Chapter 4: Safe Riding Tips for Riding an Electric Bike | Addmotor Guide

By offering an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to driving around town, ebikes have revolutionized the transportation market. They are an excellent way to get around sustainably, save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and stay active - all while having fun. However, as with any form of transportation, safety is paramount.
With the motor assistance provided by electric bikes, they have become a major breakthrough for people who have never felt comfortable riding conventional bicycles. Thus, the popularity of electric bikes is increasing, making it imperative to understand safety measures and precautions. In this article, we will cover all the essential safe riding tips for electric bikes.

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Safe riding tips for Riding an E-bike - A Complete Guide

Electric adults bike is similar to regular bikes in that they can be ridden the same way. So, for e-bike riders to remain safe on the road, a few extra precautions must be taken in addition to standard bike rules. Therefore, whether you've been riding electric bikes for a while or you're just starting out, these safety tips will surely help you avoid accidents while taking full advantage of e-bike convenience. Our e-bike safety guide offers 10 basic tips for staying safe while riding an e-bike. So, let's get to it.

#1 Understand how to operate an e-bike

To begin with, learning and understanding how to operate your electric bike is an important step before riding around town. The electric bike is quite similar to traditional bicycles, so if you've ridden one before, you shouldn't have any problems. Even so, spending some time practicing or getting a better understanding of how your ride works is not harmful. So, it is always a wise idea to read your manual and practice cruising around in some safe empty place before heading out.

#2 Check your E-bike before riding

Similar to any other machine, e-bikes are also prone to human or machine errors. So, it is recommended to check your bike before riding to ensure its proper working condition. Always check your brakes, tire pressure, lights, and battery levels before heading out as this will reduce any chances of malfunctioning or accidents.

#3 Helmet is mandatory

The wearing of appropriate safety gear is a must in all circumstances. Remember that you'll share the road with SUVs and heavy traffic like trucks and plant machinery. Thus, if you have a collision or mistake on the road, you have a huge disadvantage against these HGVs. The likelihood of an accident is even higher when you get back into riding your e-bike after a long period of time.
Cycling accidents are likely to cause cyclists to collide with pavement, concrete, or other hard surfaces when they fall. You might expect skulls to do poorly against hard surfaces. Hence, it is advisable to always wear head protection such as a helmet whenever riding an electric bike.

#4 Stand out from the traffic

Whether you are riding an e-bike or any other kind of bicycle, you should always wear clothing that will make it easier for motorists, pedestrians, or vehicle drivers to spot you on the road. If you plan to ride at night, choose high-viz colors and include reflective elements in your clothing. These will help drivers see you as you enter the dark and alert them to your presence. Therefore, by staying visible on the road, you can reduce your chances of having an unpleasant accident.

#5 Use your lights

Since electric bikes are small and almost silent while riding, the chances of someone bumping into your e-bike also increase as it gets dark. Therefore, it is recommended to use your bike lights properly. Most e-bikes come with proper front and rear lights to be seen at night. Therefore, you should always check that your lights are working properly before you go out. You should also use your turning lights to let other traffic know you are taking a different route or changing your lane before you turn.

#6 Use warning devices

Electric bikes do not produce sound while riding, which means pedestrians and drivers cannot hear you coming close. To overcome this, it is advised to install warning devices such as a bell or a horn to alert others to your presence. The bell would be suitable to get pedestrians' attention, while car drivers are more insulated from slow sounds, a horn will alert them. In this way, you can save yourself from potential collisions.

#7 Stay alert

It is not common for motorists and pedestrians to share the road with e-bikes. In their eyes, every two-wheeled vehicle goes at the speed of a manual bicycle. It is possible that the higher top speeds you are traveling may take them by surprise and this may cause them to make risky assumptions. Some motorists may mistakenly believe they have plenty of time to nip out of a side street into your path, and pedestrians may believe they have enough time to cross before you reach them. As a result, you should be extra alert about the traffic around you and slow down if in doubt.

#8 Apply brakes early

Electric bikes can move faster than traditional bicycles. So, applying the brake safely is another critical task to understand. Because of the extra speed and power of your electric bike, you will need to apply the brakes earlier than a conventional bicycle. In addition, you may lose control of your bike if you brake abruptly at the last minute, particularly in wet weather conditions. So whenever you see a stop sign, road crossing, or your turn in distance, you need to slow down and apply the brakes.

#9 Regular maintenance is a must

E-bikes should be serviced every 6-12 months by a reputable service provider depending on how frequently you use them. You should also regularly check your car at home to ensure that the tires are inflated properly, the brakes are in working order, the chain is oiled, and all the nuts and bolts are securely fastened. As a result, you will reduce the risk of your e-bike malfunctioning, as well as lengthen its components' lifespan.

#10 Obey traffic laws

In order to ride an E-bike safely, it is essential that you obey traffic laws, as doing so reduces your risk of accidents and injuries, along with making you more predictable to other road users. The purpose of traffic laws is to keep cyclists and other road users safe on the road. As a result, by obeying the laws, you will be setting a good example for other users and you will have an enjoyable and safe e-bike ride.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, riding an e-bike is a fun and environmentally friendly way to travel. However, as with any other mode of transport, prioritizing safety while riding is mandatory. By following the safe riding tips in this blog, you can ensure a smooth and convenient ride every time you take your e-bike out for a ride. From wearing appropriate gear to obeying traffic laws, every step you take to stay safe while driving can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and injuries. To know more about the best adult electric bike, you can visit Addmotor Guide.