75 and Riding an Electric Trike for the First Time: Don's Simple Glide 630 Test Ride

A First Ride at 75

Don Nunari is 75 years old, and on a bright afternoon in San Clemente he did something he had never done before: he climbed onto an electric trike and rode it down the street. There was no ceremony to it. He introduced himself, mentioned his age almost in passing, named the model he was sitting on, the Simple Glide Sixthreezero, and then pushed off into the sunshine.

What followed was about four minutes of riding, captured on video, with Don narrating as he went. It is not a polished review. Nobody hands him a spec sheet, and he does not pretend to be an expert. He just rides, talks about what he feels, adjusts as he goes, and parks at the end with a grin you can hear in his voice. For anyone wondering whether an e-trike might be right for them, or for a parent, spouse, or friend, that kind of unscripted first ride is more useful than any brochure.

In this article we walk through Don's ride moment by moment, pull out what it shows about how a modern electric trike actually behaves for a first-time rider, and then turn those observations into practical advice for anyone thinking about making the switch to three wheels.

Why a First Ride Tells You So Much

Most product reviews come from people who have ridden dozens of bikes. They know what a cadence sensor is, they have opinions about torque, and they notice things a newcomer never would. That perspective has its place, but it can miss the questions that matter most to someone who has not been on a bicycle in years: Will I feel safe? Will I be able to start and stop without wobbling? Is this going to be hard?

A first ride answers those questions honestly because the rider has no habits to fall back on. If something is confusing, it shows. If something feels unstable, you hear it in the rider's voice. If something is easy, the rider relaxes almost immediately, and that relaxation is the most telling detail of all.

Don relaxes fast. Within the first minute he is describing the ride as gliding. By the two-minute mark he is experimenting with higher assist settings. By the end he is talking about how in control he felt the entire time. That progression, from cautious to comfortable in a few minutes, is exactly what a well-designed e-trike is supposed to deliver.

The trike Don rode is one of sixthreezero's three-wheel electric models, built around the idea that riding should feel easy and unintimidating. Like the rest of the sixthreezero electric trike lineup, it uses a two-wheel rear setup that keeps the rider steady at a standstill, at low speed, and in turns, which are the three situations where two-wheeled bikes give newer and older riders the most trouble.

From the ride itself we can see a few important features in action. The trike has multiple pedal-assist levels, five of them by Don's count, so the rider can decide how much help the motor provides while pedaling. It also has a throttle, which lets the rider move forward with the motor alone. And it has a gear system that Don mentions when he notes he has shifted into fourth and finds pedaling remarkably easy.

Those three tools, pedal assist, throttle, and gears, work together. A rider can lean heavily on the motor when tired or starting from a stop, back off when they want more exercise, and use gearing to keep pedaling comfortable at any speed. For a first-timer, having all three options means there is almost always a setting that feels right.

Starting Low: The Wisdom of Level Two

Shortly after setting off, someone off camera asks Don what setting he is using. He answers that he thinks he is on number two out of five. It is a small moment, but it is one of the smartest decisions in the whole video.

Starting at a low assist level is exactly what we recommend for any new rider. At level two the motor helps, but it does not surge. You get a sense of how the trike responds to your pedaling, how quickly it builds speed, and how the steering feels, all without being surprised by a burst of power. It gives your body and brain time to sync up with the machine.

Don clearly benefited from that approach. He describes gliding right along, which is the kind of word people use when a ride feels effortless but not out of control. There is no nervousness in his voice. He is simply enjoying it, and that comfort sets the stage for everything that comes next.

If you are planning your own first ride, take a page from Don's book. Begin at the lowest or second-lowest assist setting, ride a short, quiet stretch, and only move up once you feel settled. There is no prize for starting fast, and the trike will still be there, with all its power, when you are ready for it.

It does not take long for Don to want a little more. Still within the first minute of riding, he announces that he is going to step up to level three. You can almost hear the confidence building.

This is how pedal assist is meant to be used. Each level adds more motor support to every pedal stroke, so moving from two to three means the same effort from your legs carries you a bit farther and a bit faster. For riders who are rebuilding fitness, managing joint discomfort, or simply want to enjoy the scenery without getting winded, being able to dial the support up or down on the fly is enormously freeing.

Later in the ride Don mentions he is in fourth and that it is really easy to pedal. Whether he is referring to the assist level or the gear, the point is the same: with the right combination of settings, pedaling stops feeling like work and starts feeling like a gentle rhythm. That is the sweet spot most riders are looking for, especially those who want light exercise without strain.

For riders exploring options, it is worth looking at the full range of electric trikes for seniors. Models in this category tend to emphasize smooth, predictable assist and comfortable riding positions, the same qualities that let Don work his way up through the levels without a hitch.

