Halfbike is a great exercise tool that keeps one's mind and body in shape. It trains balance, reflexes, and endurance in ways gentle to the back and the joints.
Learning to ride one, however, is in itself another unique experience. You might find some bits of the process similar to other sports, but it is essentially unlike anything you have tried before. So, free yourself of any expectations, and give your brain and body time to adapt to the new movements. Most people learn to ride in a straight line in about 15-20 minutes. From then on, riding starts to feel less like a struggle, and in a week or so is when the real fun begins. Mastering Halfbike doesn't happen overnight, you see. Developing that set of skills needs more time and practice. Yet, the ever-present sense of accomplishment is one mighty motivator, so before you know it, you'll be on the positive side of the curve.
Over the past few years, after many test rides and observations, we have learned that when it comes to Halfbike, there are no shortcuts from beginner to pro. And it took us a while, but we found the pattern valid for most people on their learning journey. The graphic below illustrates the main phases riders usually go through. Enjoy!