Trikke Tribred tree rein User manual

ImportantMustReadWarnings,
SafetyInformationandRidingTips
Thank you for purchasing a Trikke™ product. This owner’s manual is designed to help you make the
most o
f
y
our Free Rein vehicle. Instructions and warnin
g
shavebeencarefull
y
p
re
p
ared to make
y
our
y
g
y
pp
y
experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. Use common sense while riding and enjoy your new
Free Rein. Read additional information on page 17.
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ASSEMBLY, MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY SECTIONS OF THE OWNER’S
MANUAL BEFORE RIDING. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND PAY ATTENTION TO ALL
WARNINGS.
•ALWAYS WEAR PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT WHEN RIDING THE FREE REIN INCLUDING AN
ANSI, SNELL, CPSC, ASTM OR DIN EN 1078 APPROVED HELMET. USE PROPER FOOTWEAR AND
SECURE LACES ON SHOES BEFORE RIDING.
•AVOID WATER, BUMPS, GRAVEL, SAND, CRACKS, UNEVEN SURFACES OR OBSTACLES THAT MAY
STOP YOU SUDDENLY OR CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL. THE FREE REIN IS NOT INTENDED FOR
OFF
‐
ROAD
USE
AVOID
RIDING
AT
NIGHT
OFF
‐
ROAD
USE
.
AVOID
RIDING
AT
NIGHT
.
•HANDS FREE RIDING CAN BE DANGEROUS. USEBOTHHANDSTOHOLDTHEHANDLEBARS
FIRMLY AT ALL TIMES. DO NOT PUSH TOO HARD ON TOR APPLY UNEVEN PRESSURE TO EITHER SIDE
OF THE HANDLEBARS. DO NOT MAKE SUDDEN SHARP TURNS OR APPLY YOUR BODY WEIGHT TO
THE HANDLEBARS WHEN TURNING. SUCH ACTIONS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO “JACK‐KNIFE” OR
STOP SUDDENLY, WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO THE RIDER.
•STUNT RIDING
,
RIDING BACKWARDS AND
/
OR EXTREME RIDING ARE NOT RECOMMENDED ON
,
/
THE FREE REIN. RIDING IN THIS FASHION MAY DAMAGE THE PRODUCT AND VOIDS THE
WARRANTY AND MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.
•DO NOT LEAN BACK OR PULL BACK ON THE HANDLEBARS. DOING SO CAN CAUSE THE RIDER
TO FALL OFF THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE POSSIBLE RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
•DOWNHILL RIDING IS NOT RECOMMENDED, ESPECIALLY FOR NOVICE RIDERS. THE FREE REIN
IS DESIGNED PRIMARILY FOR USE ON DRY FLAT PAVEMENT. EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN RIDING ON ANY HILL.
•WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT EXCEED THE INDICATED MAXIMUM RIDER WEIGHT LIMIT
OF 250lbs. ON THE FREE REIN.
•ALWAYS INSPECT THE VEHICLE BEFORE EACH RIDE ANDMAKESURETHATTHEHANDLEBAR
QUICK RELEASE AND THE FOLDING MECHANISMS ARE SECURELY LOCKED IN THE PROPER RIDING
POSITION. READ THE ASSEMBLY SECTION OF THE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR IMPORTANT ASSEMBLY
AND
MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
.
•TEST THE BRAKES FOR PROPER FUNCTION BEFORE EACH RIDE ALWAYS APPLY BOTH BRAKES
EVENLY WITH YOUR WEIGHT DISTRIBUTED EVENLY OVER EACH REAR WHEEL.
•CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT WHEN RIDING. IT IS THE PARENT OR
GUARDIAN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROPERLY MAINTAIN AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE BEFORE
EACH RIDING SESSION. THE FREE REIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OF
AGE
OR
UNDER
5
’
‐
2
”
TALL
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 2
AGE
OR
UNDER
5
‐
2
TALL
.

