The popularity of electric motorcycles in India keeps rising daily. Given the large number of new riders joining the phenomenon, electric bike safety needs to be discussed. Purchasing a new electric bike is an excellent opportunity to evaluate your riding abilities, regardless of whether you are an intermediate rider or haven’t been on a bike for a while. Every time they ride an electric bike, users need also know how to inspect their bikes properly.
Electric bikes are a dependable, safe mode of transportation or recreation. Every time you hop on your e-bike, you need to know how to lessen the risk. Riding one of these bikes requires observation of local regulations and general safety guidelines. Make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations that will keep you safe when riding an electric bike before you get back on it.
Let’s examine this list of essential electric bike safety tips and guidance for everyone to know:
10 Essential Electric Bike Safety Tips
1. Always Use A Helmet That Has Been Approved
Regardless of age, pace, or the need to wear a helmet per the law, all bike riders—whether they ride an E-bike or not—should wear one when they ride. It’s the most effective precaution you can take. Depending on the rider’s age and the kind of e-bike they are riding, it is also required by law in numerous states.
Compared to a few years ago, modern bike helmets are lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable. A helmet with MIPS (multi-directional impact protection), which aims to lessen rotational impacts, maybe the greatest choice for riders looking for the best possibilities. While no helmet is infallible or flawless, research indicates that the MIPS design may be less likely than those of conventional helmets to cause traumatic brain injury and concussions.
2. Recognise And Follow the Vehicle’s Code
In legal terms, you are considered a vehicle when you ride your e-bike on streets and highways. This implies that you must be aware of and abide by your local, county, and state traffic codes. This comprises:
- Halting red lights and stop signs.
- Utilizing the proper lanes.
- When you are not in the right of way, yield.
When applicable, use hand signals or turn signals; in low light or darkness, use lights.
Riding predictably is something you should strive for, much as when driving a car. When riding, stay on a straight course, provide notice of your intentions, and try to avoid making abrupt stops.
3. Recognise The Local Regulations Pertaining To E-Bikes
The “Class I, II, III” rules—which govern who is allowed to ride e-bikes and where they can be ridden—are the model legislation for e-bikes. However, not all states have adopted them. For e-bikes, most states have three standard rules to be aware of:
- Minimum age to ride an e-bike.
- E-bike riders must wear helmets.
- Limits on the trails where e-bikes can be used.
Depending on whether an E-bike is being ridden as a Class I, II, or III, these limitations may change. Reputable E-bikes have a sticker that displays the class on the frame so you can quickly identify it. It pays to quickly research and comprehend the regulations in your state before purchasing an e-bike.
4. Check Your E-Bike ‘pre-Flight’ Before Heading Out On A Ride
Every E-bike requires routine upkeep as well as sporadic changes to remain in excellent condition. A bike shop should handle more complex repairs, but anyone can do a simple electric bike safety check before heading out on a ride.
- Verify that the tyres are inflated to the sidewall’s specified pressure and add air if necessary. Due to the modest porosity of rubber inner tubes, all bicycle tyres will gradually lose air; this does not indicate a flat tyre or a puncture. Regularly adding air is expected and typical.
- To ensure that the brakes engage and halt the bike’s movement, squeeze each brake lever as it is being rolled forward and backward. Prior to the lever pulling all the way to the handlebar, you should feel the brake engage.
- The bike’s frame and fork must have the wheels securely fastened to them. Depending on the model of your e-bike, check that the axle bolts, quick-release lever, or thru-axle are securely fastened.
- Keeping the front tyre between your knees, stand in front of the bike and try to twist the handlebar left or right while maintaining the stability of the tyre. It is not acceptable for the handlebar and stems to slide apart from the tyre.
This isn’t a comprehensive list. If your E-bike has a manual, check it for any additional instructions that may be relevant to your particular make and model.
Consult a bike store, a mobile bike mechanic service, or a friend who is an experienced motorcyclist if you run into a problem you don’t understand or can’t fix. Don’t ride until it’s corrected.
5. Before You Choose To Ride At Night, Use Extra Caution.
Riding during the day is less perilous than riding at night. It is more difficult for the rider to see impediments on the road or trail, and it is also more difficult for others to detect them. The good news is that bike lights nowadays are more potent, lighter, and longer-lasting than before!
6. If Your E-Bike Isn’t Made For Carrying People, Don’t Use It.
It’s risky to try “riding double” by trying to fit a passenger on an e-bike meant for one rider! Added weight to a bike alters its handling characteristics and lengthens its stopping distance. If you are riding with a passenger, you may also go above the maximum weight restrictions on your e-bike.
Only E-bikes made expressly for two people, with safety features and designs tailored for that kind of use—tandems, cargo bikes with passenger seats, and so on—should be used to transport a passenger.
7. Know The Steps To Take To Activate The Motor On Your E-Bike
It could be hazardous if the motor on your e-bike turns on unexpectedly. It is crucial to comprehend the functions and features of the particular make and model you own. Take some time to become acquainted with the E-bike you are riding because this can differ depending on it.
Generally speaking, an electric motor on a pedal-assisted bike can start when the bike is powered on and you apply pedal pressure. It might also be possible to start the electric motor by pressing a button or throttle lever, depending on the type and model.
If you inadvertently start your E-bike’s motor while cornering on a wet road with slick leaves, for example, you run the risk of getting into an accident.
8. When You’re Not In Need Of Assistance, Turn Off
When you don’t want the electric motor to start, you can take the easy precaution of turning it off. This could entail shutting your e-bike off completely or temporarily putting it on pedal assist level 0.
It’s a good idea to prepare to shut down once you stop riding. For instance, you might unintentionally brush the throttle lever when parking your e-bike, which would activate the engine. Turning off the e-bike before parking avoids this unusual scenario.
Make it a practice to power down your e-bike and set the pedal assist level to 0 when you aren’t riding.
Read More: Electric Bike vs Petrol Bike
9. Invest In An E-Bike With Integrated Safety Measures
Regardless of brand or model, high-quality e-bikes all have a few standard safety measures. You ought to pick an e-bike that has the following features:
Brake levers with motor interrupts. By pulling the brake levers, this technology instantly cuts off the motor. If you have pedal assist on and continue to pedal or depress the throttle, the motor will still shut off in the event of a panic stop.
Disc brakes- E-bikes have a longer stopping distance due to their size, weight, and speed. Hence, they require more stopping force. For E-bikes, disc brakes provide sufficient stopping power; standard caliper (rim) brakes do not.
Class I, II, and III labels. The majority of states mandate that E-bikes have stickers on their labels that list the bike’s class, maximum speed, and motor power output. An unlabeled e-bike raises suspicions—what additional costs are being eschewed?
Mirrors. They should come with your E-bike since they are legally necessary.
Many commuters are considering switching to Ola electric scooters due to rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. The attractive design and advanced features of the Ola scooters have made it a popular choice in the electric vehicle market. With its competitive price and long range, the Ola electric scooter is aiming to revolutionize urban transportation.
