Riding safely on an e-bike: our tips for professionals

Le electric bycicle is gaining popularity to this day. These many attractions, both for ease of movement and for health reasons, make this two-wheeled vehicle very popular with the French.

Demand is becoming more and more important, and followers of all ages are growing in number. Children, adults and the elderly have embraced this new type bike and to limit the risks associated with road traffic accidents, it is important to follow certain rules safety...

Velobekan, plot number 1 for sale VAE gives you my best practice advice electric bycicle Sans danger !

Various essential supplies and accessories

As you can imagine, the number of accidents involving electric bicycles is not zero. To provide safety of cycliststherefore it is important to have a variety of protective equipment and to follow strict rules. Besides helmets, gloves, knee pads or goggles, it is also important to have efficient equipment such as high performance brakes, electric lights, a stable trailer, etc. Here is our checklist of the main points to check while driving your vehicle. electric bycicle ан Any safety.

Items prohibited while driving a pedelek

Before you start using the best protection for a well-equipped ride, it is important that everyone cyclists de VAE be aware of the prohibitions and permissions to which they must respond.

The use of a smartphone is strictly prohibited.

As with all drivers on the road, using a smartphone while driving is prohibited for drivers. VAE... Receiving and transmitting a phone call can distract the pilot and cause him to lose control of his "two wheels". This causes accidents that can have serious consequences for all other road users. In addition, it is prohibited to wear headphones so that the pilot does not lose hearing and attention while taxiing. bike. 

Object transport

Carrying a bag, knapsack, knapsack, briefcase, etc. It is completely legal, but, on the other hand, certain conditions must be observed. For example, it is necessary to equip a trailer, basket or very stable top box, and observe the load limits. They are carefully specified by the manufacturers electric bicycles... It is highly recommended that you attach your belongings to the back of the removable overhead bin, and you should avoid placing weights in front of the steering wheel to reduce the risk of imbalance due to extra weight.

Safety tools and equipment

For pilots VAEbasic things such as gloves, knee pads, helmets remain mandatory in terms of protection ... Some insurers also require them to guarantee reliability safety optimal in case of an accident on the road. However, regarding electric bicycles, only children under 12 years old must wear a helmet when cycling. Older children, adults, and the elderly may choose not to protect their skulls when traveling.

With the aim of safety optimally, good visibility is also a prerequisite. Besides, it is important that cyclist и VAE visible to all other carriers and pedestrians. It is legally mandated to have reflectors in the front, rear, and at the level of the wheels and pedals of your vehicle. bike... As for wearing a fluorescent vest, it is mandatory only at night outside the village. On the other hand, it is advisable to wear high visibility clothing even in the city. You can complement your clothes by sticking fluorescent stickers on them. electric bycicle to improve its visibility.

In addition to protective elements; a cyclist you will also have to check your brakes daily and run tests before every ride. On VAE, the brake shuts off the engine as the pedals can no longer apply it. We recommend that you experiment with braking while continuing to pedal gently to make sure the engine actually stops. If the test fails, it is best to check the brake system, motor and pedals to avoid accidents.

E-bike performance rules

Contrary to popular belief bike must comply with 3 strict rules to be categorized as electrical versions. These ground rules state that

-       The rated power of the electric motor installed on a two-wheeled vehicle of this type must not exceed 250 W.

-       The assistance offered by the engine must not allow driving at speeds exceeding 25 km / h.

-       Pedaling assistance can only be effective when cyclist pedal. In addition, when pedaling is stopped, this support should stop immediately. It is also important to note that for pilots it is a matter of assistance, not movement.

If these current regulations are not followed, bike will not be included in the category Bicycles with electric drive... It will be considered a moped, and the rules governing driving such a car are significantly different from the driving rules. VAE... Mopeds really need to have special insurance and be registered. In addition, the cyclist is required to have a helmet and safety Road.

Before observing the rules regarding safe driving safety an electric bycicleso it is important to check the 3 points mentioned. If you have a moped, it is best to refer to the relevant regulations to avoid the risk of being outlawed.

Traffic lights: an important point

Like any other travel solution, bike with electric drive must also comply with road traffic regulations, for example for cars or motorcycles. This initiative was implemented to improve safety all road users. Thus, even as an electric two-wheeler pilot, it is also important to be guided by traffic lights. It is not only about the various lights installed on the bike to make it more visible, but also about signs that direct traffic to make it safer.

