Safety, of course, is important: but especially so when the elderly are concerned. Whereas tricycles were once considered to be good enough just for children, adults are now joining in the fun. In fact, adult tricycles are quickly becoming a preferred mode of transport for people of an elderly age, giving them an avenue for freedom, mobility, independence and leisure. However, wherever the elderly are concerned, there is usually concerns for safety. Hence, it is important to discuss these important safety tips for riders of adult tricycles.
1. CHOOSE THE PROPER SIZE
Riding a tricycle is meant to be a comfortable, convenient and an enjoyable experience. For this reason, your tricycle cannot be too small or too large. It is important for adults to select the tricycle size that is properly fitted for an individual of their size. Riding in a properly sized bike ensures that the pedals, handlebars, and other controls can easily be reached without any extra stress. Squeezing into a small tricycle diminishes the level of comfort. Too big, a tricycle becomes cumbersome to control because of the extra weight.
Generally, you would have to worry about adult tricycle size: except you own any of the new models from Viribus. These adult tricycle models are made in an ergonomic design, meaning the size of the frame can be adjusted to fit the size of an adult. An additional benefit of the design is that allows the rider to ride in a comfortable upright position, which is more beneficial for health and wellbeing-especially in the case of adult riders.
2. STRIVE FOR STABILITY AND BALANCE
On a traditional bicycle, a rider can easily maintain stability and balance by shifting and adjusting the body position. When it comes to tricycles, safety is closely linked to speed. It is highly advised for adults and other tricycle riders to ride at slower pace in order to maintain stability and control of the tricycle. Slowing down is especially crucial when making turns or navigating treacherous paths and roads. In addition, avoid sudden burst of speed or complex maneuvers that may cause that may upset that natural balance granted by the three wheels.
Slowing down generally should not be a hard or complicated thing to do. Model adult tricycle models such as the the Viribus TriGo Plus come with an advanced breaking system consisting of a front V brake and a rear drum brake. These effective set of brakes ensures that the bike can be slowed down and stopped smoothly without any further risks.
3. MASTER LOAD MANAGEMENT
For obvious reasons, it is ill-advised to overload the cargo space. The bike could become heavier and more difficult to paddle along, and there is always the risk that your belongings could end up falling overboard.
However, dealing with the cargo space on an adult tricycle requires meticulous attention. When you load your cargo into the space, make sure the weight is evenly distributed on the carriage space. Unevenly loaded cargo makes the trike the tendency to tilt in the direction of the cargo, thus making the bike more difficult to handle. This is definitely a problem to avoid especially on rough paths.
4. RIDE DEFENSIVELY
Remember that you are riding a vehicle with a bigger frame than a traditional bike. A s such, there are extra traffic implications to bear in mind. Be careful to observe and identify potential safety hazards especially in areas with narrow roads or high traffic. Your duty to pay attention to other road users would be much simpler if you employ the use of reflective gear, front and rear lights. These will keep you conscious, informed and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Fortunately, all models in the Viribus collection come already equipped with sufficient and effective additional gear. The models are equipped with a display screen which feeds constant information to the rider concerning speed, battery condition, assist levels, and other vital details. In addition the Viribus TriGo Plus is equipped with a shiny LED headlight, which makes it safe to ride in almost every condition.
5. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
There may never be a perfect driver, all exceptional drivers are super confident in their abilities on the road. That confidence cannot be achieved in any other way but continuous practice. Start by riding in a safe, low traffic area. The goal should be to become comfortable and accustomed to all the controls on your tricycle: the handlebars, breaks. Continue training as you gradually advance to more complex paths.
Drivers and riders train to the point where controlling their vehicle becomes more of a matter of reflexes. No significant amount of extra effort is required except in cases of heightened risk. This should be your prerogative. At this point, you can advance unto the highway with the calm assurance that you are safe, and so are the people around you.
6. DO NOT FORGET THE HELMET AND ACCESSORIES
Never ride without your helmet. This rule applies not only to riders of bicycles, for to anyone riding a vehicle in which the head is directly exposed to injury. In addition to a helmet, an adult tricycle allows you to protect yourself with other kinds of protective gear such as rearview mirrors, bells, horns and gloves.
Equipped with this knowledge, you now know what to look out for in order to keep yourself safe. You are cleared to step out with quiet confidence, and ride like a professional. But before you go, check out Viribus for more information on adult tricycles and take a peep at the latest models in the market. Chances are.....you will want one too!
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