ELECTRIC BIKE SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS

Risks in Seniors

As the popularity of ebikes grew, so did the accidents and deaths related to it. Yes, they are affordable, convenient, and fun to ride, but increased fatalities are areas of concern.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data suggests that seniors account for half of the deaths caused by cycling-related accidents. It makes a case for taking proper safety measures before riding a bike vital and more relevant.

Old age causes deterioration of vision, brittle bones, reduced cognitive functions, and poor coordination and mental awareness, leaving a senior inclined to injuries and fractures.

Statistics suggest that only 7% of cycling injuries are caused by colliding with moving vehicles. In most cases, cyclists fall from the cycle or collide with a stationary object. Most of these injuries happen to seniors and older people.

Safety Tips for Seniors

Safety is the most critical element of safe riding for a senior. It will minimize the chances of accidents and injury. So, here is a compilation of electric bike safety tips for seniors to achieve the goal of safe riding. These tips can be divided into before, during, and after riding an ebike to make it easier to understand and keep track of safety tips. Watch EVERYTHING Seniors Need to Know About E Bikes (Electric bikes) youtube video to better understand your ebike.

Before Riding the Ebike

These are the tips you must consider before going on a cycling adventure for a safe and injury-free ride.

What are the Things You Should Bring on an Ebike Ride?
Bring with you the following things when going on a ride as a senior. All of these are important and save you from the worst scenarios.
1. Water
Water in any form is essential on an ebike ride for seniors. Carry a water bottle with you to avoid dehydration. Anything you take with you must be easy-to-carry.

2. Mobile Phone
A mobile phone is one thing that subdues the importance of all other list articles. Never forget your mobile phone while riding your bike on a beautiful evening.

3. Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before going out to protect your exposed body parts from getting sunburn. Prevention is better than cure.
Identification Documents
It is advised to keep your identification on you while going on a ride as an older person. You don't want to be left alone in any unfortunate event.

4. Money
What can not be bought with money? Keep that in mind and always carry cash on you in case of an emergency, like your phone can die or you need an instant repair of your ebike. Having cash on you can save you from a lot of trouble.

What Protective Gear a Senior Should Wear?
Let's talk about protective gear and what a senior should wear. It can save you from injury or at least reduce its impact. Following is the list of all the protective gear a senior should wear before going on a ride.

1. Gloves
Wear gloves to save your hands from scratching against something. Moreover, gloves provide a better and firm grip.

2. Knee Pads
Most cycling-related injuries happen in the lower limb, especially the knee. So, keep your knees safe with knee pads.

3. Helmet
A strong helmet can save you from head injury or any possible concussion in a severe accident. So, always wear a helmet while riding your ebike.

4. Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation and have better vision.

5. Cycling Shorts
It is recommended to wear cycling shorts when going on a bike ride, especially for longer rides. It provides breathing space to your skin and reduces skin-to-cloth friction.

6. Wearing Something Bright
Wearing bright colors will reflect more light and make you more visible to other drivers. It will keep you safe on the road.

7. Body Armor
Body armor can protect you from injury in a fall or collision. So, invest in one and never forget to wear your body armor while riding an ebike.

What Parts to Check Before the Ride?
Check the following parts of your ebike to ensure it is in optimal condition for the ride.

1. Batteries
Make sure the battery of your ebike is fully charged. The last thing you want is an ebike with a battery. As a senior rider, it will cause a lot of trouble if you run out of battery on a long ride.

2. Tires
Check tires for air pressure. Optimize it if they have low pressure. Moreover, replace the tires that are worn out.

3. Brakes
Check both brakes of your ebike and tighten them if you find them loose to ensure safety. Never ride a bike with loose brakes.

4. Saddle
Check the saddle to make sure it is appropriately placed. A loose or misplaced saddle can cause a severe injury and make you lose control of the ebike and fall.
What Ebike Accessories You Should Have?
Your bike must be equipped with the following accessories to make it safer on the road.