•ALWAYS EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN YOU ARE RIDING IN PROXIMITY TO OTHER
VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS, AND ESPESSIALLY IN PROXIMITY TO CARS IF YOU ARE RIDING ON A STREET.
BE SURE TO OBEY ALL RULES OF THE ROAD. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS TO RIDERS OF OTHER VEHICLES
AND ALL PEDESTRIANS. SHARE THE PATH!
•DO NOT MODIFY YOUR FREE REIN VEHICLE. ONLY USE TRIKKE TECH, INC. APPROVED PARTS OR
ACCESSORIES. SEE THE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR OTHER USE RESTRICTIONS.
•THE FREE REIN IS A LOW POWER, ULTRA‐LIGHT SYSTEM AND ITS INTENDED USE IS TO ENHANCE
THE CARVING EXPERIENCE OF THE TRIKKE CARVING VEHICLE AND ADD A POWER ASSIST. IT IS THE
INTENTION THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WILL BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH STANDARD CARVING
PROPULSION.
•THE USE OF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WILL PROPELL YOU AT SPEEDS YOU MAY NOT BE
ACCUSTOMED
TO
WHICH
MAY
BE
BEYOND
YOUR
SKILL
LEVEL
PRACTICE
AT
LOWER
SPEEDS
IS
ACCUSTOMED
TO
WHICH
MAY
BE
BEYOND
YOUR
SKILL
LEVEL
.
PRACTICE
AT
LOWER
SPEEDS
IS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
•BE AWARE OF LOW OBJECTS. YOU ARE TALLER THAN YOU THINK WHILE RIDING. YOU MAY
NEED TO DUCK UNDER TREE BRANCHES, STREET SIGNS, ETC.
•LOOK FURTHER AHEAD AS OBSTACLES AND TURNS WILL BE COMING AT YOU FASTER.
•DUE TO INCREASED SPEEDS, RISK OF INJURY AND DEATH ARE VASTLY INCREASED WHILE
RIDING
WITH
THE
ELECTRIC
MOTOR
.
OERATOR
FOCUS
IS
A
CONSTANT
REQUIREMENT
RIDING
WITH
THE
ELECTRIC
MOTOR
.
OERATOR
FOCUS
IS
A
CONSTANT
REQUIREMENT
.
•THE BREAKING DISTANCE REQUIRED FOR A FULL STOP WILL INCREASE WITH THE USE OF THE
ELECTRIC MOTOR. PRACTICE BREAKING FROM FULL SPEED IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT TO ASSESS
THEDISTANCEREQUIREDTOSTOP.
•WHENEVER YOU RIDE, FOLLOW ALL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, INCLUDING STOP SIGNS, TRAFFIC
SIGNALS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANY SPECIAL LAWS THAT
GOVERN THE OPERATION OF THE TRIKKE TRIBRED VEHICLE, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE STATION
OR DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FOR INFORMATION.
•ANY MODIFICATION OF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM WILL VOID THE WARRANTY INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ATTEMPTING TO INCREASE THE SPEED OR PERFORMANCE OF THE MOTOR,
USING WHEELS OR TIRES NOT RECOMMENDED BY TRIKKE TECH INC., AND/OR EQUIPPING THE
MOTOR WITH NON TRIKKE COMPONENTS.
•TIRE WEAR, PUNCTURES OR RUPTURES CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL AND MAY
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJUR
Y
. ALWAYS BE SURE TO MAINTAIN THE TIRES PROPERL
Y
.
•THE ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO OPERATE WITH 36 VOLTS ONLY. USE OF ANY
BATTERIES OTHER THAN THE 3 X 12V‐9Ah BATTERIES SUPPLIED WITH THE FREE REIN OR THE
SHENZHEN RITARPOWER CHARGER PROVIDED MAY RESULT IN SYSTEM FAILURE. ANY SUCH
MODIFICATIONS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. TRIKKE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND/OR
ALL INJURIES OR DEATH OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE(S) CAUSED BY SUCH MODIFICATION.
•
IF
YOU
DO
NOT
UNDERSTAND
HOW
TO
USE
THE
THROTTLE
PROPERLY
DO
NOT
RIDE
YOUR
FREE
•
IF
YOU
DO
NOT
UNDERSTAND
HOW
TO
USE
THE
THROTTLE
PROPERLY
,
DO
NOT
RIDE
YOUR
FREE
REIN. CONTACT TRIKKE TECH SUPPORT AT 877‐4TRIKKE (877‐487‐4553).
•BREAKING AND LOCKING THE REAR WHEELS OR “SKIDDING” THE REAR WHEELS WILL DAMAGE
THE TIRES AND AIS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 3

