HP Velotechnik trikes - Manual (Page 20)

16
Riding a recumbent tricycle
Learning the new riding technique
Your new tricycle has been assembled by
your dealer and adjusted together with you as
described on the pages 19 and following in the
chapter "Adjusting your new tricycle". Before
you sit down on your tricycle and enjoy your
first ride please make yourself familiar with
the instructions on riding technique and han-
dling.
To ride this recumbent you will have to make
yourself acquainted with the different riding
position. Make sure that you and all other fu-
ture users of this tricycle will have read this
manual carefully prior to the first ride. If you
are in doubt please consult your local dealer.
Before the first ride the users of this recum-
bent have to practice and make themselves
familiar with the different handling. We rec-
ommend to practice on a quiet road away
from traffic. Before you ride the tricycle in
traffic you must master the handling com-
pletely.
Caution! When getting on and
off the tricycle, make sure to avoid pulling
at the handle bars or stepping on the tie
rods. To get off the tricycle, sit upright on
the front seat edge and then stand up. Grip
the front wheels or the seat back as extra
support, not the handlebars. If you pull
firmly at the handlebars, the steering can
be damaged.
Danger! Never touch the
ground with your feet while the tricycle is
still moving. The feet could be caught on
the ground and be pulled backwards and
dragged under the cross bar which could
lead to a serious injury. We strongly rec-
ommend using a pedal binding system like
clipless pedals or toe clips and straps.
Keep all three wheels on the ground while
riding. If you are cornering too fast, your tri-
cycle can be upset and fall over. Lean into
curves when turning sharply. At high speed,
keep your upper body quiet as any upper
body movements can influence the steering of
the tricycle.
Practice cornering away from traffic to learn
what speed is safe at a specific turning angle.
If you lift up a front wheel, immediately steer
in the opposite direction to bring it safely
back to the ground.
Danger! Please be aware that
due to your low seat height other road us-
ers may notice you very late. Ride anticipa-
tory with this in mind. This is especially
important while riding in darkness. You
yourself have a much better view than
others perceive you. Ride defensively. We
recommend mounting a well visible and re-
flecting flag to the tricycle while using it in
traffic. Find more information about light-
ing systems on page 42. Please ask your
dealer for more information.
Handling instructions