Are Electric Bikes Safe? How to Avoid It?

In recent years, e-bikes have been widely accepted as a low-carbon way of traveling. However, as e-bikes become more and more popular, people's concerns about their safety are increasing day by day. Are e-bikes safe? What are the risks of riding an e-bike? How can these risks be minimized?

In this article, we will delve into various aspects of e-bike safety, discuss potential dangers, and provide practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Understanding the Basics of E-Bikes

Before we get into the safety aspects of riding a bicycle, it's important to understand some of the definitions of an e-bike and how it differs from a traditional bicycle. An e-bike is a type of bicycle that is equipped with a motor and a battery that helps us conserve energy when pedaling. There are two main types of e-bikes:

Pedal-assisted e-bikes (pedelecs): the motor kicks in only when the rider pedals, providing extra power and making riding easier.

Throttle e-bikes: these bikes can be powered solely by an electric motor, similar to a pedal bike, eliminating the need for pedals.

The addition of an electric motor makes e-bikes faster and heavier than regular bikes, which in turn can affect safety in a variety of ways.

Common Safety Problems of E-bikes

E-bikes will face some common safety problems in daily use. Understanding these problems and taking appropriate preventive measures can effectively improve the safety of riding.

Speed

One of the most common issues with e-bikes is their speed potential. Unlike traditional bikes, which rely entirely on human power to propel them, e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h).

We also know that the faster the speed, the shorter the reaction time and the greater the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. Riders who are not used to such speeds can be put in dangerous situations, especially in crowded urban environments. Therefore, we should pay extra attention to the speed at which we are traveling while riding.

Heavier weight

The biggest difference between an e-bike and a traditional bike is the addition of a motor and battery, so e-bikes are usually heavier than non-electric bikes. The average weight of an e-bike ranges from 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg), while a conventional bike usually weighs about 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kg).

The extra weight can affect handling, braking distance, and the rider's ability to maneuver in tight spaces. If you lack riding experience, it may be more difficult to maintain balance, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.

Battery-related risks

Although it's rare, there are potential safety risks associated with e-bike batteries, especially if they are not handled, charged, or maintained properly. Lithium-ion batteries commonly used in e-bikes can overheat and catch fire if damaged or overcharged.

Poor quality or counterfeit batteries can also increase this risk. Ensuring that batteries are properly cared for and using only certified products can greatly reduce the likelihood of battery-related accidents.

Pedestrian-Bicycle Conflicts

In urban areas, e-bikes often share the road with pedestrians and traditional bicycles. When you're riding an e-bike without paying attention to your surroundings, it can lead to conflicts in the shared space. Collisions with pedestrians or slower bicycles can lead to serious injuries for both parties.

E-bikes vs. traditional bicycles

To assess whether e-bikes are inherently more dangerous than conventional bicycles, it is helpful to compare the two in terms of the following factors:

While e-bikes offer many advantages such as easier climbing and faster traveling, these advantages come with additional risks, especially when it comes to speed and weight. E-bikes can be a friendly way to get around if you ride properly and take safety measures.

How to ride an e-bike safely

An e-bike can indeed pose more hidden dangers than a traditional bike, but as long as you ride an e-bike safely, then it will be more convenient and faster than a traditional bike. Here are some safety tips when riding an e-bike:

Wear proper protective gear

The first rule of e-bike safety is to wear protective gear, especially a helmet. Given that e-bikes are faster and heavier, wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a collision. Other protective equipment such as gloves, knee pads, and reflective clothing can also increase safety.

Obey traffic laws

Like traditional bicycles, e-bikes are subject to local traffic laws. Riders should always follow traffic rules, including stopping at red lights and stop signs, using proper hand signals, and riding in designated bike lanes. Riding on a schedule and following the flow of traffic can greatly reduce the risk of an accident.

Start practicing slowly

If you're new to e-bikes, it's important to ride slowly at first. Familiarize yourself with the controls of your e-bike, including the throttle (if applicable) and brakes.

Practice riding at lower speeds in an open, safe area until you feel comfortable with the bike's controls. Gradually increase your speed as you become more confident in your ability to control the bike.

Maintain a safe distance

At higher speeds, e-bikes take longer and cover more distance to stop than conventional bikes. Therefore, you should keep a safe distance from other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians while riding so that you have plenty of time to react in the event of a sudden stop or encountering an obstacle.

Pay attention to battery maintenance

To avoid potential battery-related problems, always use the charger supplied with your e-bike and avoid overcharging or using damaged equipment. Store your battery in a cool, dry place and check it regularly for signs of wear or damage.

If you purchase your e-bike from the NAKTO website, you can contact a NAKTO salesperson and they will provide you with an original charger or battery. In addition, they offer a one-year warranty on their e-bikes.

Safe Maintenance of E-bikes

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring that your e-bike is safe to ride. Check the following components regularly:

Brakes: due to the added weight and speed, the brakes on an e-bike wear out faster than those on a traditional bike. Check your brakes often and replace brake pads as needed.

Tires: The weight and speed of an e-bike puts extra pressure on the tires. Keep tires properly inflated and check them regularly for wear or damage.

Chain and gears: The motor puts extra pressure on the chain and gears, so it is important to keep them well-lubricated and in good condition.

Battery and electrical system: Make sure the battery and electrical components are working properly and have any electrical problems addressed by a professional mechanic.

By keeping your e-bike in tip-top condition, you reduce the risk of accidents due to mechanical failure.

Laws and Regulations and E-Bike Safety

E-bike regulations vary from country to country and region to region, but most countries/regions have specific laws to ensure safety. These laws usually specify the maximum speed at which e-bikes can be operated, the type of bike lanes or roads that e-bikes are allowed on, and whether a driver's license or insurance is required.

For example, in the United States, e-bikes are typically classified into three categories based on speed and power assist. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), while Class 3 e-bikes can reach a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). Some areas may also require riders to wear helmets or restrict e-bikes to certain pedestrian areas.

If you need to get out and ride, be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws before hitting the road to ensure compliance and safety.

Conclusion

E-bikes are a fun, environmentally friendly, and convenient way to get around, but like any vehicle, they come with inherent risks. By understanding and adopting e-bike safety tips such as wearing protective gear, obeying traffic laws, and properly maintaining your bike, you can greatly reduce your risks and enjoy a safe ride.

Ultimately, the safety of an e-bike depends greatly on how you ride, your awareness, and your preparation. When used responsibly, e-bikes can be just as safe as conventional bikes, and in some cases even safer, thanks to their power and adaptability.

Related reading: How to Choose an Electric Bike at NAKTO