KTowneBiker
Tips for eBike Riders
New to the world of eBikes? Need a refresher on how to be a courteous road user? Here you can find some tips about riding that will help you navigate the road more safely.
01
Wear a Helmet
The first and most obvious thing you should do when riding an eBike is to make sure your head is properly protected in the event of an accident. Legally you MUST wear a helmet on an eBike no matter your age. And while is is perfectly legal to wear a regular bicycle helmet while riding an eBike, a certified motorcycle helmet is encouraged... after all, your head is your best asset!
02
Familiarize Yourself Provincial and Local Laws
Almost everyone has ridden a regular bike in their lives... just hop on and go, right? Not exactly! If you haven't noticed already, there's lots of law breaking going on out there. Did you know that your eBike has to have the pedals attached or that you cannot operate an eBike if you have a driving conviction under the criminal code? Check out the links here to learn more.
03
STOP at Stop Signs and Red Lights
Usually found at intersections, these red-coloured octagon signs and red-coloured traffic lights indicate that you must come to a full and complete stop before proceeding. They do not mean slow down. They do not mean keep going without touching your breaks. They mean stop. It's easy. Obeying stop signs and red lights could save your life... and you make eBikers look bad when you ignore them.
04
Use Hand Signals
While it's wonderful that your eBike has signal lights to indicate what direction you are turning, it's extremely helpful to other road users if you indicate which way you are turning with your hands. Occasionally, especially in bright sunlight, signal lights on eBikes are difficult to see. Using hand signals is not only polite, but could also help prevent an accident. You can find pictures of hand signals here.
05
Apply Common Sense
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This is easy: if you think or feel like something is a bad idea, it probably is. And if you know the rules of the road, it's even easier to identify those bad ideas! Please don't do things that give eBikers a bad reputation. We are still fairly new to the mix, and we want to be around for a long time to come.
Additionally, a great mantra to live by when you're out on your eBike is: See, Be Seen, Be Predictable. This little saying could make all the difference in your eBike experience.