Your First E-Bike Ride: The Essential Safety Checklist for Beginners

Master e-bike safety before your first ride. This complete pre-ride checklist covers ABC checks, battery security, braking techniques, and European e-bike laws for confident cycling.

From Selection to Safe Riding

Welcome to the road! Now that you have chosen your first e-bike (see our selection guide here), the focus shifts to safe operation. E-bikes are faster and heavier than conventional bikes. A quick, 3-minute pre-ride check is crucial to prevent common mechanical issues and potential problems on the road. Following this beginner's guide ensures you ride safely and legally, whether on a Dutch cycle path or a European commute.

The ABC Check: Your 3-Minute Pre-Ride Routine

Professional cyclists use the ABC method before every ride. It's fast, systematic, and covers critical safety points:

• A = Air (Tyre pressure)
• B = Brakes (Stopping power)
• C = Chain (Drivetrain condition)
• Add E = Electrics (battery and motor) for e-bikes, and you have a complete system.

Part 1: Core Pre-Ride Safety Checks

A – Air: Tyre Pressure Check

The Impact: Correct pressure affects range, handling, and puncture resistance. Under-inflated tyres reduce battery efficiency by 20%.

How to Check:

1. Press your thumb firmly against the tyre—it should feel firm, not soft
2. Use a pressure gauge for precision: 3.5–4.5 bar (50–65 PSI) for most city e-bikes
3. Inspect for cuts, cracks, or embedded debris

Red Flag: If tyres look flat or show visible damage, inflate or repair before riding.

B – Brakes: Stopping Power Test

The Impact: E-bikes reach 25 km/h and weigh significantly more than regular bikes. Your brakes must work flawlessly.

How to Check:

1. Lever test: Squeeze both levers—they shouldn't touch the handlebars
2. Rolling test: Push the bike forward whilst applying the front brake—the rear wheel should lift slightly
3. Listen: No squealing or grinding sounds

E-Bike Braking Techniques for Beginners:

• Apply both brakes simultaneously (60% front, 40% rear)
• Brake earlier than on a regular bike—anticipate stops
• In wet conditions, brake gently to avoid skidding

Red Flag: Spongy levers or grinding sounds? Don't ride—visit a mechanic immediately.

C – Chain: Drivetrain Inspection

The Impact: A well-maintained chain ensures smooth pedalling and protects your motor from unnecessary strain.

How to Check:

Run your finger along the chain—it should feel slightly oily, not dry

1. Shift through all gears—changes should be smooth and quiet
2. Look for rust, stiff links, or dirt buildup

Routine E-Bike Maintenance Schedule:

• Weekly: Wipe chain, apply bike-specific lubricant
• Monthly: Deep clean with degreaser
• Every 500 km: Professional service inspection

E – Electrics: Battery Security Check

The Impact: A loose battery can cause power loss mid-ride or, worse, fall out completely.

How to Check:

1. Battery lock: Lightly tug the battery—it should be firmly secured
2. Charge level: Display shows at least 30% for your planned distance
3. Connections: Check cables for damage or loose connections
4. Display function: Power on and cycle through assist modes

Power Management Tip: For a 20 km trip, start with 50% charge minimum. Cold weather reduces capacity by 20–30%.

Our e-bike models feature secure battery mounting systems and clear charge indicators—learn more about battery technology here.

Wheels and Quick-Release Check

The Impact: A loose wheel at e-bike speeds can cause serious accidents.

How to Check:

1. Lift and spin the front wheel—it should rotate freely without wobbling
2. Ensure quick-release levers are fully closed (or thru-axles are tight)
3. Squeeze pairs of spokes—tension should feel even

Warning: Clicking sounds or wobbling wheels require immediate professional attention.

 

Part 2: Essential Safety Gear

1. Helmet (Critical for All Riders)

Whilst not legally required for standard pedelecs in the Netherlands, helmets reduce head injury risk by 70% (Dutch Cyclists' Union, 2023).

Requirements:

• CE EN 1078 certification (European standard)
• Snug fit (doesn't move when shaking your head)
• Positioned 2 cm above eyebrows

2. Visibility Equipment

EU Legal Requirements:

• Front white light (mandatory after dusk)
• Rear red light or reflector
• Pedal and spoke reflectors

Best Practice:

• Use lights during daytime in overcast conditions
• Wear reflective clothing or high-visibility vest
• Fit a bell or horn (legally required in Netherlands, Germany, Belgium)

3. Appropriate Footwear and Clothing

Avoid:

• Loose trousers (chain catch risk)
• Open-toed shoes
• Untied shoelaces

Recommended:Closed-toe shoes with grip

• Fitted clothing or trouser clips
• Gloves for grip and protection

Part 3: E-Bike Compliance – Understanding EU and Local Regulations

Before your first ride, understand the rules. EU standards provide a framework, but countries enforce specific regulations.