GeneralWarnings:
•If you do not have the proper tools or find that you are unable to understand the assembly
instructions, have a qualified Trikke dealer assemble the Free Rein for you. If a Trikke dealer
assembles the vehicle for you, be sure to read the Riding and Safety sections of the owner’s manual
and
watch
the
Riding
and
Safety
video
manual
before
riding
for
the
first
time
and
watch
the
Riding
and
Safety
video
manual
before
riding
for
the
first
time
.
•Immediately stop riding if you suspect that any part of the vehicle is not functioning properly.
Inspect the vehicle closely to confirm what the problem is. Contact your dealer or Trikke Tech, Inc.
directly if you suspect that a malfunctioning or defective part is affecting its safe operation.
•
The
front
wheel
is
turned
exactly
180
degrees
to
that
of
a
bicycle
.
Unlike
a
bike,
a
carving
The
front
wheel
is
turned
exactly
180
degrees
to
that
of
a
bicycle
.
Unlike
a
bike,
a
carving
vehicle’s front wheel actually trails behind the fork. Altering this wheel position will change the
intended performance of the vehicle. See the photos on page 5 of this manual to see the proper
manufacturer suggested position of the front fork.
•Riders performing in Trikke Tech, Inc. produced videos and photos are highly skilled and specially
trained professionals. Do not try these tricks yoursel
f
or you may lose control and fall causing
serious injury and even death.
•If you did not receive an instructional video in the box, or if the written or video manual is
damaged, please contact Trikke Tech, Inc. before attempting to assemble or ride the carving vehicle.
•TheFreeReinisanelectrifiedvehicleandassuchthereispotentialforshockandorfireifthe
lil
i
d
ih
d
di i
e
l
ectr
i
ca
l
system
i
stampere
d
w
i
t
h
or expose
d
to wet con
di
t
i
ons.
•Use of a charger other than the ShenZhen RitarPower charger provided may cause the electrical
system to overheat and/or cause a fire.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 4

TRIKKETRIBREDFREEREINASSEMBLYMANUAL
Your pre‐assembled Free Rein requires handlebar and front fork/motor assembly attachment , cable
connections and a quick maintenance checklist before riding. All of the following information and
more can be found on the www.trikke.com website. This owner’s manual is also supplemented by the
video Owner’s Manual with step‐by‐step instructions on the assembly process, how it works, and how
to ride.
frame
handlebar
stem
p
lu
g
motor
Brake Lever
The various Free Rein vehicle components are labeled for your reference below. You may need to refer
to these images to finish the assembly of your Free Rein.
pg
Handlebar
Brake

Lever
Stem
Steerin
g
Axle
Handlebar Level Quick
g
Deck
RearWheel
RightArm
Handlebar

Level

Quick

Release
FrontTube
LeftArm
CamberingAxle
FrontFork
SteeringStopper
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08
CamberingJoint
FoldingMechanism
FrontWheel/Motor
Assembly
5

TRIKKETRIBREDFREEREINPOWERPACK
Controller
Bag
12V‐9AhBatteries
TRIKKETRIBREDFREEREINPOWERCOMPONENTS
Throttle
BrakeCable
Handgrips
Badge
Brackets
PowerPack
Brackets
StopperBracket
Motor
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 6

Step1:UnfoldingtheLegs
At the front of each leg there is a folding
joint near the cambering mechanism.
Each of the two joints has a spring‐
loaded
bolt
action
quick
release
loaded
bolt
action
quick
‐
release
mechanism with a notch to allow the
bolt to be held in the open position.
The same procedure also applies to
collapsing the vehicle. When the Free
Rein is new, sometimes the joints are
tight. This is normal, and they will
l
ft
If
ti ht
l
oosen up a
ft
er some use.
If
ti
g
ht
ness
continues, us some spray oil like WD‐40
to lubricate the joints.
The vehicle should be in its unfolded
standing position in order to attach the
handlebars
handlebars
.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 7

