Congratulations on your ebike acquisition. We suggest you start slow and become familiar and comfortable with your new ride. Find a flat, smooth surface without traffic, and practice starting, stopping, turning, and gear shifting. Once familiar with the levers, explore the different power levels while staying in one gear. Most Open Road Motosports ebikes are programmed for five levels of peddle assist, and default settings on the speed limit. Peddle assist options are often 3, 5, or 9. Speed limits apply to when you are riding on level surfaces, and define when the motor reduces power levels to keep the bike at this speed. Know that going downhill there is typically no motor holdback, so speeds can dramatically exceed this setting.
Here are a few safe riding suggestions and practices for your Open Road Motosports ebike:
- When riding your ebike, follow this first & simple rule: Be Safe, Be Seen.
Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, poor weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. If possible, wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding.
Also you can wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you. Wear an approved helmet and protective clothing that can include gloves, wrist, knee, reflective, elbow and eye protection. Failure to use appropriate safety equipment increases the risk of injury.
- Watch for and avoid road hazards, such as potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, broken glass, nails and screws, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. Use both your eyes AND ears. If you are riding with friends and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride.
- Off-road riding presents unique challenges and hazards, such as loose and rugged terrain that could make you lose control of your bike. Only skilled and confident riders should be riding off-road. Practice riding and increase your skill, balance, and coordination - it's fun and valuable. Until then, avoid "double diamond" routes.
- Inspect your bike components prior to riding, including tire pressure. Tighten, straighten, repair, etc. prior to departure. Check the bike condition before takeoff!
- Most Ebikes are designed for use by persons 16 years old and above. You are assuming risks if you let someone younger than 16 years old ride the bicycle. Check the local and state laws regarding age limitations on public roads, streets and paths.
- Control your bicycle well - ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.
- Riders should have the physical coordination, reaction time and the mental capacity to ride and manage traffic, road conditions, and sudden situations, as well as respect and obey the laws governing bicycle use where they ride. Common Sense!
- If you have an impairment or disability, consult your physician, family, and friends before riding any bicycle.
- You should be securely mounted, ready to ride, before turning on the ebike. Know your bike, and learn defensive riding skills.
- Long hair, loose clothing, or loose items worn by the rider should be covered to prevent entanglement in moving parts of the machine or surroundings while riding. Secure your clothing with a leg band or wear active shorts, if possible.
- Turn off the battery before making any chain or derailleur inspections or adjustments. Any turning of the cranks will cause the motor to engage, causing potential injury.
- Adhere to the Rules of the Road when Bicycling on the Road:
In many states bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always:
1) Go With the Traffic Flow: Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow -- not against it.
2) Obey All Traffic Laws: A bicycle is a vehicle and you are a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
3) Yield to Traffic When Appropriate: Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
4) Be Predictable: Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
5) Look Before Turning: When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.
6) Watch for Parked Cars: Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).
7) Sidewalk versus Street Riding: The safest place for bicycle riding is on a dedicated bike path, and then a street, where bicycles are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction. Check the law in your state or jurisdiction to make sure sidewalk riding is allowed.
8) Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways. Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing.
Consider these “DO NOT” tips:
o Do not touch any moving or hot parts.
o Do not ride at night without lighting or under low visibility conditions.
o Do not ride on steep or uneven surfaces unless you are highly skilled.
o Do not exceed the weight limit. Heavier riders may significantly reduce performance and/or render the ebike unstable and/or over-tax the brakes and other control devices.
o We recommend one rider, the operator, and no passengers, unless the bike model is specifically designed to carry them.
o And of course the obvious ... don't ride impaired or distracted. Ride with awareness and fully attentive!
Enjoy your ebike, but be a wise old (or young) owl when riding.
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