Properly managing the handlebars and especially how far to the left and right you turn them while
you are riding is vital to your safety. Because the front wheel has been designed to trail the fork, the
handlebars have a tendency to turn on their own in the direction that you are leaning the vehicle.
Unlike a bicycle, which wants to go in a straight line, the front wheel will actually accentuate a turn.
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Safety Issue #3: Handlebar Etiquette
Because of this condition, new riders need to pay special attention to not over steer. Over steering
can cause the handlebars to cross up or “jack knife” which will stop the vehicle suddenly and possibly
cause an injury. Always maintain firm control of the handlebars with both hands and never ride with
one or no hands. The Free Rein requires both hands on the handlebars at all times.
First time riders have a tendency to muscle the handlebars and throw their weight from side to side.
What manually propels the Trikke carving vehicle forward is a combination of turning and leaning the
steering column not jerking or thrusting the handlebars from side to side It is best to think in terms
Safety
Issue
#4:
Riding
Downhill
Because the Free Rein is a totally new machine with completely foreign riding characteristics, we
strongly recommend that you take your time when familiarizing yourself with the vehicle and gradually
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steering column, not jerking or thrusting the handlebars from side to side. It is best to think in terms
of more rocking and less turning. Long smooth turns are best for beginners.
test the performance boundaries of its riding characteristics. This is especially important before
attempting to ride up or down hills. Both hill climbing and downhill riding are advanced and require
that you become a strong competent rider before even attempting hills
‐‐‐
up or down. As far as
downhill riding is concerned, we strongly recommend that you only ride down hills in which you can
control your speed with turns as you traverse the hill. Riding hills at speeds that require constant
braking is not recommended for three reasons: you can get up to speeds where your braking distances
are too long to stop you safely you can fall causing serious injury or death and you will quite simply
are too long to stop you safely, you can fall causing serious injury or death, and you will quite simply
wear down your brake pads and rear wheels long before their expected functional life expectancy.
The Free Rein will accelerate quickly down even the mildest grades, so only ride at speeds and in an
environment that are suitable for your skill level.
Safety
Issue
#5:
Safety
Equipment
Always wear safety equipment, especially a helmet. A helmet is a must when riding a Free Rein or any
Always wear safety equipment, especially a helmet. A helmet is a must when riding a Free Rein or any
wheeled vehicle for that matter. We also recommend that you wear elbow and knee pads, especially
for children and inexperienced riders. As stable a platform as the vehicle is, there are always
environmental considerations that might catch you by surprise like cracks in the pavement or other
vehicles.
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ASSEMBLY, MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY SECTIONS OF
’
THE OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE RIDING. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND
PAY ATTENTION TO ALL WARNINGS.
Visit our website at www.trikke.com for information, replacement parts, new Trikke products, and
custom Trikke accessories like carry bags, hats, t
‐
shirts, high performance wheels, water bottles,
backpacks and more.
Trikke Tribred Free
Rein
Owner's
Manual
V1
10/1/08
18
