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E. Pedals
1. Toe Overlap is when your toe can touch the front wheel when you turn the handlebars to
steer while a pedal is in the forward-most position. This is common on small-framed Ebikes
and is avoided by keeping the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down when making
sharp turns. On any Ebike, this technique will also prevent the inside pedal from striking the
ground in a turn.
2. Some Ebikes come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous
surfaces. These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing grip between the rider’s
shoe and the pedal. If your Ebike has this type of high-performance pedal, you must take
extra care to avoid serious injury from the pedals’ sharp surfaces. Based on your riding style
or skill level, you may prefer a less aggressive pedal design, or choose to ride with shin pads.
Your dealer can show you a number of options and make suitable recommendations.
3. Toeclips and straps are a means to keep feet correctly positioned and engaged with the
pedals. The toeclip positions the ball of the foot over the pedal spindle, which gives maxi-
mum pedaling power. The toe strap, when tightened, keeps the foot engaged throughout the
rotation cycle of the pedal. While toeclips and straps give some benefit with any kind of shoe,
they work most effectively with cycling shoes designed for use with toeclips. Your dealer can
explain how toeclips and straps work. Shoes with deep treaded soles or welts which might
make it more difficult for you to insert or remove your foot should not be used with toeclips
and straps.
NOTE: Changing tire size or pedal crank arm length affects toe overlap.
WARNING: Toe Overlap could cause you to lose control and fall.
Please contact BIKE.com at [email protected] or call at 1-(877)-755-2453(BIKE) or ask your
dealer for all service to help you determine if the combination of frame size, crank arm
length, pedal design, and shoes you will use results in pedal overlap. Whether you have
overlap or not, you must keep the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down when
making sharp turns.
WARNING: Getting into and out of pedals with toeclips and straps requires skill which
can only be acquired with practice. Until it becomes a reflex action, the technique
requires concentration that can distract your attention and cause you to lose control
and fall. Practice the use of toeclips and straps where there are no obstacles, hazards,
or traffic. Keep the straps loose, and don’t tighten them until your technique and
confidence in getting in and out of the pedals warrants it.
Never ride in traffic with your toe straps tight.