Safety first
Your safety while operating any vehicle depends on your ability, your E-Bike’s maintenance, and riding conditions. Explore the sections below to minimize risk while riding your E-Bike.
WARNING: Altering or modifying anything in your E-Bike's electrical system, battery, digital controls, physical components, or drive train will void your warranty and may result in damage to your vehicle, other property, or injury or death to you or others.
WARNING: No one under the age of 16 should operate an E-Bike. Children under 16 may not have the necessary judgment and skill to ride an E-Bike safely and can cause damage to the E-Bike, or other property, and even inflict serious injury or death. It is important to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding operator age and other qualifications and be sure to obey them.
Wear appropriate riding attire
An E-Bike consists of many moving and spinning components, all of which are essential to the locomotion of the vehicle. We highly recommend that riders avoid wearing overly loose or flowing items of clothing when riding their E-Bike. Getting clothing caught in the E-Bike’s mechanisms can cause serious injury or even death to the rider.
Perform a safety check before each ride
Improper assembly or maintenance greatly increases the risk of serious injury or death. We advise those who are not confident in their abilities to have a professional bike mechanic assemble their E-Bike or to have a professional double-check their work if they choose to assemble it themselves.
Before you take your first ride, be sure to check the following items:
Brake system
- Ensure brake pads are correctly positioned in relation to the brake rotors and there are no signs of wear.
- Ensure brake levers are properly positioned and tightly secured to the handlebar.
- Ensure the brake lever tension is appropriate.
- Check that the taillight brightens when you squeeze each brake lever.
Wheels & tires
- Ensure your tires are inflated to within the PSI limits displayed on the tire sidewalls.
- Ensure tires have good tread, have no bulges or excessive wear, and are free from any other damage (Wobbles, Kinks, Tears).
- Check each wheel spoke. If any are loose or broken, seek help from a certified, reputable mechanic.
Steering
- Ensure the handlebar and stem are correctly aligned, adjusted, and tightened for proper steering.
- Apply vertical and horizontal pressure to the handlebar to ensure the stem clamp bolts are secure.
- Ensure the handlebar is set correctly in relation to the fork and the direction of travel.
- Ensure the handlebar grips are secure and undamaged.
Cables
- Look over electrical cable connectors to make sure they are fully seated and free from debris or moisture.
- Check cables and cable housing for obvious signs of damage.
- Ensure the headlight, taillight, and brake light are functioning, adjusted properly, and unobstructed.
Frame, fork, and seat
- Check that the seat is adjusted properly, the seatpost quick-release lever or bolt-on clamp is securely tightened (i.e. seat does not move after tightening).
- Ensure that the seatpost minimum insertion marking is fully inserted into the frame.
Motor drive assembly & throttle
- Ensure the hub motor is spinning smoothly and is in good working order.
- Check the axle nuts to ensure they are correctly tightened.
- Ensure the torque washers, torque arm, and torque arm bolts are in place and secured.
- Ensure the throttle and pedal assistance are operating normally.
Battery
- Ensure the battery is charged.
- Ensure there is no damage to the battery.
- Ensure the battery is locked to the frame and is secured. Remove the key before riding.
When to Replace a Wheel
- The wheel no longer spins straight.
- The wheel wobbles side to side or up and down when spinning.
- There are obvious tears, holes, or rips in the tire that cause it to rapidly deflate.
- The wheel becomes untrue or spokes loosen. Do not attempt to true or tighten unless you have adequate knowledge, tools, and experience
Note: It is advised to have a professional bike mechanic assemble your E-Bike or to double-check your work if you choose to do it yourself. Tire pressure must be maintained; underinflated tires can cause loss of control, and overinflated tires can burst. Failure to do so can lead to tire failure, injury, or death.
Follow service intervals and other maintenance guidelines
Every bike has a "break-in" period of about 50-100 miles and needs a professional mechanical check afterward. Some parts of any bike experience normal wear and tear and must be periodically serviced and/or replaced. Appropriate service intervals can be found here.
Practice makes perfect
E-Bikes are faster and heavier than their non-electric counterparts, therefore, it takes time to feel confident riding E-Bikes in different conditions. Check out the list below for our suggestions on how to familiarize yourself with your E-Bike:
- Take it slow for your first few rides. Try riding in a flat, open area with little obstructions.
- Start at low speed and low pedal assist level (0 or 1 at first).
- Practice balancing while braking and accelerating at different PAS levels.
- Gradually try higher speeds until you are comfortable with the PAS, throttle, and braking features.
When traveling at higher speeds or on slippery surfaces, always travel at a responsible speed and leave more distance to brake. Use both front and rear brakes together.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Always pay attention to your surroundings, avoiding distractions like cell phones or music from headphones.
The easier it is for others to see you, the safer you will be. Ensure that your headlights are switched on during low light hours (this will activate your rear lights too). Do not remove or obstruct these lights or any of your reflectors. Wear bright, reflective clothing. Avoid riding in low-visibility conditions such as the dark, fog, or rain. If you must ride in low-visibility conditions, stick to well-lit, familiar routes.