Step2:AttachingtheHandlebars
Position the handlebars with
the brake cables crossing
once behind the steering
column and again in front
(see white arrows left).
Note: the throttle cable
should be taped to the right
brake cable. This simple
method insures that the left
bk
l
tll
t
b
ra
k
e
l
ever ac
t
ua
ll
yopera
t
es
the left rear brake. If you
find that your brakes are
crossing, please start again
and properly mount the
handlebars.
Once your brake cables are
properly routed you can
secure the handlebars.
Loosen the two bolts on the
stem that fasten the stem to
the stem post using the
supplied 5mm Hex wrench.
Slide the handlebar/stem
assembly onto the stem
post. You will need to insert
the plastic step post plug
(see
right
picture)
after
(see
right
picture)
after
sliding the handlebar stem
assembly onto the stem.
Align the handlebar
perpendicular to the front
fork pushpin which should
be
facing
in
the
direction
the
be
facing
in
the
direction
the
vehicle will be traveling.
Center the bars and tighten
(but do not torque) the two
hex bolts evenly. The final
torque will happen after
p
ro
p
erl
y
ali
g
nin
g
the
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 8
pp y
gg
handlebars later in the
assembly procedure.

Step3:AttachingtheFrontFork
Putting the front fork/motor assembly on in the
proper riding position requires a 5mm Hex
wrench (supplied). First, turn the vehicle upside
down so the fork post (arrow right) is aiming
towards the sky. Note: place the plastic
packaging support underneath the handlebar to
avoid damaging the throttle. You should do this
procedure on carpet or soft surface to prevent
scratching the handlebars or foot platforms.
Loosen the two Hex bolts on the fork collar using the supplied 5mm wrench. Simply align the
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 9
locking pin with the hole (arrow right and push the front fork onto the fork post until the top o
f
the
fork and the locking pin meet. Tighten the Hex bolts on the fork collar.

Turn the vehicle right side up and look down the front post. Adjust the stem post by aligning the
front wheel axle with the handlebar (You may need to loosen the stem bolts to adjust the handlebar
alignment)
Step4:Checkthehandlebaralignment
alignment)
.
Now all you need to do is use the 5mm Hex wrench to lock the handlebar in place.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 10

Step6:Connectingthecablesoftheelectricalsystem
Unzip the top flap of the power pack and feed the throttle
cable wires through the hole located at the top front center
of the power pack. Connect the two throttle cable
connecters
to
the
controller
wire
which
are
labeled
with
a
connecters
to
the
controller
wire
which
are
labeled
with
a
throttle tag (see top right).
Fromthefrontfork/motorassembly,besurethe
motor cable is behind the front fork and fastened
to
the
pper
arm
of
the
fork
ith
a
ip
tie
to
the
u
pper
arm
of
the
fork
w
ith
a
z
ip
‐
tie
.
Allowing a little slack, use one of the zip‐ties
provided to tie the motor cable to the outside
edge of the cambering mechanism. Cut the excess
zip‐tie material.
Using the second zip‐tie, attach the motor cable to the
outside edge of the lower power pack assembly bracket. Cut
the excess zip‐tie material.
Open the outer saddle bag flap and tuck the motor cable
inside. Feed the connectors of the motor cable through the
holelocatedinthetopfrontcenterofthepowerpack
assembly.
Connect the throttle cable. Connect the two–pin wire connector from the throttle to the two–pin
connector from the controller labeled “Throttle.”
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 11

Connect the four‐pin wire connector from
the throttle to the four‐pin connector from
the controller labeled “Throttle.”
Connect the motor. Connect the six‐pin connector from the motor to the six‐pin connector from the
controller labeled “Motor.” Connect the three wires from the motor to the same colored individual
wires from the controller labeled “Motor.” Slide the clear rubber sleeve (arrow) that covers the metal
connector portion of the wire down the wire to expose the metal. Connect the wires together and
slide the clear rubber sleeve back over the connection. This will insulate the connection as well as
keep
the
connection
together
keep
the
connection
together
.
Connect the batteries. Remove the protective sleeve
from the black connector labeled “battery.” Connect
the black connector from the controller to the black
connector from the battery. (Note: You may hear a
pop sound when the connection is initially made.
This is normal. ) Check the fuse in the small red box
attached to the battery cable.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 12

