How To Set Up Controls In Traffic Rider (Full Guide) 2025

Nothing feels worse than losing a perfect Traffic Rider run just because your controls didn’t respond in time. The good news? With the right setup, you can ride smoother, overtake faster, and enjoy every race without frustration. 👉 In this blog, I’ll explain how to set up controls in Traffic Rider step by step, covering tilt, handlebar, button, and gamepad modes. By the end, you’ll know which control style fits you best for smoother rides and higher scores.

Why Control Settings Matter in Traffic Rider

Before diving into each option, let’s understand why controls are so important. Traffic Rider is all about high-speed bike racing with precise movements. Even a slight delay in response can mean the difference between overtaking smoothly or crashing into another vehicle. By customizing your controls, you can make the game feel more natural and get better results in endless runs, career missions, and time challenges.

Control Options Available in Traffic Rider

Traffic Rider Controls Tilt vs Button vs Gamepad vs Touchpad

1. Tilt Controls – The Classic Choice

Tilt controls use your device’s gyroscope, allowing you to lean your phone left or right like an actual bike handle.

Pros:

Feels realistic, almost like riding a real motorcycle.
Smooth transitions between lanes.
Great for immersive gameplay.

Cons:

Can be tiring if you play for long sessions.
Not ideal if you’re playing while lying down or in a moving vehicle.

👉 Best for players who love realism and want to “feel” the ride.

2. Handlebar Controls – The Most Unique Style

Handlebar mode adds an on-screen handle that you twist left or right, simulating a motorcycle grip.

Pros:

Gives a real “bike handle” feel.
Easier to get precise turns compared to tilt.
Fun for casual gameplay sessions.

Cons:

Takes up more screen space.
Can be tricky on smaller devices.

👉 Best for players who like arcade-style biking with a mix of realism.

3. Button Controls – The Easiest to Learn

If you’re new to Traffic Rider, button controls might be the best starting point. You’ll get left and right arrows on the screen, and tapping them moves your bike.

Pros:

Very simple and beginner-friendly.
No need to move your device around.
Works well if you’re multitasking or playing quickly.

Cons:

Less immersive.
Slower reaction compared to tilt or handlebar.

👉 Best for beginners or casual players who just want quick fun.

4. Gamepad Controls – Pro Level Gaming

If you’re serious about racing and want console-like control, using a gamepad is the way to go. Many Bluetooth gamepads are compatible with Traffic Rider.

Pros:

Extremely responsive and precise.
Doesn’t block your phone screen.
Perfect for long sessions.

Cons:

Requires an external device.
Not always practical for quick mobile play.

👉 Best for pro players who want maximum control and competitive gameplay.

“After setting up controls, the next step is choosing the right bike—don’t miss my breakdown of the Best and Fastest Traffic Rider Bikes.”

Tilt vs Handlebar vs Button vs Gamepad: Which One to Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Control Type	Difficulty	Realism	Best For
Tilt	Medium	High	Immersive gameplay lovers
Handlebar	Medium	Medium	Simulation fans
Button	Easy	Low	Beginners / casual players
Gamepad	Hard (setup)	High	Hardcore / pro players

Your choice depends on whether you want ease of use or immersion and precision.