Aventon's Ebike Safety Tips
October 28, 2022
When it comes to ebike safety, we at Aventon want nothing more than to make sure you have all the information necessary to operate your ebike properly. After all, you are our number one priority. Yes, you. Our riders.
Today, we’re going to cover some of the basic ebike safety tips every rider should be aware of when they go out for an adventure. So charge your batteries, secure your helmet, and keep reading to learn some life-saving electric bike safety tips.
Strap On Your Helmet
First and foremost, any and every list of ebike safety tips should start with head protection. So, always wear a helmet! when operating an ebike. Even the most confident riders can’t predict the unexpected. Secondly, when it comes to riding an ebike, there are certain factors that come into play before ever placing your foot against the pedal. An ebike is not your ordinary bicycle. It has a motor. That means there are certain limitations and regulations to consider. And once you saddle up and hit the streets or take your ride off-road, there are more precautions to keep in mind.
Federal Regulations
Before anyone slips into the saddle and takes off on an ebike, it’s important to remember there are laws that prohibit certain age groups from riding a motorized bicycle. According to federal law, the minimum recommended age is 16. Still, it’s best practice to always consult your local regulations to confirm the safe, legal minimum age for riding the different Classes of ebikes. We want our riders to be safe and implement the best practices for ebikes, and it starts before even getting on the saddle.
First Time On An Ebike?
So you just got your first ebike. Now what? When it comes to ebikes there’s a lot to learn, from operating to safety. It can almost seem daunting at first. But we’re here to make sure you have all the information needed in order to feel safe and confident for your first ride.
Use Your Manual As A Guide
If you are within legal age to use an ebike, you’ll want to read and familiarize yourself with the User Manual or any other materials that come with your ebike prior to riding. This will give you an understanding of how the components work and how to operate with ebike safety best practices.
Aventon riders can locate their ebikes User Manuals at any time in our Help Center, as well as access detailed information from tips to get started, getting to know more about their ebike, as well as any troubleshooting they might face. For additional support or to learn more about your Aventon ebike, check out our Youtube ‘How To’ playlist ranging from topics such as bike maintenance to Full Color Display basics.
Do A Safety Check Before Each Ride
Always check the condition of your ebike before each ride, such as tire pressure, battery level and brakes. You can also find out more info from our article on the pre-ride checklist here for more details. If you aren’t sure how to do this properly, consult Aventon customer support or your local bike shop.
Get To Know Your Bikes Electrical Components
Each ebike has electrical components that control different operational functions and user preferences. It is critical that you understand all aspects of your ebike’s electrical system and see if they are working properly before each ride. Get to know how the Full Color Display works through our article here. Make sure your screen is in an observable position and you can switch between the different levels of pedal assist comfortably. Understand how the throttle works.
The Size of Your Ebike Matters
Each model of Aventon ebikes weighs differently. And with the addition of a motor and electrical components, all ebikes can weigh more than an ordinary bicycle. So before riding, get to know the weight of your ebike. Aventon ebikes also come in different sizes, and it’s important to remember that the size of the bike matters. If an ebike is too small or too large, it could be dangerous when mounting and dismounting a bike beyond your physical capacity to maintain, as well as cause difficulties while riding.
Take It For A Roll
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Once you’re confident, try riding your ebike on a quiet street or an open parking lot where there aren’t many distractions and obstacles so as to better familiarize yourself with the bike and its components, such as throttle and switching between the different levels of pedal assist. Both options provide a sudden boost of power that may catch riders off guard. Take it slow, and practice riding where it’s safe. Before you jump onto public roads, and to avoid accidents, take it slow and gradually get used to the bike's capabilities. Start practicing in a low pedal-assist mode and gradually increase the level as you get more comfortable controlling the ebike. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops, and obey traffic laws just as you would while riding a traditional bike. Once again, as part of the general safety tips for riding a bicycle, always wear a helmet, and consider wearing additional safety gear such as gloves and elbow pads to protect yourself in case of a fall.
The Law Is The LawAs thrilling and exciting as riding an ebike is, it’s not always lawful to hold the throttle down and go top speed. Keep an eye on the speed limits where you’re riding. Aventon ebikes range from top speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour and it’s easy to forget that, while it is still a bike, it’s not a good idea to go faster than the speed limit allows. All riders are responsible for the operation of their ebikes and are subject to the law. In addition to speed, there are also many places that are off-limits for ebikes, such as traditional bike trails or federal lands. The Forest Service and the National Parks Services prohibit the use of motorized vehicles on trails and natural surfaces. Ebikes are considered motorized vehicles, and in most cases, are prohibited where motorized vehicles are prohibited. The Bureau of Land Management issued a statement in 2019 declaring: E-bikes are allowed on trails limited to bicycles and non-motorized travel ONLY IF a BLM Manager has issued a written decision authorizing e-bike use in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, learning about the differences between Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bikes is key. Depending on your city and/or county's regulations, some are allowed while others aren't. To learn more about the different Classes of ebikes, check our blog post here. You’ll find all the information needed to understand what makes one Class different from the other. So before you hit the trails, do your due diligence to find out where and when you can ride.
Off-Road Riding Safety TipsThe rugged off-road routes can be treacherous and uneven. And because of the weight of an electric bike, this could throw off your balance and cause possible harm to you and the bike. Here are a few cycling safety tips to keep you safe out there on the trail: - Keep your eyes peeled - Be aware of other riders or trail users. There are more than just bikes out there and pedestrians could be using the same route. Be sure to use a bell, horn, or verbal cue to let them know you are coming. - Capability is key - If you’re new to ebiking or biking in general, you may want to know your limits. Going on a backcountry ride right out of the gate might not be the best decision. Get to know the bike and your own abilities before pushing it a little farther. (And don’t forget a helmet!) - Energy levels - Always check your battery before any ride. Especially if you plan on taking your ebike out on the trails. Keep an eye on battery level during the ride as well so you have enough power to get back safely. Road Riding Safety TipsWhen riding on the road, there are many variables at play: motorists, pedestrians, and other bikers. To make sure you’ve done everything you can to be prepared for the road, here are a few things you can do to be ready for the streets. So follow these ebike safety tips when you’re out on the road: - Protect your head - If you haven’t noticed, we think that wearing your helmet is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself on the road. With the high speeds of an ebike there’s good reason to be extra careful and safe. Check out Kali Protective helmets that light up! So you’re protected day and night. - Stay in the bike lane - The bike lane is your home. Unless authorized and legal to do otherwise, it’s best to stay in the bike line and keep your eyes on the road to be prepared to adjust accordingly in case of an emergency. - Lights! Lights! Lights! - Don’t forget your lights. Always have them with you, and always make sure you ride with them on in low light conditions so that other bikers and motorists can see you on the road.
Post Ride Safety TipsJust when you think the fun is done, there’s more to think about after you’ve dismounted your ebike safely. Battery SafetyBefore and after riding, make sure that your battery is fully charged. Only use a charger that is rated according to your battery to avoid overheating, causing damage to the battery, and/or posing a possible fire hazard. For more information on battery best practices check out our article Taking Care of Your Ebike Battery: The Ultimate Guide
Now It’s Time To Ride SafelyEbike safety is what it’s all about. Not only does it keep you safe on and off the road, but it protects those around you on your next ebike adventure. So don’t forget to study up on what’s important before, during and after you ride an ebike, and always wear your helmet. So do you think you’re ready to go full throttle? Check out our Aventon ebike selection and find out which one best fits your style. |
