Imagine a world where instead of dreading your commute to work or school, you could actually look forward to it? Shocking, I know!
Electric bikes can transform your typical commute into a relaxing and enjoyable adventure. Instead of stressing about being late for work, you could cruise on an eBike knowing that there's no traffic on your route. The electric assist helps you to maintain a higher average speed and arrive in a predictable timeframe, as well as removes concerns about riding up hills, into headwinds, or arriving at work or school sweaty. On top of that, you can benefit both mentally and physically by the exercise and fresh air you'll get from your ride. Finacial benefits are possible as well, for commuting by eBike will save you money on gas, car maintenance, and parking fees.
All in all, commuting by eBike is a win in many ways. In this article, we'll cover some tips to ensure that your eBike commute safe, easy, and fun.
Safety First
See and Be Seen
Being seen on the road, during both the day and the night, is an imperative part of eBike commuting. Without the right amount of visibility, you're at risk of a serious car or bike accident. There are many gear options available to increase your perceptibility, including:
- High visibility & reflective clothing
- High visibility backpacks and messenger bags
- Bright LED head and tail lights
- Flashing lights and reflectors on the bike
- Lights and reflectors built into the helmet
It's important to note that riding at night can effect your reaction time to braking or avoiding an obstacle because of the limited sight distance. With that in mind, it's a good idea to ride a little slower so you have more time to react to an issue on the road.
Make Your Presence Known
Being heard is another important factor in letting pedestrians and fellow riders know you are passing. A bike bell or horn, along with a “passing on the left,” is a nice way to give someone a heads up about your presence, and it helps decrease your chances of being involved in an accident.
Helmet On
Like wearing a seat belt in a car, wearing a helmet on your bike is a necessary requirement to remain safe. In fact, it's the law in some locations, depending on your age and which class of eBike you're riding.
Many modern helmets boast adjustable features that enhance both your comfort levels and your riding experience. For example, some helmets have built in technology such as high visibility lighting, smartphone integration for making and receiving calls, turn by turn directions, and more! While these additions are nice to have, the most important part of wearing a helmet is to make sure it's sized to fit your head properly per the helmet manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep Your eBike Secure
When commuting to work or school, it's inevitable that you'll have to be apart from your bike for a few hours. Because of this, you must ensure that your bike is secured in a safe area. There are U-locks and chain locks that provide a good amount of protection from theft, as well as GPS trackers that help you locate your bike. Additionally, some workplaces and schools allow you to bring your bike inside, which can be a great way to keep it out of sight and safe.
The Best Routes for eBike Commuters
Plan Ahead
In order to have the best possible eBike commute, you must first map out a safe and convenient route. It's important to remember that you'll likely use a different route than a typical car route, as bike routes generally take less trafficked neighborhood streets and bike paths for a more secure riding experience.
If the range that your eBike provides doesn't quite cut it for your commute, you have a couple options:
- Bring your charger with you and top off the battery during the workday.
- Buy a second charger and leave it at the office for convenience.
- Bring a second battery on your trips, allowing you to swap to a fresh battery without waiting for charging.
Hybrid Commutes
If your commute is really far, you may want to consider the option of a hybrid commute. This will allow you to drive or use mass transit for part of the commute, then use your electric bike for the other leg of the trip. For instance, you could drive from home to a convenient parking area and eBike the rest of the way to avoid bad traffic and parking issues. If you plan to use mass transit in combination with your eBike, double check the rules for carrying an electric bike on board before you go.
Embrace Exploration
Another benefit of commuting by bike is that you may be exploring new areas of your town along the way to work or school. This can be a fun way to checkout parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and other local places along the way. Additionally, riding an electric bike allows you to have more opportunities to interact with pedestrians or fellow bike riders, encouraging you to get to know your neighbors and build community.
What if it Rains?
There's no doubt that rainy weather is a good excuse for skipping your eBike commute and opting for a car instead. However, there are accessories that can help you stay dry as you ride. For example, fenders can be attached to your bike's tires in order to block water and mud from being flung into the air. Additionally, rain jackets and rain pants can help protect you from the rain, as well as increase your visibility on the road due to their bright colors and/or reflective material.
Tip: Accessorize Your Ride
Some people may feel apprehensive about using eBikes for their commute do to the lack of storage space they provide. However, you can purchase additional accessories to optimize the amount of storage available to you on your bike. For example, you can install racks or baskets that allow you to transport everything you need for work or school. In fact, there are even specially made bike bags designed for storing professional clothing, so you can keep your appearance pristine and professional.
Enjoy Your Commute!
While commuting by car is incredibly convenient, it also comes with a wide set of pitfalls, such as traffic, maintenance repairs, and costly gas prices. Using an electric bike, your commute is no longer a stressful task. Instead, it becomes something to look forward to. With the right amount of gear and a little planning, your journey is sure to be safe, easy, and fun!