Pack the controller on its side to allow room for the cables as shown below. Close the top flap of the
bag assembly and close the zippers so that the zipper tabs are located at the front center of the
power pack assembly. Pull the Velcro tab down over the hole in the front center of the bag.
Step7:RaisingtheHandlebars
Raise the handlebar riser tube by first unlocking the quick release lever. Notice that there are round
holes
down
the
back
of
the
handlebar
riser
tube
providing
a
number
of
height
‐
locking
positions
.
holes
down
the
back
of
the
handlebar
riser
tube
providing
a
number
of
height
locking
positions
.
There is a spring loaded steel locking pin that snaps into these holes to provide a second level of
safety while riding. Push the steel pin in to release the riser tube and telescope the handlebars up to
your preferred riding height. Make sure the quick release firmly locks the telescoping steering
column in place.
If
th
ik
l
i
l
th
dj t t
If
th
equ
i
c
k
re
l
ease
i
s
l
oose, use
th
ea
dj
us
t
men
t
finger nut to tighten the quick release. Properly
adjusted, it requires a firm hand to close.
After learning how to ride, you can adjust the handlebar position
to better suit your preferred riding posture, but don’t rock them
too
far
back
as
to
inhibit
proper
folding
.
You
can
also
adjust
the
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 13
too
far
back
as
to
inhibit
proper
folding
.
You
can
also
adjust
the
brake levers’ angle for riding comfort and ease of use.

Step8:AdjustingtheBrakes
Thebrakesshouldbesetproperlyatthefactory,butwewilltellyouhowtoadjustthemforfuture
reference.
BrakeTensionAd
j
ustment
j
You can adjust the brake cable at the brake lever by turning the adjuster screw and locking the
adjusted position with the locking nut. A similar adjustment can be made at the band brake. If you
have already adjusted both adjuster screws all the way out, you will have to stretch the brake cable at
the band brake. * Before you do it, turn the brake tension adjustment screws as far in or towards the
brake‐handle and band brake as they will go, so you will have room to adjust it later.
BrakeCableAdjustment(stretchingatthebandbrake)
Access the brake system which is under the foot platforms at each rear wheel. Place the vehicle
upside down. Loosen the nut that secures the brake cable in place. Pull the brake cable and once
the cable reaches the proper tension, secure the cable in position by torquing the nut down.
Step9:FinalBrakeCableAdjustment
Return the vehicle to its upright position and depress the
brakes firmly several times to stretch the cables. Properly
adjusted in step 8, you will find that the brakes are tight
with
little
play
To
ensure
even
braking
around
the
drum
with
little
play
.
To
ensure
even
braking
around
the
drum
of the band brake, turn the adjustment screws around the
outer edge of the band brake all the way in, then back
them out one full turn. This will ensure even braking
around the drum of the band brake.
After riding for several hours, check the
tension of the brake cables and re‐adjust
as needed to maintain maximum braking
power as follows. If the brake levers
depress all the way to the handgrip,
repeat step 8.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 14

PNEUMATICTIRESONTHEFREEREIN
The front and rear tires on the Free Rein comes with lower pressure from the factory for transportation
reasons. You will need to adjust the tire pressure according to the rider’s weight and riding
preferences. Please do not exceed 80 psi (5.6 bar) maximum inflation.
Example
of
recommended
pressure
:
Example
of
recommended
pressure
:
Rider’s weight/tires pressure:
170 lbs (77kg) tire pressure: front 60 – 70 psi (5.1 bar)/rear 80 psi (5.6 bar)
Tire pressure affects the riding performance: lower pressure makes for a smooth but slower
ride
higher
pressure
makes
for
a
faster
but
slightly
bumpier
ride
Check
tire
pressure
once
a
week
–
ride
,
higher
pressure
makes
for
a
faster
but
slightly
bumpier
ride
.
Check
tire
pressure
once
a
week
use a tire gauge. Do not ride with low pressure as this can damage the tires and pose more risk falling.
Final Assembly Check List for the Free Rein
1. When you think that you have completed the assembly process, study the vehicle one
more
time
and
compare
it
to
the
photograph
on
page
5
more
time
and
compare
it
to
the
photograph
on
page
5
.
2. Check the bolts that secure the front fork and handlebars. A good push and pull on the
handlebars will immediately indicate whether or not the stem plate is not properly
secured. The handlebars should not be able to rotate on the stem ‐‐‐ even with all of
your weight pushing on it.
3. Do a final brake check by spinning both rear wheels. They should spin freely until you
apply
the
brakes
You
should
be
able
to
vigorously
squee
3
ze
the
brake
levers
without
apply
the
brakes
.
You
should
be
able
to
vigorously
squee
3
ze
the
brake
levers
without
the levers depressing all the way to the handlebar.
4. Check the folding mechanism to insure that both of the rear legs are locked in the
riding position.
Assembly Questions or Replacement Parts
For any questions regarding assembling your Free Rein, replacement parts or accessories, please go
to the www.trikke.com website for further details.
Caution!
Before riding for the first time, please take several minutes to go over the
Important Riding and Safety Tips on page 2 and 3 of this manual.
For safety of friends and others who will try your new Free Rein, it’s your
responsibility to coach them about safe riding. Make sure they read and
understand all warnin
g
s and safet
y
information in this owner’s manual
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 15
g
y
before riding.

