The last thing you want is to come off and end up with an egg on your head.

With that in mind, today we will be looking at some stylish safety gear to keep you looking your best while keeping yourself in one piece!

Helmets

The number one thing you need to keep safe is a helmet. If you’re anything like me, however, you probably find that most helmets you come across look pretty dorky on their best day.

Fear not!

I’ve compiled 5 helmets that will make you look great.

#5. Smith Signal MIPS Bike Helmet

This stylish piece of headwear will keep your skull intact when you’re out on the road, but will also turn plenty of heads for all the right reasons!

Not only is it lightweight and breathable, but it also comes fitted with an easy to use adjuster wheel to make sure the helmet fits tightly on your head!

This particular helmet comes in 6 different colors, so you can match it to your e-bike, backpack, or anything else!

#4. Generies Baseball Cap Style Bike Helmet

Hey, maybe you just don’t like the look of helmets all together? No biggie, this list has you covered too! What better way to disguise your helmet than making it look like a hat?

Not only will this keep your head safe, but it comes with all the benefits of wearing a regular hat as well! Do you face a grueling morning ride into the sun? Well, the brim of this helmet will do a great job of blocking the glare for you!

The black and chrome combo is a pretty nice look and it really makes this a stylish choice for anyone looking to avoid anything resembling a traditional helmet!

#3. Lazer Street Deluxe Helmet

This helmet takes a more traditional approach to its design, but that doesn’t mean they skimped on features and beauty. It includes a brim just like the last design, but unlike the last one, the brim on this helmet is removable which can be very useful if you’re riding in the evening.

It has plenty of vents for breathability too, so you won’t have to worry about your head overheating if you’re riding in hot summer weather!

It has a very nice dark wood finish, which really sets this helmet apart from those like it and adds an amazing style to it that will never go out of fashion!

#2. Segway Ninebot Bike Helmet

Segway has been a staple of the electric transport world for almost 20 years now, so you can be sure that their helmet will benefit from that long legacy in the field!

Stylish, breathable, and almost futuristic looking in design, this helmet brings functionality and style together and marries them together perfectly. This helmet comes with moisture wicking fabric to quickly cool your head and keep you sweat-free!

Coming in matte black, you have the added bonus of not blinding everyone who is turning to marvel at your unparalleled style on the street!

#1. Salomon Brigade+ Audio

This one is a little different, as it was designed with snowboarders in mind. But don’t be deterred, because this piece of head protection is a great choice for those of us that love music just as much as our eBike!

This helmet comes with an inbuilt sound system so you can jam out on your morning commute or when you’re riding around town to relax.

It also has an adjustable vent so you can control airflow through the helmet to avoid all the nasty sweat that comes with a lot of helmets. It comes in either black or gunmetal grey to really add to the futuristic, techy aesthetic that it’s aiming for!

Gloves

Whether its the weather or falls that you’re worried about, gloves are some of the most important, and most overlooked pieces of unobtrusive safety gear.

When the temperatures drop, and it’s frigid outside, your hands will really feel the chill when you get up to speed. The same applies when it gets very hot, and the handles of your eBike feel like they’re on fire!

When you come off, your first instinct is to put your hands out to catch yourself, and the last thing you want is skinned hands and bruised knuckles when you have places to be!

This section will cover some stylish choices to protect you from falls, as well as unpleasant weather!

#5. Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Cycling Gloves

If you are in a relatively mild climate, then you might enjoy the added flexibility that these fingerless gloves offer. With comfortable, ergonomic gel padding you will be well protected without having to worry about an uncomfortable riding experience.

Another great bonus is that you’ll be able to interact with your devices when you’re stopped, without having to remove your gloves and put them back on before you go.

This has a further edge on gloves with touch screen sensitive fingers in that it is far more precise, and you can still use fingerprint biometric features.

#4. Dakine Covert Gloves

For people in a hotter climate, these gloves might be a good choice for you! These gloves are very lightweight and breathable, while at the same time offering full hand protection from falls or incredibly hot parts of your eBike!

One incredibly handy feature is the microfleece thumb panel to take care of any sweat on your brow, or the occasional runny nose.

These gloves come equipped with touch-sensitive thumbs and fingers so you can keep in touch with everyone on the go, even if you can’t use your fingerprints to unlock your phone like the previous pair!

#3. CoolChange Winter Bike Gloves

If you are in a cold climate, fear not, you are covered too! I mean, just look at these stylish gloves. They come in a few different colors, so don’t fret if red isn’t your favorite!

These gloves have plenty of gel padding to cushion your ride and your falls, and the thicker fabric will keep your fingers from freezing off in the cold winds.

These gloves also come with touch-sensitive fingers, so you won’t be forced to weather the cold when you want to check your phone during your commute!

#2. The Bird Glove v2

If leather is more your style, then this glove has you set. It’s made with soft but durable leather to ensure comfort and safety during your ride, while still looking great!
It has reinforced knuckle protection so if you do happen to come off, you’re not going to do any serious damage there. And if someone cut you off and caused the fall, the namesake and highlighted finger that gives this glove it’s namesake might come in handy!

