Top Ten Safety Tips For Trike Riders - From One Rider To Another
Riding a trike opens the road in a whole new way - more stability, more comfort, and a whole lot of freedom. Three wheels do not remove the risks; they still demand skill, awareness, and respect. Whether you are new to trikes or have thousands of miles behind you, staying sharp and riding smart is what keeps us all safe and enjoying the ride.
Here are the top ten safety tips every trike rider should keep in mind:
1. Gear Up Every Time:
Always wear proper protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots, to also have rain gear on board. Proper gear offers both protection and comfort to make a big difference on long rides. Invest in high-quality protective gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. Full gear can significantly reduce your chances of an accident.
2. Take Trike-Specific Training:
Three wheels do not make you invincible. A DOT approved helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, and riding pants can save you when things go sideways. Remember the phrase: Dress for the slide, not the ride - every single time. You also want to store proper rain gear that fits correctly. Poorly fitted ones can reduce your abilities.
3. Learn Your Brakes:
Trikes are heavier, which means they stop slower. Practice braking in an empty parking lot so you know how your machine reacts at different speeds, on different surfaces, and when fully loaded. Knowing your braking limits can save your life.
4. Corner With Control:
There is no counter-steering and you do not lean a trike – you steer it. Ease off the throttle before the turn, using both brakes gradually, looking through the corner, and keep a steady hand on the throttle as you exit. Shift your weight slightly to the inside of the turn and press firmly on the outside foot for balance and stability.
5. Read The Road Ahead:
With three tire tracks, you cannot dodge every hazard. Stay alert for gravel, potholes, and uneven pavement. Scan ahead, pick the cleanest line, and do not hesitate slow down when conditions look unsure. With sand, mud, water or loose surface, downshift and slow before your problem area, tap brakes to alert others behind you, cross the surface in a straight line, rise off the seat when necessary, and hold the handgrips firmly without locking your arms.
6. Be Seen – Ride Bright:
You are wider than a bike but still easy to overlook. Use bright gear, reflective tape, and auxiliary lights to stay visible. Ride with headlights on, position yourself where drivers can see you, and never assume they will.
7. Check Tires & Alignment Regularly:
Trikes depend on proper tire care for smooth, safe handling. Check tire pressure before each ride, and watch for uneven wear - especially on the front tire. If it pulls or feels off-center, have the alignment checked.
8. Respect The Weight:
Extra gear or passengers change how your trike handles and brakes. Know your gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR) and distribute weight evenly, keeping the heaviest items low. An overloaded or unbalanced trike can surprise you in corners or sudden stops.
9. Ride Defensively:
Most drivers do not know how to read a trike’s speed or size. Keep a wide safety cushion, use clear signals assume others do not see you. Anticipate their mistakes - it is the mark of a smart, seasoned rider.
10. Stay Sharp & Ride Within Your Own Limits:
A trike gives you stability, not immunity. Stay rested, focused, and sober. Fatigue and distraction slow your reflexes faster than you think. Know your limits, take breaks, and always ride your own ride.
Bottom Line: A trike offers freedom, comfort, and confidence - safety still rides on you. Gear up, stay visible, never stop learning. Right smart, ride steady, and enjoy every mile.
Riding safely is always the first step, but accidents can still happen. If you or a fellow rider ever find yourself in a crash, call Attorney Brad Souders - a true lifetime biker, with a primary office in Tampa who understands the road and fights for bikers and their families throughout Florida.
Brad offers free initial consultations and flexible appointments, including home visits, hospital visits, evenings, weekends, or virtual online meetings. Simply call Brad’s cell phone at 813-220-7767.