Why This Athletic 62-Year-Old Finally Fell for Cycling

Sixty-Two, a Wet Track, and a First Ride

Carara introduces herself the way a lot of people in her generation have started to: "I'm Carara and I'm 62 years young." Then she laughs, climbs onto an electric trike for the very first time, and within about twenty seconds she is saying "Oh my gosh, this is so fun."

That reaction is the reason we wanted to write this one up. First rides tell you things that spec sheets can't. A spec sheet will list a motor, a battery and a frame material. It won't tell you whether a person who has never really liked bicycles will want to keep going after the first lap, or whether someone with a history of lower back discomfort will climb off feeling better than when she got on. Carara's ride answers both of those questions, and a few more we didn't expect, including what happens when the sky opens up halfway through.

Over about five minutes of footage, she goes from cautious to confident. She starts in the lowest assist level, tries a higher one, rides through a light rain, practices a stop, drops back down so she can work harder, and finishes by telling the camera she's hooked. Along the way she makes a handful of observations that anyone shopping for an electric trike should hear, because they are the kinds of things you only notice once you are actually sitting on one.

What follows is a walk through that ride, moment by moment, with some context on why each part of her experience happens the way it does and what it might mean for you if you are thinking about your own first ride.

One of the smartest things Carara does happens before she has gone very far. "It's like I actually really want to go fast," she admits, "but I probably should start off slow until I get used to it." That instinct is exactly right, and it is the advice we would give anyone on day one. Pedal assist is the feature that makes an electric trike feel electric. When you push on the pedals, a motor adds power to your effort, and most systems let you choose how much help you get through a set of levels. Lower levels feel like a gentle tailwind. Higher levels feel like someone giving you a steady push from behind.

Starting in the lowest level gives you time to learn how the trike responds before the speeds climb. You get a sense of how quickly it gets going when you start pedaling, how it behaves when you stop pedaling, how much the brakes need to slow you down, and how it handles corners. Once those things feel familiar, moving up a level feels like a natural next step instead of a leap.

Carara says something else in this stretch that is easy to skip past: "It is extremely user friendly." For a lot of first-time riders, that is the whole ballgame. If a machine is confusing, you won't ride it. If it is easy, you will keep finding reasons to take it out. The best first ride is one where you never have to think hard about the controls, and judging by her face, that is the ride she's having.

A practical note if you are planning your own first ride: pick an open, quiet space. A parking lot on a weekend morning, an empty track or a wide, flat path works well. Give yourself room to make mistakes, and don't be in a rush to get to the higher assist levels. They will still be there in ten minutes.

"Like Having Your Own Personal Chauffeur"

About fifty seconds into the ride, Carara offers what may be the best one-line description of pedal assist we have heard: "It's like having your own personal chauffeur except for I'm driving." It is a funny line, but it also captures something real. A chauffeur takes the effort out of getting somewhere. Pedal assist does a version of that, but it leaves you in control. You still decide where to go, how fast to go and when to stop. You still pedal. The motor just takes the edge off the hard parts, like getting moving from a standstill, pushing into a headwind or climbing a gentle rise.

That combination of help and control is a big reason electric trikes have become popular with riders who want to stay active without overdoing it. You can choose a workout when you want one and an easy cruise when you don't, sometimes on the same ride. You never feel like a passenger, but you also never feel like you are grinding up a hill alone.

For riders who sometimes want to move without pedaling at all, such as when starting from a stop on an incline, some models also include a throttle. If that sounds useful, you can browse our electric trikes with throttle control. Carara's ride focuses on pedal assist, which is where most people spend most of their time, but it's good to know the option exists.

Just before the one-minute mark, Carara points out something that clearly surprised her. "Check this out. The turn capabilities are spectacular," she says. "You don't have to feel like you have to force anything. It just naturally guides you."

Turning is one of the areas where new trike riders often expect trouble, so it is worth unpacking. On a bicycle, you turn largely by leaning, and the handlebars follow. On a trike, the frame stays upright and you steer more directly with the bars. People coming from bicycles sometimes find that strange for a few minutes. People who have never been comfortable on bicycles often find it a relief, because it removes the feeling that you have to commit your whole body to a corner.

Later in the ride, Carara adds, "As you can tell, I just leaned into it and it naturally turned on its own." That is a nice illustration of how quickly the body figures things out. She isn't thinking about technique. She is simply shifting her weight a little toward the inside of the turn, which is a sensible habit on a trike, and letting the steering do the rest.