Standard Pedelecs (25 km/h)

EU-Wide Classification:

• Maximum motor power: 250W
• Assistance cuts off at 25 km/h
• Pedal-assist only (motor engages when pedalling)

Legal Status:

✅ No registration, insurance, or licence required

✅ Full access to cycle paths and lanes

✅ Treated as bicycles under traffic law

Note: Third-party liability insurance, whilst not mandatory for pedelecs, is strongly recommended across Europe. Annual premiums cost €50–150 and cover damage to others.

Speed Pedelecs (45 km/h)

E-bikes assisting up to 45 km/h are classified as mopeds in most European countries.

Requirements:

• Registration and number plate
• Mandatory insurance (third-party liability minimum)
• Moped-class helmet (ECE 22.05 standard)
• Minimum age: 16 years

Cannot use cycle paths in most countries

Netherlands-Specific Rules

• No helmet requirement for 25 km/h pedelecs
• Lights mandatory from sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility
• Mobile phone use whilst riding prohibited (€140 fine)
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰ (same as motor vehicles)
• E-bikes allowed on cycle paths only, not footpaths

Source: Dutch Road Traffic Act (RVV 1990), updated January 2024

Part 4: First Ride Tips for Beginners

Start in a Controlled Environment

Practice in a Safe Space:

1. Find a quiet car park or empty street
2. Practice starting and stopping—get comfortable with motor assistance
3. Test all assist levels (Eco, Tour, Sport)
4. Practice emergency braking at different speeds

Understand Power Delivery

Key Differences from Regular Bikes:

• Motor assistance starts 0.5–1 second after you begin pedalling
• First pedal strokes feel more powerful—stay calm
• Higher assist modes can feel "pushy" when starting—begin in Eco mode
• Motor cuts off instantly when you stop pedalling or brake

Beginner Mistake: Overestimating ability at 25 km/h in traffic.

Solution: Start in Eco or Tour mode until you build confidence. Our range of e-bikes offers customisable assist settings perfect for learning riders.

Urban Riding Essentials

Positioning in Traffic:

• Use designated cycle lanes where available
• On narrow roads, position yourself centrally to prevent dangerous overtaking

• Never undertake (pass vehicles on the right/curb side). Drivers rarely check this blind spot, especially when turning right."

• "Avoid overtaking (passing vehicles on the left) at junctions. Drivers may turn left without indicating or seeing you.

Hand Signals:

• Left turn: Left arm extended horizontally
• Right turn: Right arm extended
• Stopping: Arm extended downwards

Make eye contact with drivers at junctions—never assume they've seen you.

Common Questions Answered

How often should I do the ABC check?
Before every ride (2–3 minutes). Detailed inspections weekly or before long trips.

What if I notice a problem during my ride?
Stop safely and assess. For mechanical issues (strange noises, brake problems), walk your bike to a shop—don't risk riding.

Do I need insurance in Europe?
For pedelecs: not legally required but highly recommended. Check if your household insurance covers e-bikes. For speed pedelecs: insurance is mandatory.

Can I ride in the rain?
Yes. E-bikes are weather-resistant (IP54 minimum). However, braking distances increase 30–50% on wet surfaces. Reduce speed in corners and dry your bike afterwards.

How should I lock my e-bike?
Use two locks minimum: a frame lock (ring lock) and a chain/U-lock securing the frame to a fixed object. Always remove the battery.

Your Printable Safety Checklist

Before Every Ride:

• Tyres: 3.5–4.5 bar, no damage
• Brakes: Both tested, working smoothly
• Chain: Clean, lubricated, gears shifting
• Battery: Charged (30%+), securely fitted
• Lights: Front and rear functional
• Wheels: Secure, no wobble
• Helmet: Fitted correctly
• Bell/horn: Working
• Clothing: No loose items

Weekly:

• Battery contacts clean
• Brake pads not worn
• No unusual noises

Monthly/500 km:

• Professional service or detailed inspection
• Chain wear measurement
• Firmware updates (if applicable)

Ready to Ride Safely

Safety starts before you pedal. The ABC method—Air, Brakes, Chain, plus Electrics—takes just 3 minutes but prevents the most common issues. As the European Cyclists' Federation highlights, these proper checks reduce mechanical failures by 60%. With proper checks, the right gear, and knowledge of local laws, you're ready for confident, legal riding across Europe.

Missed our previous guide? Read how to choose your first e-bike. Have questions? Drop a comment below—we respond within 24 hours. Follow us for weekly maintenance tips, rider stories, and safety updates.