For anyone looking for a convenient and accessible way to get
around, electric rideables (or eRideables) fit the bill perfectly. From electric bikes to electric
scooter — even electric
skateboards — eRideables can help you save money and stay active and engaged, all while
being better for the environment. In addition, older and disabled riders can
reap all the benefits of cycling with the built-in assistance of an eBike — zooming
up and down big hills while cheerfully waving to flagging cyclists.
However,
before you hit the road, it’s crucial to brush up on safety tips, whether you
have an eBike or an electric scooter. These tips will help make each ride more
enjoyable and keep everyone around you out of danger. After all, you don’t want
to take after some of these celebrities.
The Swagger 8 Electric Scooter.Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell famously had an accident when riding an
eBike, although his was a much more powerful trail bike. A trail bike
is heavier than an eBike and tends to reach much higher speeds
than eCycles, which can catch some beginners off guard while riding — think
up to 50 mph instead of a more sedate 15 mph. “Read the manual before you
ride it for the first time,” Cowell said after being rushed to
the hospital. He suffered a spinal fracture — something that may have been
preventable had he done that basic step!
Electric
motorbikes can go even faster and are designed to go on the road. Full
equipment is highly recommended here, as sliding 300 yards on your
unprotected face is, at the very least, described as
“uncomfortable.”
Important to Note: Cowell’s accident wasn’t really on an eBike in the sense that we’re talking about. His was an imported SWIND EB-01 electric motorbike with a whopping 15 kilowatt motor, versus the standard eBike with a 250-500 watt motor.
The SWIND EB-01 Electric Motorbike — Not an electric bicycle.Rihanna
Another megastar who has been spotted on an eBike is Rihanna.
The singing sensation sustained minor injuries after the electric scooter she
was riding flipped over and hit her in the face. While it’s unclear whether she
was wearing a helmet, Rihanna would likely have been better protected had
she been wearing a full helmet that protects the chin, head and sides. Of
course, hat hair quickly becomes an issue for the glamorous.
Electric Rideble Safety Precautions
The EB7 Plus electric bike.Don’t let these celebrity stories stop you from enjoying
your eRideable, whether it’s an electric bike, electric scooter — even an
electric skateboard. By following these five essential tips, you can
make the most of your journey, without ending up on the front page.
1. Wear a Helmet and Pads
It may be a basic tip, but wearing a helmet and pads is crucial to
your overall safety while riding. Always take a moment before hopping on your
bike to put on a high-quality helmet and
pads to help keep you properly protected throughout your ride. In addition
to helping prevent injuries, a good helmet offers vital sun protection and
helps keep you warm in cold weather.
Important SWAG Tips: Need help finding the best helmet? Read our 5 Tips for Getting the Perfect Fit.
2. Read the Manual
Again, we echo Cowell’s words of advice: “read the manual.” Every
eBike comes with a manual and reading through the entire thing helps you stay
safe on the road, unlike poor Simon. Some examples of information you’ll find
inside your manual include:
- Useful tips on how your bike works
- Guidelines on properly maintaining it
- Various features included in your bike
Many instruction manuals also provide guidelines on riding in
dangerous conditions, such as wet weather and night riding.
Read the manual and wear protective gear, like a helmet and knee pads.3. Understand Your eRideable
If you really want to become well acquainted with your rideable,
it’s important to spend more time with it. Try out the different features and
get a feel for your vehicle before you go for your first ride. The more
preparation you do ahead of time, the more confident you’ll be on the road. At
the end of the day, there’s no substitute for practice. Through patience and
trial and error, riding your electric bicycle will become second nature.
The NG2 900W Electric Longboard with A.I.4. Monitor Your Speed
Because electric bikes are equipped with pedal assist, it can be
tempting to start your ride at high speed. However, you may want to hold off on
careening down the road until you’ve grown more accustomed to your bike.
Start at a slower rate to get a feel for the bike, and then gradually
increase it as you get more comfortable.
For added safety, make sure your eRideable has the ability
to detect and display your speed.
Make sure your eRideable has a way to monitor and display your speed.5. Add Accessories to Enhance Safety
Visibility is even more important when you’re riding an eBike. To ensure
that other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can see you clearly, add
accessories to your bike that make you more noticeable. A bell and lights are
the most basic essentials, but there are plenty of other eBike safety features
that you can add to your ride. Our swagLIGHT Quad and swagLIGHT Duo lets you add
extra visibility to your bike, controlled by your iPhone. Perfect for the
growing number of Night Ride events throughout the U.S.
An
eBike is a highly convenient and enjoyable mode of transport that pro cyclists
and amateurs alike can benefit from. And electric scooters make for a fun
time for riders of all ages. But from Simon Cowell to Rianna —take a page from
these celebrities and avoid becoming a statistic by following the above safety
guidelines. Then get to eRidin’!