To ride an electric trike, set it up before you sit on it, start on the lowest pedal assist level in a quiet open space, and steer through corners rather than lean into them. A trike stays upright on its own, so balance is not the skill to learn. Steering, slowing before a bend and smooth braking are. This guide plans your first rides as short lessons, for new riders, riders returning after a long break, and anyone helping a partner or parent start.
By the Ridewave team, reviewed October 2026
How is riding a trike different from riding a bike?
On a bike you balance and lean. On a trike you sit and steer. Three wheels hold the trike upright when you stop or wait at the lights, so you never put a foot down. That changes three things:
- You steer, you don't lean. The frame stays level as you turn the handlebars. Lifelong bike riders often lean anyway, and it feels strange until they stop.
- The path surface matters more. With two rear wheels, you feel a sideways slope through the seat.
- It's wider. Allow extra room at gates, bollards and when passing people.
What should you check before your first ride?
- Seat. On most upright trikes the seat goes up and down: with a pedal at its lowest point, your leg should be almost straight. Semi recumbent trikes often have a seat that slides forward and back instead, so set your reach to the pedals first.
- Handlebars. Reach the grips with relaxed arms and a straight back, then tighten every adjustment.
- Brakes. Squeeze each lever and push the trike forward. It should not roll. Learn which lever works which brake on your trike.
- Tyres. Check the pressure against the figure printed on the tyre wall.
- Battery. Charge it fully, lock it in place and switch the trike on.
- Controls. While you're parked, find each one in the table below, if your trike has it.
- Helmet. Wear an approved bicycle helmet. Victoria's rule is plain: if you ride a bike, you must wear a helmet.
| Control | What it does | Try it while parked |
|---|---|---|
| Assist buttons | Set how much the motor helps | Find level 1 and off |
| Gear shifter | Makes pedalling lighter or heavier | Click through the gears |
| Start up throttle | Helps you move off | Find it, don't twist it yet |
| Parking brake | Holds the trike still | Set it and release it |
| Reverse or walk mode | Moves the trike slowly backwards or beside you | Note the speed |
| Horn and indicators | Tell people where you're going | Press each one |
How do you start off smoothly with pedal assist?
Start on the lowest assist level, level 1, every time until starting off feels routine.
Pedal assist adds power while you pedal, and each higher level pushes harder. Level 1 moves off gently, giving you time to feel the steering.
- Sit down, feet on the pedals, and release the parking brake.
- Look ahead, not down at the front wheel.
- Push gently and keep an easy rhythm. The motor joins in as you pedal.
If your trike has a start up throttle, use it for the first few metres, then pedal. Under the e-bike rules a throttle works only up to 6 km/h, and pedal assist stops adding power at 25 km/h, as Queensland's e-bike rules set out.
How do you steer and corner on three wheels?
Slow down before the corner, sit upright, and turn the handlebars smoothly.
- Slow down before the bend, not in it. Ease off the pedals or drop an assist level. Coming in too fast is the most common mistake.
- Look where you want to go. The trike tends to follow your eyes.
- Stay centred. Keep your weight in the middle of the seat.
- Turn the bars gently. A trike responds quickly, and over steering makes it weave.
- Pedal out once you're straight.
On a tighter bend, some riders shift a little weight to the inside of the seat; try it slowly first. When a turn feels uncertain, relax your grip: tight hands pull the bars with you.
How do you brake and stop with confidence?
Brake early, brake evenly, and finish braking before you turn.
Disc brakes, hydraulic ones especially, respond to a light squeeze. On many e-trikes the brake levers also cut the motor (every Ridewave model works this way), so the assist stops the moment you brake. Check how yours behaves.
- Stop pedalling.
- Squeeze both levers together, gently at first, then a little firmer.
- Keep the handlebars straight while you brake.
- Once stopped, put on the parking brake before you get off.
Practise stopping at a chosen line at walking pace, then a little faster. Never brake hard mid corner: brake on the straight, then turn.
How do you ride up and down slopes?
Climb in an easy gear with a little more assist, and come down slowly with steady, light braking.
Going up:
- Change to an easier gear before the slope starts, not halfway up.
- Raise the assist level a step or two and keep pedalling seated.
- If you stop on a hill, set the parking brake, then release it and move off.
Going down:
- Drop to level 1 or stop pedalling.
- Hold your speed down with light pressure on both brakes.
- Ride straight down where you can. Turning across a steep slope tips weight towards the downhill wheel.
