Are E-Bikes Safe?

Every year, the popularity of walking and biking increases as people look for healthier and environmentally-friendly means of travel. If you are considering getting an electric bike, you must have wondered about its safety factor. Are e-bikes safe? The short answer is yes. E-bikes are as safe as can be, provided that you invest in a reputable brand that prioritizes safety in each step of production. 

However, certain risks come with riding an e-bike. For instance, the increased weight of the bike alone could result in injuries. Since they go much faster, this may increase the risk of hitting pedestrians who can’t get out of the way fast enough or other vehicles whose drivers don’t anticipate a speeding bike. Additionally, there’s more weight which translates to a much greater stopping distance.

E-bikes Road Safety Tips

While e-bikes offer an array of advantages, such as smooth steering, faster speed, and weight loss, it still needs to be driven carefully and cautiously. Riding an e-bike is similar to riding a regular motorcycle, which means it poses the same dangers, and all the safety rules that apply to regular bikes also apply to electric bikes. Moreover, a rider must take a few additional precautions to stay safe on the road.  

Study Your E-Bike Manual Carefully 

The first step is to know your bike by reading its manual carefully. Learning how e-bikes work and their power will enable you to be a more careful and informed rider. 

Follow your Local E-Bike Laws 

One of the main responsibilities of an e-bike rider is to know what e-bike laws apply to you. Local and state laws differ and define the usage of e-bikes within the state by defining who can ride them, whether or not a license is required, safety gear requirements, and more. The age restrictions also vary from one state to the next, and so do the definitions and classifications. As a rider, you must learn and respect these rules so you can stay safe on the road.

Always Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

A helmet is one of the most critical safety gear items you can use. Protecting your head with the right safety gear is crucial if you ride your e-bike faster. Check out this guide by the CPSC on how to choose a helmet. As far as clothing is concerned, opt for clothes that are fluorescent, neon-colored, or reflective that will not get caught in your pedals or chains. This will make you more visible to the incoming traffic on the road. Choosing abrasion resistant clothing can protect you from road rash in the event of an accident. Moreover, equip your e-bike with extra lights to make yourself more visible at night.

Take Caution when Mounting and Dismounting 

Due to the extra weight of an electric bike, it is critical to get on and off carefully so you don’t tip it over and injure yourself. When buying an e-bike, try various frames to ensure you can easily mount and dismount it. 

Take your time before Heading Out 

Practice riding your electric bike in an empty lot or an open space first. This will help you gain control of your e-bike and enable you to travel at a speed that you will be comfortable with on more crowded streets. 

Install Warning Devices 

Ensure that your e-bike has a horn and a bell that will alert pedestrians and other cars regarding your presence. Having these warning devices in place can save you from potential collisions. 

Final Thoughts

Riding an e-bike can be a lot of fun. However, it can also pose a series of threats, such as speeding, battery fires, tire blowouts, and malfunctions. Injuries stemming from an e-bike accident can be severe and debilitating. If you suspect your accident was due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial damages. According to Koch & Brim, a personal injury lawyer can help establish negligence in your accident and guide you through legal proceedings.