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.
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