FAQs
Sales & Service
How do I find a dealer near me?
Use our dealer locator here.
Help! My trike needs service! How do I do that?
We always recommend taking your trike to a GreenSpeed Dealer for professional service. If there are no dealers nearby, any bike shop should be able to perform the service as most of the components of the trike are typical parts you’d find on a regular bicycle. Of course, our team is here to help that dealer with questions. We advise calling any shop in advance to ensure they have an opening for your trike.
How long will it take for my order to ship?
Accessory orders ship the same or next business day in most cases. You’ll receive a shipping notification email when the package leaves our warehouse. This is sometimes captured in Junk Mail, so be sure to look for it if you don’t receive it.
Trike orders ship within 10 business days, depending on our assembly queue at the time. Trikes ship fully assembled via freight and take up to 5+ business days to arrive.
I want to test ride a trike, but no dealers near me have what I want in-stock.
Not every dealer has the space for all models. Some dealers might have more on order and can tell you when it will be in. If you aren’t able to get to a dealer that does have the product, you can buy directly from us, have it shipped to your door, and get a 30-day Road Test. Read more here.
Are frame sets or kits available?
No. We have engineered our trikes as complete systems. Once you have a trike feel free to upgrade or change components. We don’t recommend making changes that alter the steering dynamics of the trike.
How do I measure my size (x-seam measurement)?
How do I find my serial number?
Serial numbers are located in different areas for each model. Click here to learn where you can find yours.
Understanding the Trike
I want to put bigger wheels on my trike. How do I do that?
We don’t recommend changing wheel sizes to something other than what it was designed for. Bigger wheels on the front can lead to leg and steering clearance issues when turning. Bigger with the rear wheel would change the steering caster and bring the pedals closer to the ground; both potential issues.
What pressure should I inflate my tires to?
The long answer: check out our blog.
The short answer: do not pump your tires to the max listed on the sidewall, that’s not the intention of that number. If there is a maximum and minimum, start in the middle.
How wide of a tire can I put on my trike?
There is no clear-cut answer due to a range of variables; tire profile, rim width, leg clearance, hand clearance, chain clearance, chainstay clearance, fender clearance, etc. Slightly wider than stock tire widths can work, but how much wider depends on the variables listed above. Experiment to determine what works for you.
How long is the chain on my trike?
Our chain lengths vary by trike model, ranging from 137” to 177” for single trikes, and then cut specific to your trike fit. In general, it takes 2.5-3 standard bike chains to replace the stock chain.
After riding my new trike a few times the shifting/braking/wheel isn’t working the same, what happened?
Trikes, like traditional bicycles, have a “break-in” process where cables will stretch and spokes could come out of proper tension within the first hundred or so miles of riding. This is normal and should be checked/adjusted soon after you start riding it. Check out our blog.
What’s the difference between the “e+” and “Charge” boost kits?
“e+” trikes and boost kits use a mid-drive motor that replaces the boom of an “analog” trike. The mid-drive motor uses advanced sensors in the motor unit to provide smooth and quiet assistance based on your input on the pedals. A smartphone app can be used to customize the performance to your riding style.
Can I put a smaller or larger chainring on my Bosch e+ trike?
Yes, you can put any chainring that uses the 4x104mm bolt pattern on the current chainring spider.
Can my older trike be upgraded to electric assist?
Trikes with round tubed main frames cannot fit the e+ system. However, 20” wheeled trikes could be fitted with our Charge Boost Kit.
What are the wear items on a trike?
Most items will last a long time. But inevitably some things do wear out and how soon that happens depends on riding conditions and frequency of maintenance. Pay attention to changes in the trike; how it shifts, steers, brakes, handles, etc. Those can be indications that something is either loose or is getting worn out. Notable items include: idlers, bushings, brakes, tires, chain, cables & housing, grips, seat covers and pads, chain rings and cassettes. Most notably, tires and brakes will need to be replaced well before other items. Focus on consistent maintenance and cleaning and these parts will last for a very long time.
What are the load limits of the trikes?
Please refer to our specifications chart for the load limits of our different models. The load limit is the combined weight of the rider plus the added weight of any cargo or gear (tools, water, food, etc.).
If your body weight is at or near the high end of the load limit, and you like to carry additional cargo, consider a trike with a higher limit. Otherwise, a bike trailer is a way to haul more gear without over-stressing the trike frame.
Is a rear brake needed?
There is no rear brake on most GreenSpeed trikes. The significant forward weight transfer under braking causes the rear end to lift enough to make the rear brake nearly useless. Our experiments with rear brakes generally led to the rear wheel locking up and the trike skidding which then gives you LESS control. The front disc brakes are more than adequate for stopping the vehicle. Always brake in a controlled fashion with both brakes. It’s a good idea to practice stopping quickly so you know how the trike will respond.
What are 'center point steering' and 'Ackerman compensation' and why are they important?
All GreenSpeeds feature full Ackerman compensation.
Ackerman compensation is when your inside wheel turns sharper than your outside wheel through proper frame and hubmount design (caster and camber); the inside front wheel has a smaller radius to track than the outside front wheel. Proper compensation reduces “tire scrub” (which lengthens tire life) and helps you keep control of the trike as you turn.
What are gear inches?
