Electric Trike Safety Tips

Electric tricycles are stable, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable to ride. But like any vehicle, they are safest when operated with a basic understanding of how they work and what to watch for — especially if you are riding one for the first time.

This page covers the practical things worth knowing before and during your rides. Many of our customers are adults who have not ridden in years, or who are navigating physical limitations that made a two-wheel bike feel too risky. These tips are written with you in mind.

1. Wear a Helmet on Every Ride

This is the single most important thing on this list. Electric trikes can reach speeds of 15 to 20 mph depending on the model and assist level. A helmet that meets CPSC bicycle helmet standards is the minimum. Many riders also choose to add cycling gloves for grip and wrist protection.

Helmet use requirements vary by state. Check your local laws — but regardless of what is legally required, wearing one is the right call.

2. Understand How Pedal Assist and Throttle Work Before Your First Ride

Most BIKEGG models have both pedal assist (PAS) and a throttle. Understanding the difference before you ride prevents surprises.

Pedal assist (PAS) provides motor support proportional to your pedaling effort, at the level you select on the LCD display. Levels are typically 1 through 5. Higher levels provide more assistance and use more battery. This is the mode most riders use for daily riding.

Throttle applies motor power on demand without pedaling. The response can feel abrupt at first — start at a low assist level and use the throttle gently until you are familiar with how your specific trike accelerates.

Take 10 to 15 minutes to practice in a quiet, open area before your first real ride. Get comfortable with starting, stopping, and turning before heading onto roads or shared paths.

3. Know Your Braking Distance

Electric trikes are heavier than standard bicycles — typically 65 to 100 lbs — which means they take longer to stop, especially at higher speeds or on downhill sections. Give yourself more stopping distance than you would on a regular bike, and avoid sharp braking on loose surfaces.

Check your brakes before every ride. Squeeze both levers — they should engage firmly before reaching the handlebar grip. If a brake feels soft or spongy, do not ride until it has been adjusted. See our Assembly Guide for brake adjustment instructions, or contact us for support.

4. Take Turns Carefully

Three-wheel trikes handle corners differently from two-wheel bikes. At higher speeds, the inside wheels can lift slightly on sharp turns — this is more pronounced on inclines or uneven surfaces.

The practical rule: slow down before corners, not during them. Make wider turns than you expect to need, especially on hills or gravel paths. Most riders find this becomes natural within a few rides — it just requires a small adjustment from bike-riding habits.

5. Be Aware of Your Width

Electric trikes are wider than bicycles — typically 30 to 36 inches depending on the model. On shared paths, be mindful of clearance when passing other cyclists or pedestrians. On road shoulders, be aware of the extra width before moving around parked cars or obstacles.

When parking, choose a spot where the trike will not block foot traffic or a path. Apply the parking brake on any slope, even a gentle one.

6. Start With a Lower Assist Level

If you are new to e-bikes or e-trikes, start on PAS level 1 or 2. The higher assist levels are powerful and can feel surprising if you are not expecting them. Build up familiarity gradually — most riders find their preferred setting within a few short rides.

Starting low also conserves battery, which extends your range on longer outings.

7. Charge and Store Your Battery Safely

Lithium-ion batteries perform best and last longer when handled correctly. Follow these guidelines:

  • Charge your battery using only the charger included with your trike
  • Do not leave the battery charging unattended overnight or for extended periods
  • Charge at room temperature — avoid charging in very cold conditions below 32 degrees F or very hot conditions above 95 degrees F
  • Store the battery at partial charge (around 50 to 80 percent) if you will not be riding for several weeks
  • Do not store the battery in a car trunk during hot weather — lithium batteries degrade quickly at high temperatures
  • If the battery shows signs of swelling, unusual heat, or physical damage, stop using it immediately and contact us at support@bikegg.com

8. Ride Predictably Around Traffic

If you are riding on roads or in areas shared with cars, predictable behavior is the most important safety factor. Here is what that looks like in practice:

  • Ride in the same direction as traffic — never against it
  • Use hand signals for turns so drivers know your intentions
  • Make eye contact with drivers at intersections before proceeding
  • Use your headlight and taillight in low-light conditions — most BIKEGG models include both
  • Wear visible clothing, especially in the early morning or evening when visibility is lower

9. Know the E-Bike Laws in Your State

Electric tricycles fall under different regulatory categories depending on their top assisted speed and motor power. Most of our models qualify as Class 2 e-bikes — throttle-assisted, maximum 20 mph — but rules vary by state and even by city.

Before riding on bike paths, multi-use trails, or public roads, check your state's current e-bike classification laws. A good starting point is your state's Department of Transportation website. Some parks and trail systems also have their own rules that are separate from state law.

10. Inspect Your Trike Before Each Ride

A quick 60-second check before you head out can prevent most common issues on the road:

  • Tires are inflated to the pressure printed on the tire sidewall
  • Both brake levers engage firmly before reaching the grip
  • Battery is charged and seated securely in its mount
  • No visible damage to the frame, wheels, or electrical connections
  • Pedals are tight with no wobble
  • LCD display powers on and shows battery level

If anything seems off, do not ride until you have addressed it. Contact our support team if you are unsure what the issue is.

11. Special Considerations for Older Riders

Many of our customers are adults in their 60s, 70s, and beyond — and this is genuinely one of the best uses for an electric trike. A few things worth knowing if this applies to you:

  • The trike stays upright on its own at a stop — you do not need to put your feet down or balance. This alone removes the most common fear for older riders returning to cycling.
  • Set your seat height so there is a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. This reduces strain on knee and hip joints during longer rides.
  • Start every ride at a low speed and low assist level until you feel comfortable. There is no rush.
  • If you are managing a condition that affects balance, coordination, or reaction time, consider practicing in a private parking lot before riding on shared paths or roads.
  • Bring your phone on every ride so you can reach someone if you need help.

Questions or Safety Concerns

If something does not feel right about your trike, or you have a question about safe operation, reach out before your next ride. We would rather answer a question than have you ride with a concern.

Email: support@bikegg.com

Company: MODA CHIC LLC

Address: 13635 E 104th Ave Unit 500, Commerce City, CO 80022

Support hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM MST

Response time: Within 1 to 2 business days

You can also visit our Assembly Guide, review our Warranty Information, or check our FAQ page for more help.