Riding Safety

E-bike maintenance 

You can extend the lifetime of your e-bike through regular maintenance, such as checking tyre pressure and brakes and lubricating the chain. It’s also important to develop the habit of checking battery connections and addressing any issues as soon as possible.

You can build your e-bike knowledge and source support, expertise and repairs at regional hubs.

Battery safety

For your own safety, it’s crucial you only secure e-bike batteries from reputable sources. Trusted suppliers follow strict safety standards and quality controls to prevent hazards like overheating or short circuits. Reliable batteries guarantee performance for the safest and best e-biking experience. For more information on e-bike battery safety, please visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

Monitor your speed

Keep an eye on your speed when you’re on your e-bike for your own and the public’s safety. Travelling at higher speeds means you need to be mindful of traffic, junctions, and pedestrians so you can react promptly if something happens. Maintaining an appropriate speed ensures a safer riding experience for everyone.

The Highway Code

The Highway Code provides rules for safe and proper conduct on the roads for all users, including e-bike riders. Following the Highway Code is a legal requirement so it’s worth reading up on how it affects you and your e-bike to avoid penalties for breaking the rules.

Wear hi-vis gear

High-visibility equipment helps e-bike riders stand out to other road users. This is particularly important in Scotland with its unpredictable weather conditions and shorter seasonal daylight hours. It’s worth investing in some hi-vis reflective gear to reduce the risk of colliding with other cyclists, motorists and pedestrians as you travel around.

Signal your intentions

You can prevent potential collisions with other road users by letting others know where you are going. Always give clear signals and indicate turns or changes in direction so everyone can anticipate your actions and avoid misunderstandings.

Be aware of your surroundings

For everyone’s safety, you should always be aware of your surroundings when on your e-bike. As e-bikes can travel at higher speeds, you need to remain constantly alert to traffic conditions, obstacles and how other road users behave. That way you can anticipate and respond quickly to sudden changes and reduce the risk of accidents.

Wear a helmet

As e-bikes travel at higher speeds, an e-bike helmet offers the best protection in the event of a collision. The helmet acts as a barrier to absorb the impact and reduces the chance of head injuries.