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1. We strongly advise you to wear a BSI kitemarked helmet when using your Kickbike.
2. Everybody has a favourite 'scooting' leg - if you are right handed, it will probably be your left leg (don't ask me why!). Find a good flat and smooth surface (tarmac etc.) and give it a go. Get used to the balance and feel of the steering and brakes (please remember that the front brake lever is on the left (unless you have swapped them) - opposite to British bicycles) before whizzing out into the traffic! Watch Andries Koers, the Dutch National Champion, demonstrate the kicking technique - click here. Look at the 'high level training' section on Sport & Fitness page for an animation of riding technique.
3. Learn to change legs - very easy - just angle the current foot so that there is room at the front (or rear depending on which foot) to slide in the other foot - then continue kicking with the other foot - repeat about every 4-8 kicks. Watch Andries Koers, the Dutch National Champion, demonstrate foot swapping techniques - click here.
4. Let the wonderful rolling speed of the Kickbike work for you - you only need to kick when the bike slows down! Long and slow, long and slow! Uphill - use shorter kicks more frequently - very steep; just step off and walk or run!
5. The footboard has a low clearance - so either lift the bike over kerbs or find ramps (you will scrape the bottom every now and then - don't worry - it is reinforced underneath). You will learn to do a little jump to get over low obstructions.
6. To turn the bike round in a confined area (when you are off the bike), get used to lifting the rear of the bike with the toe of one foot to spin it round - you'll soon do it without thinking.
7. One of the advantages over bicycles is that the Kickbike can be easily lifted (carried) with one hand - the bike balances by holding it at the bottom of the frame near the footplate. If you are right-handed, hold the frame firmly with your right hand and lightly hold the end of the handlebars with your left to stop the wheel swinging around.
8. 'Scooters' are classed as pedestrians (unlike bicycles) - so that conditions willing, you can ride on the pavement or on back alleys etc. as well as the road and cycle tracks. Your local bobby might disagree (c'est la vie) and local byelaws might say otherwise - check! In any case use your common sense to avoid injuring or upsetting pedestrians - you will find the Kickbike much easier to handle safely than a bicycle amongst pedestrians. It is crucial that your primary concern is the safety of other road, path or cycle path users.
9. You will find that you can ride your Kickbike in whatever clothes you are wearing - no greasy chains or sprockets to soil or catch. A small back-pack allows you to comfortably carry your kit.
10. Kickbikes fit into the boot of most cars by just taking off the front wheel and sometimes by just loosening the steering head hex bolt as well so that you can turn the handlebars relative to the mudguard or take them right off. If you have an estate or hatchback - just remove the front wheel and slide your Kickbike in upside down.
11. With the easy step on and off characteristics of the Kickbike, the ability to use pavements and the easy carrying ability, you will find that you will use different routes to those you would choose on a bicycle; nice back routes away from the traffic and pleasing to the senses - let other users know good routes by posting a message on our message board on the website! Try a long ride one day! On flattish terrain (actually on hilly too!) you will find you can do 12-20 miles in 2 hours without excess effort - you won't have a sore bottom either!
Clothing
While Kickbiking you can wear normal outdoor clothing. If you exercise hard enough to induce sweating, then you should select appropriate sportswear. Remember that in long descents the breeze might feel quite chilly.
It is worthwhile paying attention to your shoes. A good choice is a running shoe with a low heel and a relatively stiff sole with a good grip.
Padded biking gloves absorb unpleasant vibrations when riding on rough surfaces. Avoid loose shoelaces, skirt hems or trouser legs that might end up between the spokes.
Last but not least: always wear a good cycling helmet! ENJOY!
Customising your Kickbike
Many Kickbike users, particularly competitive riders fit different wheels, tyres or handlebars and forks to decrease weight and/or improve appearance. Whilst the advantages of improved rolling or aerodynamic resistance are obvious and might provide a competitive edge, as will reducing the weight, Alpo Kuusisto, the world champion, uses the standard frame and Millennium wheels and tyres! If you race your Kickbike, however, purchase a lowering kit (from this website) to reduce ground clearance, this means that you waste less effort in vertical movement and develop more speed horizontally!
Kickbike Movies
Look at the 'Movies' page on our website for clips showing kicking and leg changing technique demonstrated by champion riders
Talk to other Kickbikers
Use our messageboard on the website to communicate any riding or maintenance tricks, customising ideas, good routes or if you simply want to ride with (or compete with!) other Kickbikers or just to say hello to fellow riders! Use the Yahoo Discussion Groups on Kickbikes and Footbiking given on our 'Useful Links' page.
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