48
Electric Bikes
Riding an electric bike
Riding an electric bike
Safety
Because electric bikes are faster and
heavier than normal bicycles, they
require extra caution and care while rid-
ing. Failure to heed the following safety
instructions could lead to a crash, injury,
or death.
Before your fi rst ride, familiarize yourself
with the model-specifi c operation instruc-
tions included with your bike.
Before traveling on streets or around oth-
ers, practice riding in a safe area away
from pedestrians and traffi c (such as a
driveway or empty parking lot).
Always use the lowest assist setting
until you are comfortable with the bike
and feel confi dent controlling the elec-
tric assist. See the specifi c operation
instructions included with your bike for
more information.
When mounting your bike, make sure
not to step on the pedals until you are
sitting on the saddle and gripping the
handlebars tightly. If you apply pressure
to the pedals, or move them, the motor
assistance might switch on suddenly and
result in an uncontrolled start of your bike.
Always wear a helmet, closed-toe shoes,
and eye protection when riding.
Never ride at a speed outside your com-
fort zone, or that you feel may be unsafe
for the given conditions.
Keep your hands on the brake levers,
and remember that they will always
slow or stop the bike if pulled. Even on
bikes without brake inhibit switches (see
“Brakes” on page 43), the brakes are
always more powerful than the motor.
Heavy electric bikes take longer to slow
down; leave extra space for stopping
safely.
Electric bikes are considerably heavier
than normal bicycles. For this reason
parking, pushing, lifting and carrying the
bike is more diffi cult. Bear this in mind
when loading your bike into a car and
unloading it, or when mounting it on a
bicycle carrier system.
Remember that all the information in this
manual referring to bicycle safety also
applies to your electric bike.
Make no modifi cations to the bike’s
electrical system that are not explicitly
approved by the manufacturer.
Legality
In the United States, electric bikes are
defi ned as “
a two- or three-wheeled vehi-
cle with fully operable pedals and an elec-
tric motor of less than 750 watts (1h.p.),
whose maximum speed on a paved level
surface, when powered solely by such a
motor while ridden by an operator who
weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.
”
However, local and state regulations vary,
and it is your responsibility to ensure your
bike is legal in your particular area before
riding it on public roads. If you’re unsure,
ask your bicycle dealer for more information
about local laws and regulations.
