Drift trike
Drift trikes are three-wheeled bikes built to drift on pavement. The rear wheels have very low traction and are usually made from PVC. Riders start a drift by losing traction on the back wheels and using counter-steering to slide the rear end. They are typically ridden on smooth, paved roads, often on hills or corners.
The sport began in California in 1974 when Marty Spellman and friends built drift trikes to race down hills. Modern drift trikes still resemble that first design, and Spellman is widely credited as the inventor.
Drift triking has grown into a global hobby and sport, with revivals in places like New Zealand and communities across the United States, Europe, and Latvia, where it’s even recognized as a motorsport and sponsored by brands such as Red Bull.
Riders gain momentum from gravity; some use a freewheel to pedal and then coast. Typical speeds are 25–50 mph. A famous run on a very steep street reached about 62 mph in 2015.
Design features include a fixed rear axle so both back wheels spin together, a short wheelbase for easier slides, a large front wheel, and a low center of gravity for stability. Many drift trikes are homemade from old bikes; others are sold by manufacturers. There are also electric and gas-powered versions. In many places, helmet use and other safety rules apply.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:39 (CET).