A few tips that help turns feel as smooth as hers do: slow down before the corner rather than in the middle of it, keep your eyes on where you want to go rather than on the ground in front of the wheel, and keep the turn gradual at first. On a trike, a wide, easy arc at a relaxed speed feels stable and controlled. As your confidence builds, you will find yourself taking corners with the same ease Carara describes. She even announces one with a grin: "I'm gonna whip around this corner."

The Big Surprise: An Athlete Who Never Liked Bikes

Around the one-minute mark, Carara makes a confession that a lot of people will relate to. "I have never really been into riding bikes, even though I'm super athletic," she says. "But this is making me really want to ride a bike, especially an ebike."

This is more common than you might think. Plenty of active people skip cycling entirely. Some never felt steady on two wheels. Some found traditional saddles uncomfortable. Some, like Carara, found that bikes bothered their backs. Others simply never had the right bike and assumed the sport wasn't for them.

What seems to change her mind is that the trike removes the specific things she didn't like while keeping the things she does. She still gets to move, sweat and push herself. She just doesn't have to fight balance or put up with discomfort to get there. That is a meaningful shift, because the best exercise is the kind you actually want to do again tomorrow.

If you are in a similar position, an athletic person who has always found a reason not to ride, it might be worth looking at bikes and trikes designed around comfort rather than speed. Our collection of most comfortable electric trikes is a good place to see what that looks like in practice. And if you are still deciding between three wheels and two, our electric bikes for seniors are built with the same priorities of comfort, an upright position and an easy-to-use design.

Shifting Up: From First to Second

At about a minute and a half, Carara decides it is time to see what the next level feels like. "Right now it's in first," she explains, "and I know that if I push the button, I'm going to go to second. Let's see how that builds."

Then: "Whoa, that's so much faster. Oh my gosh, this is so fun. How crazy is this?"

That moment captures what changing assist levels feels like. The trike doesn't lurch or jump. The help builds as you keep pedaling, and suddenly the same effort is carrying you noticeably faster. For first-time riders, that jump between levels can be the moment when an electric trike starts to feel like something special rather than just a stable bicycle.

It is also why the way she approached it matters. She spent time in first, got comfortable with the handling, and then moved up when she felt ready. That is a good pattern to copy. Each level you add should feel like a small step, not a test. If a level feels like too much, drop back down. There is no prize for riding in the highest setting, and plenty of experienced riders spend most of their time in the lower ones because they like the balance of help and effort there.

Most electric trikes show the current assist level on a display mounted on the handlebars, so you always know where you are. If you ever need a replacement or want to understand your controls better, you can find ebike displays in our parts section, along with batteries and chargers.

Not every first ride gets a weather twist, but Carara's does. "You know what's even better? It's starting to sprinkle," she laughs. Then she says something that stands out: "But I feel super, super safe. Way safer than if I were on a regular bike."

She comes back to the idea a moment later. "I feel extremely safe and comfortable, which is so important because a lot of the things with other bikes is you don't feel like you have as much safety and security."

The feeling of security on a trike comes largely from its three points of contact with the ground. You aren't relying on balance to stay upright, so a bit of rain doesn't add the same layer of worry it might on two wheels. That sense of steadiness is a big reason riders who are a little uneasy on bicycles often feel at home on a trike.

Still, wet roads deserve respect on any kind of bike. Rain reduces grip and can make brakes take a little longer to slow you down. Paint lines, metal grates and leaves get slippery. If you ride in the wet, slow down a bit, brake earlier and more gently, give yourself extra space in turns, and make sure you can see and be seen. Carara does exactly that later in the ride, easing off before a turn rather than charging into it.

A few accessories can make rainy riding more pleasant. Fenders help keep spray off you and your trike, a good helmet belongs on your head in any weather, and some riders like a canopy for shade and light weather cover. If you plan to ride regularly in damp conditions, it can also help to look at trikes with strong stopping power, like our electric trikes with disc brakes.

By the three-and-a-half-minute mark, the sprinkle has turned into proper rain, and Carara's reaction says plenty about how she feels: "And it's raining. I love it."

Practicing a Gentle Stop

Around two minutes and fifteen seconds in, Carara decides to test the brakes. "So I guess I'm going to try a little stop," she says, and when she comes to rest, the off-camera crew cheers. "How fun," she says. "It's just really gentle and easy."

Stopping is one of those skills nobody thinks about until they need it, and practicing a few deliberate stops early in a first ride is one of the most useful things you can do. It teaches you how much pressure the brakes need, how quickly the trike slows from different speeds, and how it feels to come to a full stop.

On a trike, that last part is especially pleasant. When you stop, you stay seated and upright. There is no need to tip the bike, unclip or plant a foot to keep from falling over. For riders who have struggled with stops on a bicycle, particularly at traffic lights or crosswalks where you have to wait, that alone can change how comfortable riding feels.