Trikke RidingManual
Now that you have successfully assembled your new Free Rein vehicle, we will take you through
some simple riding tips to help you get started. These tips are focused on helping you with the
manual side of powering your hybrid vehicle. We always recommend that you ride with a helmet
d
f
l
h
d
h
l
d
an
d
sa
f
ety gea
r
.Payspecia
l
attention to w
h
ere you are ri
d
ing, your proximity to ot
h
er peop
l
e, an
d
especially your proximity to cars if you are learning to ride on a street or in a parking lot. Please
exercise respectful path etiquette where other riders and pedestrians are on the same path.
Athletes who are accustomed to skiing or inline
skating typically pick it up in a matter of minutes.
Don
’
t
be
discouraged
if
you
can
’
t
climb
on
and
Don t
be
discouraged
if
you
can t
climb
on
and
speed away at 15 miles per hour. Being and entirely
new vehicle, it requires some new skills. Regardless
of your athletic background, you can learn to ride a
Free Rein vehicle in a relatively short period of time
‐‐‐ usually in less than an hour.
Thegreatestwordsofwisdomare:
“Keep going until you feel the sweet spot.” You’ll know it when you feel it. With the Free Rein, the
electric power assist will help you to feel the sweet spot. Try to mimic feeling manually. If friends
orfamilyareridingforthefirsttime,fortheirsafetypleasetakethetimetoproperlyinstructthem
and have them wear safety equipment.
You are now embarking on a totally new experience for mankind. It is once in a century that a truly
new technology emerges to change our way of thinking about motion and its application.
Conservation of angular momentum is the physical principle that the Free Rein vehicle harnesses in
order to transfer the rider’s energy into forward momentum. It is the painstaking research and
development by Trikke Tech over the period of 12 years that has optimized the melding of this
principle with a human powered vehicle. That propulsion technology is now combined with an
electric motor assist on your Free Rein. The combination o
f
manual and electric power creates an
entirely new carving experience and makes the Free Rein a practical commuter vehicle as well as
an exciting recreational vehicle.
The exclusive 3CV™ technology developed by
Trikke Tech is the mechanism that makes this
forward
propulsion
possible
The
unique
forward
propulsion
possible
.
The
unique
cambering mechanism is elegantly simple yet
provides the necessary rigidity, geometry and
resistance to the rider’s motion to allow for
optimum control, speed, comfort, durability
and especially rider confidence. You are now
the
owner
of
the
original
Free
Rein
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 16
the
owner
of
the
original
Free
Rein
.

