Are Electric Bikes Safe? Everything You Need To Know To E-Bike Safely

In these times where gasoline prices are continuously increasing, Electric Bike or E-Bike is the way to go!

Electric bikes are by far, one of the fastest growing markets to date. Although still considered a small market group, the number of imported e-bikes has tripled over the past three years, and e-bikers are rapidly growing compared to any other segment in the bicycle market.

E-Bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that may be activated in order to assist with or replace pedaling and are currently gaining more popularity to younger as well as to older people - not only do they offer the same benefits as traditional/conventional bikes, but with e-bikes, they can now go faster and farther!

Although the fact that any type of vehicle can be dangerous in certain situations and circumstances, E-bikes are legitimately a safe mode of transportation for most people.

Let us bust the idea of unsafely and unsecured electric bikes through this article.

Read further in order to answer all your questions and specifically; Are E-Bikes really safe?

Road Safety

When you look around cities, you will observe differences in road laws and apparently, ordinances associated with bicycles are relatively few. It is not because bicycles are not welcome on highways but it is fairly due to the fact that they are a new classification or type of mode of transportation.

E-bikes are a great option when it comes to traveling on the road for commuting, fun, or exercise. Not only can you get to your destination faster, you can travel farther than you would be able to on a regular bike – all while reducing your impact on the environment.

Don’t be discouraged, though: just because e-bikes have the potential to be faster than traditional bicycles doesn’t mean they allow you to speed at hazardous levels. The maximum speed limit for most e-bikes is 30 mph (or 48 km/h) but some of them are programmed to have an even lower maximum.

These are some tips to remember and carry along with you when on the road;

1. Don’t go as fast as 30 mph just because your bike can! Remember, it's a bike, so ride it like a bike.

2. Bells are there for a reason. It is a nice and polite way to let people know you are approaching.

3. Hand Signals! Others can’t make a guess of where you are going/turning. If you don’t know the appropriate signal, it could lead you and other vehicles into risk. Sometimes, riding with one hand is dangerous as well, in this case, a full stop is absolutely fine.

4. Never rush, and let cars have right of way first. Due to the fact that you're biking, other drivers tend to believe that you are slower.

Equipment Safety

Just like any other vehicles, E-bikes bear its own safety net which is you, the user. One of the best practices to ensure a safe run each time you get on an E-bike is by investing in high-quality and safe equipment.

It’s important to be aware of what kind of batteries you need to have for your E-bike, lead and lithium-ion batteries, in particular, unless properly handled, they can have hazardous results in certain situations. Also, water and mud splashing are unpleasant experiences for both of you and your E-bike, you don’t want to ride on a corroded E-bike after all!

Furthermore, it is essential that you perform routine maintenance on your E-bike in order to keep it working softly.

Here are some tips to follow :

Do a quick inspection of your electric bike before using it : Look for any mechanical problems, dirt, or hazards that may affect your trip.
Do not let dirt and grime buildup on the battery : Regular cleaning will ensure optimal performance and replacing it can be mostly.
Check tire pressure : Before each trip, check the air pressure of all the tires. Underinflation or overinflating can reduce traction, speed and wear and tear.
Charge it properly : After each trip, charge the batteries to prevent it from running out of power. However, never let a fully charged battery sit for hours after – it can shorten the lifespan and ability to hold a charge.

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, an e-bike is not classified as a motor vehicle. However, under the Criminal Code of Canada, the definition of a motor vehicle includes an electric bike. If you are convicted of operating an e-bike while impaired you will face penalties, jail time, or a suspension.

Personal Safety

We are now a step done to figure out how safe really is riding a bike. Knowing the potential dangers we may encounter is crucial whenever safety is involved.

To further help you prepare for riding your e-bike safely, here is a list of personal safety tips:

Helmets can protect you more than you think. As you would do if riding a traditional bicycle, wearing a helmet reduces the chance of head injury by 50 percent, with a reduction of neck and face injury by 33 percent; However, make sure you only get a helmet that is manufactured to be legitimately safe.

Get rear-facing mirrors for your e-bike in order to better see what is behind you, keeping you more aware of traffic and vehicles around you.

Stay visible. It is imperative that you and your e-bike are clearly visible to drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else on the road at all times. This means you should get lights and reflectors on your e-bike, an especially important feature if you are riding at night.

Lights are a must. At the bare minimum you should be getting a blinking white light for the front and rear red light for the back of your bike.

How to make sure I'm safe?

While browsing the news, it might not be new to see bike related accidents on the road. Although this is neither a once in a blue moon circumstance nor a constant habitual road situation, it is always a must to ride safely to arrive safely. It is first essential to know the basics, it is a matter of safety and security so going on the road inept of how to ride a bike is most likely putting yourself in danger. Moreover, these safe practices could help you get away from dangerous situations.

First, pay attention. Everyone on the road does not only mind their own business but every rider knows when to stop to turn left or right and to move forward. Thus paying much attention to the traffic can basically give you a smooth ride you wanted.

Second, check your speed. Not because e-bikes do not tire yourself out, learn to adapt your speed to everyone in the ride. Make sure you do not go over the maximum speed limit regulated.

Third, there are two brakes for a reason. Being able to brake earlier is an advisable way to have a safe ride.

Conclusion

There comes a point in our lives that we want to quit walking or commuting and have our own little vehicle to offer us convenience and safety.

Nevertheless, having E-bikes for either short or long rides is the best option you will ever make in your life!

However, as mentioned earlier, knowing the basics is a must. That is why before purchasing your e-bikes, make sure to learn safety hacks and tricks to arrive at your destination while safe and sound!

Please let us know if you have any questions or if there’s anything we can help you with by contacting us!

Happy riding!
Urban E-Bikes Team

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