Are Electric Bikes Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Ride

The Rise of E-Bikes: Balancing Fun, Freedom, and Safety

Electric bikes have revolutionised cycling, making it an accessible and enjoyable way for people of all ages and abilities to ride. E-bikes provide fantastic benefits: they're an eco-friendly mode of transport, can reduce commuting costs, and offer a low-impact way to improve health. For many, they represent newfound freedom and independence.

With the Australian e-bike market growing 269% between 2019 and 2022, this popularity brings an important conversation about safety to the forefront. The good news is that e-bikes are incredibly safe when ridden responsibly. It's about finding the balance where fun and freedom coexist with comprehensive electric bike safety.

Key Safety Essentials:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet - reduces serious head injury risk by up to 70%
• Use certified batteries and chargers - prevents fire hazards
• Follow road rules - e-bikes are vehicles and must obey traffic laws
• Perform regular maintenance - check brakes, tyres, and battery before each ride
• Ride predictably - signal turns, stay visible, and be courteous
• Choose the right bike - proper fit and quality components make a huge difference

I'm Andrea Herklots. After helping thousands of riders at EveryBody eBikes, I've seen how crucial education and equipment are for electric bike safety. Whether you're a senior returning to cycling, a commuter, or someone seeking independence, these fundamentals will help you ride with confidence and joy.

Understanding the Key Risks and Regulations

Understanding the potential risks and regulations of e-biking empowers you to make informed decisions and ride responsibly.

Know the Code: E-Bike Classes and Australian Road Rules

One of the first steps in ensuring electric bike safety is understanding the rules. In Australia, for an e-bike to be legally ridden on public roads, it must adhere to specific regulations:

• Speed Limit: The motor must only provide assistance up to 25 km/h, after which it must cut out.
• Motor Power: The motor's continuous rated power must not exceed 250 watts (though some states like NSW now permit up to 500 watts).
• Pedal Assist: The motor must be activated by pedalling. A throttle that propels the bike without pedalling means it may only be legal on private property.

These rules help e-bikes interact safely with other road users. Riders must obey all standard road rules, just like traditional cyclists. Compliant e-bikes can generally be ridden where bicycles are allowed, but on shared paths, always be courteous, slow down, and use a bell before passing pedestrians. For detailed rules in Queensland, we recommend checking the official Queensland Government e-bike rules. Our team can guide you in finding a compliant e-bike for your needs.

Common Accidents and Improving Your On-Road Electric Bike Safety

E-bikes can be faster and heavier than traditional bicycles, affecting handling and stopping distances. This can contribute to accidents, highlighting the importance of protective gear and vigilant riding. Statistics show a rise in injuries as e-bikes have become more popular, making safety a key priority.

To improve your on-road electric bike safety:

• Adhere to Traffic Laws: Obey all road signs, traffic lights, and lane markings.
• Ride Defensively: Assume other road users might not see you. Make eye contact and anticipate hazards.
• Stay Aware: Avoid distractions like mobile phones or loud music.
• Control Your Speed: Ride at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions and your skill level. Brake early and smoothly.
• Be Predictable: Ride in a straight line and use clear hand signals for turns.

For more detailed information, this report on e-scooter and e-bike injuries provides valuable insights.

The Hot Topic: Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks

Lithium-ion battery fires are a rare but serious risk, almost always linked to improper handling, charging, or using uncertified equipment.

These fires are often linked to:

• Uncertified or Low-Quality Batteries: These may lack the safety features of rigorously tested batteries.
• Faulty or Incorrect Chargers: Using a charger not designed for your specific battery can cause overheating.
• Physical Damage: Dropping or puncturing a battery can damage its internal structure and create a fire risk.
• Overcharging: Leaving a battery to charge for extended periods can trigger a dangerous thermal reaction.

At EveryBody eBikes, we provide high-quality components, including batteries that meet stringent safety standards. Your electric bike safety starts with a safe battery. For more detail, you can review research on lithium-ion battery failure.

Your Ultimate Guide to Proactive Electric Bike Safety

Proactive safety, which includes smart riding practices and diligent e-bike care, ensures every ride is safe and enjoyable.

