Why is it easy to balance on a moving bike but not when it stands still?

Question

Why is it easy to balance on a moving bike but not when it stands still?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Centrifugal force! Spinning wheels are like magic helpers.

The bike’s wheels act like spinning tops. When they spin fast, they want to stay upright,
These “magic helper” wheels make it easier for you to stay balanced while the bike is moving.

Try standing perfectly still on one foot – it’s tricky, but if you’re running/walking, you don’t even notice you’re only on one foot, even if it’s only for a second,

Bikes work the same way – when they are moving they are spinning, creating a “magicAl helper”