How Safe Are Electric Bikes

Electric bicycles, also known as electric bicycles or electric bicycles, are bicycles that are equipped with an electric motor and maintain the ability of the rider to pedal

But, you might be wondering, are electric bikes safe? How safe are they?

While this is a legitimate concern for any sport, e-bikes are as safe as any other mode of transportation.At the end of the day, doing anything positive is always risky. Still, the risk level of riding an e-bike is minimal if you follow the road, equipment and personal safety rules.

This article will outline the potential issues and safety concerns surrounding e-bikes and give you the answers you need to give you peace of mind before you ride!

Electric bike road safety

Some of the safety concerns surrounding e-bikes are related to the current lack of road regulations related to e-bikes. This is probably because they are a fairly new classification of vehicles.

Electric bikes can reach 30 miles per hour (or 48 kilometers per hour) depending on the motor used.

One of the hazards of road rules, which has been increasing especially in China (source), is that e-bike riders generally still use bike lanes and are more likely to break the road rules. Because e-bikes are faster and more maneuverable, they travel faster than conventional bicycles and pedestrians, which increases the likelihood of accidents.

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In North America, Brian Patterson, president of the Ontario Safety Coalition, said: “I don’t think today’s speed levels or this type of vehicle is where the discussion about electric bikes (about possible regulations) started about 7 years ago. ) (source).”

 

Patterson’s concerns appear to stem from the fact that e-bikes are gaining popularity far faster than Ontario’s laws can keep up. Their accessibility, such as not requiring a permit to operate them, is a point of contention as there is no screening process as to who is driving them.

But don’t be discouraged: just because e-bikes have the potential to be faster than conventional bikes doesn’t mean they’ll allow you to accelerate at dangerous levels. As mentioned, most e-bikes are limited to a top speed of 30 mph (or 48 km/h), but some are programmed to have lower top speeds.

Here are some tips for further safe practice according to road safety rules:

Know your gestures. If you don’t know the proper signals, especially when changing lanes, other vehicles and pedestrians will be clueless and could put you at risk of an accident.

Easy E-Biking – Bike lane city, making electric bikes practical and fun

If you’re not sure about your signal, check out, for example, an official Ontario government document outlining the four main gestures for cycling (source);

Travel with traffic, not the wrong way: this reduces your chances of being injured and/or involved in a traffic accident;

Always obey traffic laws that apply to traditional cyclists, cars, and other vehicles, including lights, signals, and road signs. Stay in the appropriate lane and use bike lanes when available. Cyclists tend to break speed limit and red light laws.

This just puts you at risk of an accident. This is a higher risk than a cyclist because your e-bike can go faster than a conventional bike. Do not ride your bike on sidewalks/sidewalks as this puts both you and pedestrians at risk;

Beware of everyone. The E-Bike Company AXcess states (source) Cars don’t always realize how fast you are and may assume you are significantly slower than them. To avoid the risk of an accident, always give the vehicle first and do not rush. Be patient and alert, especially at intersections and turns.

Electric Bike Equipment Safety

When it comes to the potential dangers of your e-bike, you might be surprised to learn that the most important issue surrounding an e-bike may not be the bike itself, but its battery: lead and lithium-ion batteries in particular.

These types of batteries must be transported and handled with great care, as they can lead to dangerous results in some cases if not handled properly.

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You also have to make sure, especially in winter when temperatures drop, that your battery is always above freezing when charging

Electric bike company Pedego said otherwise the battery could be damaged (source).

However, sub-freezing conditions won’t affect your battery as you ride. Pedego also recommends that when riding in rain or snow, try to avoid riding in slush or large puddles, as water can get into your gears and cause rust.

Likewise, when charging the battery, be sure to charge your e-bike in a dry environment.

You also have to keep your tires inflated: you want your tires to be grippy and responsive for better control and less chance of crashing or getting involved in an accident.Be sure to check your tire treads frequently to make sure they are not worn.

This can happen more often with e-bikes than conventional bikes due to their extra weight and power.

Electric bikes are also heavier than conventional bikes because they have batteries and an electric motor.

According to Bicycling Magazine, that means you’ve gained about 20 pounds (10kg), so be careful when handling, lifting, carrying, or moving your e-bike.

You’ll be happy to know that e-bikes have an excellent safety feature: when you pull the brakes, the motor automatically stops spinning, making it a more effective braking system than conventional bikes.

Thanks to this feature, the e-bike is also easier to stop. Because of this, you’re more likely to stop at stop signs and red lights because it requires less effort to regain speed.

 

You can also accelerate faster on an e-bike.

This means you have more control over your speed whether you are slow or fast.

Less momentum is required, so it’s easier to slow down and accelerate.

Electric bicycle personal safety

Paying attention to personal safety while riding an e-bike, just like when requisitioning any other vehicle, is critical to safe riding.

According to Bicycle Industry News (source), “riding an e-bike is as safe as a conventional one.

However, they point out that if you are an older person (over 65 years old), your risk of developing the danger is slightly higher.But this risk also applies to older adults who ride regular bikes.

Simple tip: The risks associated with e-bikes are directly related to the speed and age of the rider, not the bike they use.

However, this statistic is relative: e-bikes are more attractive to those over 65 due to their pedal-assist properties, making them more accessible.

Therefore, more elderly people ride electric bicycles than conventional bicycles.

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Cycling Industry News points out that the biggest challenge older people face is getting on and off the bike.

If you are an elderly person riding an e-bike, be sure to exercise the necessary caution in speed and installation and removal.

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

Always wear a helmet to protect your head as you would on a traditional bike.

Wearing a helmet reduces the chance of head injuries by 50% and neck and face injuries by 33%;

Fit your e-bike with mirrors for a better view of what’s behind you, giving you a better understanding of the traffic and vehicles around you.

Cars are getting “quieter” and it’s hard to know when they’re behind you and how close they are.

So having a mirror removes most of the risk from the equation.

Remain visible. You and your e-bike must be clearly visible to the driver, pedestrians and anyone else on the road at all times.

This means you should have lights and reflectors on your e-bike, an especially important feature if you ride at night.

Install flashing lights. Electric bike company ProdecoTech recommends that you should at least have flashing white lights for the front and rear red lights on the rear of the bike.

Adding lights and reflectors will greatly reduce your chances of being hit by a vehicle, as you increase the chances of them seeing you.

You should also wear bright/neon/reflective clothing to further improve your chances of being seen;

Do not wear loose clothing. 

There is a risk of the extra material getting caught in the wheels or pedals. Also make sure your shoes, whether they be laces, buckles, zippers or Velcro, are properly fastened before riding to avoid getting caught by the wheels or pedals of the e-bike;

Never ride while feeling dizzy, unwell or after drinking;

Never text or use a cell phone while riding;

Invest in a bell to warn pedestrians and an air horn to warn cars.

Once you follow all these rules, you are ready to go. . .

Electric bike to your heart!

As you can see, the risks of riding an e-bike are low as long as you are a careful rider and follow the basic rules of road safety, personal and equipment safety.

 

So remember: if you decide to buy an e-bike or convert your traditional bike into one, be vigilant and cautious.

 

If you are looking for a new way of commuting or want a healthier lifestyle, we are here to help you. Visit our website to learn more about electric bikes and electric scooter or please leave information to us.