E Trike Braking: How to Safely Brake on an Electric Tricycle Going Down Hill

How to safely brake on a downhill on an electric tricycle. Hey everyone, I'm Dustin. I have nearly 20 years of experience in the bike and e-bike industry and today I'm going to demonstrate how to safely brake on the downhill on an electric tricycle. All right, I've got the Evryjourney E-Rickshaw here from sixthreezero, and I'm going to show you how to properly brake on a downhill. We're going to go over to the downhill, and I'm going to demonstrate as we go down exactly what's the best and safest way in terms of using the brakes so you can feel safe when you're coming down a hill. Okay, we're at the top of the hill here. So on your e-trike, you're gonna have a front brake and rear brakes. Sometimes you're gonna have a singular rotor in the back for a brake. In the case of the rickshaw, we've got two rear rotors and one front. So what I like to do going downhill, number one is don't bomb it till the bottom of the hill and then hit the brakes. I like to ease the brakes and I start with the rear and I ease into it to regulate my speed. And then if I need additional stopping power, I will ease the front while I'm still holding the rear.

And so, like I said, I don't recommend, you know, going 30 miles an hour downhill on an e-trike, even though you could. So you're going to see my miles per hour here, and I'm just going to keep it under control as I utilize my brake levers. So let's get off and ride. All right. So we're coming downhill. We're going to start to pick up speed around this curve right here. All right. So now I can feel myself picking up speed. So I'm going to pull my rear brake with my right hand if you can see. All right. And I'm able to pretty well control my speed with just my right hand. Now, if I were to want a little extra power, come in here with my left hand. And you can see I can nearly, well, I can. I can come to a complete stop if I want. But let's keep easing down. Okay. Just regulate it nicely. Now coming into this turn, you want to slow down because this is an angled turn down a slope. So let's come in nice and easy. Then I'm going to release as I'm sort of through the turn and we can safely get into the straightaway. So it's important, especially if you have to make a turn at the end of the hill to ease into that turn as you come down the hill. So, I hope that helps with breaking down a hill.

Before You Head Downhill: A Quick Brake Check

Good e-trike braking starts before the ride. Take 30 seconds to:

• Squeeze each brake lever. It should feel firm and stop well before it touches the handlebar.
• Roll the trike forward and brake. Each wheel should stop without grinding or squealing.
• Look at the brake pads if you can see them. Thin or uneven pads are a sign it’s time for service.

If anything feels soft or sounds wrong, have the brakes checked before you ride a hill.

Hydraulic vs Mechanical Disc Brakes

Both types stop an electric tricycle well, but they feel different:

• Hydraulic disc brakes use fluid to press the pads, so they need less hand pressure and give smooth, steady control. That helps on long downhills and for riders with arthritis or a weak grip.
• Mechanical disc brakes use a cable. They’re simple and easy to adjust, but they need a firmer squeeze, and the cable can stretch over time.
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On our trikes, the EVRYjourney eBike Rickshaw, Fat Tire 750W Reverse, Simple Glide Low Seat 750W and EVRYjourney Tandem 750W have hydraulic disc brakes. The Simple Glide Fat Tire 750W and Easy Transit 750W Folding use mechanical disc brakes.

More Tips for Braking on an Electric Tricycle Going Downhill

• Let go of the throttle first. Before you brake, take your hand off the throttle and drop the pedal assist level so the motor isn’t pushing against you.
• Ease on, don’t grab. Squeeze both levers smoothly. Grabbing the front brake hard can make the trike skid, especially on loose gravel or wet pavement.
• Brake in pulses on long hills. Instead of holding the brakes the whole way down, ease off now and then and squeeze again. This keeps your speed in check without overheating the brakes.
• Brake before the turn. Do your slowing on the straight, then take the turn at a steady, easy speed.
• Stay seated and look ahead. Keep both hands on the handlebars and watch the road well past your front wheel.

Braking with a Passenger or Cargo

A loaded rickshaw or a trike with a full basket takes longer to stop. Start braking earlier than you would riding alone, use gentle, steady pressure on both brakes, and keep your speed lower on the way down. On a rickshaw, tell your passengers before you slow down so no one is caught off guard.

Stopping on a Slope

If you need to stop partway down a hill, hold both brakes until you’re fully stopped. If your trike has a parking brake, set it before you take your hands off the levers. The EVRYjourney eBike Rickshaw 750W with Passenger Seat has one, which also keeps it steady while passengers climb on and off.

Riding Downhill in the Wet

Wet pavement and wet brake rotors both make stopping take longer. Ride slower, start braking earlier, and give the brakes a light squeeze now and then on the way down to clear water off the rotors.

If you have any other questions, please reach out to us at theteam@sixthreezero.live or call us at 310-982-2877. We also have a 30-day test ride for each bike, if you don't love it. One year warranty will replace all the parts and labour. Lastly, be a part of our community, Facebook groups. We have thousands of members. Join before you purchase to talk to existing riders. Download our app to track your rides and compete on the leaderboard. Thanks for sticking around and don't forget it's your journey your experience enjoy the ride.

FAQs

How do you brake on an electric tricycle?

Start with the rear brake to control your speed, then add the front brake gently if you need more stopping power.

Are hydraulic brakes better on an electric tricycle?

They need less hand strength and feel smoother, which many riders prefer on hills. Mechanical disc brakes still stop well when they’re adjusted properly.

Why do my brakes squeal?

Water, dirt or worn pads are the usual causes. If the noise doesn’t go away after a dry ride, have the brakes checked.

Should I wear a helmet on an e-trike?

Yes, on every ride, and especially on hilly routes. Browse our helmets.