So, you've just received your Three Wheels of Magic electric recumbent trike – congratulations! You're about to experience the freedom and joy of effortless riding. But first, let's talk about assembly.
The good news? Most of the trike assembly is straightforward. The even better news? We're going to walk you through the few critical areas that need your careful attention. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or tackling this for the first time, this guide will help you avoid common pitfalls and get your trike road-ready.
The Most Critical Step: Chain Routing
Let's start with what matters most. If there's one area where you absolutely cannot afford to cut corners, it's the chain routing. Get this right, and everything else falls into place.
Two Key Elements to Master
1. Boom Positioning
The boom must be positioned correctly before you route your chain. Take your time with this step – rushing here can mean redoing work later. It is essential to have the X-seam measurement to size your chain.
photo: courtesy hostel shoppe
2. Locking the Chain Line
Your trike features a long chain line that must be properly secured into the chain router. This is where many first-time assemblers run into trouble, so pay close attention.
📸 Check out our reference photos here to see exactly how this should look when done correctly.
A Critical Component Check
Important: Before you begin, verify that your chain router is metal, not plastic. If you're missing either component, reach out before proceeding with assembly.
Console Installation: Avoiding Common Confusion
The console placement often trips people up—and it's easy to see why. There are multiple spots where it could go; one preferred location is shown below using the console mount.
Rather than describe it in words (which never works as well as we hope), we've provided a clear photograph showing the exact installation point. Check the enclosed image before you start drilling or mounting anything permanent.
Pro tip: Do a dry fit first. Hold the console in position and make sure all your cable connections will reach comfortably before you commit to the mounting location.
Exit Bars Assembly: The Trickiest Part
Here's where things get more challenging. The exit bars are harder to assemble than you might expect, and there's a specific reason why: the metal spacer inside.
What Makes This Difficult
That metal spacer means you'll need to apply more force than usual to tighten everything properly. But don't just muscle through it – finesse matters here.
Metal Spacers provided with the Exit Bars.
Rubber shims may be required to tighten the Exit Assist Bars properly.
The Solution
You may need additional rubber shims to align and tighten everything properly. We've included a detailed photograph showing the proper assembly technique.
Assembly tips:
- Have your rubber shims ready before you start
- Tighten gradually and evenly
- Check alignment as you go
- Don't over-torque – you want it secure, not stripped
Your Assembly Toolkit: Visual References Included
To make your assembly as smooth as possible, we've provided three sets of reference photographs:
- Chain routing photos – showing boom position and chain router installation
- Console installation photo – marking the exact mounting location
- Exit bars assembly photo – demonstrating the metal spacer and shim placement
These aren't optional resources—they're essential guides that will save you time and frustration.
Ready to Ride?
Once you've completed these three critical areas, the rest of your trike assembly should be smooth sailing. Remember: the chain routing is your number one priority. Get that right, and everything else is relatively easy by comparison.
Take your time, refer to the photos frequently, and don't hesitate to double-check your work. It's much easier to catch a mistake during assembly than to disassemble and fix it later.
Need Help?
If you run into any questions during assembly or notice any missing components, reach out immediately. We're here to make sure your first ride on your Three Wheels of Magic is everything you've been dreaming of. Check out the additional resources here - Falco eDrive Learning Center. https://falcoedrive.com/pages/learning-center
Now get building – adventure awaits!
Have assembly tips of your own? Questions about a specific step? Drop a comment below and let's help each other out!