The Throttle: Takeoff Without the Effort

About a minute and a half into the video, Don remarks on the trike's acceleration. He says it takes off really nicely without much pedaling. Later, once he has parked, he explains that he pedaled at first and then tried the throttle, and that it had a lot of pickup.

A throttle is one of the most practical features an electric trike can have, particularly for older riders. Starting from a complete stop is usually the hardest part of any ride. Your legs have to overcome the trike's weight and your own, and if you are on a slight incline or your knees are not what they used to be, that first push can be a real hurdle. A throttle removes it entirely. You twist or press, the motor moves you forward, and you can begin pedaling once you are already rolling.

Throttles are also handy at intersections, when you want to clear a crosswalk promptly, or when you are simply tired at the end of a long ride and want a little help getting home. They give the rider a choice, and choice is what builds confidence.

If a throttle sounds like something you would use, you can browse electric tricycles with throttle control to compare models. Just remember Don's approach: get familiar with pedal assist first, then experiment with the throttle once you know how the trike handles.

One phrase from Don's wrap-up stands out above the rest. After describing how much pickup the throttle had, he immediately adds that he felt in control all the time. That combination is harder to achieve than it sounds.

Plenty of electric vehicles feel powerful. Fewer feel powerful and calm at the same time. When acceleration is abrupt or the frame feels light and twitchy, power becomes something to manage rather than something to enjoy. Riders tense up, grip the handlebars too hard, and start to dread the moment they need to speed up.

Don describes the opposite experience. The trike accelerates with enthusiasm, yet he never feels like it is getting away from him. That speaks to a well-balanced design: a stable three-wheel platform, a riding position that keeps the rider upright and centered, and power delivery that builds in a way the rider can anticipate.

For prospective buyers, this is worth paying attention to on any test ride. Do not just ask whether the trike is fast. Ask whether you feel calm while it is accelerating. If your shoulders stay loose and your attention stays on the road ahead rather than on the machine, you have found a good match.

Balanced on the Ground

Around the three-and-a-half-minute mark, Don says something that captures the heart of why people choose trikes. He describes the ride as nice and quick, and then says he feels balanced on the ground. In his closing comments he returns to the same idea twice, calling the trike very stable and very stable on the ground.

That repetition matters. Balance is the single biggest concern for many riders over 60 when they think about cycling. On a two-wheeled bike, balance depends on speed and constant small corrections from the rider. Slow down too much and the bike starts to tip. Stop and you have to get a foot down quickly. For someone whose balance has changed with age, or who is recovering from an injury, that constant negotiation can make riding feel risky.

A trike changes the equation. With three points of contact, it stays upright whether you are moving fast, crawling along, or sitting still at a stop sign. You do not have to put a foot down to stay balanced. You do not have to keep moving to stay upright. That stability frees your attention for the things that actually matter: traffic, pedestrians, the view, and the simple pleasure of being outside.

Getting on and off matters just as much as staying balanced while riding. If mounting a frame is a concern, look at easy-to-mount e-trikes with a low step-thru, which are designed so you can walk into the frame rather than swinging a leg high over it.

Not every moment of a real-world ride is scenic. Partway through the video, Don and the person riding with him talk about a nearby cross street getting pretty busy. Someone offers a bit of practical guidance: next time, make the U-turn a little earlier, before the stop sign. Don repeats it back to lock it in.

It is a refreshingly ordinary exchange, and it is a good reminder that even on a stable, easy-to-ride trike, route planning still matters. Busy intersections are where most riders feel the most stress, regardless of what they are riding. Choosing a turnaround point on a quiet stretch, rather than at a stop sign next to traffic, makes the whole ride calmer.

Trikes handle U-turns differently than bicycles. Because they do not lean, they turn by steering alone, and a typical trike needs a bit more room to come around than a bike would. The upside is that you can take the turn slowly, even at a crawl, without any risk of tipping over from a lack of speed. Don confirms this in his wrap-up, noting that turning around was easy.

Our advice for new riders is to scout your route before your first few rides. Identify a wide, quiet spot for turning around, such as a cul-de-sac, an empty corner of a parking lot, or a wide residential street. Practice a few slow U-turns there until the motion feels natural. Once you know how much room your trike needs, you will be able to plan turns with confidence anywhere.

Stopping and Parking With Ease

At about three minutes and forty seconds, Don announces he is going to park right there, and he does, without fuss. His final words in the video are about stopping, and he sums it up simply as really cool.

Stopping is where many riders discover how much a trike's stability helps. On two wheels, coming to a stop means braking, unclipping or lifting a foot, and catching yourself, all in a few seconds. On a trike, you brake and the trike simply stays put. There is no lunge for the ground and no moment of wobble.