Unfortunately, this glove is not touch-sensitive, so if you happen to get a call or text while you’re out on the road, you will have to remove the glove to take it.

#1. INBIKE Core Full Finger Gloves

These gloves are the epitome of what makes all the gloves on this list great. They’re gel-cushioned, breathable, and touch-sensitive, all wrapped up in a stylish package.

The palm has a slip-proof design, which comes in especially handy for eBikes that come with a twist throttle, and will help keep you speeding along in rain, hail, or shine!

The easy velcro seal makes putting these gloves on super easy which is always a plus, and the reflective logo will help keep you visible at night!

Other Safety Gear

There is plenty of other safety gear that you can use, though, for casual riders or commuters these items aren’t essential.

One great piece of safety equipment to invest in if you’re worried you’ll come off is a pair of knee pads. The knees are, aside from the hands, the part of your body most likely to be impacted.

#1. ZENHOX Heavey Duty Knee Pads

Kneepads like these are great because they are super easy to put on and take off over the top of whatever pants you’re wearing, so you’re not stuck wandering around in bulky kneepads when you get to your destination.

Another item that may not jump to mind when you’re thinking of safety gear is sunglasses.

One of the best things you can do to avoid accidents, and thus keep yourself safe is to invest in a pair of sunglasses to ensure you can see where you’re going and what obstacles are ahead on a bright day!

#2. Black Cycling Sunglasses

Glasses like these cycling glasses by Hawkers will fit neatly underneath your helmet and keep you from being blinded by glare. They also offer wrap-around lenses to protect you from peripheral light as well!

With this list, you are now equipped to keep yourself safe and stylish no matter where your eBike takes you!

If you’re looking for exactly which electric bike to pair with these fashion choices or have any questions about eBikes, take a look around the site for all the information you might need!

The post Electric Bike Safety Gear for Fashionable Riders appeared first on eRide Guides.

According to a 2018 industry analysis, e-bike sales were up 83% between May 2017 and May 2018.  These bikes will undoubtedly continue to gain traction in America as the years go on.

But, of course, safety is a significant factor to consider while riding these bikes. In fact, in a 2015 survey, 72 percent of Americans stated that was their top concern.

It’s understandable. Electric bikes are newer and do differ from traditional bikes, so it’s understandable.

So how can you stay safe while riding an electric bike?

From properly riding the bike on the road to the maintenance it requires, we’ll break down all of your safety concerns in this post before you purchase your new electric bike.

How Does An Electric Bike Compare To A Regular Bike?

If you’re making the switch, it’s important to know the differences between electric bikes and your standard bicycle to prepare yourself for a safe ride better. So let’s break it down.

Battery

Unlike traditional bikes, which simply require you to hop on and pedal, e-bikes need to be charged, typically through a wall outlet. With each charge, you can expect your bike’s battery to last between 35 to 100 miles, depending on the model.

It’s important to know your model’s charge time (and the number of charges the battery will get) so you don’t run out of juice while on the road!

Pedaling

Though there are electric bikes that are run by simply twisting a throttle (no pedaling involved but is significant wear on the battery), most electric bikes still take a bit of pedaling, though much less effort than a traditional bicycle.

With these newer bikes, cyclists can pedal and activate the electric motor with a battery-powered boost to get through tough terrain or hills without overexerting themselves.

That’s helpful when hauling cargo or going long distances!

Speed

Another major difference (which can also be a safety concern, but we’ll discuss that in a minute) is the speed. The average cyclist will go up to 9.3 mph while pedaling on a traditional bike.

However, with an electric bike, riders can move at speeds typically around 18 mph, with some models even going towards 40 mph. The motor, not the wattage, will usually determine how fast these bikes can go.

Cost

For the previous reasons mentioned, e-bikes cost more than conventional bikes. The average pricing is between $1,000-$3,000 but could cost upwards of $10,000 depending on the model of the bike. That’s in comparison to an average cost of $1,000 average for a mid-range traditional commuter bicycle. So it’s certainly an investment.

How Do You Ride An Electric Bike Correctly?

So, since these e-bikes are a bit different from the bike you learned to ride as a kid, it’s crucial to have the proper technique. You should take things slow and learn your new bike before going out on the road.

Pedal Faster

It may seem counterintuitive for an electric bike, but it’s better to pedal faster for a smoother ride, especially if you are climbing hills.

A slower pedaling rate is fine, but you will also get better battery life by pedaling faster.

Use The Eco Boost When You Can

Most e-bikes come with a switch to allow you to change the boost setting during your ride. Those settings typically range from eco (low) to turbo (high).

Though it may be tempting to use the turbo boost to go as fast as possible, riding in eco mode is safer when you’re first starting as a rider.

Riding at a lower speed will also help you save your battery. Or you can turn the electric motor off entirely and go manual.

