HP Velotechnik trikes - Manual (Page 21)

Riding a recumbent tricycle
17
Handling instructions
How to ride correctly and safely
Caution! Always carry your tri-
cycle over stairs and curb stones. Do not
ride through big road holes. Especially
when road holes are filled with water it is
very difficult to guess how deep they really
are.
In case you hit such an obstacle frame and
steering may be damaged which can result in a
serious fall. At first, the damage may be unno-
ticed. Please check your tricycle immediately
for deformations and cracks. If you are in
doubt please consult your local dealer.
Do not ride freehand
Danger! In order to ride safely
you have to keep both hands at the han-
dlebar. Even when signalling keep at least
one hand at the handlebar. Otherwise, un-
foreseen bumps in the road or oscillations
of the steering may lead to a serious fall.
How to ride correctly and safely
Always adjust your speed to the traffic, the
road and the weather conditions. Ride slowly
in curves and on unknown roads. Always ride
at a safe distance from other road users, and
when you ride in a group never ride side by
side.
When you approach a traffic light never ride
past the line of waiting cars since even the
most attentive car driver may not see you due
to your low riding position.
When riding the S-Pedelec, be aware of the
higher speed level this vehicle provides. It may
be unfamiliar for other people in traffic. Ride
defensively. Only ride at higher speeds where
and when this is safe!
Wear protective clothing
Riding a tricycle is a potentially dangerous
sport where accidents can happen even when
you take care of every safety instruction pre-
scribed.
We recommend you to wear an approved bi-
cycle helmet that fits well. Protect yourself by
wearing special sports clothing that fits tight
and is reflective. If you're wearing wide pants
use clips to protect them from getting caught
in the chain - or use an old fashioned method
and put the pants in your sockets.
When you fall with a recumbent you’ll usually
land on the side of your hips and your hands.
Wearing reinforced cycling shorts and gloves
reduces the danger of skin injuries considera-
bly.
Use clipless pedals
The pedals of your recumbent tricycle can be
upgraded on demand with a binding system.
As soon as you are comfortable with riding
your Scorpion you should use those clipless
pedals. Due to the rigid connection between
shoe and pedal you don't have to keep your
foot on the pedals with pressure anymore.
This enables a more relaxed and round pedal-
ling movement where you may even pull a lit-
tle on the pedals. Without this connection to
the pedals your feet may come off suddenly
which may result in a fall. Modern system
pedals with binding therefore contribute to
safe riding.
At first you will have to practice with these
pedals to make sure that you can get off
quickly in a dangerous situation. Please read
the manual of the pedal manufacturer that
comes with this manual and have your dealer
explain the use of the pedals to you. In the
beginning set the release force of the binding