Before you go on your next two-wheeled adventure, make sure you're familiar with the ins and outs of bicycle safety. This holds true whether you're riding a traditional bike or an e-bike—one powered by an electric motor in addition to your pedaling.
Many of the safety recommendations are the same for both types of bikes. Wear a helmet. Make sure you're visible to motorists (some e-bikes now come with lights). Know how to use your arm to signal turns (left: extend your left arm out to the side; right: extend your right arm or bend your left arm up at a right angle). Don't talk on the phone, text, or listen to music.
Be sure your e-bike is ready to ride. That starts with checking that the tires are inflated and the brakes are working properly. If the bicycle hasn't been used for a while, take it for a tune-up before you take it for a ride. And before and after every ride, inspect your bicycle for damage.
This is also important for e-bike riders. "With the ability to go faster comes the responsibility to know when you should slow down," says Ash Lovell, electric bicycle policy director at People for Bikes, a cyclist advocacy organization.
Know the rules of the road. "When you're riding in the street, even in a protected bike lane, read the signals, pay attention to the lane markings, and check the signage to see where e-bikes are allowed," Lovell says. Signs in those states may specify which types of bikes are allowed on which roads and paths. Check the People for Bikes website (peopleforbikes. org) for more information.
A. Do not ride on the left.
B. Be aware of your speed.
C. And if you're an e-bike rider, take notice of the following tips.
D. Remember to replace batteries on a regular basis.
E. Ride with the flow of traffic rather than against it.
F. For an e-bike, also make sure your battery is charged.
G. Thirty-six states have adopted a classification system for e-bikes.