Avoid steep paths that slope to one side until you're confident.
Where should you practise in Australia?
Start somewhere flat, wide and quiet, such as an empty car park (with permission on private land), then move to quiet streets and shared paths.
Transport for NSW gives the same advice to every bicycle rider: plan your route on quieter streets, bicycle lanes and shared paths while you build confidence.
Footpaths are where the states differ most. Queensland allows e-bikes on footpaths with a 12 km/h speed limit on all footpaths. Check your state on our e-bike and electric trike laws page before you plan a route.
Riding at dusk? Our night riding guide applies on three wheels too.
What does a five session practice plan look like?
Five short sessions, one skill each. Stop while you're fresh, and move on when the "ready" check feels easy; two outings for a session is normal.
| Session | The one skill | Where to practise | Ready for the next when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Start and stop | Moving off on level 1 and stopping with both brakes | An empty car park or flat, quiet space | You start smoothly and stop at a chosen line five times in a row |
| 2. Steer and wide turns | Steering without leaning: wide loops and figure eights at walking pace | The same flat space | Your figure eights are smooth and you no longer try to lean |
| 3. Corners and controls | Slowing before a turn, tighter turns, changing assist level and gears while riding | A flat space with a few marked corners, then a quiet street | You slow before each turn without thinking about it |
| 4. Gentle slopes | Changing gear before a climb, steady braking on the way down, the parking brake on a slope | A short, gentle sealed slope with no traffic | You can stop halfway up, park, and move off again calmly |
| 5. A real route | A short loop on quiet streets and a shared path, using your indicators, passing people and giving way | A route you planned, at a quiet time | You finish relaxed and could do it again tomorrow |
Bring someone for the first two sessions: a helper walking beside you can spot leaning in the turns.
What makes a trike easier for a new rider?
If you're still choosing, these features make the first weeks easier:
- A low step through frame, so you can get on and off without swinging a leg over.
- A seat that suits you. Upright suits most riders; a semi recumbent seat with a backrest suits those who find upright riding uncomfortable.
- Brakes on all three wheels and a parking brake, for even stops and calm starts on a slope.
- A start up throttle, which helps you move off without a hard first push.
- Gears, so climbs stay comfortable at low assist.
When a trike isn't the right first step
The motor helps only while you pedal. If the rider would rather not pedal at all, start with our guide to electric trikes and mobility scooters.
About Ridewave and the trikes to try
Ridewave is an Australian e-trike and e-bike brand with showrooms in Vermont VIC, Girraween NSW and Marrickville NSW, where you can test ride by appointment. Showroom pickups come with free assembly, and Ridewave e-trikes carry a 2-year limited warranty (see the warranty page).
For a new rider, the ones to try are:
- Local rides and shopping, or getting on and off easily: the Koala, the most compact, with the lowest step through in the range at 29.5 cm, or the Quokka, which adds a front basket.
- When upright riding is no longer comfortable: the Platypus, with a semi recumbent seat, armrests and a backrest.
Compare them in the full electric trike range, or answer a few quick questions in our ride finder and we'll suggest one.
Common questions
Do you lean into corners on an electric trike?
No. A trike stays level, so you steer with the handlebars, keep your body centred and slow down before the bend.
How do you move the trike when you're not riding it?
Many e-trikes have powered reverse for backing out of a parking spot, and some add walk mode, which gives low speed assistance while you guide the trike on foot.
Is an electric trike hard to ride at first?
It feels unfamiliar for a ride or two, mostly because it doesn't lean. Level 1, an open space and the five session plan make the first week easier.
Can I practise during a showroom test ride?
Yes. At Ridewave showrooms, test rides happen outside or on quiet streets nearby, with a team member on hand to set the seat and explain the controls. Call ahead so the right trike is ready.
Try your first turns with us
Book a showroom test ride in Vermont, Girraween or Marrickville and try your first turns with staff on hand. Bring a partner or family member too.
Sources
- Bicycle road rules, Transport Victoria, checked October 2026
- Safe bicycle riding, Transport for NSW, checked October 2026
- E-bike rules in Queensland, Queensland Government, checked October 2026
Related articles
- E-bike and electric trike laws in Australia, state by state: where you can ride, and at what speed, in your state.
- Electric trike maintenance: the brakes, parking brakes and tyres to check before each ride.
- Electric trike vs mobility scooter: how the two compare if you're still deciding.