Buzz
In 2023, it’s estimated that a million e-bikes were sold in the United States, and the holiday season has certainly welcomed many enthusiastic new riders. If you’re one of them, congrats on your new ride and hobby! But before you set off on your journey, take a moment to read this. E-bikes are quicker and heavier than traditional bicycles, which can make them more risky if you’re not careful. These tips will help reduce the chances of an accident while you enjoy your new ride.
If an e-bike wasn’t under your Christmas tree this year, show Santa you’re ready to take care of yourself by treating yourself to one of these fantastic e-bikes.
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Things to know before your first cycling adventure
Familiarize yourself with the manual
Don't take your first ride through the neighborhood until you've gone through the manual. While many e-bike controls are intuitive, some might have unique features, and it's best to understand them before hitting the road.
Put on a helmet
Wearing a helmet is crucial for preventing head injuries in accidents, especially when riding an unfamiliar, motorized bike. Helmets vary in quality, so ensure yours is sturdy, well-fitting, and comfortable. Although any helmet is better than none, the ideal choice is one designed for e-bikes, which are built for higher speeds.
Choose the right footwear
While your helmet is the most crucial safety gear, your shoes are still important. You can opt for cycling-specific shoes with stiff soles, but for casual riding, regular tennis shoes will do as long as they fit snugly and don't have loose laces or straps that could get caught in the pedals or chain. Never ride barefoot, in flip-flops, or sandals. If you're getting more serious about biking, a pair of mountain bike shoes with quality pedals will keep your feet secure.
Wear bright-colored clothing
Wear brightly colored clothes to ensure maximum visibility to both drivers and fellow cyclists. Make sure your clothing doesn't get caught in the pedals or chain. Bike shorts aren't required, but they can help prevent discomfort in your rear during long rides.
Add a mirror to your bike
I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of bike mirrors, but I can see the value in not having to turn my head to check what’s behind me while riding.
Inspect your bike
Before heading out, take a moment to check the following on your bike:
Tire pressure: Refer to the manual for the correct PSI and inflate your tires. A good pump with a pressure gauge is essential.
Battery securement: Many e-bikes come with removable batteries. Ensure they're properly placed and securely locked in position.
Fasteners and bolts: Before taking your bike for a spin, double-check that all parts are tightly assembled. This is especially important if you purchased the bike from a chain store, where it might have been assembled by someone with limited bike knowledge. Even if you bought it from a bike shop or it arrived pre-assembled, it's wise to verify. Ensure the handlebars, brake rotors, pedals, and saddle are all correctly fitted.
Brakes check: Roll your bike forward and pull each brake lever to ensure they're functioning correctly.
Front wheel check: Most bikes have easily removable front wheels—though they can look fine at first glance, they might not be seated properly. Inspect them closely, making sure the release skewer is tight.
Drop test: Once everything seems in place, perform a final test: Lift the bike about six inches off the ground and drop it. There should be no unsettling noises, and nothing should come loose.
Take your bike to a local shop for a check-up
If you're unsure about the assembly of your new bike (or your ability to assess it), take it to your local bike shop for a professional inspection.
Find and use the speed limiter
It's not usually advertised, but most e-bikes allow users to tinker with the top-speed to set their own speed limit. Until you know what you’re doing, it makes sense to dial it down a notch. Changing the speed limit on some e-bikes can be done in 30 seconds using an iPhone app, but for some bikes, it’s a fairly complex operation, so check the manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
Plan your route
Before you head out on your first trip, plan where you’re going. Keep it to bike paths or roads with very few cars until you know what you’re doing. Don’t be like me on my first e-bike ride and end up having to make a left on a busy, five-way LA intersection on a bike I could barely control. Also: Make a longer route than you think you need: Riding an e-bike is stupid fun, and you’ll probably end up going farther than you planned.
Tips for staying safe on your first e-bike ride
After completing your pre-ride check and planning your route, here are some key things to keep in mind while you're on the road.
Practice in an open space
Before venturing onto a bike path or the open road for your first e-bike ride, take some time to practice in a quiet, open area like an empty parking lot. It will take a little while to get accustomed to riding an e-bike, so start by ensuring the area is clear of obstacles, practice turning, test your brakes, and get comfortable until you’re ready for a bike path.
Test it without power
Whenever I try out a new bike, I pedal without using the motor assist at first to familiarize myself with the bike's weight and handling without the extra torque. Then, I slowly experiment with the different assist levels and gears to understand how it will perform on the road.
Respect the throttle when you're riding an e-bike. If it’s equipped with one, don’t use it until you're comfortable with the pedal assist. When you do decide to use it, start gently. The throttle can provide a sudden burst of power, which might surprise you and could lead to an accident.
If your e-bike is fitted with a throttle, avoid using it until you're comfortable with pedal assist. Once you do use it, ease into it gradually. The throttle can send a quick surge of power, which can be alarming and cause you to lose control, leading to a crash.
Begin at a slow pace when you start your ride. Only increase your speed when you feel more confident and in control. One of the risks of e-bikes is that they allow riders to reach high speeds quickly without having to gradually build up to it. On a traditional bike, hitting 28 mph means you've earned that speed over time. With an e-bike, a class 3 bike can hit 28 mph without much effort, and unskilled riders can easily get into dangerous situations by reaching high speeds without practice.
Start your ride at a slow speed and only go faster when you're certain you're comfortable and capable. E-bikes, particularly class 3 models, can quickly accelerate to speeds of 28 mph. Unlike traditional bikes, where you gradually learn to control your speed, e-bikes allow riders to jump straight into high-speed riding without much experience, which can be dangerous.
Be mindful of your weight distribution. Proper balance is crucial to maintaining control of your e-bike and avoiding accidents. Be sure to position yourself correctly and keep your center of gravity stable for a safer ride.
E-bikes are significantly heavier than traditional bikes. This added weight not only makes mounting and dismounting more challenging, but also impacts the bike's momentum and handling. Be aware of these factors and avoid treating your e-bike like a lightweight Italian road bike, as its weight demands a different approach.
Pay attention to the brakes on your e-bike. Because e-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, most come equipped with disc brakes, which are more powerful than older types like caliper or coaster brakes. They require a little practice, so make sure you start braking earlier than you would with a regular bike to account for the additional stopping distance.
Due to the increased weight and speed of e-bikes, they almost always come with disc brakes. These provide much better stopping power than the traditional caliper or coaster brakes. While disc brakes are more effective, they require some getting used to, so remember to brake a bit earlier to ensure you have enough time to come to a complete stop.
Avoid riding on the sidewalks. Although many new cyclists are hesitant to ride on the streets due to traffic, the sidewalk can be more dangerous, even if it feels safer. Sidewalks are narrow, full of obstacles, and often uneven. There's no consistent traffic pattern, and pedestrians don’t expect bikers to be there. Streets, on the other hand, are designed with rules that help keep everyone safe, even with cars present, as long as cyclists and drivers follow the guidelines.
It’s important to stay off the sidewalks when riding your bike. While riding on the street can feel intimidating due to traffic, sidewalks are typically the more hazardous choice. They are narrow, filled with obstacles, and uneven. With no clear traffic flow, people don’t expect cyclists, which increases the risk. Streets, however, have set rules that help protect everyone, as long as cyclists and drivers follow them.
Familiarize yourself with the bike laws in your area.
Before cycling on roads with traffic, make sure you're aware of the local regulations and guidelines for biking. While e-bikes are usually subject to the same rules as traditional bicycles, there are exceptions depending on the location.
