How To Ride a Trikke?- Work the Legs!

When doing private Trikke lessons at Capital Trikke, we notice that many have little difficulty jumping on and working the handlebars—even if they need a little advice on how to use them. We are after all, a handlebar nation and we intuitively “get” the notion of the handlebar. We then teach people how to best use their Trikke handlebars (see this video).

What’s pretty common in new riders is the question of what to do with their legs. The Trikke has such a mystical quality and experienced riders seem to not be doing anything at all to make it move. And hey... I know it sounds simple. It's a scooter right? Just push right? Nope!

The thing to remember with legs is that Trikkers sweep out and forward, plus lean with their hips and legs to gain forward momentum. In contrast, cyclists peddle backwards---Roller skaters push back and out to the side.

Trikkers need forward momentum. We drive the Trikke forward with the combo of upper and lower body. Although we can focus on just the upper body to pull us forward using Trikke techniques, it’s the legs that provide the biggest motor. If you have no lower body physical limitations, it’s a good idea to develop the strength and technique to use your legs to their full potential.

When working on the legs, practice this exercise off the Trikke:

Pretend you are holding your handlebars. Overall, don’t move your upper body.

Stand still and take your right leg and sweep it forward in a half circle motion, paying attention to the foot. Drag it forward with a nice strong, slow rhythm and flex the calf out to point your foot and toes as you come to the top of the half circle. Do nothing with the opposite leg or upper body--focus on this leg for now. This is your sweeping motion

Repeat with the left leg.

Now, when you’re comfortable with this motion and have good balance and strength doing it --add the lean--(very important because with balance, you’re strengthening your core as well!). When you sweep whichever leg you’re working on, lean and place your weight on the opposite leg. You will feel the strength needed for this but when on the Trikke it won’t feel as intense because of the low to no impact of Trikke riding.

This is what you want to translate onto the Trikke, and build balance and strength doing this. What this motion does when you’re on the Trikke, is that your sweeping leg gives you driving momentum forward while the leaning leg is harnessing that momentum for the next sweep on that leg. Then you rock the leaning leg into sweeping position and it becomes the next driver. Obviously when on the Trikke, you don’t lift your leg off the foot platform--you keep your foot firm on the platform, at most raising up on your toes to create this motion with your body. You will feel the Trikke capture this energy and move forward better. Do it with rhythm and depending on the surface you can do it slightly or with more force for an approaching incline. Now… repeat for 20 miles!

The sweep and lean in connection with the upper body movements will build forward momentum and help you travel up slight inclines as you get stronger and adept at doing this. Careful with your balance! Don’t lean backwards and keep your center of gravity forward on the Trikke. Pure hill climbing requires some added technique engaging even more upper and lower body strength and technique. But that’s another conversation!

Check the video posted above and watch us ride the Trikke T12. This sweeping and leaning motion is demonstrated in some close shots here. You'll see both a slower version, and one more aggressive to demonstrate how to prepare for incline speed. Email riding questions to: rides@capitaltrikke.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Common Questions About the Trikke

The Trikke provides a full body low to no impact high aerobic workout that can only be described as sheer addictive FUN! Capital Trikke is dedicated to helping you choose the right Trikke for you, helping you learn how to ride your new Trikke, and getting you out and getting involved in Trikke communities! Get fit while having fun. How often can you really say that?

Come on….Get on a TRIKKE and get Fit!

Frequently asked questions about the Trikke….and we do mean frequently asked!

How do I ride a Trikke?

Think of riding a Trikke a little bit skiing…a little bit inline skating. The Trikke moves with the very subtle forward motion of your body that comes at the same time as you’re turning your front wheel to gain momentum. Add to that a smooth side to side, lean and you’re swerving in no time. If you ever see us out showing people how we ride you’re likely to see one of us off the Trikke running beside people almost dancing to show the glide of the Trikke. That and singing “Good Vibrations.” Don’t laugh. It helps more than you know!

Do I have to push and kick it all the time to keep going?

Once you learn proper Trikke riding techniques you shouldn’t have to get off the Trikke to start from a dead stop. It’s about momentum and harnessing that into forward momentum with your body and riding technique. Because of this you shouldn’t have to push or kick off on the Trikke repeatedly. Remember, you are at least 8 inches off the ground. A repetitive downstep to kick off can be very painful and lead to Achilles tendon bruising and injury. Getting technique down should have you either starting firmly planted on your Trikke or with one slight push off. With technique and conditioning you should be able to ride for longer and longer periods without putting your feet down.

Won’t I fall off of it?

