10 Common Tips or Riding An Electric Bike at Night

Riding an electric bike at night requires more care than riding an electric bike during the day. Before going out on a night ride, there are a few things you should know, like making sure you're wearing appropriate clothing and planning your route based on visibility.

 
Here are the 10 most-used tips if you want to have a safe and enjoyable night on your bike.

 
Make sure your headlights and taillights are working properly

 
When riding at night, there must be front and rear lights. For increased visibility and safety while riding, you can purchase helmets with built-in LED lights or clip-on lights. The vest is lightweight and can be worn over clothing for increased visibility while still allowing cars to pass. Turn on your lights and let's get started.

 
Don't ignore oncoming traffic. Avoid blinding oncoming drivers with blinding spotlights or flashing lights, and avoid flashing lights too quickly. Bright lights and flashes that last only a fraction of a second can distract cyclists or drivers of other vehicles, increasing the risk of an accident.

 
If you plan to ride at night, you must have working bicycle headlights. These will provide the brightest lighting possible, allowing you to see the lane or road ahead, while also being visible to other vehicles and electric bike riders. You can ride confidently at night knowing that your Shengmilo electric bike headlight is 20% brighter than regular LED lights.

 
In addition to illuminating your path and making you more visible to oncoming traffic at night, electric bike headlights are also essential for safety. In the dark, not being able to see a curb or a bump in the road is almost as dangerous as not being able to see a car.

 
We also recommend installing taillights to improve visibility for oncoming traffic.

 
Electric bikes benefit from flashing taillights due to their small size. They're the perfect size and brightness for your bike, and they're more visible than continuous beams.

 
Add Enthusiasm For serious nighttime road riding, taillights are a must. Because it is impossible to avoid vehicles following you, tail lights are the most important kind of light. A blinking light is easier to notice than a steady red or white light.

 
Add reflective material while cycling

Reflective clothing and accessories increase the visibility of the rider's body in the dark. Red and orange circular reflectors adorn the spokes of the electric bike, and their purpose goes beyond aesthetics. When oncoming car headlights shine on the reflective decal, beads on its surface reflect light to the driver, subtly but effectively encouraging nighttime riding.

 
If you ride your electric bike at night, you must have red and orange circular reflectors on the back of your pedals, and your electric bike must have recessed clear or amber reflectors on the front and rear. Additionally, electric bikes must have reflectors on all four wheels. When oncoming car headlights shine on the reflective decal, beads on its surface reflect light to the driver, subtly but effectively encouraging nighttime riding.

 
If you must ride an electric bike at night, make sure you can be seen. Drivers and other cyclists may not be able to see you in the dark. Reflective clothing and accessories increase the visibility of the rider's body in the dark. Therefore, riders are advised to wear vests, jackets, trousers, etc. equipped with reflective materials to improve visibility.

 
Make sure you can ride somewhere safe

 
We recognize that not everyone has the luxury of cycling for three hours at night, even if they shouldn't. When using an electric bike at night, planning and preparing safe riding routes can also help, whether it's for regular training sessions or a few extra miles per week.

 
Plan your route to increase the safety and order of your electric bike ride. You should only ride your electric bike on smooth, well-lit, paved roads to avoid potential hazards, including sudden turns, cars suddenly veering from your lane, stop and give-way signs, and even changes in the road surface.

 
It's also a good idea to plan the streets you'll be using, as some of them can have many potholes, which can be difficult to see in the dark if you're biking on bike lanes. Weekends or other times when you can take your time is best for long rides.

 
ride carefully

Relaxing is the best way to enjoy an evening, whether you're riding alone or with a group. It might look corny, if not boring, but it's the safest way to ride.

 
Riding at a speed appropriate to the terrain is also part of proper riding etiquette. Ride your bike with ease and avoid dangerous handlebar flips and roadside hazards. It's hard to overtake a fast and heavy vehicle, and even harder to get around it. To avoid collisions, always give yourself plenty of time to react before moving. If a motorcyclist's reflection appears in the rearview mirror of an approaching vehicle, he or she could lose control of the bike and be involved in a crash. Breaking a car requires the entire length of the car while breaking a bike requires at least three feet in either direction. Keep a safe distance when riding in a group at night so that cyclists are not blinded by each other's lights, blocked by other cyclists, or forced off the road. If an accident seems imminent, each cyclist should have enough time to safely move away from the others.

 
wear clothes suitable for cycling

The difference between nighttime weather and daytime weather depends largely on your location. The right clothing can make a huge difference in how you feel on a night ride.

 
If you expect the temperature to drop after sunset, pack several layers and cover them all with reflective accessories to stay visible and safe.

 
Check Your Electric Bike During the Day

Now that you have everything you need to ride, it's time to get your electric bike ready. After the sun goes down, it can be doubly difficult to make sure everything is in good shape. Check out our pre-ride safety check article to make sure your bike is in good shape before a night ride.

 
charge the battery

 
Never ride at night without first making sure the battery is fully charged and properly installed. If you don't want to cycle home in the dark, it's best to drink more juice than you think you need.

 
Pay more attention to your surroundings
 

It is crucial to keep your eyes on the road whenever you ride an electric bike, but it is especially important at night or when the weather is less than ideal. The ability to ride defensively is a must if you want to stay active on the trail. Despite the lights and reflectors, your electric bike may not be visible to unwary motorists. The following measures will help you stay safe:
 
If a car tries to pass you, you should pull over.

At busy intersections, you should pause longer.

Don't listen to music while cycling so you can concentrate.

 
Take a group ride and tell the family where you're going

 
electric bikes are much safer and more enjoyable to ride at night in groups. Whether you ride a regular bike or an electric bike, group riding can increase your visibility to drivers and keep you safer.

 
No matter how often you ride, it's always a good idea to discuss it with friends or family in advance. Tell them when you plan to leave, where you will be picked up if you plan to stop anywhere along the way, and when you expect to return. It's more important to let someone know if a ride will take you somewhere without cell service. If you love the great outdoors, consider getting a GPS bike tracker and always having your phone charged and ready. Be polite by calling or texting someone familiar with your itinerary as soon as you arrive.

 
Bring your bike mechanic's tools

With any electric bike ride, there is a risk of accident or mechanical failure. You should be prepared to deal with any mechanical issues that arise during night rides. It's a good idea to pack a phone charger and a bike repair kit just in case.

 
Have a good night of riding

 
When riding outdoors at night, you can appreciate the peace of the night sky. However, starlight alone is not enough to guarantee nighttime visibility. Be aware of your surroundings, carry adequate lighting to see the road and shoulders, and wear reflective clothing when riding an electric bike at night. Take it easy and bring water and a tool kit, just in case. Share the experience with your companions and enjoy a comfortable ride.

 
Shengmilo rides safely by your side

Your safety on the road is our top priority, day or night, and we know how much you love riding your Shengmilo electric bike. To that end, we only offer the highest quality electric bike products and are eager to help you find the right gear. If you want to find the best equipment to keep you safe and warm on all your rides, take a look at our electric bikes in Shengmilo.