Engaging and Disengaging the Drive
Each drive lever engages separately. When disengaged, the drive levers are totally decoupled from the drive system and the levers and are free to move until they hit their end stops. Similarly, the wheels are free to roll if unobstructed. To engage the drive, keep the parking brake on, and engage one lever at a time. Do not release the parking brake until drive is engaged and you are ready to ride off.
Take up the left lever, and with the lever positioned slightly forward of upright centre, twist the engagement handle and push the drive lever forwards until the Engagement Handle springs downwards and the pin seats into one of the holes in the Drive Ring. The left drive lever should now stay up and ready, leaning slightly forward. Repeat for the right hand side. The drive levers are now engaged and ready to use. Ensure the Engagement Handle is fully down and securely engaged before proceeding.
Once drive is engaged, release the parking brakes on both sides and the Trike is free to be propelled by the rider.
Going Forward
The drive levers will propel the Trike forward by driving each of the two front wheels independently. Upon pushing the levers forward, the drive will engage, turning the wheels, resulting in forward motion. Upon pulling the levers back, the drive system allows the levers free motion to return before beginning another driving push. It is possible to push both levers together, alternate left and right or even to drive short distances one handed by only pushing the Steering Handle.
This system allows the Trike to coast forward too, such that you only push when you feel the need to.
Reversing
To move the Trike backwards when on flat ground, first ensure the steering is straight, disengage the drive on both levers and lay them in their resting position. Then push on the wheels, as if the Trike were a standard wheelchair, to propel backwards.
If reversing down a slope, ensure the steering is straight and apply the parking brakes. Then disengage the drive on both levers and whilst holding the brakes firmly on, release the parking brakes and gently release the brake levers to roll backwards in a slow and controlled manner.
CAUTION - Reversing can be difficult, only reverse the minimum amount required and then drive forwards turning to move away from the obstacle in a forward direction.
Braking
Mountain Trikes come equipped with two high specification mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes. These provide an unsurpassed level of braking power and control. The brakes work on the two driven wheels and are controlled by brake levers mounted on the drive levers.
There are two different options for the Brake Levers:
- Dual Braking: One brake lever operates both brakes at the same time, giving unparalleled ease of use of one-hand control. If you want to slow down or stop, no worries just pull the lever.
- Independent Brakes: Two brake levers, one for each wheel. This is suitable for advanced riders as using them requires a great deal more skill, practise and concentration.
(If you decide to change your braking options at a later date, this is no problem, we can either change them for you, or simple send you the new parts.)
Only very gentle pressure on the brake lever is required to begin braking. There is enough power in the brakes to control speed whilst descending and hold the Trike still on slopes whilst ascending. To provide small amounts of braking force to check speed, only gentle pressure is required. It is also important to apply force evenly to each brake lever so each wheel is experiencing roughly the same amount, otherwise you could veer to the side.
Again, use smooth, flat and open ground to practice braking and get a feel for the brakes and making controlled stops before attempting more challenging terrain.
Note: Always keep at least one or two fingers resting on the brakes at all times when riding.
WARNING – For Independent Brakes, uneven force applied to each brake when riding at speed can cause the Trike to change direction rapidly causing the rider to lose control and fall.
Anti-tip wheels
The anti-tip wheels at the front of the Mountain Trike are designed to prevent the rider from tipping too far forward and falling out when applying the brakes. The use of the optional seat belt may help riders feel more secure in the event of tipping.