First Time on Three Wheels: Les, 69, Test Rides the Easy Transit 750W Folding eTrike

Meet Les: A First Ride at 69

Les is 69 years old, he lives in Long Beach, and until the day this video was filmed he had never ridden a trike as an adult. Not an electric one, not a pedal-only one, not any kind. He admits there may have been a tricycle somewhere back in the 1960s, but he doesn't remember it, so for all practical purposes this was his first time on three wheels.

The trike he chose for that first ride was the sixthreezero Easy Transit 750W Fat Tire Folding eTrike, and the setting was about as low-key as it gets: a parking lot outside the sixthreezero shop. No camera tricks, no rehearsed script, just a guy getting on a new kind of machine for the first time and talking through what he notices as he goes.

That's exactly why this ride is worth writing about. Most product reviews come from people who have ridden dozens of bikes and trikes and have long since forgotten what it feels like to be new. Les hasn't. Over about six minutes he works out the controls, figures out how the trike behaves in a turn, tries a couple of gear and assist settings, and finds the parking brake. Along the way he says out loud the things a lot of first-time riders feel but never mention.

By the end, his summary is short and honest: it felt good, he has no complaints, he needs a bit more practice, and he's having a good time. If you've been thinking about an electric trike and wondering what those first few minutes will actually be like, Les's ride is a pretty good preview. Here's how it went, with some context added on what was happening under him and what it means if you're considering a trike of your own.

Specifications are useful. Motor wattage, gear count, tire size and weight capacity all matter, and you should look at them before you buy anything. But a spec sheet can't tell you how a trike feels when you're nervous, when you're turning for the first time, or when your instincts from decades of riding a two-wheeled bike start telling you to do the wrong thing.

A first ride answers different questions. Are the controls obvious, or do you have to stop and think? Does the trike feel steady at low speed? Do the brakes inspire confidence? Is the assist smooth enough that you aren't surprised by it? These are the things that decide whether a new rider keeps going out, or whether the trike ends up parked in the garage after a week.

Les's ride is useful precisely because he isn't trying to sell anybody anything. He doesn't gloss over the part that felt strange, which was turning, and he's quick to point out the parts that felt easy, like the buttons and the brakes. He's also clear that some of his habits might not be necessary. At one point he says he might not need to shift his weight in the turns, but that's what makes him comfortable. That kind of self-awareness is exactly what a new rider should bring to the first few outings.

If you're shopping for yourself or for a parent, it's worth reading his reactions alongside the broader range of electric trikes for seniors. The details differ from model to model, but the learning curve Les describes is common to nearly every three-wheeled design.

Before he rode anywhere, Les took a walk around the trike, and the first thing that caught his attention was the rear storage. The Easy Transit has a rear basket with a lid, and Les immediately gave it a nickname: the cat box. His reasoning was simple. It has a lid, so your cat won't jump out.

It's a joke, but it also gets at something real. A covered rear compartment changes how you use a trike. An open basket is fine for a bag of groceries, but a lid means you can carry things that you'd rather not have bouncing out on a bump, or that you'd like to keep out of sight while you run into a store. For errands, beach days and park trips, that small detail makes the trike more practical than it first looks.

Then he pointed to the front basket and announced that this is where the wine and cheese go. Again, he's having fun, but he also nailed what these trikes are designed for. An electric trike like this isn't a racing machine. It's built for getting around: a ride to the market, a trip down to the water, a picnic, a visit to a friend a couple of miles away. Two baskets, front and back, turn it into something you can use for daily life rather than just a loop around the block.

If storage is high on your list, sixthreezero groups several models in its electric tricycles with a large basket collection, and there are add-on baskets and bags and panniers if you want to carry even more. For Les, though, the stock setup already covered the essentials: one spot for the cat, one for the cheese.

Once he was seated, Les's first comment about the controls was that the buttons are very easy to understand. On the Easy Transit, the power assist controls are on one side of the handlebar and the gear shifter for the derailleur is on the other. That split is simple but effective. Your hands quickly learn that one side manages the motor and the other manages the gears, so you aren't hunting around while you're moving.

This matters more than people expect, especially for riders who are new to electric bikes and trikes. A lot of first-time e-riders worry that they'll be overwhelmed by a display full of numbers and modes. In practice, what you need on a ride like this is very limited: turn the system on, choose an assist level, shift gears when the terrain changes, and brake. Les had all of that figured out before he'd gone more than a few feet.

He confirmed the trike was powered on, said let's ride, and set off. There was no long pause to read a manual or fiddle with settings. That's a good sign for anyone buying a trike for a parent or grandparent who isn't especially comfortable with technology. If the controls are logical, confidence follows quickly.

