The KBike is a beautiful, clever little bike. With the ability to use it as a training cart -with the footbasket -and to go sledding- with the snow mobile skis- or a trail bike- with the short shafts- you are getting quite a deal; 3 vehicles in one!
However, I do NOT recommend people that are new to driving, who are trying to train a green pony, use the KBike with or without the footbasket. The way the bike is built, means you will have to lift your leg over the side to get on. With or without the footbasket. This can be tricky and if you are both green you are setting yourself up for for a possible fail.
It's also extremely important that your pony have a solid "Stand Still". As you can see in the video below, getting in is tricky and if your pony is moving around, trying to walk off, impatiently pawing, etc, you will have an even harder time getting into the bike. But, if you've read this blog for very long, you know one thing I take VERY seriously is ground work, and being sure my ponies have a very good whoa and an excellent Stand Still.
Here is a video showing how to get on the KBike with and without the footbasket:
The footbasket, with the shafts going back under the seat, does allow you to stay safely in the vehicle if your green pony is having a problem. It's true that you want to do EVERYTHING you can to stay in the vehicle if things get a bit red-neck. Being dumped and then having the pony take off with the cart still attached is one of the most scary things that can happen. So, it's a nice feature that it's not easy to get out of the bike with the footbasket on and part of why this is considered a training cart.
When you are a green driver, with a green pony, this can be scary. You can lose your balance getting on the vehicle and fall into it which can spook a green pony... though, I feel compelled to add, if your pony can't handle a little commotion behind it by the time you get it in the cart then, you should probably go back to the travois. Just my two cents.
I love the ability to use my bike as a trail bike and also as a training vehicle when it's time to get Oliver in cart. I think it's a genius design!
Just, think twice about this vehicle if you AND your pony are just starting out.