Electric bikes (also known as ebikes or e-bikes) are one of the coolest toys the cycling industry has seen. Unlike regular bikes, these have the oomph to take you uphill without breaking a sweat. But they are also powerful machines that can attain crazy top speeds.

So, before jumping on your bike to try out a wheelie, let’s talk about some e-bike riding safety tips and practices. This goes beyond looking right, left, and right again. We want to make sure you enjoy the thrill of your rides without any mishaps.

Ebike Riding in a City

Riding eBikes in the city is a whole different experience; pedestrians all over, cars zipping by, and occasionally someone shouting from their apartment. It is like a real-life game of Mario, only that you are on a bike, and there are no villains. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are planning on navigating through the city successfully.

Helmets 

A helmet does more than just mess up your hair. It is your head’s number one protection. If your head is going to scrap along the road, it’s only fair that it be protected by something worth the task. Doesn’t matter if you are dashing out for a can of soda, always wear a helmet.

 

The best e-bike helmets fully cover your head and have a face shield. They are slightly more expensive, but you can never put a price tag on your head. Here are other benefits of using a helmet:

• Offers you sun protection. The upper lid and tinted screen block the sun’s rays.
• Makes you extra warm during the winter.
• You appear a lot cooler. Many brands have gone out of their way to make sure their helmets are stylish and fashionable.  

When purchasing a helmet, make sure to choose one that fits you properly. 

Protective Clothing 

You’ll probably look like a power ranger wearing your protective clothing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Nothing is more ‘cool’ than being safe and responsible.

The goal with protective clothing is to be seen. Your clothing should be bright and reflective, especially late at night, early in the morning, and on cloudy days. Other motorists should be able to see you to reduce the risks of accidents. 

These protective and reflective clothing include headlamps, armbands, and vests. You can also have lights or reflective tape on your bike to warn others of your presence.

Lights

Like reflective clothing, you can also make a few tweaks on your bike to remain visible. Bike lights help add that extra visibility and tell people you are passing by. This is especially useful at night when most accidents happen.

Install at least one blinking LED headlight at the front and back of your eBike. Have also an additional one on your helmet. The more lights you have on you, the lower your chances of getting hit by a car.

Following Traffic Laws 

They are there for a reason. Traffic laws help ensure order is maintained on the road. And one of the best ways to keep yourself and everyone around you safe is by obeying them to the T. Keep to the bike paths and lanes and ride your eBike on the proper side of the road.

There’s this myth that riding against traffic prevents cars from sneaking on you and hitting you from the back. While that school of thought may be partially sensible, a front-end collision is deadlier and more common than a rear-end one.

You are more likely to run into an accident while riding on the wrong side of the road. Here are other essential traffic laws that you must adhere to:

• Follow all traffic signs and signals, including stop signs and red lights.
• Ride in the same direction and not against traffic.
• Use hand signals when stopping and turning.
• Have lights and reflectors when riding at night.

Ebike Riding on Trails

Riding on a trail can be an absolute blast. The sweet smell of nature, the blast of the wind, the path, and trees. Even then, it is still important to remember that it has its own risks. These are some of the ebike riding safety tips to remember when riding on trails.

Check the trail conditions 

A good way to do this is to confirm the day’s weather. Riding in the rain is fun, but it’s also extremely dangerous. Trails are extremely slippery and muddy after rains. Before heading out, make sure the trail you plan on using is safe and open.

Also, remember to be flexible. The weather can change at any time. Be prepared to find another trail if this happens.

Use a Mirror

Always prioritize purchasing eBikes with accessories such as mirrors. This way, you can easily check what’s behind you without having to turn. It is the crucial friend you didn’t know you needed. Mirrors  should also be a top recommendation for eBikes.

Taking your eyes off the road for one second could prove catastrophic. But with a mirror in place, you can remain focused on the road.

Obey Trail Etiquette 

Yes, similar to traffic rules, there is also trail etiquette. These are a set of guidelines for cyclists, hikers, and runners to ensure safety for all. Here are a few trail etiquettes to keep in mind:

• Stay on the designated trail and avoid cutting switchbacks. 
• Keep your noise level down. Be mindful of others that are enjoying the peaceful and quiet nature of the environment.
• Yield to pedestrians in narrow or congested areas of the trails.
• Slow down when passing pedestrians. Call out to let them know you are passing.
• Maintain speed limits, particularly in areas with high traffic.
• Avoid littering. Leave the trail as clean as you found it. 

These aren’t difficult to maintain, are they?

Plan Ahead 

If you are unsure about the place/trail you are using, check for online reviews from people who’ve recently used it. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and the potential hazards to avoid. Go for a route that matches your skills and goals.

Secondly, confirm that your mountain bike is in perfect condition. Look for any signs of damage and confirm that the chains, gears, and brakes are working properly. Finally, let someone know of your cycling plans. It’s always important for someone to know about your whereabouts.

Ebike Riding Tips for Far Distances 

With eBikes, riding far distances feels no different than taking a stroll in the neighborhood. The only difference is that you’ll be gone for a longer period. Therefore, you need to prepare accordingly. Here’s everything you should do.

Preparation

The difference between a good cyclist and a bad one is in the preparation they make. Go overboard to make sure your trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible. How do you do this? Choose a long-distance eBike for the trip, check the weather, carry along all essential gear, and dress appropriately.

Most importantly, carry a first aid kit. Anything can happen, even when you are on your best behavior. First aid will help you patch things up before you seek medical assistance. Your kit should include, among others, eyewash, plaster, gloves, painkillers, and dressings.

Spare Parts

You don’t need to be a mechanic to carry your bike’s spare parts. It’s easy to get a flat tire and become stranded. Therefore, it is a smart idea to carry a few essential parts on your trip. These include inner tubes, tire pumps, batteries, chargers, bike locks, brake pads, screws, and bolts.

Nutrition and Hydration

It’s not a trip unless there is food. It may be a long trip, so the goal remains to maintain your energy levels. Avoid sugary and processed foods. Instead, go for carbs, lots of them, and proteins. You also want to pack some healthy fats.

As for hydration, drink lots of water before and during the trip. Maintain the water levels in your body. Carry a water bottle and hydration pack to sip while on the trip.

Staying Alert 

It’s very easy to get distracted when ebike riding. So, always be cautious and attentive. Stay alert and avoid distractions. Have both eyes on the road. Use your bike’s mirror to check what’s behind you. 

Unless necessary, use both hands to ride the bike. It is easier to react to an unexpected circumstance when you are riding with both hands. Remember, you are more vulnerable to injuries when you are on a bike than when in a car. 

Summary of Ebike Riding Safety Tips

There’s it, all the basic safety tips you need when riding your eBike. It’s a lot to digest, so take time to go through everything slowly. But to sum everything up, prepare yourself accordingly. 

Check that the weather and route you are using are safe prior to your journey. Next, confirm that your eBike is functional and that everything is as it should be before heading out. While on the road, avoid any distractions and remain focused. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself. 

Here at Electric Bike Paradise, we are committed to ensuring that you are safe. That’s why we only include the best eBike accessories in our stores. You can also shop for the best cruiser eBikes at affordable prices –  everything in one place.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We are always happy to help.