{"id":7968,"date":"2025-04-29T15:33:47","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T13:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/?p=7968"},"modified":"2025-04-30T15:38:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:38:47","slug":"the-10-commandments-of-safe-e-bike-riding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/2025\/04\/29\/the-10-commandments-of-safe-e-bike-riding\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Commandments of Safe E-Bike Riding"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yes, you\u2019ve heard it a hundred times: wear a helmet and turn your lights on after sunset. Absolutely \u2013 do it, no debate there. But there\u2019s more to being a smart, responsible e-biker. Here are ten things to keep in mind, as recommended by pro biker Richard Gasperotti, that\u2019ll not only make you a better rider but also help make the roads and trails safer for everyone around you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Respect the more vulnerable<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re in the city or on the trails, always respect those who are more vulnerable \u2013 pedestrians, kids, dog walkers. If you see someone walking in the forest, slow down to walking pace. It\u2019ll cost you maybe two seconds. Big deal. Say hello and be a good representative \u2013 not just for yourself, but for all e-bikers out there.<\/p>\n

E-bikes climb fast, so if you’re approaching someone from behind, give a friendly heads-up. No one likes being startled. Shared-use paths are often a battleground between hikers and riders, but you can be the ambassador who proves bikes and boots can get along. You\u2019re faster, your bike is heavier, and you\u2019ve got a motor. That makes you the \u201cstronger party\u201d \u2013 and with great power comes the responsibility to yield.<\/p>\n

Know the traffic rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Even if you\u2019ve never driven a car or taken a driving test, you still need to know the road rules. And not just the rules \u2013 the key to staying safe is communication. Always signal when you turn, make eye contact with drivers and other cyclists when you can, and try to anticipate what others will do. Yield when you\u2019re supposed to, go when you\u2019ve got the right of way. Ride smart.<\/p>\n

Ride only where you\u2019re allowed<\/strong><\/p>\n

E-assist extends your reach. Suddenly, you\u2019re riding places you never thought you\u2019d reach. But just because you can doesn\u2019t mean you should. Many nature reserves, parks, and protected landscapes have strict access rules, and some trails are off-limits to bikes or e-bikes entirely. Check your route in advance and don\u2019t get caught breaking the rules.<\/p>\n

Plan your route around your battery range<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Range is the holy grail of e-bike questions. Nobody wants to end up miles from home with a dead battery, right?<\/p>\n

Your range depends on a lot more than just battery capacity.<\/a> Rider weight, terrain, tyre pressure, motor assist mode, and your choice of gears all play a role. So get familiar with your bike: test it out, learn how it behaves, and plan your rides accordingly.<\/p>\n

Modern chargers are compact and light. Throw one in your backpack and recharge at any caf\u00e9 with a regular wall socket. Also, don\u2019t overestimate your ability to handle big climbs. E-bikes make it easy to reach mountaintops, but getting down safely takes skill, especially on technical descents.<\/p>\n

\"E-Bike<\/a>
Whether you\u2019re in the city or on the trails, always respect those who are more vulnerable. Whether you\u2019re in the city or on the trails, always respect those who are more vulnerable. \u00a9 Profimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don\u2019t grind in high gears<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cranking the motor to full turbo and mashing the heaviest gear might feel effortless \u2013 but it\u2019s a fast track to draining your battery and destroying your drivetrain. Chains, cogs, and motors aren\u2019t cheap.<\/p>\n

Instead, use moderate assist levels and keep your pedalling cadence around 60\u201380 RPM. Shift often, keep things spinning, and your bike will thank you. Bonus: you\u2019ll get more cardio out of every ride, which science says is good for your mood and long-term health.<\/p>\n

Double-check your charge<\/strong><\/h2>\n

So, your bike was plugged in all night \u2013 great. But did you actually check that it charged to 100%? Look for the full set of battery indicators. Sounds silly, but we\u2019ve seen too many rides ruined by extension cords not plugged into the wall. Trust, but verify!<\/p>\n

Wear glasses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Not because it\u2019s stylish (though it is), but because a bug to the eyeball at 25 km\/h is no joke. One good hit from a wasp or fly and you could swerve into a ditch \u2013 or worse. Eye protection is just as essential as a helmet.<\/p>\n

Downshift before you stop<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Rolling up to a red light? Good. Now shift into an easier gear before you come to a stop. This makes your next launch smoother, quicker, and safer \u2013 not just for you, but for the cars behind you. Get into the habit, and you\u2019ll do it automatically at every stop, including technical trail sections.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t ride side by side<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s talk common sense: If we want drivers to give cyclists 1.5 meters of passing room, we need to give them space to do that. Riding two abreast may be legal or illegal depending on where you are, but in any case, it’s not doing us any favours.<\/p>\n

Adjust things to get your e-bike under better control<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your bars should feel like the control centre of a spaceship: everything within easy reach, no fumbling. That includes shifters, assist controls, brake levers, and your dropper post remote<\/a> (if you have one). If something feels off or out of reach, fix it. Your reflexes will thank you.<\/p>\n

Another important thing is the foot position on the pedals. Are your feet pointing straight ahead when you pedal? Congrats, that\u2019s how it should be. You\u2019d be surprised how many people ride with their toes pointing inward (A-shape) or outward (V-shape), which can cause knee problems over time.<\/p>\n

For better control and stability, position your foot so that about one-third is in front of the pedal axle and two-thirds behind it. No toe-pedalling, no heel-pedalling \u2013 just solid, well-balanced power.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Yes, you\u2019ve heard it a hundred times: wear a helmet and turn your lights on after sunset. 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