Electric Bike Pre-Ride Checklist
How many times have you jumped onto your electric bike and gone zooming off down the street? It sounds innocent enough but before taking that first pedal stroke, there are important things you should check before every ride to ensure the electric bike is operating safely and you don’t hurt yourself.
It goes without saying that the most important thing you can do before any ride is don a certified helmet that fits your head perfectly. It’s like having a seatbelt for your brain and you wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt would you? Plus in most places in Canada it’s the law to wear one. Aside from that, there are a number of other quick, but important, checks you can perform on your electric bike before you go riding.
Before embarking on your electric bike ride, it’s important to check the following for safety:
Battery:
Check the indicator on your battery to see its level of charge. If you’re going on a long ride (60+ kms) consider taking the charger with you just in case.
Helmet:
It’s the law in most provinces to wear a helmet while riding an electric bike. Ensure yours meets the approval of such safety organizations as ASTM, ANSI or CAN-CSA.
Lights:
Many electric bikes have lights that run off the battery. Ensure yours are working properly. If not included, be sure to attach both a front and back light to the frame of your electric bike. To engage the lights on your Pedego electric bike, power the LCD meter on and then press the power button quickly again. This will backlit the screen and turn on your front and rear lights. For more about the LCD meter on Pedego electric bikes, visit: pedegoelectricbikes.ca/electric-bike-lcd-console.
Water:
It’s a good idea to always ride with a full water bottle either in a bottle cage on the frame of your electric bike or in a pannier or other bag.
Clothing:
Secure loose clothing, especially on your right side, so it doesn’t get caught in the chain. Wear reflective clothing at night.
Gloves:
Although optional, gloves can help protect your hands and improve your grip.
Brakes:
Squeeze the brake levers of your electric bike to ensure they engage. Visually inspect the brake pads for wear. For more about the brakes of your Pedego electric bike, visit: pedegoelectricbikes.ca/electric-bike-brakes-tutorial
Tires:
Inflate your tires on a regular basis to the recommended pressure as shown on the tires. Check for, and replace, loose, bent or broken spokes. For more about how to change the tires on your electric bike, visit: pedegoelectricbikes.ca/how-to-change-electric-bike-tire.
Handlebars & Stem:
Adjust handlebars so they are at a comfortable height. Ensure stem is fastened tightly by putting your legs on either side of the front wheel while facing towards the bike and twisting the handlebars. If there’s movement, be sure to tighten.
Seat:
Ensure it’s at the right height by sitting on it with the balls of your feet on the pedals. At the bottom of your pedal stroke, your legs should almost be straight with your knees slightly bent. Check the clamp or bolt to ensure the seat post is tightly held.
Chain:
Inspect your chain. If there’s any rust or if it squeaks when you turn the crank, be sure to lubricate it.
Axles:
Check the quick release levers or nuts on your axles to ensure they’re tight. This is especially important for the wheel with the electric motor as it exerts a higher force than a normal bike.
Phone:
A cell phone is a useful safety device and many electric bikes offer USB charging ports in the console to ensure yours can be charged. For more about how to use the LCD meter on your Pedego electric bike to charge your mobile device visit: pedegoelectricbikes.ca/electric-bike-lcd-console.
Related Article
Pedego Responds to Concerns Raised by Ebike Battery Fires
January 10 2023Understanding what you are buying when it comes to ebike batteries is critical. Ebike battery fires are making headlines. Is...
Read More