It's still worth spending a few minutes with the controls before your own first ride. Sit on the trike with it switched off, find the assist buttons, find the shifter, squeeze both brake levers, and locate the parking brake. If you'd like a refresher on getting everything set up after delivery, the assembly instructions section walks through the basics, and the trikes arrive mostly built.

The one thing Les said he really had to pay attention to was turning. As he rode, he described what he was doing: leaning into every turn, shifting his weight to the inside, because he wasn't yet ready to trust that the trike would stay stable without it. He was candid that he was sure it would be fine once he got used to it, but for now, moving his weight made him feel comfortable.

This is the single most common experience among adults who move from a bicycle to a trike, and it's worth explaining why it happens. On a two-wheeled bike, leaning is how you turn. Your body learned that decades ago, and it does it automatically. A trike works differently. With two wheels at the back and one at the front, the frame stays upright through a turn instead of tilting. So when you instinctively lean, there's a moment where the trike doesn't do what your body expects, and that can feel odd.

Les's solution, moving his weight to the inside of the turn, is actually a sensible habit on any upright trike, particularly at speed. Shifting your body toward the inside of a corner helps keep weight on the inside rear wheel and makes the trike feel more planted. The key is to do it while keeping the handlebars steady and steering smoothly, rather than leaning the bars as you would on a bicycle.

The other big lesson is speed. Trikes reward slow, gentle turns. Les did his trickiest maneuver, a U-turn, with the pedal assist set to zero, which is exactly the right call. Slow down before the turn, not during it, steer with your hands rather than your hips, and keep your weight centered or slightly to the inside. After a few rides, most people stop thinking about it entirely. Les even noted after the U-turn that the trike tracks really well through the turn, which is a good sign that his confidence was already building.

If turning was the part that took some getting used to, braking was the part Les loved right away. He called the brakes awesome and said they were super responsive, front and rear alike. For a first-time rider, that's a big deal.

Confidence on any bike or trike starts with knowing you can stop. When you're unsure how something is going to behave, the brakes are your safety net. If they feel vague, or you have to squeeze very hard before anything happens, it's hard to relax. If they bite cleanly and predictably, you're willing to let the trike roll a bit more, try a gentle slope, and explore. That's exactly the progression you can see in Les's ride. Once he trusted the brakes, he started experimenting with gears and assist.

It's worth practicing braking on purpose during your first session. Ride slowly across an empty lot and come to a full stop several times, using both levers together. Try stopping at a marked spot. Get a feel for how much pressure brings the trike to a gentle halt and how much brings it to a firm one. On an electric trike, it's also a good idea to notice how the motor behaves when you stop pedaling and brake, so nothing catches you off guard in traffic later.

For riders who put stopping power at the top of their list, sixthreezero also gathers models in an electric trikes with disc brakes collection. Whatever system you end up with, the principle Les demonstrates holds: brakes you trust make everything else easier to learn.

One thing that sets the Easy Transit apart from many trikes is that it has a multi-speed drivetrain rather than a single gear. Les used it actively throughout his ride, and his choices are a good little lesson in how gears and pedal assist work together.

Heading slightly downhill early on, he shifted up to sixth gear and said that was the right gear for that stretch. A higher gear on a gentle descent means each pedal stroke moves the trike farther, so your legs aren't spinning uselessly. Later, as he approached a turn, he geared down to fourth. Dropping a couple of gears before a turn or a stop is good practice, because when you start pedaling again, you're in an easier gear and can get moving smoothly rather than grinding against a heavy one.

On the slight uphill that followed, he found he needed to go back up to sixth. That might sound backward, since riders on a regular bike usually shift to an easier gear to climb. But with the motor helping, it can make sense to stay in a higher gear on a gentle incline, because the assist is doing a share of the work and a higher gear lets you keep a steady speed without pedaling frantically. The right answer depends on the slope, your assist level and how hard you want to work.

The takeaway for new riders is simple: don't be afraid of the shifter. Gears aren't just for athletes. They let you choose how hard each pedal stroke feels, and pairing them thoughtfully with pedal assist is what makes an electric trike feel effortless. Les was making those decisions within a few minutes of his first ride, which says a lot about how intuitive the setup is.

Les spent most of his ride at the lowest levels of pedal assist, and that's exactly where a beginner should start. Before one turn, he dropped the assist down. He made his U-turn in pedal assist zero, meaning no motor help at all, just his legs. Then, once he was through it and straightening out, he stepped back up to pedal assist one.

