I am now a middle-aged man. I had not been on a bike since I was at the most 16 years old which meant over 20 years of not being on a bike, I wrote about getting back into cycling here, after a long time away, and I have to confess staying safe was not on my mind at all, until I fell off and nearly got run over twice! I wrote an article about getting back into cycling so late here.
I’m a middle-aged guy who hasn’t been on a bike since I was 16. That’s over 20 years of not cycling. When I decided to jump back in, safety wasn’t exactly on my mind until I fell off. Twice. And almost got run over. Twice. It was a pretty harsh introduction, add to that getting soaked and it’s an electric bike full house.
My “Brilliant” Accidents
Accident #1: I was fiddling with my phone while riding (yes, idiotic, I know) and looking down when I slammed into a bollard. The impact left me with a painfully stubbed finger that went numb for a while I thought it was broken, but luckily it wasn’t. Cue a lot of embarrassed explaining to giggling onlookers and my girlfriends who thought it was hilarious when I told them I hurt my finger.
Accident #2: I rushed across a road to beat traffic. Spoiler: I almost got mowed down. Lesson learned? Don’t rush. Ever.
The takeaway: Most accidents aren’t because of reckless drivers they’re because of you. Touch wood, I’ve had very few close calls with cars. My main enemy on the road? My stupidity
Essential Protective Gear for E-Bike Riders
Pre-Ride Checklist
- Helmet: Wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Bike Condition:
- Check tires for proper inflation, and make sure they are not flat at least!
- Inspect brakes for responsiveness, and test before you go down hill!
- Ensure the chain is lubricated and functioning.
- Confirm that the wheels are securely attached.
- Battery Check (for e-bikes):
- Ensure the battery is fully charged.
- Secure the battery firmly to the bike.
- Inspect for any visible damage or loose connections.
- Lights & Reflectors:
- Front and rear lights for visibility.
- Reflectors on pedals, wheels, and frame.
- Clothing:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Avoid loose items that could get caught in the chain.
- Tools & Spares:
- Carry a multi-tool, spare tube, tire levers, and pump.
- Include a patch kit for emergencies.
- Water & Snacks:
- Bring water for hydration and energy snacks for long rides.
- ID & Phone:
- Carry an ID, emergency contact info, and a fully charged phone.
- Put your phone away or secure it on a phone holder.
- Route Planning:
- Check the route for hazards or difficult terrain.
- Inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time.
If you want to learn more about Electric bikes you can here.
Make Sure Your E-bike is Roadworthy
When it comes to meeting safety standards for electric bikes, making sure your bike is roadworthy is of paramount importance. This means verifying that all parts are in good condition and up to date. Lights, reflectors, brakes, tyres and suspension components should be checked before every ride to ensure they are in satisfactory condition and not likely to fail while you are riding.
Don’t just take things for granted give your bike a once over every week or so if you can because having dodgy brakes getting a flat, or something breaking can spoil a ride
Traffic Rules and Regulations for Electric Bike Riders
During the Ride
- Follow Traffic Rules:
- Obey traffic signals and signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Stay Alert:
- Watch for vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards.
- Avoid using headphones.
- Communicate:
- The signal turns and stops with hand signals.
- Use a bell or call out when passing.
- Maintain a Safe Distance:
- Keep a reasonable gap between other cyclists and vehicles.
- Visibility:
- Use lights in low visibility conditions, even during the day.
Riding an e-bike can be thrilling, but it’s crucial to remember that they are subject to specific traffic rules and regulations. Understanding these regulations is vital for ensuring safe and lawful e-bike operations. Let’s explore some key regulations that every e-bike rider should take to heart.
Speed Limits
E-bike riders must adhere to designated speed limits for their own safety as well as the safety of others on the road. The stated speed limits are in place to maintain order and prevent accidents, so it’s crucial to abide by them.
Rider compliance with these speed limits not only ensures their safety but also helps foster a positive relationship between e-bike riders and other road users.
Hand Turn Signals and signalling
Yes, you still have to stick your hand out when you turn even though at first you do feel like an idiot. Using proper turn signals is not just a good practice; it’s a legal requirement. Indicating changes in direction alerts other road users to the rider’s intentions, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall safety. Whether it’s making a turn or changing lanes, signalling one’s intentions is paramount when riding an e-bike.