Gear inches no longer reflect an actual measurement of physical movement (that’s from the penny-farthing days) but are now used to compare relative gear ranges for today’s multi-geared bikes. The first number represented is the low range. The lower the number, the easier the trike is to pedal in an uphill or hard terrain situation. Most of our leisure trikes are in the low 20’s. The second number is the high range. The higher the number, the faster you in theory can go, if you can push the pedals hard enough. Our performance trikes might be over 100, but a leisure trike might be around 60 to 80. A bigger “range” (low number to high number) is good for varying terrain. A smaller range is good for someone starting out and not looking for top end speed.
Why do some trikes have fewer gears than other trikes?
The number of gears is never as important as the range of gearing. More gears do give you smaller incremental steps between the gears, but gear range (gear inches) is what dictates how low of a crawling gear and high speed of a gear you have. In some cases, having a lot of gears results in overlap of specific ratios and is extra complexity and weight to ride around with.
Some companies try to dazzle the consumer with a big number of gears. This is superfluous, and a waste of your money. The number you want to compare is the Gear Inch Range, not the number of gears.
Living with the Trike
How do I transport my trike?
Check out the Universal Trike Carrier from our sister brand TerraTrike. It fits on the bare roof of a 4-door car using straps. Many trikes also fit into the back of an SUV. Hitch-mounted rack manufacturers such as Hollywood Racks, Sunlite, and Easy Load all make trike-specific hitch racks. In some cases, customers use a small utility trailer to transport their trikes for ease.
How do I prepare my trike to be put away for winter?
First, don’t! Consider getting an indoor trainer to keep the legs pumping all winter long. Read up on indoor training here. But if you must, put air in the tires, lubricate the chain and cables. While you’re at it, be sure to check the tightness of all bolts and look for any issues. It’s best to take care of problems now so you are ready to ride when the weather turns. Do these things and you’ll be ready for the next riding season!
How do I take care of my e-trike battery for winter?
Bring the battery inside when the temperature dips below 40°F. Check the battery every 3-4 weeks and keep the charge between 60-80%. This will keep the battery in top condition.
I’ve lost the key to my battery! How do I get a new one?
Bosch-based systems: You’ll need the key code that is located on the plastic card originally attached to the key set. Otherwise any Bosch-certified shop will be able to retrieve the code using Bosch Dealer software by plugging into your trike; there may be a charge for this. The dealer can order you the replacement key or you can order directly from ABUS.
Promovec (Charge) systems: Requires a replacement lock core and key. Please contact us for next steps.
Is balance an issue with a GreenSpeed?
The trike behaves differently than a regular bike or recumbent; due to its three wheels you don’t need to balance at all. It handles more like a car than a bike and does not lean when cornering. You can pull up to a stop sign and never remove your feet from the pedals or go as slow as you need to in order to make it up a hill.
Will I ride faster on the trike?
Riding “fast” is a factor of how much power you can produce to overcome variables such as wind resistance, weight of the trike, friction of road surface, etc. Many trike riders, once accustomed to their trike, report faster speeds on their trike as compared to their upright bicycle. Keep in mind that, like any new exercise, it will take time to develop the slightly different muscle groups used in riding a recumbent. While ascending hills you cannot “stand” on the pedals as you can on an upright bike so you may not experience the same speed as a traditional bike while climbing hills; although you can push your back into the seatback for added leverage while climbing. Recumbents do have the advantage that they CAN be more aerodynamic than an upright bike by reclining the seat further and minimizing the frontal area that can catch wind.
How does the braking feel?
The front disc brakes are rock solid and easy to control and stop the trike very efficiently. Most people are surprised on their first ride because the brakes are so responsive. Keep in mind that you control the braking on each front wheel with a separate brake lever and you will need to coordinate the braking effort with both hands. This is very easy to do and feels quite natural. Side Note: Both brakes can be controlled by a single dual brake lever for riders who only have use of one hand. Both shifters can be put on one side as well.
Is the trike's height a problem?
Many GreenSpeed models have an adjustable seat height. The seat can be raised to a similar height as a folding chair, making it easy to get in and out of. When on the road, a higher seat is advantageous, especially when in tight, heavy traffic where drivers can be more preoccupied. However, whether you sit high or low in your recumbent, flags are helpful in these situations, and we highly recommend one or more for all conditions just to be on the safe side. The use of lighting front and back is also a huge help for approaching motorists to see you. Interestingly, the unique look of the trike attracts a lot of attention, whereas regular upright bicycles are so common on the roads, they tend to be ignored. Many customers comment that they receive much more space from motorists when they are riding their trike as compared to their two wheeled bikes. Use common sense, choose your ride routes carefully, and, of course, wear a helmet, and you can be extremely safe on a GreenSpeed. The best advice is to ride defensively and assume you are invisible to motor vehicle operators; never assume that they see you.
How big are the trikes?
All of our trikes are between 28” and 33” wide. They will fit between the narrow posts that protect trail systems from motorists. Our trikes also range, depending on boom length, from 68” to 88” long. When riding on the road, they are not much wider than your shoulders or modern upright bike handlebars. For riding, choose your riding route(s) carefully to avoid heavily traveled roads without a good shoulder on which to ride. For transport, many trikes will fit in the back of a small SUV or can be put on top of your car with our sister brand TerraTrike’s Universal Trike Carrier. To store your trike, they are able to hang from the rear wheel using a standard bike hanger. But make it easy to access and ride!