The following five warning have been selected from the list at the beginning of this manual for
more in depth description and instruction. Please read and understand these and all warnings
before riding.
Safety
Issue
#
1
:
Riding
in
Wet
Conditions
Safety
Issue
#
1
:
Riding
in
Wet
Conditions
Because Trikke™ Tribred vehicles use electricity to power the hub motor, riding in wet conditions is
not recommended. Always keep in mind that the Free Rein is an electric vehicle and as such common
sense regarding safety around electricity should be practiced.
Additionally, the tires become slick when riding in wet conditions and extreme caution should be
used
as
rider
control
will
be
affected
Always
try
to
avoid
wet
riding
conditions
used
as
rider
control
will
be
affected
.
Always
try
to
avoid
wet
riding
conditions
.
Safety Issue #2: Weight Distribution
When using the motor from a dead stop, it is important to distribute your weight over the front wheel
as shown below. This will ensure proper traction of the front tire.
Once the Free Rein is in motion, it is quite easy to go over backwards by leaning back. Be careful to
not lean back or distribute
y
our bod
y
wei
g
ht behind the rear wheels. This warnin
g
is es
p
eciall
y
y
y
g
g
py
important for riders with restricted movement or reaction time. If you are standing still on the
vehicle it is always recommended that you keep the brakes on. If for some reason you feel yourself
going off the back, putting the brakes on will help stop the vehicle from scooting out from under you,
but you should always step off as a precaution.
In order to brake more effectively, distribute more of your weight over the back wheels as shown
below. Be careful not to fall over backwards.
Startin
g
Brakin
g
The best way to insure that you are always positioned properly on the vehicle and to minimize the
potential for going off the back is to distribute your weight evenly between the front and rear wheels.
Accordingly, you should not lean forward over or onto the handlebars either but rather move your
toes up to the front of the foot platforms and always let the balls of your feet and toes carry most of
your weight. Avoid rocking back on your heels, pulling back on the handlebars or sticking you butt
out behind them
(
in the case o
f
stickin
g
y
our butt out
)
y
ou will inevitabl
y
un‐wei
g
ht the front wheel.
g
g
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 17
(
g
y
)
y
y
g
Besides the risk of going off the back, the other reason for evenly distributing your weight is to insure
that your front wheel has plenty of traction, which leads us to the next safety issue.

Properly managing the handlebars and especially how far to the left and right you turn them while
you are riding is vital to your safety. Because the front wheel has been designed to trail the fork, the
handlebars have a tendency to turn on their own in the direction that you are leaning the vehicle.
Unlike a bicycle, which wants to go in a straight line, the front wheel will actually accentuate a turn.
B
f
thi
diti
id
d
t
il
tt ti
t
t
t
O
ti
Safety Issue #3: Handlebar Etiquette
B
ecause o
f
thi
scon
diti
on, new r
id
ers nee
d
t
opayspec
i
a
l
a
tt
en
ti
on
t
ono
t
over s
t
ee
r
.
O
ver s
t
eer
i
ng
can cause the handlebars to cross up or “jack knife” which will stop the vehicle suddenly and possibly
cause an injury. Always maintain firm control of the handlebars with both hands and never ride with
one or no hands. The Free Rein requires both hands on the handlebars at all times.
First time riders have a tendency to muscle the handlebars and throw their weight from side to side.
What manually propels the Trikke carving vehicle forward is a combination of turning and leaning the
steering
column
not
jerking
or
thrusting
the
handlebars
from
side
to
side
It
is
best
to
think
in
terms
SafetyIssue#4:RidingDownhill
Because the Free Rein is a totally new machine with completely foreign riding characteristics, we
strongly recommend that you take your time when familiarizing yourself with the vehicle and gradually
tt
th
f
bdi
f
it
idi
htiti
Thi
i
ill
itt
bf
steering
column
,
not
jerking
or
thrusting
the
handlebars
from
side
to
side
.
It
is
best
to
think
in
terms
of more rocking and less turning. Long smooth turns are best for beginners.
t
es
t
th
eper
f
ormance
b
oun
d
ar
i
es o
f
it
sr
idi
ng c
h
arac
t
er
i
s
ti
cs.
Thi
s
i
sespec
i
a
ll
y
i
mpor
t
an
t
b
e
f
ore
attempting to ride up or down hills. Both hill climbing and downhill riding are advanced and require
that you become a strong competent rider before even attempting hills ‐‐‐ up or down. As far as
downhill riding is concerned, we strongly recommend that you only ride down hills in which you can
control your speed with turns as you traverse the hill. Riding hills at speeds that require constant
braking is not recommended for three reasons: you can get up to speeds where your braking distances
are
too
long
to
stop
you
safely
you
can
fall
causing
serious
injury
or
death
and
you
will
quite
simply
are
too
long
to
stop
you
safely
,
you
can
fall
causing
serious
injury
or
death
,
and
you
will
quite
simply
wear down your brake pads and rear wheels long before their expected functional life expectancy.
The Free Rein will accelerate quickly down even the mildest grades, so only ride at speeds and in an
environment that are suitable for your skill level.
SafetyIssue#5:SafetyEquipment
Always
wear
safety
equipment,
especially
a
helmet
.
A
helmet
is
a
must
when
riding
a
Free
Rein
or
any
Always
wear
safety
equipment,
especially
a
helmet
.
A
helmet
is
a
must
when
riding
a
Free
Rein
or
any
wheeled vehicle for that matter. We also recommend that you wear elbow and knee pads, especially
for children and inexperienced riders. As stable a platform as the vehicle is, there are always
environmental considerations that might catch you by surprise like cracks in the pavement or other
vehicles.
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ASSEMBLY, MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY SECTIONS OF
’
THE OWNER
’
S MANUAL BEFORE RIDING. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND
PAY ATTENTION TO ALL WARNINGS.
Visit our website at www.trikke.com for information, replacement parts, new Trikke products, and
custom Trikke accessories like carry bags, hats, t‐shirts, high performance wheels, water bottles,
backpacks and more.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 18

