How to assemble an adult tricycle

• Allen keys (4, 5 and 6 mm)
• 15 mm spanner
• Cross-head screwdriver
• Tyre pump with the right valve head

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Front frame with fork and front wheel
• Rear axle assembly and two rear wheels
• Handlebar, stem and seat post with saddle
• Rear basket and brackets
• Pedals, chain and brake cables

1. 1

   Step 1: With a helper, join the front frame to the rear axle assembly with the bolts given, keeping the rear axle square to the frame.

2. 2

   Step 2: Slide the rear wheels onto the axle with their spacers and keys, and fit the axle nuts or clips as the manual shows, one drive wheel on the chain side.

3. 3

   Step 3: Fit the chain over the chainring and rear sprocket and set the tension as the manual describes, so it has a little up and down play but does not sag.

4. 4

   Step 4: Fit the handlebar and stem, lining the stem up with the front wheel, and set the saddle height.

5. 5

   Step 5: Fit the pedals: the right pedal (R) clockwise, the left pedal (L) counterclockwise, as its thread is reversed.

6. 6

   Step 6: Connect and adjust the front and rear brakes and the parking brake if fitted, until they grip firmly well before the lever touches the bar.

7. 7

   Step 7: Bolt the rear basket to its brackets, then inflate all three tyres to the pressure on the tyre wall.

8. 8

   Step 8: Ride slowly on a flat, quiet area first; trikes steer differently and can tip if you lean into a fast turn.

• Fitting the rear axle out of square, which makes the trike pull to one side.
• Setting the chain too tight or too loose, so it wears quickly or comes off.
• Riding without testing the parking brake on a slope.