E-bike safety tips for springtime cycling

Spring is here, and although this means the country is facing its fair share of April showers, people are starting to get out and about on their bikes again.

However, many people are shunning the humble push bike for electric bikes (e-bikes). E-bikes are increasingly popular, representing an estimated 30% of all bike sales in the UK during 2022.

E-bikes offer a healthy, sustainable, and accessible way to get about. For people who are older or who find traditional cycles harder to use they are a great option.

E-bike safety tips

It is important that electric bike riders, making the most of the warmer weather over the upcoming bank holidays, keep cycling safety at the front of their mind.

Cycling is not without its risks and cyclists are classed as vulnerable road users. Serious cycling accidents happen and can result in life-changing injuries such as head and brain injuries, bone fractures, nerve damage or spinal injuries.

Here are some top tips to ensure that using your e-bike is as enjoyable and safe as possible:

• Get to know your e-bike. If you have less experience, especially on roads, or if you have never used an e-bike before, take time to get used to riding an e-bike. Practice cycling in quieter spaces, away from busy routes and other road users if possible – for example, on a cycle path.
• Keep an eye on your speed. It can be tempting to make the most of your electric bike’s capabilities and ride at a faster speed than you might on a traditional bike. However, this potentially puts you and other vulnerable road users in danger. Try to stick to a speed of 15mph maximum, and remember that if you are riding faster, you need to apply brakes sooner when coming to a stop.
• Stay visible! The clocks have gone forward and the days are getting longer, meaning lighter evenings are here at last. However, wearing high-visibility clothing is still advisable; and having a set of working bike lights is the law.

Compensation after an electric bike accident

Claire Sagala is a specialist personal injury solicitor, based in Novum Law’s Swindon team. She says:

“We’re all looking forward to getting out and about outside this spring – and for many that means getting on their bikes again. The growth in popularity of electric bikes is a positive trend, allowing more people to enjoy cycling outside, getting fitter and making the most of the better weather.

“However, safety is key – both for e-bike riders and those around them. For e-bike riders who are perhaps less familiar with traditional bikes, or who haven’t ridden a bike recently, familiarising yourself with your e-bike and taking some time to get used to riding it will reduce the risk of an accident.

“Knowing your rights as a cyclist and vulnerable road user is also important, including the Highway Code rules. Finally, if the worst happens, and you have an e-bike accident that is not entirely your fault, it’s a good idea to contact a specialist personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to discuss if you can make a personal injury compensation claim.” 

If you are an e-bike rider, pedestrian, cyclist, or other road user and have been injured in an accident involving an electric bike that wasn’t your fault, Novum Law’s team of specialist personal injury solicitors might be able to help. We provide expert legal advice and support with a free initial consultation, and can help you make an e-bike accident compensation claim on a ‘No Win No Fee’ basis.

Call us on 0800 884 0777, email us at info@novumlaw.com or complete our online enquiry form.