10 Tips to Keep You Safe on a New E-Bike
There’s been a great deal of buzz about “e-bikes” of late with the vehicles attracting plenty of attention both positive and negative. On the one hand, e-bikes have changed the game by allowing more riders than ever before to utilize two-wheeled transportation and recreation. We particularly love how e-bikes enable riders to tackle steep hills, carry more cargo, and overcome physical challenges so that they can ride how and when they want. On the other hand, the increased speed, power, and potentially flammable lithium-ion batteries of e-bikes and other electric vehicles can pose a real risk to riders and non-riders alike. With the holiday shopping season underway, we want consumers to make informed choices in buying and using e-bikes and electric vehicles so that families can stay safe down the road. Here’s our top ten tips for safely buying and using an e-bike this holiday season!
1) Buy a Street Legal E-Bike
According to Pennsylvania state law, an e-bike is a pedalcycle (pedal-powered vehicle) with electric assist that weighs less than 100 pounds. It has a motor of not more than 750 watts and has operable pedals. It is also not capable of going faster than 20 mph on a level surface when powered by the motor source only. Many other states regulate e-bikes in the following three classes:
- Class 1:
A “Class 1 electric bicycle” is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2:
A “Class 2 electric bicycle” is equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3:
A “Class 3 electric bicycle” is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. It is also equipped with a speedometer.
It is generally understood that all three above classes are accepted as street legal e-bikes in Pennsylvania, but a Class 1 e-bike is the safest option of the three and most like a traditional bicycle in its performance. Make sure to use your e-bike as it was intended and do not exceed its weight or passenger capacity.
2) Do Not Buy an Out-of-Class Electric Vehicle
There is a proliferation of non-e-bikes and e-bike imposters on the market. These are generally referred to as “out of class electric vehicles” and they may not be street legal in Pennsylvania. Electric scooters for instance are not currently allowed on public roadways by Pennsylvania law. Likewise, a motorized electric two-wheeled vehicle that does not have pedals and/or can exceed 20 miles per hour by motor source alone (throttle power) is not classified as an e-bike by Pennsylvania law and may require a motorcycle license to operate. Also, because these are not legally e-bikes, they may not be allowed on bike trails. If you are unsure what is or is not a street legal e-bike, contact a local bike shop for their recommendations!
3) Follow Age Restrictions
According to Pennsylvania state law, children under the age of sixteen should not operate an e-bike on public roads. This is not only the law, but the best practice. We strongly recommend children under sixteen get experience and learn the rules of the road on a traditional pedal bike- while wearing a helmet of course!
4) Wear a Helmet
The increased speed, power, and weight of an e-bike can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Wear a helmet that is in new condition, or even better, buy a new one at your local bike shop. New helmet technologies like Mips and Wavecell make newer helmets even more protective. Ask a local shop for advice!
5) Buy Safe Batteries
The high energy lithium-ion batteries of e-bikes and electric vehicles can be flammable, and although e-bike battery fires have made national news, they are safe if properly stored and used. Make sure to buy e-bikes with batteries that are certified to UL 2849 standards and only buy replacement batteries and chargers that are compatible with your e-bike. Again, contact a local bike shop to find out what e-bikes and batteries they recommend.
6) Practice Battery Safety
Make sure your battery is properly attached and locked to your frame before riding so that it does not fall off and become damaged. Do not use damaged, modified, or incompatible batteries. Ask your local bike shop if you need a replacement battery. Do not charge batteries unattended or continue charging them after charge is full. Do not cover the battery or charger with anything while charging. Ideally, charge batteries on a wire rack away from flammable material and near a working smoke detector and an ABC fire extinguisher. Store and charge batteries at room temperature between a 30% and 60% charge. Do not discard an old battery in the trash or recycling. Visit Call2Recycle to find out how to properly recycle e-bike batteries.
7) Safety Check Your e-bike
Perform an ABC safety check on your e-bike before every ride and inspect your batteries regularly for damage. Keep your bike clean and your drivetrain lubricated for optimal performance.
8) Ride Safely and Lawfully
On the road in Pennsylvania, riders of e-bikes have many of the same legal rights and responsibilities as riders of conventional bikes. These are:
- Obey stop signs, stop lights, posted speed limits, and all traffic controls.
- Bike riders must travel in the direction of traffic.
- Bike riders should travel in the rightmost lane that goes to their destination.
- Bike riders can exit the rightmost lane:
- When overtaking a slower vehicle.
- When making a left turn.
- When moving around an obstruction.
- Bike riders can ride on the shoulder in the same direction as traffic, but are not required to do so.
- Bike riders should not ride more than two abreast on the roadway.
- Motor vehicles must pass bicycles with at least 4 ft of space and only pass when it is safe to do so.
- Motor vehicle drivers and passengers shall not open their car doors until they know it is safe to do so.
- Bike riders should pass parked cars with sufficient space to avoid the 4 ft. “door zone.”
Also avoid riding on sidewalks especially in business districts where it is illegal. Use bike infrastructure as intended. You can learn about the best bike routes by reading The Pittsburgh Bike Map. Lastly, be mindful of the fifteen mile per hour speed limit on local trails and be aware that e-bike access may vary on natural surface trails by locality, so do your research before you go.
Take a Confident City Cycling class to learn safe riding firsthand. E-bikes are always welcome!
9) Keep Your E-Bike Secured
Protect your investment! Your e-bike is a target for theft and its electrical system is susceptible to the elements. Store inside and under cover from precipitation whenever possible. Use a high-quality lock when parking your e-bike and make sure the frame is locked to a fixed object like a bike rack. Don’t just lock your wheel(s) to a rack, your bike can be easily separated from them by a thief. Lastly, remove your battery if your e-bike is parked for long periods of time, particularly in cold or wet weather.
10) Read the E-BikePGH Guide for More Information!
Our 21 page guide has all you need to become an informed e-bike consumer and user. Download the guide here, or contact us to get a print copy!
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