HowtoRideManually
Step1:MounttheTrikke
First, find some smooth, flat and open terrain to ride on. Parking lots, basketball courts or tennis
courts are perfect places to learn. It is best to spend plenty o
f
time riding on flat ground before
attempting hills ‐‐‐ up or down, and do not assume that you already know how to ride a carving
vehicle. Even though it has familiar features like handlebars and hand brakes, carving vehicles have
unique riding and balance characteristics that require a familiarization period. The vehicle is easy
to stand on. We recommend that you step up onto the vehicle and spend a few minutes getting
used to the riding position, the braking system, and especially the range with which you can rock
th
ti
l
lft
d
iht
Thi
i
ill
itt
b
it
i
tl
thi
ki
th
es
t
eer
i
ng co
l
umn
l
e
ft
an
d
r
i
g
ht
.
Thi
s
i
sespec
i
a
ll
y
i
mpor
t
an
t
b
ecause
it
i
sexac
tl
y
thi
sroc
ki
ng
capability that propels the vehicle forward. Get used to letting your arms do the rocking ‐‐‐ not
your body.
Step2:RocktheTrikke
W
d
th t
h
ff
f
ti
lik
t
d
il
id
d
f
f
W
erecommen
d
th
a
t
you pus
h
o
ff
a
f
ew
ti
mes
lik
eascoo
t
er an
d
s
i
mp
l
yr
id
earoun
d
f
or a
f
ew
minutes to get used to the feel. It is especially important to establish a good riding position that
properly balances your weight between the front and rear wheels. First time riders have a
tendency to pop unnecessary wheelies. This can be dangerous because you can fall back and
injure yourself. Scooting your toes to the front of the platforms and riding on the balls of your feet
will help to distribute your weight to the front wheel. Also, properly set, the handlebar height
should
force
you
to
lean
a
bit
forward
This
riding
posture
will
give
you
much
better
stability
should
force
you
to
lean
a
bit
forward
.
This
riding
posture
will
give
you
much
better
stability
,
control, and quick braking response. Never lean back or pull back on the handlebars.
You can actually start moving without touching your
feet to the ground by rapidly turning the front wheel
back and forth. You will begin to pickup speed but will
peak at only a few miles an hour. Here is where it all
h
comes toget
h
er!
You are now turning the wheel back and forth to
generate forward motion and establishing a rhythm.
No matter how bad you might be as a dancer, the
Trikke experience is very rhythmic in movement and
timing
Stick
with
it
You
’
ll
get
it
The
beauty
of
what
timing
.
Stick
with
it
.
You ll
get
it
.
The
beauty
of
what
drives the Trikke carving vehicle’s design forward is the
addition of one final ingredient:
ROCKING THE STEERING COLUMN LEFT AND RIGHT AS YOU TURN THE WHEEL LEFT
AND RIGHT. A LEFT HAND TURN GETS A LEFT HAND ROCK.
Trikke Tribred FreeRein
Owner'sManualV110/1/08 19