Brake Earlier

Cyclists will need to brake a little earlier than they may anticipate avoiding collisions. e-bikes are much heavier than a traditional bike, and you are operating with a lot more speed and power.

If you wait too late to brake, you may end up hurling yourself from the saddle. To work on the correct braking technique for your bike, practice on an open stretch before riding around.

What Are The Best Safety Tips When Riding In Public?

While out on the road, it’s vital to practice safe habits as you ride your electric bike.

Always Check The Bike Before You Head Out

Charge your battery before you head out for your ride. Clean, lube, and inspect the chain on your bike regularly and make sure your brakes are working properly. Replace your brake pads and rotors when needed.

Making sure your tire pressure is at the right level is vital too. On the casing side of the tires, you will find the minimum and maximum pressure for your specific bike. Otherwise, you’ll have a pretty rough ride.

Wear Protective Gear

This may seem simple, but it’s a must. Wearing protective gear is a must. At the very least, you should wear a helmet. You will be riding at a pretty fast speed for a bike alongside other cars and pedestrians.

In case of a collision, you want to make sure your body is as protected as it can be. Trust us; you’re not too cool to be safe.

Be A Defensive Driver

Just like when you’re driving a car on the road, you need to anticipate what other drivers and pedestrians will do.

Some drivers may take a turn in front of you or come dangerously close to sideswiping you as you ride in the bike lane. Pedestrians may jaywalk across the street at any moment, and you need to be prepared to stop or move for anything.

Obey Traffic Laws

Just because you’re a cyclist doesn’t mean that you are not responsible for following traffic laws. It may very well save your life.

Cyclists sometimes forget to obey traffic lights and signs because all they’re doing is riding a bike. However, when you’re on the road with other cars, you need to follow the same rules that they do.

Otherwise, you may get into a tragic accident.

Using Warning Lights and Sounds

Something else that will be very helpful in keeping you safe with your electric bike is using warning lights and sounds.

You should install both a bell and a horn on your bike. For the record, bells are for warning pedestrians, and horns are for warning cars (no pedestrian wants to be honked at while in the zone as they walk).

Cyclists should also use a blinking front light and rear LED light on the e-bike, especially if you plan to ride at night.

Bottom line: try to stick to a lot of the same rules and protections of the road as when you’re driving.

Lock Up Your Bike In Public

If you are commuting to work or running errands, always make sure to lock your bike! Some electric bikes have a pre-installed battery lock that is easy to use.

If your model doesn’t have one, the best external lock to use is a U-Lock, which goes around the front tire to lock at a bike rack. Get as small a U-Lock as you can. If there’s not a lot of space in between the lock, thieves will struggle to break the lock with a crowbar or other tools to make off with your e-bike.

How Do You Properly Maintain Your Electric Bike?

In addition to checking your brakes and other parts of your electric bike regularly, it’s vital to be proactive about maintenance on the bike. That’s not only in regards to the life of your battery and bike but also when it comes to safety on the road.

Regularly Clean The Bike

This may seem obvious, but giving your e-bike a good clean will help to keep dirt and other particles out of the engine and potentially messing up the motor.

E-bikes should be washed once or twice a week using a low-pressure water stream or simply a wet rag. Just make sure you dray it off when you’re finished.

You can also use an air duster to clean any dirt from the e-bike’s controller and display.

Protect The Battery

The battery is vital to the life of the bike, so it’s essential to care for it as well. Store your battery at room temperature instead of really hot or really cold temperature.

This may affect the battery power and, ultimately, your ride. Just avoid taking your bike out in extreme weather conditions entirely.

Check Your Handle Bars

Every few months, check to make sure that your handlebars and stem are tight on the e-bike.

Vibrations while riding can cause the handlebars and stem to become loose. You don’t want to lose control out on the road!

Transport It Safely

If an e-bike is going to be transported by car using a bike rack, remove the battery and any other removable components. This will help make sure it’s not damaged.

Because the bike is so heavy, experts suggest using a rear-mounted bike rack instead of a roof carrier system to transport the bike on trips. Also, bring waterproof protective covers as well to protect the bike in case it does rain.

Find A Quality E-bike Shop

Having a regular maintenance schedule at a bike shop that knows how to fix e-bikes will be essential for the life of the bike. Not all shops are equipped to handle these bikes, so do some deep research into places around your area.

If you ride regularly, it’s a good idea to get a full tune-up on your bike from a qualified shop every 6-12 months. If you only ride seasonally, then bring your bike into a professional at the start or end of the season.

Be mindful, though, that if you attempt to convert a regular bike into an electric one with a kit or buy from a shop with only online service, it may be harder to find a shop to help in times of need.

And there you have it! This guide will certainly help you have a safe and comfortable ride with your electric bike.

Be sure to leave a comment below on what you think about these safety and maintenance tips! You can also read one of our other articles to help determine which electric bike may be the one for you! 

The post How To Ride an Electric Bike Safely: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on eRide Guides.