Many might wonder how much electric bikes are, as they are becoming more and more popular day by day. It’s okay to have reservations about something you haven’t tried, but e-bikes are just as safe as other forms of transportation. There is no business without its inherent risks. But riders must obey the rules of the road, maintain their equipment and ensure their personal safety to minimize the risk of riding. The purpose of this article is to show you the possible safety issues you might encounter with your electric bike and tips to help you feel safe while riding.
Electric bike safety
E-bikes are a very safe option for getting around from place to place. But as a motorcyclist, you must follow safety measures on the road, personally and with your equipment.
Road safety of electric bicycles
One of the safety concerns associated with e-bikes is the lack of traffic laws, as it is a rather newly classified type of vehicle. However, depending on the motor used, Class three electric bikes can ride at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
The main problem with driving on the road is that many bikers still use the cycle lanes, breaking certain rules of the road. Electric commuter bikes are generally faster than regular bikes, making them more vulnerable to crashes. But you should note that they don’t allow you to speed up to dangerous levels.
Here are some helpful tips to teach you important safety practices regarding road safety rules:
Learn hand signals
Poor knowledge of road signs could put other vehicles and passers-by at risk of an accident. When riding on the road, riders should make sure that they are riding with the traffic and not against it, thus reducing the chance of an accident.
Traffic laws include lights, signals and road signs used by cyclists and other vehicle owners and must be obeyed. Avoid cycling on sidewalks to avoid injury to yourself and pedestrians.
Watch out for other vehicles.
Motorists may not know how fast your bike is moving and generally assume that you are moving slower. So avoid accidents by letting cars go first and being patient at intersections and turns.
Safety of electric bicycle equipment
When it comes to the potential dangers of cycling, the biggest concern would be batteries, especially lithium ones. These batteries should be used and disposed of with extreme caution as they are highly combustible if not handled properly. For example, you need to make sure that your battery is kept above freezing temperature while charging during the winter months.
The cold does not affect your batteries when you ride your e-bikes. So whenever you find yourself riding in the rain or snow, try to avoid driving through puddles to prevent water from entering the gears and causing them to rust.
Always keep your tires inflated:
It is important to keep your tires strong and your reflexes sharp to have better control while riding the bike. The tire tread should be checked to determine if it is worn or not. This happens more frequently with e-bikes than with regular bikes. Due to the presence of a battery and motor, these vehicles weigh more than regular bikes, with a difference of around 20lbs. Thus, riders should exercise extreme caution when maneuvering, moving and lifting their bikes. But vice versa, e-bikes are more user-friendly for heavy cyclists because they can withstand a greater weight limit, for example, KBO Cross electric bike for heavy riders has a payload of 300 lbs.
Electric bikes have a safety function:
The braking system stops it and causes the engine to stop immediately. This system is more sophisticated in electric bikes than regular bikes, making it easy to stop and continue riding with these vehicles. So you can stop at red lights and stop signs as it requires little or no effort to get back up to speed. Cyclists can accelerate faster on an electric bike, which gives them more control over how fast it goes. All that is needed to slow down and accelerate is a little momentum, unlike regular bikes.
Personal safety of e-bikes
Personal safety practices are of great importance when riding an electric bicycle or using any other form of transportation. E-bikes are just as safe as traditional bicycles, according to studies. But if the rider is old with an age over 65, there is a slight increase in the risk of danger. It’s also no different with regular bikes.
The bikes most commonly used by older cyclists are the pedal assist types, which makes them more accessible. It can also be a bit difficult for people in this age group to assemble and disassemble an electric bicycle. Therefore, it is when they are used that they exercise caution in making them.
Below are some personal safety tips to get you ready to ride safely:
- Helmets should be worn on all outings to protect the head. This reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 50% and neck and face injuries by 33%.
- Install rear-facing mirrors on your e-bike to stay aware of traffic and vehicles behind and around you. This helps spot nearby cars, which might not make as much noise to get your attention. Thus, these mirrors are an essential security tool.
- Always make sure you stay visible. When you are driving on the road, other drivers and pedestrians should be able to see you clearly at all times. So that means you need to get some lights and reflectors for your e-bike, especially if you are out for a night ride.
Conclusion
It is obvious to everyone that the risks associated with owning and riding an electric bicycle are quite low, as long as you are a careful cyclist who follows the advice of road, personal and material safety. As soon as you decide to own an electric bike, you should make an effort to update your knowledge of how to stay safe before, during, and after rides. Obeying the traffic laws and speed limits in your area, maintaining your equipment, and understanding personal safety measures will go a long way in staying safe and enjoying a wonderful cycling experience.
Interesting Related Article: “Road Biking Vs Mountain Biking: Why Mountain Biking Is Better Than Road Biking?” “