Ride Smart: Essential On-Road Safety Practices

Our commitment to electric bike safety starts before we even turn on the motor. Here are our top tips for riding smart:

1. Always Wear a Helmet: This is non-negotiable. An approved, properly fitted helmet (look for standard AS/NZS 2063) is your first line of defence. MIPS technology can offer even greater protection.
2. Be Visible, Always: Bright or reflective clothing dramatically increases your visibility. Use powerful lights—a white front light and a red rear light—especially at night or in low-light conditions.
3. Ride Predictably: Stick to a straight line and use clear hand signals for turns and stops.
4. Limit Distractions: Your full attention should be on the road. Avoid using your phone or wearing earbuds that block out ambient sounds.
5. Adhere to Traffic Laws: E-bikes are vehicles. Obey all traffic lights, stop signs, and road rules.
6. Be Courteous to Pedestrians: On shared paths, yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal (like a bell) before passing.
7. Control Your Speed and Brake Early: Practice controlling your speed and braking smoothly. We recommend e-bikes with quality hydraulic disc brakes from brands like Shimano or Tektro for superior stopping power.
8. Know Your E-Bike's Motor: Understand how your motor engages to avoid unexpected acceleration. Always power down your e-bike when not actively riding.

Here's a list of essential safety gear for every ride:

• A properly fitted helmet
• Bright or reflective clothing
• Front and rear lights
• A bell or horn
• Protective eyewear
• Gloves for better grip

We invite you to explore our range of helmets and lights, designed to keep you safe.

Proactive Care for Your E-Bike and Battery

Regular care for your e-bike and its lithium-ion battery is essential for performance and electric bike safety.

Best Practices for Battery Care:

• Use Approved Chargers: Always use the charger that came with your e-bike.
• Charge Safely: Supervise charging in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials and escape routes.
• Avoid Overcharging: Unplug the charger once the battery is full.
• Temperature Matters: Store and charge at room temperature, avoiding extreme temperatures.
• Inspect Regularly: Check your battery for damage, swelling, or leaks. If you see any issues, disconnect it, move it outside to a safe spot, and contact your dealer.
• Proper Storage: For long-term storage, keep the battery partially charged (50-80%) in a cool, dry place.
• No Modifications: Never attempt to modify or repair your battery yourself.
• Responsible Disposal: Do not throw old batteries in the bin. They must be recycled through appropriate channels.

E-Bike Maintenance and Servicing: Before every ride, do a quick check of your tyres, brakes, and handlebars. While daily checks are crucial, professional servicing every 6–12 months is essential for long-term electric bike safety. Our Brisbane workshop services all e-bike and e-trike models, including BAFANG systems, offering everything from basic check-ups to advanced diagnostics. For more detailed maintenance tips for your e-bike, check out our blog. You can book your expert e-bike service with us today.

Finding Your Perfect, Safe Ride

Choosing the right e-bike is a key step for safety and enjoyment. A bike that fits your body and riding style is inherently safer and more comfortable.

• Fit and Comfort: An e-bike should feel like an extension of your body. Step-through frames or electric trikes can offer increased stability for those who find traditional bikes challenging.
• Test Rides are Essential: Taking an e-bike for a spin allows you to feel its balance, comfort, and control. We offer welcoming, pressure-free test rides at our Brisbane showroom.
• Quality and Safety Standards: Our new models undergo external QA testing by a specialist European company. We offer expert designed e-bikes with high-quality components from brands like Shimano and Tektro for a safe and reliable ride.
• Retailer Responsibility & Rider Education: Our role extends beyond sales. We provide personalised guidance and education to help you ride with confidence.

We encourage you to ride with confidence by choosing the right bike. Come and try our range of safe and comfortable e-bikes today!

Riding Towards a Safer Future: Our Commitment to You

The benefits of e-bikes are clear, from environmental savings to improved health and freedom. As they become more common, our collective responsibility for electric bike safety grows. By understanding risks, following rules, and riding proactively, we can all enjoy these advantages safely.

At EveryBody eBikes, we are passionate about making cycling accessible and safe for every body. Our expert designed range of e-bikes and trikes, including our Trojan Fat Tyre Electric Trike (currently on sale for $6495, down from $7950) and the Huka Orthros Tandem Tricycle (pricing ex-GST, ideal for shared rides), is built with high-quality components and undergoes rigorous quality assurance testing. We believe that with the right equipment, knowledge, and support, everyone can experience the joy of riding.

We invite you to visit our Brisbane showroom in Gaythorne or contact us to find a partner location. Let us help you find your perfect, safe ride. Browse our range, book a test ride, or contact us for expert advice. We're here to get you rolling safely.