How to Do a Wheelie on a Bicycle

Last Updated: November 2, 2021

A "wheelie" is a maneuver performed by pedaling a bicycle while balanced on either the rear or front wheel. This sounds complicated and can be quite difficult to master. This guide illustrates some basic steps necessary to perform a wheelie.

Steps

1
Find a gear that can comfortably and quickly accelerate the bike from a walking or jogging pace.
2
Pedal and pull back on your handlebars simultaneously.

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3
Keep pedaling aggressively and smoothly, leaning back with your arms fully extended.
4
Accelerate quicker if you find yourself having difficulties getting your front wheel off the ground
5
Pedal more slowly if you are tending to fall backward.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I do a wheelie on a bicycle without gears?

Raif

Community Answer

First, push on the handlebars, and then lift your front wheel by pulling back.
Question

Is it easy to do a wheelie on a gearless bike?

Community Answer

Yes. It depends on your own preferences, and how easily you can get the wheel moving quickly.
Question

Why we have to accelerate when the wheel is in the air?

Community Answer

This is done so that your back wheel can move further forward without the front wheel coming down.

Warnings

Make sure your brakes are well-adjusted.

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Wear a helmet and preferably protective clothing. Gloves are optional, but learning to wheelie can put strain on your hand and cause blisters.

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Practice in an open, unpopulated area to avoid injury to yourself and others.

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Check that your bike is in good shape before each practice session (i.e. wheels, bolts, handlebars, and seat post are firmly attached).

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