Ride Smart!

Riding an e-bike comes with risks. Watch the videos below and join our Virtual Safety Training Session to learn tips on how to better protect yourself on the road.

These videos offer some general e-bike safety advice but are not comprehensive. Always consider your specific situation, follow local laws, and seek additional advice as needed.

Remember Traffic Laws and Your Rights on the Road

As an e-bike user, you have the same legal right to be on the road as cars. You also have to follow the same traffic directions like stop signs, speed limits, and traffic lights. Remember to yield to pedestrians.

It is illegal to ride your e-bike on the sidewalk, except for areas where the sidewalk is part of a designated multi-use trail.

E-Bikes are currently not allowed on roads with speed limits over 35mph.

Know the Safety Risks Unique to E-Bikes

E-bikes are more powerful than standard bikes and have unique safety risks. Start out slow and brake earlier to stop safely at higher speeds. Motorists may not realize you're on an e-bike and won’t expect your higher speeds. Look out for the three most common crash types:

  • Motorists driving out from a side street

  • Oncoming motorists turning left in front of you

  • Motorists passing and then right hooking you

Remember that improper battery charging can pose a fire risk. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for safe charging and check in with your bike shop if you have any questions.

Help Protect Your E-Bike From Theft

If your e-bike is stolen, we recommend filing a police report and sharing a photo on Bike Snoop to alert the community and increase the chances of recovery. Make sure to take photos of your e-bike and record the serial number soon after purchase for proof of ownership.

Join us for a Virtual E-Bike Safety Training Session on Monday, April 7 at 7pm!

This 1-hour session, conducted virtually via Zoom, will cover essential topics such as securely locking an e-bike, understanding the differences between e-bikes and traditional bikes, traffic laws, bicycle safety equipment, and strategies to prevent common car and bike conflicts. The instructor will present the material and allow time for questions via chat box at the end. This session will be led by a certified League of American Bicyclists and Cycling Savvy Instructor.

A Zoom link will be sent via email closer to the event date. Registration is required. Complete the form to sign up!