Thus, even if the traffic lights are the same for all road users, each category has its own light signals. Unlike cars and motorcycles, whose headlights are 3 different balls of a certain color (green, orange and red) and are very different from pedestrian lights, which are an image of a snowman in green or red. Signboards for cyclist highlights the bike in two different shades: red or green. Red informs the pilot to stop to allow pedestrians to pass, and green means that the passage is open without risk of an accident.

In case of doubt cyclists beginners can also refer to different layouts on earth. In addition to pedestrian crossings, there are different separate crossings on French roads and cycle paths for cyclists... Respect these marks safety is mandatory and there is a risk of being fined for misconduct.

Various cycling areas

Although many believe that it is quite possible to drive. VAE anywhere ; however, there are certain areas that should not be climbed with electric bycicle Or no. Even VAE less imposing than other vehicles when driving a two-wheeled vehicle with electric drive the sidewalks are practically prohibited as they are only for pedestrians. Thus, the individual tracks are dedicated exclusively to bike at the level of various city trails.

These restrictions differ depending on the region, country, or even area. Therefore, it is important to obtain as much information as possible about the indications and areas intended for bike within the city you are visiting. In addition, it is also extremely important to be aware of prohibited destinations. Two-way cycling signs and additional areas for Bicycles must be carefully checked to avoid all road hazards if not followed. Below are some guidelines to help you as a pilot VAE have a general understanding of the areas dedicated to cyclists.

Bike paths

Exclusively reserved for Bicycles (even in electric versions) bike paths are now visible in different ways. Spaces indicated by square panels where bike white on blue means the lane is optional. Thus, pilots can choose whether to go there or not, depending on their preference. In most cities Bicycles may actually line up with bus lanes. However, the sidewalks are only open to children. cyclists under 8 years old.  

On the other hand, there are circular signs that emphasize the same pattern: bike white on a blue background means that the passage in this place is compulsory for everyone cyclists even VAE.

Bilateral cycle

Many people have no idea about the dual direction of cycling, so safety more fragile for both the pilot and other road users. Thus, it is always important to know the rules in force depending on the region, however in most cases the same process is usually applied in France.

Indeed, for areas with a speed limit of up to 30 km / h it is possible Bicycles go both ways. And this is even if the carriageway is usually one-way for mopeds and vehicles. This adequacy is often confirmed by ground markings and road signs announcing a special exemption for Bicycles classics and with electric drive.

It is important to note that in order to facilitate movement, everyone is advised to: cyclists line up if they are traveling in a group to avoid obstructing traffic, such as overtaking cars or larger vehicles (trucks, buses, firefighters, etc.).

Advanced Cycling Areas

Also known as SAS bike, advanced areas for cyclists these are places specially designed for pilots of two-wheeled vehicles, and they are located at the foot of the traffic lights. Thus cyclists must be located at the level of the bike lock so that other road users (motorcycle and scooter drivers, pedestrians, etc.) can see them without being surprised. Step into the airlock bike is also an important restart technique to avoid crashes in case of invisibility.  

In addition, cars and other vehicles are not allowed in these highly advanced areas for Bicycles.

Speed ​​limits and overtaking rules

Un electric bycicle there is a maximum speed limit of 25 km / h. However, depending on the situation, this limit may slightly change in the direction of decreasing or increasing. At the level of double values ​​for cyclists for example, it is possible to move at speeds up to 30 km / h, while spaces allowing meeting between different users (pedestrians, cars; Bicycles ; …) Traffic regulations limit the speed to 20 km / h.

Finally, when overtaking any vehicle cyclist must be at least 90 cm away from the vehicle to avoid being knocked down or hit. In addition, the transfer of rights is exclusively prohibited, regardless of the situation.

The last word…

You got it electric bycicle does not break any rules safety traffic rules and there is no real difference with practice bike ordinary.

To drive safely, you must follow the rules and have the proper equipment.

If you are looking for equipment to protect yourself, you can refer to our section on accessories for cyclist Site velobecane.com.

You will find everything you need to:

·      Transport your belongings: basket, top case, ...

·      Carry other passengers: basket for animals, baby carrier, child seat

·      Protect you with our helmetswe wing mirrorwe rain coverswe horns

·      Increase your visibility with our rear lights and our Headlights

And many other essentials for your safety !