There's a smart logic to this. Pedal assist adds power when you pedal, and higher levels add more. That extra push is great on a straightaway or a hill, but during a tight, slow turn it's not what you want, especially while you're still learning how the trike handles. By turning the assist off for the U-turn, Les kept the speed entirely under his own control. He could pedal as gently as he liked, and the trike wouldn't surge forward in the middle of the maneuver.

This is advice you'll hear from experienced riders too. In tight spaces, crowded paths, parking lots and anywhere you need precise low-speed control, a low assist level or none at all is often the most comfortable choice. Save the higher levels for open roads, longer distances and climbs.

For a 750-watt trike, staying in level one also tells you something about how much help is available. Les wasn't riding in the upper assist levels, yet he was moving along comfortably with minimal effort. That leaves plenty in reserve for steeper hills, headwinds or a basket full of groceries on the way home. For your first rides, start where Les did and work up gradually as your confidence grows.

A few minutes in, something shifted in Les's commentary. He said simply that this feels great. He described applying just a little pressure to the pedals, not much, and noted that he was cruising at about 8 miles an hour.

That moment is the heart of why people fall for electric trikes. Eight miles an hour isn't fast in absolute terms, but on three wheels in a parking lot, during your very first ride, it feels like a comfortable, easy glide. More importantly, it took hardly any effort to get there. That's the experience a lot of riders are looking for: enough speed to feel like you're actually going somewhere, without the strain that might have kept them off a bike for years.

It's also a reminder that you don't need to ride fast to enjoy an e-trike. Many riders spend most of their time somewhere between a brisk walk and a relaxed jog, especially on shared paths, boardwalks or neighborhood streets. The Easy Transit has the power to go faster than Les did, but the ride he describes, gentle pedaling and a steady pace, is exactly what the trike is built to deliver.

As the parking lot narrowed again, Les said they were going to drop it down, easing off as the space got tighter. That instinct to match your speed to your surroundings is one of the best habits a new rider can have. If you're curious how sixthreezero approaches comfort on longer rides, the most comfortable electric trikes collection is a good place to compare seating and riding positions.

One of Les's more interesting observations came on a gentle downhill section of the lot. He said the trike won't let you coast, and that you have to keep the pedals turning a little, even going downhill. He followed that up immediately by saying he was still learning how to operate the electric system in conjunction with the pedals.

What he was noticing is how pedal assist works. On a pedal-assist system, the motor responds to your pedaling. When your feet are turning, the motor adds power at the level you've chosen. When you stop pedaling, the motor eases off. So on a gentle slope, if you stop pedaling and expect the motor to keep pushing you along at the same speed, you'll feel the trike slow down a little as the assist cuts out. To keep a steady pace with the motor's help, you need to keep at least a light pedal going.

For riders coming from a regular bicycle, this takes a little adjustment. On a traditional bike, coasting downhill is a pleasant break. On an e-trike, you can still roll without pedaling, but you're doing so without the motor's contribution, and on a very gentle grade with a heavier trike, that might mean a gradual slowdown rather than the free-wheeling you're used to. Within a few rides, most people develop a feel for when to pedal lightly and when to let the trike roll.

This is also where knowing whether a trike has a throttle can matter. Some riders prefer having a throttle so they can get the motor's help without pedaling at all, which can be handy when starting from a stop. If that's important to you, take a look at the electric tricycles with throttle control collection and check each model's details. For Les, the lesson was simply that the system rewards steady, light pedaling, and that he'd get the hang of it with a bit more time in the saddle.

As Les wrapped up his ride and came to a stop, there was a short moment of discovery. He noticed that the brake levers on the Easy Transit work differently from what he expected, then realized that a small mechanism on the levers sets the brake. Once he figured it out, he said, "Oh, I see," and engaged it.

Parking brakes are one of those features that new trike owners don't always think about until they need one. A bicycle leans against a wall or rests on a kickstand. A trike stands up on its own, which is great, but it can also roll away on any slope, even a slight one, if nothing is holding the wheels. A parking brake locks the brakes in place so the trike stays exactly where you left it while you load the baskets, chat with a neighbor, or step off.

This is especially useful for riders who take their time mounting and dismounting. If the trike is locked in place, there's no risk of it creeping forward while you swing a leg over or settle onto the seat. For older riders, or anyone with balance concerns, that small bit of security goes a long way.

Make finding and using the parking brake part of your first-ride routine. Practice setting it and releasing it a few times before you head out. For riders who want even more control when parking or maneuvering, sixthreezero also lists trikes in its reverse gear electric trikes collection, a feature that can make backing out of a tight spot much easier.

