical position. (fig. 2) Make sure that all the tricycle bolts are tightened and that the air pressure of the tires is correct. (Please also refer to the user manual)

To familiarise yourself with your tricycle, tilt your upper body far to the right and left several times, while you are seated upright with activated parking brakes. (fig. 3) Please note how stable the tricycle is on flat surface topography and be aware that the tilt resistance is more limited on descending or ascending grounds, when taking curves and riding at higher speeds.

Now ask a helper to stand in front of the tricycle and, while riding slowly in 1st gear, to hold the handlebars so that you can drive in the desired direction. (fig. 4) Concentrate on keeping your upper body straight.

If you find that you are holding onto the handlebars very tightly and cannot maintain the direction, try holding the handlebars with your fingertips only. It is important not to look at the front wheel, but to focus on the point you want to approach. Always keep your upper body straight! If you do these exercises more often and on several days in a row with some endurance, success is guaranteed. Gradually you can also shift into a higher gear and ride faster.

CAUTION:

Never jump off the saddle if you are still unsure about steering! Stay seated, activate both brakes, and come to a complete stop. Afterwards, refocus and continue your ride.

General advice

  • Only enter public road traffic when you feel absolutely confident in handling the tricycle.
  • Always comply with the traffic rules and, if in doubt, give up your right of way.
  • Avoid roads with steep slopes and approach obstacles and kerbs at wide angles to avoid tipping over. • Read the user manual carefully and observe the instructions documented there.
  • Handle your tricycle with care and have the prescribed inspections carried out regularly in order to maintain the necessary safety standards.

If you take all these instructions to heart, you will experience a completely new feeling of mobility and quality of life. We wish you lots of joy and a safe trip on all your journeys!

News
Lifestyle & Accessories

A pfautec tricycle can be a good solution for people who live with various impairments, since it may offer additional stability and safety.

Read more
Tips & Tricks
News

How to protect your electric tricycle in winter

Read more
Tips & Tricks
Lifestyle & Accessories
News

Upcycling idea with a bicycle rim!

Read more
Tips & Tricks
Traffic & Mobility
News

As the summer gradually bids farewell and autumn takes its place, it s high time to prepare for the cold season, especially when it comes to utilizing…

Read more
Tips & Tricks
Technology & Innovation
News

October 29 is World Stroke Day.

Read more
News
Technology & Innovation

October 29 is World Stroke Day.

Read more
News

The digital catalogue for our new model year 2023 is now freely accessible in the download area.

Read more
Tips & Tricks

The basic challenge of riding a tricycle is to steer with your arms without moving your upper body. As cyclists, however, we are used to shifting our…

Read more
Tips & Tricks

When you sit on a tricycle for the first time as an adult and, as you steer, you get the feeling that you are being pulled to the left or to the…

Read more
News
Inside pfautec

Spring is here – and for us at pfautec, springtime is putting fresh wind in our sails and energising our business. At the beginning of the new year,…

Read more

Strong values since 1999

Tradition, innovation and safety have always underpinned our values. We have been developing high-quality aids for people with and without mobility restrictions since 1999, with a great deal of passion and dedication. We see ourselves as approachable and reliable companions and attach great importance to continuous research and development work. We keep our finger on the pulse of the times and keep pace with the growing demands of the new era. Our motors: An open ear for the needs of our customers, active social responsibility and the desire to make the world a little more sustainable every day.

WE are there wherever you need us

First test then buy

WE create safety

Our experience so that you feel good

WE are “made in Germany”

Manufactured from A to Z in Germany

WE are approachable

More than just manufacturers of aids

WE are sustainable

Inclusion in our workshops too

FAQ

We have a quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 and the production of the special vehicles is carried out strictly according to legal requirements. Extensive product tests by independent bodies and an in-house roller test stand also ensure safety. In addition, we place great emphasis on sustainability and our in-house quality standards, including

  • In-house production, assembly and distribution
  • More than 20 years of experience in the production of special bicycle and tricycles
  • "Made in Germany" – no foreign imports
  • Extremely robust models, some even up to 160 kg
  • A diverse product range
  • Competent specialist trade partners (Europe-wide)
  • An innovative company with a long tradition, where inclusion is a priority

For a takeaway product like a DVD or bedding, that can work. However, our bikes are products that require explanation and we would like to give you the best possible advice. In the interest of our customers, we therefore remain 
specialist trade-oriented.

Yes we do. For this purpose, a TÜV approval with operating permit is requested for the vehicle. This vehicle may then only be operated with an appropriate driving licence and a valid insurance number plate.

We have a quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 and the production of the special vehicles is carried out strictly according to legal requirements. Extensive product tests by independent bodies and an in-house roller test stand also ensure safety. In addition, we place great emphasis on sustainability and our in-house quality standards, including

  • In-house production, assembly and distribution
  • More than 20 years of experience in the production of special bicycle and tricycles
  • "Made in Germany" – no foreign imports
  • Extremely robust models, some even up to 160 kg
  • A diverse product range
  • Competent specialist trade partners (Europe-wide)
  • An innovative company with a long tradition, where inclusion is a priority

Yes we do. For this purpose, a TÜV approval with operating permit is requested for the vehicle. This vehicle may then only be operated with an appropriate driving licence and a valid insurance number plate.

For a takeaway product like a DVD or bedding, that can work. However, our bikes are products that require explanation and we would like to give you the best possible advice. In the interest of our customers, we therefore remain 
specialist trade-oriented.

Find a dealer

Would you like to book a test ride?
Maybe you will like it so much, you will want to call it your own. Find a dealer near you.

We're looking for you!

Numerous areas of responsibility await you, for a wide range of qualifications. Apply now, become a team member at pfautec and benefit from numerous advantages.

Become a dealer

Help us to offer pfautec products on the world market. To enable independent and self-determined mobility in all situations – for everyone.