Are Electric Bicycles Dangerous?

Enthusiasts of electric bicycles are increasing daily for more reasons than one.

In the United States, the sales of electric bicycles just before the pandemic grew by 145%. However, in 2019-2021, regular bicycle sales rose 65% only. 

In this glowing statistic, we have another rising concern. Are electric bicycles dangerous? How safe are they? These concerns were fueled further by the much-publicized e-bike accident of a famous personality, Simon Cowell.

Like motorcycles, electric bicycles can be very dangerous if operated recklessly or maintained poorly. But, again, it boils down to who the rider is. In the hands of riders who know what they are doing, e-bikes are as safe as regular bicycles. 

Are Electric Bicycles Dangerous for Seniors?

In recent years, older people have picked up cycling as a hobby. E-bikes have never been handier.

They are making it easier for seniors to cycle long distances while still providing needed health benefits. One stone for two birds, right?

Despite the assistance from e-bikes, are they worth it for seniors? Since we are talking about it, we might as well ask whether e-bikes are dangerous for seniors.

As mentioned above, electric bicycles are as safe as regular bicycles, depending on the operator. Therefore, as long as seniors are careful with their bike operations, they have nothing to worry about. Furthermore, there are currently e-bikes manufactured for elderly or senior people. This is because they are more comfortable and easier to operate.

If you’re worried that you may not be up to the task when riding your e-bike, or you’re not just confident in your skills, we will list the best tips on being safe with e-bikes.

So what should you do to ensure your and other people’s safety while operating an e-bike? Mmh, let’s get started.

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How to Ride E-Bikes Safely?

For some, riding e-bikes is a fun and rewarding adventure. For others, they are just a means of getting from one point to another. Whatever the reason you have for owning an electric bike, one thing is paramount. The rider’s and other people’s safety is essential.

Thus, how should we ride our bikes safely? Are there things we can do to be safer while riding? Let’s find out!

Start in a field or empty parking lot.

If you’re new to e-bikes, you should try to do your practice runs in less crowded areas. Look for a field or an empty parking lot to ride your new e-bike. There will be no cars or people around you.

Additionally, you will not be running into cars or people if anything goes wrong. Instead, you will have wide-open spaces to run into. How about that?

Work your Way Up

When you first get an e-bike, ramping up the speed setting is tempting. And sometimes, we want to feel what we bought, and that’s not bad. Right?

Wrong. It would be best if you started riding through the lowest speed settings on your bike. Then, try feeling your motorcycle in the lower speed settings as you gradually work your way up.

Think of it like you’re a toddler learning how to walk. Initially, you’ll start by taking a few steps at a time. Then, once you’re comfortable, you will be ramming through anyone or thing in your path. Sounds familiar?

Chances are, if you work your way up gradually, you will never find out why we don’t recommend going the other way!

Braking

Imagine you’re in a car moving at any speed when it comes to a sudden stop! What happens? Right, you’ll jerk forward. But, of course, the reaction would be more intense if the vehicle were moving at a higher speed. 

Now, picture yourself on a faster and more powerful bicycle. What happens if, for whatever reason, you make a sudden stop? You probably got that right. The only difference between a car and an e-bike is that you are part of the body on the e-bike.

Sudden stops on an e-bike will not only jerk you forward (and hit the front seat), but you’ll also fly forward depending on your speed. Therefore, it would be best to practice braking slowly so that your body has enough time to react appropriately. 

E-bikes have disc brakes that have more power, control, and precision. It will help if you keep this in mind as you practice how to break slowly with a lighter hand.

You should also never grab your front brake only. Instead, it would be best if you evenly braked with both front and rear brakes.

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Beware of your Surroundings

E-bikes look very similar to regular bikes. Someone who knows nothing about e-bikes will be none the wiser when he sees one. 

The similarity means that pedestrians and drivers will not expect to be cruising along at 25mph when they see you. You’ll need more time to react at faster speeds, and so will those sharing the road with you. It is thus upon you to be attentive to your surroundings.

This principle is more important when riding on a shared trail or path. It would help if you were more mindful of your speed when riding in a busy or crowded area. Always slow down and ensure other riders or joggers know your presence. You can ring your bell or use verbal cues to alert people of your existence.

Traffic Rules

This is the part that most e-bike riders ignore, leading to accidents on busy streets. All traditional traffic and safety rules apply when you’re riding your e-bike.

You may not need a driving license, but you need to understand and adhere to traffic rules. If you don’t understand the traffic rules in your area, we recommend staying away from your bike until you thoroughly understand them.

For instance, you should always have your protective gear while riding. The helmet might not be what you want to wear, but it is essential for your safety.

You should also dress in clothes that help you stand out while on the road. If it’s easy to spot, it’s easy to avoid you.

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Conclusion

We have established that e-bikes are indeed quite dangerous. However, the danger should not scare you at all.

With the above tips and some practice, you’ll be rocking it at high speeds and having great fun.