5. Mirrors
Your ebike must have mirrors installed to assist you in seeing behind and on the sides.

6. Flags
Install flags on your ebike to make it more visible in the rush of traffic.

7. Blinking Lights
Blinking lights keeps an ebike apart from other vehicles. It will help drivers to identify you from afar.

8. Signals Lights
Signal lights are essential to ensure you are telling people how you turn. Please make sure they are functional before leaving for the ride.

What Laws Should You Check Before Riding an Ebike?
It is essential to know the laws before going on an ebike ride. Following are some laws you must familiarize yourself with to be prepared just in case.

1. Laws and Ordinances
The US has different laws when it comes to ebikes. However, most states have made it compulsory to wear a helmet. So, make sure you are familiar with the law.

2. Local Laws
Local laws can also differ in different areas. Some cities may allow ebikes to use bike lanes while others treat them as motorcycles and force you to use regular roads. Make sure you know your local law to avoid any trouble.

3. Accident Insurance
Nobody knows when things go wrong. So, protect yourself with accident insurance; otherwise, you will be on your own in case of an accident. You will have to pay the damages you cause, which are huge in some cases.

4. Ebike Insurance
Ebikes are a great way to commute, but they are pricy. So, protect your ebike with insurance and keep your investment safe.

General Safety Tips Before Riding the Bike
Here are some general instructions to keep in mind before leaving for an ebike trip.

1. Know Emergency Numbers
Write down or memorize emergency numbers to know where to contact in an emergency. It can save your life.

2. Take Proper Rest
Rest is the key to a beautiful cycling trip. So, take proper rest before your ride.

3. Know Your Body
Check your body to know if you are feeling well to go on an ebike ride. If you are not feeling well, do not go on the ride.

4. Inform Your Close Ones About the Route of Your Trip
Someone other than you must know the details of your trip. What route will you use, and when will you come back so that they can contact the emergency in case of any contrast in the plan. They can guide emergency services better if they know the details of your trip

During Riding the Ebike

The most crucial part is riding an ebike. It is the time when an injury can happen. So, here are some tips to keep in mind while riding your ebike.

Use Cycle Lanes

Use cycle lanes if there are any. Stay with other cyclists if you don't know where to ride. Do not ride on pavements and sidewalks.

Ignore Distractions

There will be a lot of distractions on the road. The key to safe riding is to avoid these distractions. Because it requires only one second to cause an accident, you can not avoid it if you are distracted.

Maintain a Comfortable Speed

Keep a comfortable speed that you can handle easily in case of a sudden incident.

Stay Attentive

Stay attentive to the whereabouts of your route. Keep your eyes on the road with full attention to be safe.

Call Emergency if Facing a Problem

Call the emergency services immediately if you are met with an accident or other calamity.

After Riding the Ebike

Once you are done with your ebike trip, prepare it for the next one. Following are some tips after the bike ride.

Fully Charge Batteries

No matter if you rode only for a short distance, it is recommended to recharge your battery fully. It will make your bike ready to go whenever a need arises.

Check Brakes to Trace Any Fault

Brakes are a vital part of an ebike. Different bikes need different types of care for the brakes. Make sure your brakes are properly looked after.

Check Tires for Possible Exertion

Check for any exertion of the tires. Replace them in case you feel they are losing grip. A worn-out tire can cause a lot of trouble during your ebike ride.

Conclusion

Electric bikes are highest in demand than ever, and senior riders are leading the way. Many health benefits are associated with ebike riding, from physical to mental.

However, the ebikes are not immune to accidents. There are many ebike-related injuries; in most cases, the victims are older people. So, taking precautions before, during, and after the ebike ride is vital.

The article has supplied you with the best supply of electric bike safety tips for seniors. You can download the checklist to make sure don't miss anything while preparing for your next adventure. Stay safe, stay active.