Safety Measures: Maintaining Balance on Electric Trikes

Riding an electric trike gives you a new sense of freedom while being comfortable and confident. They are fantastic for older people or those with mobility issues. But maintaining balance on electric trikes still takes some awareness. The good news is that with the right approach, riding an electric trike and keeping balance soon becomes second nature. In this guide, we will walk you through key safety tips to help you feel steady, safe, and in control every time you ride your electric trike.

Why Balance Feels Different on a Trike

Even though electric trikes are far more stable than two-wheeled bikes, they still require practice and some adaptation. For example, you don't lean into turns like on a bicycle; instead, you stay upright and steer more like a small car. This difference matters, especially at high speeds or on uneven surfaces.

Start with the Right Posture

The first thing you need to do is ride with the correct posture to ensure a safe ride. It's best to sit upright with your back supported if possible. You should always keep both hands on the handlebars and your feet flat and centred on the pedals. It is incredibly important to adjust your seat height so you can ride comfortably when pedalling with your legs slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Mooncool trikes like the TK1 Folding offer adjustable seating to help you find the proper set-up.

Control Your Speed—Especially Early On

Speed is a serious concern when it comes to maintaining balance on electric trikes. Don't ride too fast when you're getting used to your trike. Keep your pace slow and steady with smooth acceleration and braking. It's best to avoid quick bursts of throttle or sudden stops. It's always a good idea to start riding using the lowest assistance setting until you feel confident to explore the other modes.

Work On Your Turns

Maintaining balance on electric trikes while turning can feel awkward at first. You may be used to riding a two-wheeler, where you shift your body into the turn. But on a trike, you turn by steering the handlebars and keeping your body upright. It's important to take wide, gentle turns and avoid leaning. Going too fast into a turn can make the inside wheel lift slightly, so remember to keep your speed moderate and your turns smooth.

Consider Your Terrain

When riding, you are likely to encounter different types of terrain. You need to know that trikes cope with bumps differently from regular bikes. When riding on rough surfaces, you must keep your eyes ahead and slow down, anticipating what's coming. Gravel, uneven pavement, or curbs can upset the stability of an electric trike. 

Use Accessories

Maintaining balance on electric trikes isn't just physical, it's also mental. If you feel stable, you'll ride better, and there are a few accessories that can help you. For example, you may want to fit rearview mirrors to your trike, reducing the need to twist your head to look behind you, which can upset your balance. A good set of handlebar grips can improve control, as can upgraded pedals, as these are your contact points with your trike. Mooncool trikes can be fitted with accessories such as baskets, mirrors, and phone holders to make your right feel more stable and organised.

Practice Starts and Stops

At first, starting and stopping can feel wobbly, especially on hills or uneven surfaces. We recommend you practice in a flat, open space first. Accelerate gently to get a feel for how your new electric trike performs. When stopping, keep both hands on the brakes and allow plenty of distance to come to a safe and secure stop. Don't wait until the last second. With time, stopping your electric trike smoothly becomes second nature.

Use the Parking Brake

Make sure you use the parking brake every time you stop or dismount your electric trike. This keeps the trike steady and prevents it from rolling when mounting and dismounting. It's a small habit, but it builds your confidence and protects you from surprise movements that could be potentially dangerous.

Choose the Right Trike

It's important that you choose the perfect electric trike for your needs and size. If your electric trike is not suitable for how you want to use it, or it is too big or too small for you, it will be more challenging to control. 

Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

You may not realise how important tire pressure is to maintaining balance on electric trikes. If your tire pressure is too low, steering can be harder and cause issues with balance. Too much pressure reduces grip, especially in wet conditions. With this in mind, it's important that you check your tire pressure every week and adjust it to the recommended PSI listed in your trike's user manual.

Stay Relaxed and Breathe

Nervous riders often tense up, which can affect their balance. It's important to stay relaxed, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that you are in control. The more you ride, the more confident you'll feel, and riding your electric trike will become easier in no time.

Build Confidence Gradually

If you are new to riding electric trikes, it is best to start small. Start with short rides on familiar routes, gradually increasing the distance and new terrain as you become more experienced.

Final Thoughts On Maintaining Balance On Electric Trikes

Balancing on an electric trike isn't difficult, it's just a bit different to what you might be used to. But using the proper techniques and a little bit of practice, you'll soon begin to feel steady and safe. Mooncool trikes are built for comfort, safety, and performance. Whether you're new to riding or returning after years away, there's a trike for you.

Explore the full Mooncool trike range today and find the model that fits your lifestyle.