When he finally stepped off, Les gave his assessment, and it was refreshingly straightforward. It felt good, he said. He doesn't have any complaints. He just needs a little more practice. Everything is easy to operate, and that's the part he likes. Then he switched off the power and finished with the line that sums up the whole video: these trikes are fun, and he's having a good time.

It's worth reading between the lines here. Les arrived with no trike experience at all. Within a single short session he had worked out the controls, used two different assist levels, shifted gears on purpose for both downhill and uphill stretches, made a U-turn, reached a relaxed cruising speed, braked confidently and found the parking brake. The only real hurdle, getting comfortable in turns, is the one nearly every new trike rider faces, and he was already improving by the end.

His sense that he needs more practice isn't a criticism. It's the right attitude. Nobody masters a new kind of vehicle in six minutes, and a rider who knows they're still learning tends to ride carefully while they build skills. The fact that he ended the session smiling, rather than relieved it was over, is the best indicator of all.

For anyone wondering whether an electric trike is a realistic option later in life, Les's ride is encouraging. You don't need to be an experienced cyclist. You don't need to be tech-savvy. You need a stable trike with simple controls, a safe place to practice, and a willingness to let the first few rides be a little awkward.

If Les's experience has you thinking about your own first time on an e-trike, here are a few practical suggestions drawn directly from what worked for him.

Start somewhere open and quiet. A mostly empty parking lot, like the one Les used, is ideal. You'll have room to make wide turns, stop and start repeatedly, and experiment without worrying about traffic, pedestrians or curbs. Avoid busy bike paths for the first session or two.

Begin at zero or the lowest pedal assist level. Les used zero for his U-turn and level one for cruising. Get comfortable with how the trike moves under your own power before adding more help. Increase the level only when you feel settled.

Slow down before you turn. Brake gently on the approach, then steer smoothly through the corner. Keep the handlebars steady and, like Les, shift your body slightly toward the inside of the turn if it helps you feel secure. Don't try to lean the trike as you would a bicycle.

Practice stopping and use the parking brake. Make several deliberate stops, using both brake levers. Then practice setting and releasing the parking brake so it becomes second nature whenever you get on or off.

Use your gears. Shift to an easier gear before stops and turns so starting again is smooth, and experiment with higher gears on gentle descents or with assist on mild climbs. And of course, wear a helmet. sixthreezero carries helmets if you need one. Finally, give yourself a few rides before deciding how you feel. Almost everyone's first turn on a trike feels strange. By the third or fourth outing, it usually doesn't.

Les's ride highlights a few features of the Easy Transit Fat Tire 750W that work particularly well for someone getting started. The first is stability. Three wheels mean no balancing at a stop, no wobbling at walking pace, and no worrying about putting a foot down at a red light. Combined with fat tires, the trike feels planted on the pavement, which is a big part of why Les could relax enough to enjoy himself.

The second is the 750-watt motor. Les never needed much of it during his ride, but having that power available matters once you leave the parking lot. Hills, headwinds and loaded baskets are where a stronger motor earns its keep, and it gives new riders room to grow into longer, more varied routes.

The third is the folding design. The Easy Transit folds down, which makes it easier to store in a garage, apartment or condo and to transport in a vehicle. If you'd like to compare it with similar options, browse sixthreezero's folding electric trikes and fat tire electric trikes. For riders who want a frame that's easy to step through, the easy-to-mount eTrikes collection is also worth a look.

Finally, there's the practicality Les spotted right away: front and rear baskets, including the lidded rear compartment he called the cat box. A trike that can carry your errands is a trike that gets used, and that's what turns a fun first ride into a regular habit.

Every rider is different, and the Easy Transit won't be the perfect fit for everybody. Some people want a larger frame and wheels for longer rides, some want a recumbent electric trike for a laid-back seating position, and some need a cargo electric trike for heavier loads. The full lineup of electric tricycles covers a wide range of styles, so it's worth browsing before you settle on one.

If you're unsure where to start, sixthreezero offers a personal fitting process that matches riders to a trike based on their body and riding style, and the buyer’s guide lays out the main considerations in one place. If you're close to Southern California and want to try a trike in person the way Les did, the Visit Us page has the details.

For those buying online, the 30-day test ride gives you time to go through the same learning curve Les describes, practicing turns, getting used to the assist and finding your favorite gears, at home on your own streets. Free shipping, the warranty and financing options are also laid out on the site.

Above all, take Les's experience to heart. The first few minutes might feel a little unfamiliar, especially in turns, but if the controls are simple, the brakes are strong and the trike feels stable, it doesn't take long before you're cruising along with a light touch on the pedals and a grin on your face. For more first-ride stories, reviews and riding tips, visit the Bike Advice blog and the Video Blog.