As cyclists, we are well aware of the dangers that can arise when cars and bikes are required to share our already congested roadways. Most cyclists have at one time or another experienced or witnessed a close call during their commute on city roads. It is for this reason that most cities now impose mandatory maximum speed limits for electric bikes. Even with these mandatory laws in place cyclists still regularly get into accidents even while traveling well below these speed limits. The big question is how much of an impact does this actually have on rider safety and should more be done? The following issues underscore.
It is unquestionably the responsibility of every cyclist to make sure he or she is following the rules of the road, as well as wearing a helmet when riding at all times. Riding an eBike, however, does require more vigilance to ensure rider safety. More speed and power obviously requires better brakes, longer stopping distances, and quicker reflexes.
Data shows that most cycling accidents involving motor vehicles occur when a cyclist is hit from the rear. What this shows us is that more needs to be done to ensure better visibility of cyclists on the road. Unfortunately, few eBike manufacturers have taken steps to include better rider safety features when designing their products.
Would you ride a scooter without, headlights, turning lights or a horn? Of course not. Then why are cyclist expected to ride eBikes that can match the speed of a scooter and cost just as much without these features? Ebikes today can cost $3000 or more. At this price would you not expect to see a full featured product that includes all the required safety features to ride safely? Unfortunately, beyond a basic headlight or reflectors, very few manufacturers offer anything more than the bare minimum.
There are however a few eBike manufacturers who take rider safety very seriously. Alizeti provides more than just the basic safety features on its 300C eBike kits. As a matter of fact, most of the standard features that come factory installed on its affordable DIY conversion kit are not even available on eBike costing 4 many more times. Alizeti understands the importance of visibility on the roads and has included rear driving lights as well as left and right turning signals and a horn to warn motorists that drive too close if required. Even the Alizeti 300C lettering that adorns the left and right side of the unit uses reflective material that is highly visible during night driving. Night driving is further enhanced by not one but two front LED lights ensuring cyclist visibility at all times.
Occasionally the big push required for a change to happen in the industry can be driven by smaller companies that are often nimbler and can adapt quicker to the new requirements needed for positive change. Optimistically the trend for better rider safety will propagate across the industry as others follow the initial push for additional safety features and shift their focus from sales tactics to rider safety.