Electric trikes are fun and offer an eco-friendly way of getting around. But safety should always be at the top of your list of priorities. Whether you use your electric trike for commuting, running errands, or having fun, understanding how to ride it safely is essential. Therefore, in this blog, we will give you some important safety measures to keep you protected whenever you ride.
Importance of Safety While Riding Electric Trikes
Riding an electric trike improves mobility and is fun, thanks to the electrical assistance of its motor. However, riders need to recognize that there are some hazards associated with riding one of these fantastic machines. You can reduce risk in many ways, from performing pre-ride checks to wearing appropriate riding gear and adopting safe riding practices. All these things play a role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
This article will cover what you should do before each ride, the importance of appropriate riding gear, and how to ride safely. We also share maintenance tips that will go a long way toward improving your safety.
Pre-ride Safety Checks
Before you head out on a ride, there are some simple checks you can do to see if your electric trike is safe. Here's what you need to know.
Checking Tire Pressure
If your tires are over inflated, you can experience a lack of traction and a harsh ride quality. Under inflated tires are susceptible to punctures and increase rolling resistance, which reduces your range as your motor has to work harder, using more energy from the battery. An inexpensive tire pressure gauge will let you know how much air you have in your tires. Then, you can use a pump to achieve the manufacturer's recommendations.
Make Sure Your Battery Is Fully Charged
Before setting off on any ride, you need to be confident you have enough battery power to get to your destination or back home. If you run out of battery power, you may be left stranded in a potentially unsafe location. It is best to charge your battery the night before your ride so you don't have to worry about not having enough range.
Check Your Lights
You may have to ride in low light conditions, which requires bike lights to stay visible to other road users. Therefore, you should make sure your bike lights work and are charged. Even if you don't plan on riding in the dark, it is still a good idea to have functioning lights, as they improve visibility on the road, even in the daytime. Also, your plans may change, requiring you to ride home unexpectedly after the sun goes down.
Riding Gear
There are a few things you should wear when riding your electric trike. These are not just safety measures but make your rides more pleasant by keeping you comfortable.
Importance Of Wearing Helmets
Nobody should ride their electric trike without a helmet. It is the most important piece of safety gear you can buy, as it protects your head if you fall or crash. Your helmet must fit perfectly, have sufficient coverage, and meet safety standards. Never go for the cheapest bike helmet, as it won't protect you as well as more expensive models.
Protective Clothing And Accessories
Your clothing is an essential consideration when riding your electric trike. Firstly, what you wear should suit the weather conditions. For example, wear a waterproof and breathable outer layer if it's raining. Consider wearing gloves to enhance your grip and keep your hands warm.
It's also a good idea to wear bright colors or reflective clothing that makes you stand out to other road users. We recommend that you wear some form of eye protection, whether that be cycling glasses or sunglasses, as they can protect your eyes from grit and debris from the road.
Safe Riding Practices
There are several techniques you can use when riding to stay safe. Most of them are common sense, but it's always good to have a little reminder of safe riding practices.
Following Traffic Rules
One of the primary safety measures when riding your trike is to follow traffic rules. Electric trikes are subject to the same traffic rules as other vehicles, so always ride in designated lanes, pay attention to traffic signals, and use hand signals to indicate your turns. When you follow the rules of the road, other road users can predict what you're going to do, which prevents accidents and doesn't annoy anyone.
Maintaining A Safe Speed
The assistance of your electric motor can make it tempting to ride your trike as fast as possible all the time. But this isn't the best practice, as high speeds make reacting to unexpected obstacles and hazards difficult. If you ride at a moderate pace, you can stay in control and take action if needed.
Being Aware Of Your Surroundings
Don't just ride your trike in your own little world. You need to consider everything that's going on around you, such as pedestrians, other cyclists, and vehicles. Frequently look behind you to check for traffic, and always be prepared to stop or swerve if necessary.
Regular Maintenance
One of the most essential safety measures is to perform regular maintenance tasks on your electric trike. It's a good idea to schedule routine checkups to see if your trike's components are in good working order. There are things you can do yourself, but more complex tasks should be performed by experts.
Clean Your Trike Regularly
Don't underestimate the importance of cleaning your electric trike. When you remove unwanted dirt and grime, moving parts work more efficiently, and you can avoid premature wear and tear. Also, cleaning your trike gives you the opportunity to look for problems that need addressing.
Lubricate Moving Parts
You should regularly lubricate the chain, gears, and other moving parts. Doing so ensures smooth operation and improves longevity.
Inspect Your Brakes
Your brakes are essential for staying safe. Therefore, you should check that your brakes work before riding. Inspect the brake pads every two weeks or so to see if you need to change them for new ones.
Conclusion
Staying safe while riding your electric trike involves checking your trike over before you ride, riding safely, and regular maintenance. By doing all these things, you can stay as safe as possible wherever you ride. Your safety and the safety of others should always be a priority. With appropriate safety measures, you can enjoy the benefits of riding an electric trike with peace of mind.
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