An e-bike is a powerful tool, one that can provide you with a quick, often fun ride from place to place. Whether you choose to buy or rent one, knowing how to stay safe on them is not as obvious as it might seem. Unlike motorcycles, most people never receive a full education in how to properly use these devices, which means injuries are common.
Because we see so many e-bike accidents in the city, our Philadelphia personal injury attorney at Kwartler Manus wants to help you stay safe. The following tips do not replace local laws or ordinances, but they can help you avoid some of the worst outcomes in the event of an accident.
The Importance of Helmets on e-Bikes
All bikes, which include both traditional and electric (e-bikes), can be used on the Commonwealth’s roads, unless specifically prohibited. But all bike riders must follow the state’s laws.
Helmets are not fun to wear, but the reality is that they save lives by reducing the risk of injury. The Pennsylvania laws for e-bikes require that anyone under the age of 12 wear one. This includes the rider or anyone in an extra seat or a trailer. The state’s laws do not require adults to wear helmets while riding e-bikes. However, it is always recommended.
Even if you are very safe and confident in your skills on the road, you cannot control other drivers. That increases the risk of serious injury when a driver fails to stop. The number of traumatic brain injuries that happen in our area is terrifying. A helmet may protect from some of those worst outcomes.
Keep the following in mind:
- Choose a helmet fitted to your head. Over or under-sized put you at risk.
- Teach your kids the importance of using helmets by wearing them yourself.
- Visually check the helmet before you head out on the road every time. Look for signs of damage.
Follow these steps to minimize the biggest risks on e-bikes. But that is not all you need to do.
Learn and Obey the Rules of the Road
In Philadelphia, e-bikes must follow the same rules as traditional bikes. That means you need to operate your e-bike like a car.
- Obey all posted traffic signs and signals.
- Make sure you signal when turning.
- Operate in the direction of traffic.
- Stay within your lane. Bike lanes are accessible for e-bike riders as well.
- When passing others, use special care. Signal, expect the other driver not to see you, and put as much distance between you and the other vehicle as possible.
Following the law means two things. First, it will reduce the risk of accidents by keeping you safe. It also minimizes fault on your shoulders should an accident occur. If you are obeying the law, that prevents claims against you from reckless behavior.
Be as Visible as You Can Be
One of the most common reasons for e-bike accidents is that the other driver did not see you. Bikes are smaller, often easily blend in with the surroundings, and make very little noise. These are all factors that contribute to the increase in accidents involving riders. There are several ways you can be more visible:
- Wear light colors. Never wear dark colors on an e-bike. You may not want to wear a bright colored vest, but choose lighter colors whenever possible.
- Install reflectors and wear them as well. It should be very easy for others to see your bike when the reflectors are on, especially in the evening.
- Reflective clothing is essential in low-light conditions, such as foggy mornings or dark evenings.
Make your bike stand out. That is the only real way to get distracted drivers to see you and avoid hitting you.
Learn to Drive Defensively
The hard reality for many e-bike riders is that these accidents happen because other drivers are not paying attention or may not know how to share the road properly with a bike. Assume the other person will cause an accident. The following defensive driver tips do not impact your experience, but they do reduce risk.
- Put as much space between you and other riders as possible. Distance gives you time to react to changing conditions.
- Keep your speed controlled. The faster you are going, the harder it is for others to both see you and react to you.
- When passing another person on the road, wait until you have a clear path. Do not try to jut out in front of a car.
- Avoid sudden movements. If the person behind you cannot predict what will happen, that increases the risk.
- Know hand signals and how to use them.
Take as much preventative care as possible on the road. But, even then, accidents may still occur.
How to Get Help When an E-Bike Accident Happens
Our e-bike attorney in Philadelphia at Kwartler Manus is an advocate you need by your side after such an accident. We know these are hard cases, often involving serious injuries and significant implications. We do all we can to fight for fair treatment for you. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
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