Brakes themselves are worth a close look when shopping. Many riders prefer the strong, consistent feel of disc brakes, particularly on hilly routes or when carrying extra weight. You can compare options in the electric trikes with disc brakes collection. Some riders also value a parking brake so the trike stays in place on a slope while they get on or off, so ask about that when you test ride.

Parking can involve reversing, too. Backing a trike out of a tight garage or away from a curb can be awkward when it has to be pushed by hand. If that is part of your daily routine, consider electric trikes with a reverse gear, which let the motor do the work.

Strip away the scenery and the small talk, and Don's ride delivers a clear set of takeaways that apply to just about anyone considering an e-trike later in life.

First, there is no steep learning curve. Don had never ridden an electric trike, and within a minute he was gliding. Within two he was adjusting settings on his own. The controls are intuitive enough that a first-timer can figure them out on the move.

Second, the motor makes riding accessible without making it passive. Don pedaled, shifted, and chose his assist levels. He was still exercising, still engaged, still riding. The motor simply removed the parts that might have made him give up: hard starts, tiring stretches, and strain on the legs.

Third, stability is the foundation of confidence. Every positive thing Don said circles back to feeling balanced and in control. Once a rider stops worrying about falling, everything else about the experience opens up.

Fourth, enjoyment is the point. Don's comments about the weather, the smooth ride, and how fun it was are not throwaway lines. People keep riding when riding is fun. A trike that makes riding enjoyable is a trike that will actually get used, which means more fresh air, more movement, and more independence.

A First-Ride Playbook for New eTrike Riders

If Don's video has you thinking about your own first ride, a little preparation goes a long way. Here is how we suggest approaching it.

Start with the right fit. Seat height, handlebar reach, and frame style all affect how comfortable and confident you feel. If you are not sure where to begin, our fitting consultation matches you with a model based on your body and how you plan to ride. A trike that fits well feels stable from the first pedal stroke.

Pick a quiet location. Choose a flat, low-traffic area for your first session, such as a neighborhood street on a weekend morning, a park path where trikes are allowed, or an empty parking lot. Save the busy cross streets for later, just as Don's riding companion suggested.

Get familiar before you go. Before you pedal anywhere, sit on the trike and look at the display. Find the power button, the assist level buttons, the throttle, and the brake levers. Squeeze the brakes a few times so you know how they feel. Knowing where everything is keeps your attention on the road once you are moving.

Begin with low assist. Follow Don's lead and start at level one or two. Ride a short loop. Notice how the trike accelerates, how it steers, and how it feels when you stop pedaling.

Practice slow turns and stops. Spend a few minutes making slow, wide turns in both directions and coming to gentle stops. These are the skills that matter most in real traffic, and they become second nature quickly on a trike.

Try the throttle last. Once you feel comfortable with pedal assist, test the throttle from a stop on a straight, open stretch. Apply it gradually at first so you get a feel for the pickup Don described. Keep the first ride short. Fifteen to thirty minutes is plenty. You want to finish wanting more, not feeling tired or sore. You can build up distance over the following weeks.

The Simple Glide Sixthreezero suited Don's ride well, but the best trike for you depends on how and where you plan to ride. A few questions can narrow things down quickly.

What will you carry? If your rides include trips to the grocery store, the farmers market, or the post office, cargo space matters. Rear baskets on trikes tend to be generous, and you can see models built around storage in the electric tricycles with a large basket collection. For heavier loads, cargo electric trikes are worth a look.

Where will you ride? Smooth pavement along the coast is one thing. Gravel paths, sandy stretches, or uneven sidewalks are another. Wider tires add cushioning and grip, which is why many riders choose fat tire electric trikes for mixed terrain.

How important is comfort over long distances? If you plan longer rides or have back or hip concerns, seat design and riding position deserve extra attention. The most comfortable electric trikes put the emphasis on supportive seating and an upright, relaxed posture. Some riders prefer a laid-back position altogether, which is where recumbent electric trikes come in.

Does weight capacity matter? Riders who are taller or heavier, or who regularly carry substantial loads, should check maximum capacity before buying. Our high weight capacity electric trikes are built with that in mind.

Will you store or transport it? If space is tight or you want to bring your trike along on trips, folding designs can make life easier. Browse the folding electric trikes to see what fits your garage or vehicle. Would you like to ride with someone? Some riders want to share the experience with a partner or grandchild. Trikes for passengers and tandem models make that possible.

Not sure you need a motor at all? If your routes are flat and short, a pedal-only adult tricycle offers the same stability at a lower price. That said, most riders who try assist, as Don did, quickly appreciate having it on hand.

