11 Essential Electric Bike Safety Tips

Riding an electric bike (or e-bike) is a great way to get around the city and enjoy the pleasant outdoors. Electric bikes are good for both your health and the environment. They can also help you save on fuel costs. 

But as with any type of motorized vehicle, there are important safety considerations to be aware of and precautions to take when riding an e-bike. Read on to learn about the essential electric bike safety tips to stay safe while enjoying this great green alternative to car commuting.

11 Essential Electric Bike Safety Tips

Wear proper safety gear

Whenever you get on an electric bike, it is important to wear the proper safety gear. This includes a helmet, of course, but it also includes reflective clothing if you are riding at night. 

A helmet can protect you from serious injury if you fall or are hit by a car. It's also the law in many states to wear a helmet while riding an electric bike. Likewise, wearing reflective clothing makes you more visible to drivers, which can help prevent accidents in the first place. 

So before you head out for your next ride, be sure to put on your helmet and reflective clothing, among other safety gear. It could save your life in the event of any unforeseen incident!

Ride in the bike lane, along with traffic

Whenever you're out riding your e-bike, be sure to stay in the bike lane. This is one of the most crucial electric bike safety tips to avoid accidents on the road. 

Cars and other vehicles can be unpredictable, but if you stick to the bike lane, you'll be much less likely to get into an accident. Plus, it's just more fun to ride in the bike lane! You can go as fast as you want and feel like you're in your own little world. 

It's also extremely important to ride on the proper side of the road along with the traffic, and not against it. Biking against traffic is not only illegal in most places, but it's also incredibly dangerous. You're more likely to get hit by a car if you're riding on the wrong side of the road. 

So next time you're heading out for a ride, make sure to stay in the bike lane, on the proper side of the road, and along with the traffic. It's the best way to stay safe and have a good time. It also helps you avoid getting a ticket!

Make sure your tires are properly inflated

One of the most important things to remember when riding an e-bike is to ensure that your tires are inflated properly. This may appear to be a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your ride. 

Properly inflated tires will help you go faster and smoother. They'll also last longer, so you won't have to replace them as often. Fat tire electric bikes like the Engwe EP-2 Pro, in particular, need to be properly inflated for optimum performance off the road.

When checking your air pressure, be sure to use a reliable gauge and pump. You can buy them from your local bike shop or online. If you don't want to buy these tools, you can easily find them at a gas station.

Check out these things before every ride

Before you hop on your e-bike, there are a few things you should always check to make sure your ride is safe and enjoyable. 

This includes tire pressure, as discussed above. In addition to that, you need to check your brakes to make sure they're in good condition and that they're not rubbing on your wheels. 

You should also take a look at your chain. Make sure it's properly lubricated and that there isn't any rust or grit build-up. Finally, give your bike a once-over to make sure everything is tight and secure. 

Once you've done all that, you're good to go!

Be aware of your speed 

Whenever you're riding a bike on public roads, it's important to be aware of your speed at ALL TIMES. 

You never know when you might need to brake suddenly, and if you are going too fast, it could be dangerous. More importantly, you might not want to exceed the speed limit and get a ticket!

That's why it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your speedometer/ LCD panel. That way you can make sure you're not going too fast for the road conditions. And even if you are going too fast, you can slow down before it's too late. 

Use your lights while riding at night

If you're an adventurer, using lights while riding at night is a must. Not only is it the law in many states, but it's also the best way to stay safe on the road. 

It's important to have a bright light on the front of your bike as well as a tail/ brake light on the back. While the front light shows you the road ahead, the tail light makes sure that you're seen by other vehicles and pedestrians. You can also use reflectors to make yourself more visible.

At Engwe, our electric bikes come with not just front and rear integrated lights, but also spokes and pedal reflectors to keep you safe at night.

Obey all traffic laws on the road

When you're out riding your electric bike, it's important to obey all traffic laws. This means following the same rules as cars, including stopping at red lights and stop signs. It might seem like a pain, but it's actually really important for your safety. 

When you're following the rules of the road, you're less likely to get into an accident. Moreover, it's your civic duty to protect the pedestrians around you, which may include young children.

So, yes, it might take a little extra time, but it's definitely worth it!

Use your horn while riding in traffic

Always use your horn while riding in traffic. The horn is a great way to let other people know you're there. It's also a great way to make yourself more audible. 

When you're riding in congested urban traffic, it's important for you to warn pedestrians, nearby vehicles, and other e-bikers so as to ensure the safety of everyone. The horn can help you do just that. So don't forget to use it!

Take care when getting on and off

If you're a beginner, you should always take your time when mounting and dismounting the bike. 

Don't try to rush the process, or you could end up making a mistake. Once you're in the proper gear, slowly and carefully put your foot on the pedal. Then, use your other foot to push off yourself and hop on the bike!

When you're ready to dismount, do the opposite. If you're just learning how to ride, ask a friend or family member to hold your bike while you mount or dismount in the initial few days. 

Brake earlier when riding on road

When you're out riding your electric bike on busy city roads or highways, it's important to brake earlier than you think you need to. This will help you avoid accidents and keep you safe on the road. 

It's also a good idea to practice braking in different conditions, such as on wet or dry pavement. This way, you'll be prepared for anything that comes your way. And if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, you'll know just what to do. 

So next time you're out on your bike, remember to brake early and often!

Practice riding before heading out on road

Riding an electric bike is much different than riding a conventional bike. It takes time to get used to the electric assistance offered by the motor. Riding on throttle (without pedaling) particularly requires a lot of practice.

So before you hit the road on your electric bike, it's important to practice riding in a safe space. A parking lot or an empty stretch of road is the perfect place to get comfortable with your electric bike.

Start by riding slowly and getting a feel for the bike as well as its power delivery mechanism. Try out different riding modes, switch between throttle and pedal-assist, and operate your bike on every level of pedal-assist. 

Next up, start practicing turning, cornering, and stopping. Once you feel confident, you can try riding on roads with less traffic. You should only hit busy public roads and highways when you've got yourself fully acquainted with your e-bike.

With a little practice, you'll be riding like a pro in no time! 

Final Words

We hope you found this blog informative! 

The 11 essential electric bike safety tips we mentioned above can help you make the most of your e-bikes while also helping you stay safe on the road. 

Take care and happy riding!