E-bikes are one of the most popular options for getting around, and they are also ideal for people looking to get fit or find a fun pastime or sport. An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with a motor and battery to help the user pedal faster and further on the bike with less effort. E-bikes offer various advantages such as: being a sustainable form of transport, which is great for both physical and mental health, and an always enjoyable outdoor pastime for those wishing to explore their surroundings.
Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular and if you want to buy one or if you already own one, safety should be your top priority when riding one. Obeying the rules of the road, understanding the basic etiquette of e-bikes and ensuring that they are safe are all essential. We will then explain to you around what cycling etiquette you should know and follow.

Find out where you can ride an e-bike

E-bikes have their own policies about it. You’d be wise to research your local and state laws and regulations to find out where you can ride an e-bike and check whether you can ride on the street, sidewalk or bike lane. Some states treat e-bikes the same as conventional bikes. Others have laws regarding electric bicycles, mopeds or motor-driven bicycles, so you will need to research your local laws and regulations to see if you can ride.
Many states prohibit cyclists from riding on pavements, even though it is technically allowed, but you are better off riding in a dedicated lane no matter where you live. Riding an e-bike on a busy pavement then you will be with people on foot, not providing ideal riding conditions, and in many places are not allowed to ride on the pavement. So before you go out on your e-bike, read the cycling rules in your area or ask your local bike shop where you can be allowed to ride an e-bike.

Need to give way to pedestrians and other motor vehicles

You may encounter stopped or slow-moving cars and bicycles during your ride, so it is important that you slow down and ride carefully to pass them, yielding to other vehicles or other riders as you approach. Slowing down and giving way will allow you to assess the area and determine if it is safe to pass and continue your journey.
In addition to this, e-bikes must give way to pedestrians just like any other motor vehicle.

Obey all traffic signals and signs

Because you share the road with other vehicles, you must obey all traffic signals and signs for other cars and vehicles. Riding an electric bicycle may not look like driving a car, but it is illegal to ride past a stop sign, cross a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk or run a red light.
Knowing all the traffic signs and signals before you take your e-bike on the road is the best way to stay safe and protect others. Licensed drivers may already be familiar with all the road signs, compared to unlicensed riders who may need to go through the road signs to ensure you can recognise basic signs and signals when riding on the road and ride your e-bike as safely as possible.

A reminder for other riders

Your e-bike will go faster than a conventional bicycle. Be sure to watch your speed and observe the speed limit when riding next to other riders and vehicles.
If you are passing and cannot slow down, use your bell to alert others, your bell is a great way to attract attention and inform them that you are passing.
Be courteous to other cyclists and slow down when riding near them, this will respect them and your road space as if you don’t use it properly an e-bike can reach very high speeds and become a deadly vehicle so you need to be respectful of other riders.

Using hand signals

Cyclists on e-bikes, like drivers, must use signals to indicate which direction they are turning or entering a lane. Unlike cars, which can be signalled by the car’s lights, e-bikes must use hand signals to inform other drivers or cyclists. Here are three basic hand signals you should master before you hit the road, if you have not used bicycle hand signals before.
Hand signals are vital because they help prevent collisions between bikes and cars, and hand signals help you tell vehicles where you are going and how they should avoid you. Here are three hand signals that you should be aware of and learn.

• Turning left

Indicate your intention to turn left by extending your left arm fully to the side. Straighten your hand and turn it with the palm facing forward. You should complete this signal before you start or complete a lane change or turn.

• Turning right

On your e-bike, you have two options to indicate a right turn. One is to extend your right arm to the side, just as you would signal a left turn. The second is to speak your left arm bent at a 90 degree angle, palm facing forward, to signal a right turn before changing lanes or turning.

• STOP

The stop signal is one of the most frequently used hand signals. This signal is important to indicate to cars or cyclists behind you that you are coming to a stop so that they do not collide with you. Make a 90 degree angle with your left hand, with your arm facing down and your palm facing back, to indicate that you are about to stop.

Wearing brightly coloured clothing

Making yourself visible on the road is a great way to keep yourself safe when riding your e-bike. Wearing clothing in a conspicuous colour or reflective will help you stand out and be spotted by cars, cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, make sure your e-bike has front and rear lights or reflectors to help others see you in low light conditions.

Comply with the helmet law

Helmet laws vary from state to state, so before riding your e-bike, find out about your state’s helmet age requirements and helmet legislation for bicycle passengers. While wearing a helmet is optional for some people, it is always a good idea to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike, regardless of age, and wearing a helmet can save you from serious injury due to a crash or other accident.

Obeying the flow of traffic

When you are on the road, ride your e-bike in the same direction as the traffic. In almost all cases, e-bike riders should follow the same rules as cars on the road. This includes riding on the right side of the road, indicating turns and giving way to pedestrians crossing the street.
Riding with the flow of traffic allows other drivers to see you and allows you to obey traffic laws and ride where other motorists or e-bike riders expect you to, then you will keep yourself safe.

Are you ready to start riding your e-bike around town? After learning the best etiquette advice and laws for riding, you’ll be ready to ride your e-bike safely.