Electric motorbikes have gained ground as a sustainable and practical transportation alternative, but with their growing popularity comes safety concerns, especially for new riders. To ensure a smooth and risk-free ride, it's essential to adopt safe practices and use the appropriate equipment.
This detailed safety guide will help you enjoy all the benefits of electric motorbikes without compromising your physical safety.
Safety Tips When Using Electric Motorbikes
Unlike larger vehicles, electric bikes offer little physical protection to the rider. A fall can cause serious injuries, especially in urban environments with heavy traffic.
Thus, the use of protective gear and the adoption of safe driving techniques are crucial in reducing risks.
Use the right protective equipment
To protect yourself in the event of a fall, wear suitable equipment that fits properly. Some of these include:
- Helmet: This is the most important safety item for any electric motorbike rider, as it protects against serious head injuries and is mandatory in many cities.
- Knee and elbow pads: These are especially recommended for beginners. These pads absorb the impact of falls and help prevent fractures or abrasions.
- Gloves: Offer hand protection and improve grip on the handlebars, especially in rainy or wet conditions.
- Appropriate footwear: Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles are essential to ensure stability when driving and prevent slipping when braking or maneuvering.
Follow one simple rule: never ride a motorbike without protective gear, even if warm temperatures or short journeys encourage you to do so.
Adopt safe driving techniques
To ensure optimal road safety, it is essential to follow certain safe driving practices. Always remaining vigilant, respecting speed limits, and anticipating the movements of other road users are crucial. Some safe driving techniques include the following.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars: Don’t take your hands off the handlebars to use your phone, as this can compromise balance and slow reaction time to unexpected obstacles.
- Avoid uneven or wet terrain: Electric motorbikes can be unstable on slippery or uneven surfaces. Reduce speed when crossing potholes, sidewalks, or wet roads to avoid falling.
- Use the brakes correctly: Most electric motorbikes have both mechanical and electrical brakes. When braking, apply both gradually to avoid skidding or losing control.
- Pay attention to other road users: Keep a safe distance from other road users, and be prepared to brake quickly if necessary.
Be gentle with the throttle
Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, electric motorbikes will offer you instant acceleration. In other words, as soon as you twist the throttle, the motorbike will deliver 100% of its torque and accelerate instantly. This is quite different from motorbikes with gasoline engines that need time to start.
This means that as long as your electric motorbike is on, you shouldn't twist the throttle unless you intend to move. Otherwise, you might end up falling off the motorbike. Also, when on pedestrian streets, intersections, or bike paths, ensure to slow down and maintain a moderate speed. This gives you more time to react to unexpected situations, such as pedestrians crossing.
Remember to charge your electric motorbike
This can take time, but you need to get used to charging your electric motorbike. How you charge electric motorbike batteries is as important as how you ride them. Proper charging is crucial to the longevity of your electric motorbike battery. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging times; otherwise, you could damage the battery by overcharging.
Furthermore, it's safe and efficient to use manufacturer-approved chargers. These chargers deliver the correct current and voltage to maximize battery life and performance. Charging a battery the wrong way can cause malfunction or unsafe conditions, which is why sticking to the official guidelines protects both your motorbike and you as a rider.
Additional Tips to Improve Your Security
- Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These substances impair your judgment and slow your reaction time.
- Stay visible at all times by wearing light-colored clothing and turning on your dipped headlights whenever you're driving, even during the day.
- Avoid using headphones. They reduce your perception of surrounding sounds, such as horns or emergency sirens.
- Check your motorbike regularly. Check the condition of the tires, brakes, and battery before each ride to ensure proper functioning.
- Perform preventive maintenance like periodic inspections to avoid unexpected mechanical failures.
Conclusion
Owning an electric motorbike has several advantages: more enjoyable rides at a lower cost, as well as less maintenance and less stress. However, these motorbikes do have a bit of a learning curve, but you can start enjoying all they have to offer.
We hope the tips in this article will help you master your electric motorbike and ride more safely. For more tips on how to maintain your e-bike, read this article.
.svg)
