Tips for Fun and Successful Electric Bicycle Use

by Clint Sandusky, former PCI #849/EMSCI #159
Riverside Community College District (CA) Police Department (ret.)

Electric bicycles (e-Bikes) are certainly fun and enable riders to do many more things on a bicycle that one may not be normally able to do – especially people limited by age, fitness, or ability. They are faster, heavier, and less nimble than “conventional” (human-powered) bicycles.  The power assist is a major plus, but, “with great speed, comes great responsibility!”

Here are some tips for fun and successful e-Bike use, on- and off-duty.

First:  The Basics

• Know the class of your e-Bike (Class 1, 2, or 3) and only ride legal e-Bikes.
• Research and adhere to the local, state, and federal laws for operating an e-Bike (user, equipment, and access requirements), whether on- or off-road.
• Learn how to operate your specific e-Bike, including the electric motor, rechargeable battery, support/assist modes, etc.
• Follow the rules of the road and/or off-road facility rules.
• Read your owner's manual and ask your dealer to answer any questions.
• Wear safety equipment, including bicycle helmet (rated for e-Bike use, if possible), eye protection, and cycling gloves.
• Use active and passive lighting, wear Hi-Viz/reflective apparel, install a bell or horn, and perhaps a mirror.
• Keep your e-Bike well maintained and clean.

Next:  Get to Know the E-Bike Traffic Environment

Sight lines:  Yours, motorists, and other roadway users will differ when on an e-Bike vs. a conventional bike.

Door zones:  Avoid them!  Stay at least five feet/1.5 meters away from parked/standing vehicles.

Hazards and conflicts associated with higher-speed riding:  You will reach them much faster and will need enhanced bicycle-handling skills to evade them; try to avoid them in the first place.

Blind spots, especially around trucks and buses:  Read this article for your safety:  https://ipmba.org/blog/comments/what-cyclists-need-to-learn-about-trucks.

Common motorist mistakes caused by underestimating an e-Bike rider's speed:  A motorist may assume an e-Bike rider’s speed due to their riding position, wearing of street clothes, and lack of apparent exertion.

Motorist-caused bicycle crash types and road position to avoid such crashes:  Be on the lookout for these situations and position yourself accordingly.

Increase the queuing distance when stopped behind motor vehicles: This will give you more room to maneuver and reduce the risk of unexpected lurches when starting. 

Always ride safely and legally, both on- and off-road.

E-Bikes are expanding the ways in which many people commute and recreate on two wheels.  They are making their way into public safety fleets at a rapid pace.  Getting to know your e-Bike and learning how to ride it — and teach others — will enhance the safety and enjoyment of all road and trail users.

Image courtesy Cycling Savvy.  

Clint joined IPMBA in 1994.  He has conducted various workshops at the 2006, 2007, 2018, 2019, and 2022 IPMBA Conferences.  He serves as a member of IPMBA’s E-Bike Task Force and assisted PCI Erik Pearce with instructing the E-Bike Training Module Course at the 2022 Conference.  Clint remains an active CA POST Bike Patrol Instructor, 28 years and counting.  He has taught, presented, authored, and consulted on e-Bike content and training to law enforcement and governmental officials, and the cycling community and industry both in California and nationally.  He runs errands, trains, instructs, patrols, and races on e-Bikes (e-MTBs).  He can be reached at clint.sandusky@gmail.com.

(c) 2023 IPMBA.  This article appeared in the 2023 Product Guide issue of IPMBA News.

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