The MADSEN Bucket bike rides like a regular upright bicycle and is known for its short learning curve compared to other cargo bike options.

Mastering Starting and Stopping on Your MADSEN Bike with Confidence

What truly sets the MADSEN apart is its intentional engineering and design. With a rear weight distribution, low center of gravity, and an upright riding position, the MADSEN bike is easier to maneuver than many other cargo bikes. These features help the bike feel stable and responsive, almost like riding a regular bicycle, even when you're carrying a load or riding up hills.

Although it may take some riders time to adjust to the additional weight of passengers or cargo, mastering starting and stopping on the MADSEN is straightforward. The key is practice, and with a few simple tips, you’ll feel confident navigating the bike in no time.

Practice Makes Perfect

Before hitting the road with your little ones, it's a good idea to practice solo. Get familiar with how the bike handles, both with and without a load, and practice mounting, dismounting, and turning. Figure out if you like most of the weight on the bench directly behind you (most beginners prefer this), or further back on the bike.

Once you're ready, gradually add one child at a time to the bucket as you practice. This incremental approach allows you to adjust to the added weight and fine-tune your balance and technique. 

Starting Off Smoothly

Starting off on the MADSEN is straightforward. First ensure all passengers are securely seated and settled in the back of the bike. Simply position yourself in front of the saddle with your feet planted firmly on the ground, secure the handlebars, and gently push the bike forward to retract the kickstand. This method allows you to maintain stability while transitioning from a stationary position. Make sure your bike is in an easy gear (you can shift into an easier gear while the kickstand is down by turning the pedals and  shifting with the bike in place) before starting to prevent any unnecessary strain when pedaling away, and ensure the pedal is in a great spot for taking off when pushing down with your foot. If you have an e-MADSEN with a throttle, the throttle can really help with take-off, giving you a little power (but even with a throttle, make sure the bike is in an easy gear). 

Stopping Safely

Stopping smoothly is just as important as starting. When coming to a halt, begin by gradually slowing down and shifting down into an easier gear. As you approach a complete stop, slip forward off of the saddle and plant both feet firmly on the ground while maintaining a firm grip on the handlebars and brakes.

If your children are old enough and comfortable doing so, encourage them to hop out of the bucket independently once you've come to a stop. This reduces the overall weight on the bike, making it easier for you to maintain balance while dismounting.

Mastering the Kickstand

Engaging the kickstand on the MADSEN is just as intuitive. The bike’s low center of gravity and thoughtful design help with balance. The kickstand is engineered to hold the bike securely, even with passengers in the bucket. It's super tough!

When it's time to engage the kickstand, secure your grip on the handlebar and hold the bike straight up and down as you step to one side. With one hand on the handlebar to squeeze the brake and the other on the bucket or saddle, use your foot to push down the kickstand. As soon as both rubber feet contact the pavement, roll the bicycle backward to fully engage the kickstand. (Note: The more weight in the bucket, the more effort will be needed.) Once the kickstand is secure, you can let go of the handlebar.

Remember: Keeping the bike straight up and down (as opposed to tipping to one side) is crucial when mastering the kickstand.

Once the kickstand is lowered and secured, the remaining passengers can hop out on their own, or you can assist them. Rest assured, the kickstand is designed to be exceptionally sturdy.

Practice, Patience, and Persistence

While every new rider needs some time to adjust, the MADSEN's rideability ensures that the learning curve is short for most people. So, whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a first-time cargo bike rider, rest assured that the MADSEN Bucket Bike is designed to offer a ride that’s easy to learn and comfortable to master. 

Happy riding!