With the increasing popularity of e-fietsen today, there is a lot of concern about their safety. Whether you’re travelling through city streets or zipping along country lanes, it’s vital to ensure the safe use of your e-bike. The following are some key aspects that can help us effectively guarantee the safety of e-bikes.
1. Vehicle purchase and inspection
Choose qualified products
Certification standards: When buying an e-bike, make sure the vehicle meets the relevant national or industry standards. For example, in many countries and regions, qualified e-bikes should meet certain motor power limits (e.g. maximum power 250W) and maximum speed limits (e.g. maximum 25km/h). Check whether the vehicle has the corresponding certification mark, such as the European Union’s CE certification, which is an important basis for the quality and safety of the vehicle to meet the basic requirements.
Brand reputation: choosing an e-bike from a well-known brand is usually more secure. These brands often have a more stringent production quality control system, the quality of components and the stability of the overall performance of the vehicle better control. You can learn about the brand’s reputation by checking consumer reviews, professional evaluations and other ways.
Vehicle Inspection
Integrity of parts: Before buying a new vehicle or every time you ride, check whether all parts of the vehicle are complete. This includes checking whether the brake handle and brake cable of the braking system (hand and foot brakes) are normal, and whether the brake blocks are badly worn; checking whether the wheels are securely mounted and whether the tyres are broken, deformed, or under-inflated; and checking whether the frame is cracked or deformed.
Electrical system check: check whether the connection of the battery is firm and there is no sign of looseness or corrosion. Check whether the motor is working properly and whether there is any abnormal sound when starting and running. At the same time, check whether the lights (headlights, rear lights, turn signals, etc.), horn and other electrical equipment are working properly.
2. Riding equipment
Helm
Qualified quality: E-bike Helm is one of the most important equipment to ensure cycling safety. Choose a helmet that meets safety standards, such as products that have passed national safety certification. The shell of the helmet should be strong, the internal buffer layer can effectively absorb the collision energy.
Proper fit: After purchasing a helmet, make sure it is worn correctly. The helmet should fit snugly on the head and not be too loose or too tight. Adjust the straps of the helmet so that it stays securely on your head and does not cause discomfort to your chin and neck.
Other equipment
Depending on the actual riding situation, other protective equipment can be equipped. Such as riding gloves, which can protect your hands from abrasions when you fall; if you ride more at night, it is recommended to wear a reflective vest to increase your visibility on the road and make it easier for other vehicles and pedestrians to notice you.
3. Precautions during riding
Comply with traffic rules
Traffic signals and signs: Like other means of transport, e-bike riders need to strictly abide by traffic signals and traffic signs. Stop at red lights, green lights, pay attention to yield signs, etc., do not run red lights or go against the traffic, which is the basic requirement to protect their own safety and that of other road users.
Lane Use: On roads with clear cycle lanes, ride within the cycle lanes, where there are no cycle lanes, drive on the right-hand side of the road and keep a safe distance from motor vehicles and pedestrians.
Safe Riding Habits
Speed control: Control your riding speed according to the road conditions and surroundings. Slow down in crowded areas, intersections, curves and other places. Avoid speeding, because high speed will increase the braking distance, reduce the reaction time, and it is difficult to react in time once you encounter an unexpected situation.
Stay alert: Always pay attention to the traffic conditions around you, including the dynamics of motor vehicles, other non-motorised vehicles and pedestrians during the ride. Do not use headphones to listen to music or make phone calls to avoid distraction. At the same time, pay attention to the road surface and avoid potholes, standing water, stones and other obstacles that may cause falls.
Brake correctly: Learn to use your brakes correctly. When you need to slow down or stop, squeeze or step on the brakes lightly to give a signal to vehicles and pedestrians behind you, then gradually increase the braking force and stop smoothly. Avoid braking sharply, especially at high speeds or on slippery surfaces, which can easily lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
4. Vehicle care and maintenance
Regular Maintenance
Maintenance of mechanical parts: Maintain the e-bike regularly (e.g. every 3 – 6 months). Check and adjust the brake system and replace worn-out brake blocks; clean and lubricate transmission parts such as chains and gears to ensure their normal operation; check the bearings and spokes of wheels and replace damaged parts in time.
Maintenance of the electrical system: Regularly check the power and health of the battery to avoid over-discharging or charging. Clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion. For motors and controllers, pay attention to waterproofing and moisture-proofing to avoid malfunctioning due to prolonged use in harsh environments.
Storage Precautions
Suitable storage environment: E-bikes should be stored in a dry and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and humid environment. If it is not used for a long time, it is better to remove the battery and store it separately, and keep a certain amount of power (e.g. 50% – 70%), and charge the battery every once in a while to prevent the battery from self-discharge damage.
In conclusion, to ensure the safety of e-bikes we need to buy from the vehicle, riding equipment, riding process and vehicle maintenance and maintenance and other aspects of comprehensive consideration and action. Only all-round attention and implementation of these safety measures, so that we can enjoy the convenience of travelling on an e-bike at the same time, to maximise the protection of our own and others’ lives and property safety.
