How To Stay Safe When Riding An E-Bike

As the name suggests, an e-bike is powered by electricity or a motor and assisted by pedals. These are faster than a regular bike, and it doesn’t require much physical effort to ride them. Though they are fun to ride, they can be instantaneously dangerous if you’re not careful. However, with great power comes great responsibility. So if you’re planning for a bikepacking adventure soon, here are some safety tips to help you avoid potential accidents.

Choose the Right E-bike

Depending on where you plan to travel, select an e-bike that best suits your needs. The main thing you want to focus on is the level of comfort when going bike riding on your e-bike. Let’s learn more about these bikes.

There are three categories of e-bikes that are available in the market:

• Class One: These are beginner e-bikes and are great for those learning how to ride. They are easy to ride and slower than other e-bikes, stopping at 20mph. The motor in the e-bike works as you pedal, making pedaling easier, and you get more control. They are considered less dangerous than their counterparts.
  

• Class Two: These e-bikes are a bit more advanced but have the same maximum speed of 20mph as the class one bikes. The only addition to these is the throttle-powered mode, where you can power your motor without using the pedals.
  

• Class Three: These are the fastest ones in the market. It is also a pedal-assist e-bike, just like class one, but you can reach up to a maximum speed of 28mph, unlike the class one bikes.

Read Your E-bike Manual

Before hopping on to your new e-bike and going out for a spin, consider reading the manual to understand what needs to be done. Is your e-bike battery-powered? How long do you have to charge it? How to assemble/disassemble parts? Which part goes where? And the list goes on. Knowing your vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses can prepare you for the worst.

Equip With Proper Gear

Whether a regular bike or a motorized one, it’s highly recommended that you be equipped with appropriate gear before riding your bike. Helmets, elbow and knee pads, and the proper clothing are essential items that keep you safe during an accident.

In terms of clothing, sports apparel has become very popular in recent times. These are perfect as they won’t interfere with your bike's chains while you pedal. It is also advised to wear neon or fluorescent-colored clothing, so you are visible to others on the road.

Another important gear is wearing appropriate cycling shoes. E-bikes are fast as it is, and if you decide to wear sandals, for instance, it increases the chances of you being toppled over. And we don’t want that!

Keep Right Tire Pressure

Go through your e-bike manual carefully and keep the tire pressure as suggested in the book. E-bikes are relatively heavier than regular bikes; therefore, keeping the tires at the right pressure will give you better control over your bike.

Attach Lights

Attach lights to your e-bike, so if you plan to travel during the night, you’ll be able to see the road clearly. Install a white light in the front and a red light at the rear of your e-bike. For additional safety, attach a light to your helmet as well.

Install a Bell and a Horn

To avoid collisions with the ongoing traffic and people, install a bell and a horn to alert them of your presence. Use the horn to alert cars and use the bell for pedestrians.

Follow Traffic Regulations

Even though you don’t require a license to ride an e-bike, you still have to follow the traffic regulations. Otherwise, you may suffer from physical injuries or get tangled up in a lawsuit.

Avoid Dangerous Roads

If you find yourself at the perimeter of a rough and muddy road, it’s best to avoid it if possible. However, if it’s unavoidable, then it is recommended that you ride your e-bike as slowly as possible till you reach a safer area.

Taking risks is never a good idea, especially if you're up in mountains or hilly areas. If it’s too much of a risk, consider walking with your bike till you arrive in a place where you’ll feel capable of riding.

Do Not Ride During the Night

E-bikes tend to be very fast; therefore, it is advisable not to ride one at night. Even with all the lights adorned on your e-bike, unless necessary, it is best to give your e-bike and yourself a night’s rest.

During the pandemic, some companies switched to electric vehicles, such as an e-cargo bike for home deliveries. If that is the case, ensure your e-bike is sufficiently-powered and has enough lights to make multiple trips during the night easy.

Practice Before Riding Your E-bike

After you’re done reading the manual, it’s time to put your knowledge to use. Practice mounting and dismounting, as this will determine your comfort level. Once you’ve got that straightened out, ride slowly and carefully around the neighborhood till you’ve got the hang of it.

Once you become more advanced, you can ride your e-bike to your workplace or convenience stores. When you feel capable enough, you can take it out for a spin in wooded and hilly areas to try out the tires and note how it holds up against rough surfaces. Everything comes around to practicing every day to make you more confident.

Final Thoughts

Riding an e-bike can be intimidating but fun and adventurous. If you plan a bikepacking trip with friends, ensure you understand and follow safety protocols. Wear proper clothing and use appropriate safety gear to avoid serious injuries. Avoid dangerous roads and riding during the night.

E-bikes' popularity has increased over the past few years and were a lifesaver during the pandemic for many companies. However, the number of accidents also increased. Therefore, when riding your e-bike, taking safety measures goes a long way.