Taking your first ride with a bicycle / e-bike sidecar is an exciting milestone—especially when your furry co-pilot is joining the adventure. At Refurrrbished Sidecars, we’ve learned that a smooth first experience sets the tone for many happy miles ahead. Remember a bicycle sidecar is new for not just your pet, but most likely you too. These tips will help you both feel confident, comfortable, and ready to roll.
1. Start Slow with Walks Before Rides
Before hopping straight into riding, help your pet get familiar with their new sidecar. During assembly, leaving the body stationary on the ground to have you pet jump in and out always helps. After assembled, walking a few laps with your dog in the sidecar on level ground—while you you or a partner pushes, and the other walk on sidecar side—can make them feel more secure. Bring along premium reward treats and reinforce calm sitting as the “correct” behavior. This positive association goes a long way toward making the ride enjoyable for everyone.
2. Know the Safe Side for Mounting and Dismounting
Never mount or dismount your bike from the sidecar side—between the bike and the sidecar. This area can be a pinch point and is not a safe spot for you or your pet. Likewise, avoid pushing your bike from that side.
3. Push Your Bike Like a Shopping Cart
If you need to push your bike and sidecar into a tight space, do it from the front of the handlebars, almost like maneuvering a shopping cart. This reverse approach makes steering easier and gives you better control in tight spaces.
4. Practice Balance While Stationary
A common misconception is that you need speed to keep your bicycle sidecar upright and balanced—but that’s not the case. While stationary, sit on your bike with both feet on the pedals. You’ll notice that the sidecar provides extra stability. Lean slightly toward the sidecar if needed, and you can remain steady without touching the ground.
5. Master the Art of Turning w/ the Sidecar
Turns are where most first-time riders notice the difference with a bicycle / e-bike sidecar.
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Turns away from the sidecar: These are easier because you create extra space.
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Turns toward the sidecar: Slow down and keep the bike as upright as possible.
Golden rule: Always take turns slow, wide, and under control!
6. Keep Your Speed in Check
For the comfort and safety of your pet in your sidecar, keep speeds under 8 mph. Going downhill? Brake early and often. Remember, your pet’s sense of stability is tied directly to your control of the bike.
7. Start on Level Ground
Flat, even terrain is your best friend during your first rides. It lets you get familiar with how your bicycle sidecar handles without adding the challenge of inclines or declines.
Before riding with your pet, get yourself comfortable with riding with your new sidecar.
8. Let the Sidecar Lead the Pack
If you’re riding with friends and family, put the sidecar bike in the lead. From experience (and feedback from customers), dogs are more likely to stay seated when they’re up front. Many times, dogs try to jump out only when they see a member of the group go far ahead. By leading the pack, you tend to keep them comfortable.
9. Ride Often, Ride Happy
The more you ride, the more natural it feels for both you and your pet. Start with short trips, then work your way up to longer adventures. Before long, riding with your sidecar and dog will feel like second nature.
Final Thought
Every ride is a chance to bond, explore, and enjoy the simple joy of cycling together. With a little preparation, patience, and plenty of treats, your first sidecar rides will set the stage for countless fun-filled adventures ahead.