Why Fit and Comfort Deserve Your Attention

It is easy to focus on motors and batteries when shopping, but comfort determines whether you ride often. A trike that leaves your back sore or your wrists aching will slowly end up parked in the garage.

Pay attention to three things during any test ride. The first is seat height: when you are seated, you should be able to place your feet flat on the ground comfortably, and when pedaling, your leg should have a slight bend at the bottom of the stroke. The second is handlebar position: you should be able to sit upright with relaxed shoulders, elbows slightly bent, not stretching forward. The third is seat comfort: a wide, cushioned saddle, ideally with back support, makes longer rides far more pleasant.

Small upgrades can make a big difference here. Many riders swap in a different saddle after a few weeks, and the sixthreezero seats collection includes options designed for trikes. Don said he felt balanced and comfortable from the start, and good fit is a big part of why that kind of first impression happens.

A stable trike reduces many risks, but good habits still matter, especially in the first few weeks.

Always wear a helmet. Even at moderate speeds, a helmet is the simplest and most effective piece of protection you can own. If yours is old or does not fit well, browse the sixthreezero helmets for a comfortable replacement.

Be visible. Trikes sit lower than cars, so bright clothing, lights, and a tall safety flag help drivers see you. A bell is a friendly way to let pedestrians know you are coming up behind them on shared paths.

Mind your width. Trikes are wider than bicycles. Give yourself extra room when passing parked cars, navigating bike lanes, or squeezing through gates and narrow paths.

Slow down for turns. Because trikes do not lean, taking a corner too fast can lift an inside wheel. Brake before the turn, steer smoothly, and accelerate once you are through it. This becomes automatic with practice.

Plan around busy streets. Take the advice Don received to heart. Choosing calm routes and smart turnaround spots makes riding more relaxing and safer. Residential streets, bike paths, and park roads are your friends. Check your trike regularly. Before each ride, glance at tire pressure, squeeze the brakes, and confirm the battery is charged. A quick check takes a minute and prevents most surprises.

Making the Most of Sunny Days

Don says it himself as he cruises along: what a day for a ride. The weather in San Clemente that afternoon was clearly perfect, and part of the joy in his voice comes from simply being outside in it.

That feeling is one of the most underrated benefits of riding. Fresh air, sunshine, and gentle movement do wonders for mood and energy. For older adults in particular, regular time outdoors supports better sleep, steadier spirits, and a stronger connection to the neighborhood. A trike turns a walk around the block into a longer loop to the coffee shop, the beach, or a friend's house. Electric assist widens the circle even further. Destinations that once felt too far, or routes with a hill you would rather avoid, become realistic. If you are looking for inspiration on where to go, the ride ideas section of our blog has suggestions for all kinds of outings.

And when the weather is not perfect, a little gear helps. A light jacket, gloves for cool mornings, and a canopy for sun protection let you keep riding through more of the year.

Is an electric trike hard to learn? For most people, no. As Don showed, you can be comfortable within minutes. The biggest adjustment is learning that trikes steer rather than lean, which feels natural after a short practice session.

Do I still get exercise? Yes. Pedal assist adds to your effort rather than replacing it. You choose how much help you want, so you can make a ride as easy or as challenging as you like. Many riders find they ride longer and more often with assist, which adds up to more activity overall.

What if I get tired partway through a ride? That is where the throttle and higher assist levels earn their keep. Turn up the support or use the throttle to make the trip home easy.

How do I know which model is right for me? Start with how you plan to ride, then get fitted. Our buyer’s guide walks through the main decisions, and the fitting process narrows the field to models that suit your body.

What if it does not work out? sixthreezero offers a 30-day test ride, so you can ride at home on your own routes before committing. Details on delivery are on the shipping page, and coverage information is on the warranty page.

Is assembly difficult? Trikes arrive largely built, and step-by-step assembly instructions are available if you want to finish the setup yourself. Can I try one in person? Yes. If you are near Southern California, you can visit our store for a test ride, just as Don did.

Final Thoughts: Gliding Into Something New

There is something quietly inspiring about watching a 75-year-old try something for the first time and enjoy it this much. Don does not overthink it. He gets on, starts slow, works his way up, tries the throttle, makes a U-turn, and parks. Along the way he notices the things that matter: the smooth glide, the strong pickup, the feeling of being balanced and in control, the ease of turning and stopping, and the beauty of the day.

That is really the story of a good electric trike. It removes the obstacles that keep people off bikes, whether that is balance, hard starts, tiring hills, or the fear of tipping over, and leaves the good parts: movement, freedom, sunshine, and fun.

If you have been on the fence, let Don's first ride be your nudge. Explore the full range of electric trikes, read more first-hand stories in our video blog, and find the model that fits the way you want to ride. Your own first glide might be closer than you think.