Are Electric Bikes Dangerous?

The Crash That Cut My California Trip Short

It was a humbling and frustrating experience, to say the least. I had been looking forward to this trip for months, with plans to test out a variety of bikes and create a ton of awesome content. Instead, I found myself in the emergency room, facing several months of recovery before I'd be able to ride again. Finding the silver lining in this situation means using the experience to help educate others and potentially prevent similar crashes from happening. By unpacking what occurred, analyzing the key factors that contributed to the crash, and sharing important lessons and safety tips for anyone riding electric bikes, whether on the track or the trail, something positive can emerge from a challenging experience.

Stealth and Silence

One of the biggest issues with e-bikes is that they are incredibly quiet, especially at lower speeds. This makes it very difficult for other riders to hear you coming, which can lead to dangerous situations like the one I encountered on the track.Even when I was yelling and trying to alert the other rider I was right behind him, he simply didn't hear me in time.

Lessons Learned and Safety Tips

So what can we take away from my crash and the inherent dangers of electric bikes? Here are some key lessons and safety tips that I hope will help other riders avoid similar incidents: 

Communication is crucial as my crash demonstrated, the silence of e-bikes can make it incredibly difficult for other riders to be aware of your presence. That means communication is absolutely crucial, both for your own safety and the safety of those around you. Yell loudly and frequently to alert other riders your behind them. Consider adding some kind of audible warning system or horn to your e-bike to help make your presence known.

Embracing the Future of Electric Bikes

Despite the scary crash and the challenges I faced, I still firmly believe that electric bikes are here to stay. The technology is only going to continue improving, and e-bikes will become an increasingly common sight on tracks, trails around the world.

“As we know, electric bikes are here to stay and I think they're only going to become more prevalent at the local tracks.”

But in order for that future to be a safe one, we as riders need to be proactive about addressing the unique risks and dangers that come with these machines. By staying vigilant and communicating effectively,  we can help pave the way for a new era of electric bikes that is both fun and safe.