Riding an e-bike can always be an enthralling experience. However, you should think more about safety as it may travel a longer distance at a faster pace than any other vehicle. Even though you cannot handle everything, following certain primary safety tips may increase your chances of a safe ride. Are you wondering how to ride safely and confidently as a new e-bike rider? Follow these safety tips below:
Purchase an E-Bike With Integrated Safety Features
The best e-bikes, irrespective of the manufacturing, share certain safety traits. Ensure to select an e-bike that comes with motor-intervened brake levers. Once you pull the brake levers, this technology automatically turns off the motor. The best electric bikes have suspension forks in front, which delivers a smoother ride across various terrains. Their rear hub motor increases speed, which helps you to easily pass every trail.
E-bikes require a high level of braking power since they are heavier, larger, and travel quicker, which means the vehicles have a lengthier stopping distance. Disc brakes give enough stopping power to e-bikes. Traditional calliper/rim brakes don’t do the same. Many states need e-bikes to be labelled with 1, 2, and 3 stickers to reflect vehicle class, motor wattage, and top speed. Riding unlabeled e-bikes can always be unsafe for a rider. The law requires reflectors, which should be included in the e-bike you ride
Wear a helmet
All e-bike riders should wear a helmet regardless of their age, speed, and type of bike. Riders should choose a Multi-Directional Impact Protection (MIPS) helmet, as this technology may decrease the rotational effects. None of the helmets are foolproof or perfect. However, MIPS design may reduce concussion and brain injury trauma compared to normal helmets.
Learn and Follow the Vehicle Code
You should follow the vehicle code in your location when riding an e-bike on the roads and streets. Ensure to stop at red lights, use the correct lanes, keep lights in dark/dim conditions, and hand/turn signals at the right times. People should ride electric bikes exactly like when you drive a car. Ride your bike in a straight line, show intentions by signs, and avoid unexpected stops.
Do a Pre-Flight Check On E-Bike
Any rider can do a self-primary safety examination before riding an electric bike. Check tires to ensure they get inflated to the desired pressure on the sidewall, and add air if required. Squeeze every brake lever when riding your bike ahead and backward to ensure the brakes engage and then stop moving. Examine the fast-release lever and axle nuts depending on the e-bike to ensure they are strongly attached to the fork and frame.
Stand in front of your electric bike keeping the front tyre between your knees. Try to twist the bike’s handlebar left and right when holding the tire strongly. The stem and handlebar must not move autonomously from the tire. You can pick and drop the bike 1 to 2 inches upwards from the ground. Any new vibration/rattles may indicate loose things, which need adjustment.
Care More Before Deciding to Ride at Night
Riding an e-bike at night exposes you to many dangers compared to riding in the daytime. As a rider, you may fail to see the hurdles on the trail or road. Modern bike lights are more robust and have more runtimes yet are lighter in weight. Thus, you should use the best lights when riding an e-bike at night.
Learn Which Actions Can Turn on the E-Bike Motor
Keeping the e-bike motor turned on during unexpected moments can be hazardous. You should learn the operations and features of your e-bike model. Thus, invest time in learning about the e-bike you ride. The pedal’s electric motor helps the e-bike turn on when the vehicle is powered on, and you handle the pedals. You may also be able to switch on the electric motor by pressing the throttle lever/button, depending on the model.
The Bottomline
Being a new e-bike rider, you should feel confident to ride safely. As you follow the safety tips above, you can always have an enjoyable experience riding an e-bike.