Are Ebikes Safe? | Everything You Need to Know

Are you an avid cyclist curious about the safety of ebikes? Whether you are considering investing in your own ebike or just trying to gain more understanding, it’s important to recognize the benefits and inherent risks associated with owning one. Understanding your ebike can help provide a safer experience.

We will cover all aspects of safety related to owning an ebike. We’ll look at the various features available on different models as well as important health considerations, tips for complying with local laws and regulations, ways to maintain your ebike’s performance over time, and more! By exploring each piece in depth, we hope you leave this article feeling better informed about making decisions that promote ebike safety!

Safety Features

There are many safety features when it comes to ebikes. If you’re familiar with bicycle safety features, you’ll find many of them to be the same. Some of the features are bought separately from the ebike while a few are integrated.

Helmet: A high quality bike helmet is essential for every ebike trip.
Brakes: An obvious safety feature, you’ll want to look for a system that uses hydraulic disc brakes.
Lights: Headlights and taillights are crucial, especially when riding at night.
Pedal Assist and Throttle: Pedal assist can help you maintain a safe riding speed while the throttle is designed with safety in mind, located near the grip so you can effortlessly accelerate.
Tires: Puncture-resistant tires minimize the likelihood of a flat tire, ensuring a safe, smooth ride.
Display: The display allows you more control over your ebike, changing the level of pedal assistance and estimating battery level. On some displays, you can adjust the maximum speed.
Electric Motor: The motor isn’t just to make the ebike go; it can be programmed with a maximum speed that adheres to local regulations.

Man enjoying the benefits of riding an Emerald Ebike

Benefits of Ebikes

We all know cycling is a great form of exercise, but did you know that ebikes can also help keep you active? Though it does add a little extra oomph to your ride, you still control just how much assistance you’re receiving. With the help of an ebike, you can take a longer ride, navigate a wider variety of paths, and ultimately receive all the benefits of regular cycling.

It also benefits the environment because guess what? It’s green! Ebikes, or electrical bikes, can be a great substitute for cars and other forms of transportation, effectively cutting out much of the emissions that would normally be used. A study shows that an e-bike emits 40 to 140 times fewer pounds of greenhouse gases than a 30 mpg gas car. They’re also light, saving wear and tear on the roads and decreasing the amount of repairs required. On top of that, they use sustainable energy.

You might ask—Are ebikes worth the money? An ebike is much cheaper than other forms of transportation. In most cases, it is also more efficient. While you should probably buy electric bike insurance, just think about how much money you’re saving while not paying for car insurance. They’re also extremely convenient. Designed to be compact and lightweight, they’re easy to transport and some models are even foldable!

Local Laws and Regulations

Complying with ebike laws and regulations is crucial for safety and avoiding traffic chaos. While we can’t cover the specific regulations for every ebike-friendly location, we do have some great tips for getting started.

Get to know the regulations: Each jurisdiction may have different rules regarding ebikes, such as maximum speed, age restrictions, and required safety equipment. Familiarize yourself with the local laws to ensure you are following the proper guidelines.
Wear safety gear: It is essential to wear proper safety gear and sometimes mandatory. These precautions can help prevent injuries and increase your visibility to other riders.
Follow biking rules: Ebikes are still considered bicycles, so it’s important to follow the same biking rules as traditional bikes. This includes using hand signals, obeying traffic signals, and riding in designated bike lanes or on the right side of the road.
Avoid traffic chaos: Avoid riding in areas with high traffic congestion, such as during rush hour or in crowded downtown areas. Stick to designated bike paths or quieter streets to avoid creating traffic chaos or putting yourself in dangerous situations.
Respect other road users: Just like with traditional biking, it’s crucial to respect other riders on the road. Be mindful of pedestrians, cars, and other bikers to avoid accidents and promote safe and courteous behavior.

By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re following laws and regulations while promoting safety and responsible biking practices.

Fishbowl view of woman riding an Emerald Ebike

Ebike Maintenance

Maintaining your ebike is a necessary task for increasing safety. It’s not the most exciting part of owning an ebike, but it’s also not too hard. Here are some ways to keep your ebike running smoothly:

Regular Cleaning: Regularly cleaning your ebike can help prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, which can lead to corrosion or damage to the components. (Check out this cleaning kit!)
Battery Maintenance: The battery is a crucial component of your ebike, and proper maintenance can help extend its life. Avoid overcharging the battery, and if you are storing the bike for an extended period, make sure the battery is at 50% charge and stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid cheap, knockoff batteries and invest in a name-brand, lithium-ion battery to avoid accidents.
Tire Pressure: Check the tire pressure regularly and ensure that it is at the recommended level. Proper tire pressure not only ensures a smooth ride but also helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the bike's components.
Brake Maintenance: Proper brake maintenance is crucial for your safety. Regularly check the brake pads for wear, and adjust or replace them as necessary.
Regular Servicing: Like any vehicle, an ebike requires regular servicing to keep it running smoothly. Schedule regular maintenance with a qualified technician to check the bike's components and ensure everything is functioning correctly.

It's crucial to prioritize ebike maintenance for your safety. A well-maintained ebike is less likely to break down or experience mechanical failures, which could put you in danger while riding. By taking the time to perform regular maintenance, you can help ensure that your ebike remains in top condition, providing you with a safer and more enjoyable ride for years to come.

Are Ebikes Safe for Everyone?

When it comes to electrical bikes, it's important to understand that no motorized vehicle is inherently "safe". There's a certain level of risk you take when you hop on your ebike, just as there's risk getting behind the wheel of your car.

But being knowledgeable about the safety features, rules and regulations, and proper maintenance can make for the safest ride possible.

The Takeaway

Now that you’ve read about all the things to consider when planning for the safety of your ebike, you can be sure it is used properly, maintained well, and ridden with local laws and regulations in mind. This will make your ebike experience as safe as possible. Find your perfect ebike today!

And might we suggest EMERALD, the ideal ebike for getting around town, going on adventures, and reducing your carbon footprint—in style and at an affordable price.

Emerald Bike

The features that set Emerald apart from the ebike pack: