Tips for safe driving with e-bike and pedelec
Cycling is healthy, climate friendly? and with electronic support even convenient and fast. But the speed of e-bikes and pedelecs also carries risks. It is all the more important that I control my bike well and behave as prudently as possible on the road. Six tips for a safe journey.
The electric drive for the bicycle is trendy. No wonder, the small engine helps to easily climb even climbs - thanks to the more or less subtle engine assistance when pedaling. The advantage: especially older cyclists can do longer tours without exhaustion.
E-bike or pedelec - what is what?
The so-called Pedelecs (Pedal Electric Cycle) only support their own pedaling, but do not replace it. Thus, these electric bikes promote my health and fitness, because I have to move. When it comes to e-bikes, the electric motor ensures speed even when I rest without pedaling. As long as these electric bikes only a maximum of 25 kilometers per hour are fast, they are purely legally as bicycles. This means: I am allowed to use bicycle paths with them.
But although e-bikes and pedelecs are very similar to normal bikes, there are some differences. So the electric bikes are heavier and behave differently when starting, braking and maneuvering. Therefore, I should note some tips for safe driving.
Tip 1: Practice driving off
The starting behavior of pedelecs takes some getting used to. The engine behaves differently depending on the built-in sensor type ? both in terms of strength and time lag of engine assistance. In front engines, the front wheels can also slip off easier when starting. In any case, I should practice the start-up and familiarize myself with the handling of my bike.
Tip 2: Test brakes
Because pedelecs accelerate faster, travel faster, and can be transported with them more than with conventional bicycles, they are equipped with stronger brakes. This has an effect on the braking behavior. It is therefore recommended to test the braking effect on safe terrain ? for example, on a dirt road. In doing so, I make sure that I always operate the front and rear brakes simultaneously in order to achieve the full braking power. The body should always lean backwards when braking.
Tip 3: Adjust speed
The e-bike naturally starts faster than conventional bicycles. But beware: motorists can hardly distinguish whether someone is traveling with a normal bike or a pedelec. In particular, they hardly expect older people to be on the move at a speed of 25. That is exactly what is possible with the pedelec.
If in doubt, I prefer my speed to the expectations of other road users. Basically, I should drive at any time only so fast that I have the wheel well under control and can brake safely.
Tip 4: Driving ahead
As a pedelec driver I should always keep an eye on the traffic. That's the only way I can make sure that vehicles approaching from the back or from a side street are in time. When turning and changing lanes, I always think of the shoulder glance and the hand signal. In potentially accident-prone situations, such as right-turning cars, I prefer to drive defensively and let other road users in precedence.
Tip 5: See and be seen
Bright clothes increase my visibility on the road. Especially for the twilight and night I should resort to reflector strips or accessories such as reflective bracelets. The lighting system should of course work and be clean. Whether this is the case, I test before each journey.
Tip 6: Pedelec training
Have I not sat on a pedelec for a long time or am I a complete newcomer when it comes to e-bike, we recommend participating in a special pedelec training. Often, not only driving is trained, but also traffic-safe behavior refreshed.
