With the extra power from the motor, some people may think electric bikes are dangerous. This is understandable, as electric bikes accelerate faster than regular ones. So, are electric bikes safe? In this article, we will answer this question and give you top tips for staying safe on your electric bike.
As with anything in life, there are certain risks to contend with. Riding any bike has its associated hazards, which are slightly increased when an electric motor is introduced. But in truth, riding an electric bike needn't be dangerous if you manage the risk properly. Let's discuss staying safe on an electric bike so you can reach your destination without getting hurt.
Always Wear Protection
Everyone who rides a bike should only do so with a helmet, even if it's just short distances. These days, bike helmets are comfortable and lightweight while incorporating excellent head protection. Some even have extra features that will enhance your ride.
When choosing a helmet for riding an electric bike, ensure it has enough coverage and fits your head correctly. This will ensure the utmost protection and comfort. It would be best if you also considered the different types of helmets available to suit your style of riding. For example, if you ride gnarly Mountain bike trails, you may want to wear a full-face helmet. On the contrary, if you are using your electric bike for commuting, a good open-face helmet will be sufficient.
Learn How To Maintain Your Electric Bike
One of the most essential things regarding electric bike safety is maintenance. If you don't maintain even the best electric bikes, they will fail, which can be dangerous. In addition, regular maintenance will save you money, as components won't wear out as quickly.
Simple maintenance tasks, such as washing your electric bike and lubricating the drivetrain, will improve safety and longevity. Similarly, checking your brakes is essential. The increased speeds of riding an electric bike, combined with the extra weight, wear out your brake pads much more quickly. By knowing how and when to change brake pads, you can ensure optimum braking capabilities, keeping you safe on the road.
It would be best if you also learned about your electric bike tires. By riding with the correct tire pressures, your electric bike will handle and stop as it should. When your tires have the wrong pressures, your bike won't perform at its best, which may be dangerous.
Your safety may be at risk if you don't maintain your electric bike. This is not just due to something horrible happening when your bike breaks. It could also mean you are stranded in a bad part of town rather than blasting through and getting home safely.
Familiarise Yourself With Your Electric Bike
A lot of people get into accidents with their electric bikes when they are too eager to ride on their first day. So, once you've unpacked your new electric bike, take the time to read the instruction manual provided by the electric bike brand. Then, start to ride the bike with the power turned off to get a good feel for it. This is the perfect time to ensure that the brakes work and there's nothing wrong with your bike.
Once you feel ready, switch on the bike and start riding at the lowest assistance level to get used to the motor's power. After a short ride, you'll be ready to experiment with higher assistance levels and feel comfortable, attacking steep hills and having fun.
Take Care When Getting On And Off Your Electric Bike
Strangely, many people have accidents getting on and off their electric bikes. This is quite common with older riders and those with mobility issues. They fall over after misjudging their bike's weight and the top tube's height.
If you feel that lifting your leg over a high top tube, consider buying an electric bike with a step-thru frame. This makes mounting and dismounting much easier and safer.
Make Yourself Visible
You may have to ride in low light conditions. This is especially the case for those who commute during the winter. Without the proper precautions, riding in the dark makes you nearly invisible to other road users.
With this in mind, it is best to stand out as much as possible by wearing brightly colored clothes and fitting your bike with lights. LED lights are incredibly bright and alert people to your presence while illuminating the road ahead.
Learn The Rules Of The Road
One of the best ways to stay safe on the road is by learning how to ride them properly. By not following the rules of the road, you put yourself in danger as you become unpredictable to others. If you ride in a predictable way, drivers will know what you're likely to do next and act accordingly, keeping you safe.
Fit Your Electric Bike With A Bell
When riding your electric bike in built-up areas, a bell is an effective and polite way to alert pedestrians to your presence. Most of the time, pedestrians don't pay attention to what's going on around them, so gently ringing the bell will hopefully prevent them from stepping in front of you.
Plan Your Rides
The best electric bikes have sufficient batteries, allowing you to ride a long way. This is excellent news for people with long commutes and those who like to explore. A great example of this is electric mountain bike riders. Electric mountain bikes allow you to access places previously unreachable thanks to the hill-climbing ability and traction on challenging terrain.
When exploring new places on an electric mountain bike, you must plan your ride. It's easy to get into trouble by tackling routes that are too challenging for your skill level or beyond the range of your electric bike battery.
You can stay safe by researching your routes thoroughly. Make sure you are skilled enough to take on the terrain, and you will have enough battery power to complete the ride. Additionally, take plenty of food and water to fuel your body.
Are Electric Bikes Safe? - Answered
As you can see, the addition of the electric motor doesn't necessarily make the bike dangerous. But there are some considerations to ensure your safety