Lane Usage
E-bike riders must strictly adhere to the rules governing lane usage, positioning themselves correctly on the road to ensure safety and visibility. Riders must identify where they should be positioned based on their surroundings and adhere to these guidelines at all times.
Adhering to these traffic rules and regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a responsibility towards one’s own safety and the safety of others. By respecting these regulations, e-bike riders can contribute to safer roads for all users.
In a world where adherence to traffic laws ensures harmony on the roads, being equipped with knowledge and preparedness holds the key to a secure ride. Now, let’s delve into essential safety measures specifically tailored for nighttime e-bike riding.
Honestly, though, most drivers will see you, drivers usually give way to you if you make it clear where you are trying to get to, don’t stress about this too much.
Choose Your Route Carefully
When riding an electric bike, choosing your route carefully is essential for your bicycle safety. Taking the time to plan a safe route can help improve visibility, level of traffic and terrain challenges. When possible, opt to ride on flat routes with less traffic or even cycling paths whenever available. Avoid urban areas unless you are comfortable navigating streets with increased traffic and multiple turns, make full use of cycling infrastructure like bike lanes and some pavements or sidewalks can be used at times.
Experts advise newcomers to electric bikes as well as seasoned riders to choose routes that provide enough space between you and other vehicles on the road. This will provide more reaction time if a vehicle should come too close or make sudden changes to its path. Furthermore, riding on flat roads is recommended as hills and steep terrains will require more energy output both from you and your electric bike’s battery.
When planning your route, use caution in accounting for any weather-related risks such as fog, rain, or icy roads, as these can drastically reduce visibility and increase the risk of slipping or sliding on the ground. Additionally, be mindful of where it is safe to pull over along the route, in case fatigue sets in and necessitates a break for rest.
By taking the proper steps to select a safe route each time you ride, you can ensure your safety and maximize enjoyment from your electric bike experience! The next section will detail how to identify common road hazards and how to stay alert while riding.
Defensive Riding Tactics on an E-Bike
When riding an E-Bike, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Defensive riding involves taking active steps to anticipate and respond to potential road hazards, reducing risks for yourself and others.
Anticipating Road Hazards: While enjoying the ride, it’s important to continually scan the road ahead for potential hazards such as potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces. These obstacles can pose a serious threat to your safety and the integrity of your E-Bike. By anticipating these hazards early, you can proactively manoeuvre around them and avoid unnecessary accidents.
Maintaining Safe Distances: Being mindful of keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists is essential. This distance provides the necessary time and space to react to unexpected changes in traffic conditions, such as sudden stops or erratic movements from other road users. It’s similar to the concept of maintaining a safe following distance when driving a car but with the added benefit of being able to take advantage of an E-Bike’s nimble handling.
If you want to know how to secure your bike better check out our guide here.
Please check out Reight Good bikes shop and also share our scooter and bike site with others, also how to extend the range and the factors involved in better battery range.
Commonly Asked Questions
What equipment or gear is recommended for safe electric bicycle riding?
Essential safety gear for riding electric bikes includes a well-fitted helmet, reflective clothing, and sturdy footwear. Helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by 85%, according to a study conducted by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Reflective clothing increases visibility, making it easier for motorists to spot riders, while sturdy footwear provides better control and protection. Remember, prioritising safety while riding an electric bike is crucial for a pleasant and accident-free experience.
What safety gear is recommended when riding an ebike?
When riding an electric bike, it is important to wear safety gear such as a helmet, sunglasses, bright clothing and appropriate shoes. A helmet provides protection against head injuries in the event of a crash or accident, while sunglasses can help shield eyes from wind and air particles. Wearing bright clothing increases visibility to other road users so you can be seen more easily. Appropriate shoes with closed toes, such as trainers or cycling shoes with cleats, provide better grip on the pedals and prevent feet from slipping during rapid acceleration or braking. Additionally, using bike lights at night will increase your visibility and reduce the risk of an accident.
How likely am I to fall off an e-bike?
You’re going to fall off I 100% guarantee it, it might not be sooner or later but you will come down a few times, if you are riding on 2 wheels gravity is going to win occasionally, don’t worry about it, stay safe!
You are more likely to suffer a heart attack in real life than have a serious accident cycling, cycling will help to keep a healthy heart, and the trade-off is worth it, if you have a heart attack riding your bike don’t come for me, and good luck!