A good habit is to squeeze the brakes smoothly rather than grabbing them. Smooth pressure gives you a controlled, predictable stop, which is what Carara describes. On most electric trikes, the motor's assist also cuts out when you stop pedaling or apply the brakes, so you aren't fighting the motor while you slow down. Check your owner's manual to understand how your specific trike handles this, and practice a few stops in an open space before you head onto busier paths.

After her stop, Carara heads out again, and she makes a choice that says a lot about how electric trikes fit into an active life. "I'm actually going to go back to one," she explains, "because I like being able to pedal on my own too, because I'm really into getting a workout."

There is a common idea that an electric bike or trike does all the work for you. Her ride shows why that isn't quite right. Pedal assist adds to your effort rather than replacing it, and the lower levels leave plenty of the job to your legs. Choose a low setting and you get a genuine workout. Choose a higher setting when you are tired, heading into the wind or climbing, and you get help exactly when you need it.

That flexibility is valuable for riders at every fitness level. On a good day, you can push hard. On a day when your knees are complaining or you just want a gentle spin, you can turn up the help and still get outside. For a lot of people, that is the difference between riding occasionally and riding regularly.

It also makes riding with other people easier. If you ride with a partner who is faster or slower, assist levels let you match pace without anyone feeling held back or left behind. Carara's choice to drop back to level one is a reminder that the controls are there to serve you, not the other way around. Use as much or as little help as the day calls for.

The Core Workout Nobody Expects

This is the observation we found most interesting. "You know what else I've noticed," Carara says, "is I'm getting a good core workout in my abs, especially because of the position of the seat. It's allowing me to engage my core a lot better than on a regular bike." She sums it up shortly after: "So I'm getting the whole legs and core and posture. So amazing."

Most people think of cycling as a leg exercise, and it certainly is. But how you sit has a lot to do with what else gets involved. A more upright position, where you sit tall rather than folding forward over the handlebars, asks your trunk muscles to help hold you in place while your legs drive the pedals. That is likely what Carara is feeling. Instead of leaning her weight onto her hands and wrists, she is supporting herself through her middle. That upright position has other benefits too. It puts your head up so you can see more of what is around you. It takes pressure off your hands, wrists and shoulders. And for many people, it simply feels more natural, closer to sitting in a good chair than crouching over a racing bike.

Everyone's body is different, so your experience may vary, and getting the seat height and handlebar position right for your build makes a big difference. Our buyer's guide covers how fit affects comfort, and our fitting process can help match you to a frame size and style. If the seat itself is your focus, you can also browse sixthreezero seats to find extra padding or a different shape.

Right after talking about her core, Carara explains why she avoided bikes for so long. "I don't feel like it's stressing out my lower back," she says, "because that's another reason I used to not ride regular bikes, is because I always felt like it put pressure on my lower back. And this is making me feel extra support."

Lower back discomfort is one of the most common reasons people give for giving up cycling, so this is worth paying attention to. On many traditional bicycles, especially sportier ones, the rider leans forward and reaches for the handlebars. Holding that position for a long time can make the lower back work hard, and for some people it gets uncomfortable quickly.

A trike with an upright riding position changes that posture. You sit more vertically, your weight rests on the seat rather than being split between your hands and your hips, and your back isn't held in a long forward stretch. Combined with a supportive seat, that can make a real difference in how your back feels during and after a ride. By the end of hers, Carara says it plainly: "My back didn't hurt. My body felt great."

We can't promise the same result for everyone, and anyone with ongoing back problems should talk to their doctor before starting a new activity. But if your back has kept you off bikes, it is worth trying a position that puts less strain on it. Some riders find the most relief on a recumbent electric trike, where you sit back in a reclined seat with your legs out in front of you. Others prefer an upright trike with a wide, cushioned saddle. Our 30-day test ride gives you time to find out which suits your body at home, on your own routes.

"I Could Go for Hours": Comfort and the Seat

As the rain keeps falling, Carara moves back up to level two. "We're speeding it up because we want to," she says, and then, with a happy sigh: "I just feel like I could stay on this bike forever. Like all day long. Like hours. I could go hours."

A little later, coasting toward the end of the lap, she adds, "Oh gosh, the seat is comfortable. I'm so loving it."

Comfort might be the most underrated part of choosing a bike or trike. It is easy to get caught up in speed, range or features, but none of those matter much if you can't stand to sit on the thing for more than twenty minutes. Comfort determines how long you ride, how often you ride, and whether your trike lives on the road or in the garage.