There are two sure fire ways to fall off your Trikke: Putting all of your weight to the rear of the foot platforms and leaning back will pull you backwards into a wheelie. Not good. Second, if you turn your front wheel too sharply to the right or left, the forward motion will be halted and the Trikke will skip and you will fall off. As with any rolling vehicle, if you hit curbs, ditches, holes etc., you risk falling. However, if you are aware of these risks, wear safety equipment such as helmet and gloves, and “learn before you burn,” you should be fine. The 3 wheeled Trikke with breaks on both rear wheels is actually very stable!

I have a knee injury, will I be able to Trikke?

Many people ask this question! Only you can be sure what your body will respond to which is why you should try the Trikke out several times before you buy. That said, many people with older injuries are able to ride the Trikke. The bigger question is whether you are fully recovered from your injury! Never begin a fitness program without discussing it with your doctor or physical therapist.

One of the great things about the Trikke is the riders ability to compensate and create a riding style that’s perfect for their body and their needs. You can ride on a flat surface such as a greenway or street with reduced leg motion if you’ve focused on building up and utilizing your upper body. Depending on your fitness goals and physical abilities, a workout can be created for you to address your specific needs.

Can I really lose weight?

Yes! If you dedicate yourself to a Trikke regimen which includes regular Trikke riding at least 3 times a week (40 minute minimum) and proper diet. You will lose weight over time. You’ll have a great time doing it too! The Trikke is a full body low impact fat burning machine! A 150 pound person can burn up to 240 calories in 30 minutes of steady riding. That’s more than swimming, cycling, golfing, walking, and bowling.

Can it go up hills?

A well conditioned and technique driven Trikke rider is capable of going up inclines of 15-18%. Smaller inclines such as those typically found in neighborhoods or greenways are easy to handle with proper Trikke technique.

Where can I ride it?

This depends on your skill level and imagination! The trikkers dream is a probably a long smooth greenway that goes for miles. If you can’t find that, your neighborhood will be fine, just consider that you’ll need flat areas to learn on and as you get technique down and get more fit, inclines and sidewalks will blend into your repertoire. Many riders take greenways. Many enjoy parking lots for endurance and fitness workouts. Some like the urban environment and love rides on city streets.

How fast can it go?

Top speed for a Trikke is around 18 mph for a rider sprinting on a “flat “surface. Consider though, that the Trikke is self propelled with no gears or chains . So the question is really-“how fast can you make it go?”

Don’t I need a lot of space to ride?

Yes and no. Lots of riders love the wide turns swerve that is so soothing with a Trikke. Yet, the Trikke can be ridden comfortably on an average sidewalk width when you need to. A good rider can pause, start up, and manoeuvre around pedestrians at will.

Which would be best for my child?

There are two models designed for the younger set. The T5 is for younger beginners ages 5-8. The T67 is designed for older kids up to preteens as well as some smaller adults. Some preteens comfortably ride the adult T78 and will grow into it even more so. The best thing to do is call for a try before you buy experience to find which fits your child now and in the future.

How much are they?

The child and preteen models vary from $79 for the T5 to $189 for the T67. Adult models range from $250 to $599.

What’s the difference in the adult models?

The T78 CS ($249) has a steel frame (23 pounds) and has two polyurethane wheels in the rear. These wheels are similar but larger than skate wheels. Many find them easier to learn on, but they’re not great for distance rides because of wear and vibration. They also have far less traction and are difficult for inclines. You can upgrade to air wheels for an additional $50 if your riding needs change.

The T78 Deluxe ($369) has a steel frame (23 pounds) and air wheels all around. It is close to the T78 in body style with a few exceptions, one being the handlebars are more heavy duty (good for longer rides) and the grips on the bars are cushioned and leather like for better grip.

The T8 ($499) has an aluminum frame (20 pounds), and has a longer distance between the handlebars and the foot platforms. This increases your ability to power your way up inclines and reach greater speeds due to the amount of energy you are able to expend from your core. Heavy duty handlebars and grips help you out as well. Think of as the mountain bike version of the Trikke. Good for workout trails and distance rides.

The T12 ($599) has an aluminum frame (30 pounds) but boasts 12 inch tires (other models have 8 inch tires) and a more advanced breaking system. This is the top end of the Trikke models and is the ultimate ride. Imagine 4 more inches of turning power with the same effort and you can imagine how the T12 can eat up the pavement.

How do I get one?

Capital Trikke provides you with Trikke authorized sales, warranty service, and Trikke Certified Training. Order off our website for free shipping on most models and in most cases no sales tax. Same day order processing. Or, email us at order@CapitalTrikke.com with your order questions. Order early during holiday seasons!