Electric Trike Safety Tips for Riders
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The electric bicycle is without a doubt the future of urban green transportation. They’re fast, efficient, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and suitable for a wide range of people. Riding an e-trike is a smart choice for seniors as they offer the extra benefits of being more stable and convenient for them.
A surge in popularity and demand for electric trikes has occurred since they are an option that is suitable for many people because they are versatile option. They’re also an excellent option if you’re recovering from some sort of injury or mobility issue. This is because of the electric assistance from the motor. It’ll help you travel from one point to the other quickly and keep you fit and healthy at the same time.
Electric Trike Safety Tips for Seniors
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer a two-wheel e-bike or electric trikes for seniors, safety cannot be overstated. Riding an electric trike is enjoyable and an upgrade from conventional models. However, at the same time, it can be challenging if you aren’t familiar with electric trike safety tips. Therefore, it is imperative to educate yourself about electric trikes' safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
The most popular electric trikes have an additional wheel at the back, which makes them easier to handle and more stable to ride. However, this doesn't mean that there are no considerations before going on a trip. So, if you’re a newbie or elderly rider who’s nervous to start, worry not. We’re about to discuss all the safety parameters you need to follow to ensure a safe and sound electric trike experience.
#1 Understand to ride your electric trike
It is important to understand that riding an electric trike differs from riding a two-wheel bicycle. Electric trikes are a bit larger and heavier than electric bikes which makes it harder to handle around corners and tackle obstacles. By having powerful motor assistance, they are still fast and agile to some extent. However, it's important to be careful and avoid taking quick turns and changing lanes as they usually take up more space on the road. Therefore, if you’re a newbie who has never ridden a trike before, it is advisable to practice in some empty space to understand how your electric trike works before heading out.
Similar to any other machinery, electric trikes are also prone to human or machine error, so it is recommended to examine your trike before venturing out. Always check your brakes to ensure they’re working properly. Checking your brakes is pretty simple. Just apply your brakes and move your trike. If it still moves while the brakes are applied, you need to fix it. Malfunctioning brakes are one of the most common causes of electric bike accidents. Secondly, you must ensure that your tire pressure is adequate. It shouldn’t be too high or low. Thirdly, make sure you have enough juice in your battery to reach home back easily. You might still be able to pedal your way back home but as an elderly person, it might be too challenging for you, so keeping an eye on your battery is essential. Lastly, you should check your safety lights to make sure they’re working properly. If you go out in the dark without lights, you won’t be visible to others on the road, which increases the chances of accidents.
Now that you understand your electric trike and it is in proper working condition to take you out, the next step is getting yourself ready. Always wear clothes that make you easily visible on the road. If you are riding at night, it is advised to dress in reflective or high-viz clothing to make sure that you are easy to spot on the road. Furthermore, wearing protective gear such as helmets and knee or elbow pads is also crucial. Remember you’ll be sharing the road with heavy vehicles and in case of any unpleasant incident, you should be adequately protected to reduce any risks. Moreover, you can also utilize safety gloves to enhance your grip. In the end, you must be sure to keep all your equipment properly maintained and always carry a spare tube and a basic repair kit in case of mechanical issues.
#4 Remember to Use Light & Horn
Since electric trikes are relatively almost silent while riding compared to gas-powered vehicles. As pedestrians or drivers cannot hear you coming close, the chances of bumping into them increase. Therefore, it is recommended to sound your horn to alert others to your presence. A small bell is enough for pedestrians but as car drivers are usually more insulated to sound, a horn would be enough to alert them. Additionally, you should use safety lights on the road. At night, cyclists are usually difficult to spot, so you must utilize the front and taillights to stay visible on the road. You should also use your turning lights to let others know when you’re going to take a turn or change your lane beforehand. This will enable them to spot your move easily.
In order to ensure you’ve a safe riding experience on your electric trike, you must obey traffic laws in your state. Be careful with the speed limit, always wear a helmet, and get your driving license. Traffic laws are designed to keep you and others safe on the road. By following them you not only reduce the chances of risks and accidents but also set the right example for other users to follow the rules. In this way, you can enjoy an enjoyable and sound riding experience.
In conclusion, riding an electric trike is definitely a fun and exciting experience and doesn’t involve rocket science to be safe on the road. Therefore, by being alert on the road and following the following safety tips, you can ensure a safe and convenient riding experience on your electric trike. From understanding your electric trike to obeying traffic laws, every step you take to stay safe can make a significant difference in preventing accidents.