A few things contribute to that "I could go for hours" feeling. A wide, well-padded seat spreads your weight out so no single point takes all the pressure. An upright position keeps your back, shoulders and wrists relaxed. Pedal assist means you can rest your legs a little when they get tired instead of having to stop. And the stability of three wheels means you are not burning mental energy on balance, which can be surprisingly tiring on its own.

Whether a rider really does go for hours depends on fitness, battery range, terrain and how much assist is in use, so it is worth checking the specs on any model you are considering. But the feeling Carara describes is the important part. When a ride feels this comfortable, you start looking for reasons to go longer rather than reasons to head home.

It would be easy to watch Carara's ride and think of electric trikes mainly as a senior product. She is 62, after all, and three-wheelers are popular with older riders for good reasons. Our electric trikes for seniors are built around stability, easy mounting and a relaxed riding position.

But listen to what she actually says, and her reasons are broader than age. She is athletic and wants a workout. She wants to feel safe. She wants her back to feel good. She wants to have fun. Those priorities apply to a lot of people, at a lot of ages.

Electric trikes tend to suit riders who fall into one or more of these groups: people who have never felt steady on a bicycle, people coming back to riding after a long break or an injury, people with back, hip or knee concerns who need a gentler position, people who want to run errands and carry things without worrying about balance, and active people like Carara who simply never found a bike they enjoyed.

The right style depends on what you need. If getting on and off is the main concern, look at our easy-to-mount eTrikes with a low step-through. If you want to carry groceries or gear, our electric tricycles with a large basket are worth a look. If you like the idea of soft, cushioned rolling over rougher surfaces, consider our fat tire electric trikes. And if you plan to ride with a partner, our tandem options let two people share the ride.

Tips for Your Own First eTrike Ride

Carara's ride is a pretty good model for how to approach a first outing. If you are about to take your first spin, here is what we would suggest, most of it drawn straight from what she did.

Start in the lowest assist level. As she put it, you may want to go fast, but give yourself time to get used to how the trike responds. Move up one level at a time once the handling feels familiar, and drop back down whenever you like.

Practice stopping early. A few deliberate, smooth stops in an open area will teach you how the brakes feel and how quickly the trike slows. Squeeze the levers gradually rather than grabbing them.

Slow down before turns. Ease off as you approach, keep your eyes on where you want to go, and pick up speed again as you come out. Keep turns wide and gentle until you feel at home.

Pick the right place. An empty parking lot, a quiet track or a flat, wide path gives you room to learn without traffic or crowds.

Get the fit right. Seat height and handlebar position have a big effect on comfort, posture and how your back feels. If something feels off, adjust it before you write off the trike.

Gear up. Wear a helmet, choose clothing that won't catch in the chain, and if the weather turns, ride more carefully on wet surfaces the way Carara does.

And finally, have fun with it. The biggest thing her ride shows is that a first time doesn't have to be stressful. With the right trike and a relaxed approach, it can be the best part of your week. If you are assembling a new trike at home, our assembly instructions will walk you through it.

If Carara's ride has you curious, the next question is usually which trike to choose. There are a lot of options, and the right one depends on your height, your riding goals, where you will ride and what matters most to you, whether that is comfort, cargo space, stopping power or the easiest possible step-through.

A good starting point is our full lineup of electric tricycles, which you can narrow down by style and feature. If you would rather have a person help you sort through it, our personal fitting consultation connects you with a real fit specialist who can recommend a model based on your body and how you plan to ride. Our ultimate bike buyer's guide is another helpful read if you like to do your own research first.

It also helps to know you can try a trike in real life, on your own streets. Our 30-day test ride gives you a month to ride and decide, and our shipping and warranty pages explain how delivery and coverage work. For more stories, how-tos and first-ride videos like this one, browse our Bike Advice blog or the Video Blog section.

First Time on an eTrike, and Hooked

By the end of the video, Carara has the slightly breathless happiness of someone who just discovered something she didn't know she was missing. "First time on the ebike and I am hooked," she says.

Her summary is a tidy list of everything that went right. She got a good workout and felt it in her core. She felt comfortable. Her back didn't hurt and her body felt great. She felt supported, the ride was smooth, and she could have kept going for hours. It was easy to turn, she felt safe, and, as she puts it, it was fun.

That last word might be the most important. Plenty of people buy exercise equipment out of good intentions and then stop using it. The difference with Carara's ride is that she wasn't working out because she felt she should. She was working out because she was enjoying herself so much that she didn't want to stop, even in the rain.

If you have been sitting on the fence, maybe because bikes never felt stable, maybe because your back complained, or maybe because you just never found one you liked, her ride is a good reminder that the right machine can change the whole experience. Sixty-two years young, first time out, and already planning the next ride. That's a pretty good review.