Beginner’s Guide to Safely Riding an Electric Cargo Bike
As petrol prices skyrocket, most people are looking for alternative ways to move around town. An electric cargo bike is a great substitute for a car since you can take your kids to school, deliver groceries and even move around little inventory items for your business. It is extremely convenient and fun to ride around and is great for your health. And if you’ve just gotten yourself this fancy new ride, Pirez Electric Bikes has some safety tips for you to get started.
What is an Electric Cargo Bike?
An electronic cargo bike has an elongated frame with longer wheelbases. Varying in shapes and sizes, it can be two- or three-wheelers. The bikes have spaces both in the front and in the back to comfortably carry grocery items, people, construction items, and more.
You can use the pedal assist to power the bike forward when carrying anything. You can also customise it according to your wish, such as adding rain covers, a rack or even a back seat.
Tips on Safely Riding Electric Cargo Bikes Australia
You should make sure you maintain these road safety regulations for yourself and other passengers:
Check Your Bike
Your electric cargo bike should always be in optimal condition. The brakes, sensors, tyres, lights, etc. should always be in order, such as the light should be bright enough to navigate in the dark or that the bike is well-oiled. There should be sufficient pressure within the tyre to support the load, and you need to ensure the tyres are not wearing out unevenly as it may cause your e-bike to run suboptimally.
Secure Your Load
It is easier to transport adults in an electric cargo bike than children since they know when to angle their bodies and hold on tightly. However, children can be very excited and jumpy, so make sure they have their seatbelts and helmets on securely. For materials, fasten them tight so that they don’t roll around during tight turns.
Be Confident in Your Skills
Good quality electric cargo bikes are designed with heavy loads in mind and have some of the best functions. Typically, weight limits of different types of cargo bikes can vary. A utility bike can carry 10/15 kg in the front rack and around 35 kg in the rear rack. You can have around 20 kg in the front rack of a mid-tail cargo bike and around 65 kg in the rear rack. For longtail, the weight limit is around 200 kg total kg (including rider), which is the same as a front-loader (160-200 kg).
You can always rely on the front and rear brakes, and other precautionary features. So, once you hit the road, don’t overthink or get anxious about your driving skills. As long as you are mindful of the road and maintain good speed, you don’t have to worry about anything or anyone being thrown off.
Be Comfortable with Steering
The frames of a family cargo bike is different to that of a normal e-bike. Due to the elongated frame and cargo spaces, you need to leave more space when you steer and make turns. While calculating your move, you also need to factor in the added weight and speed at which you were riding. Also, be careful of other vehicles or pedestrians around.
Be Aware of Obstructions
While puncture-resistant tyres can provide somewhat of a safety comfort, you still need to be aware of obstructions. Potholes, speed bumps, and rough patches on roads can throw you off balance and make you lose control of your vehicle. It is especially risky during and after rain because of how slippery roads can get.
This is also important when riding on road cambers, slopes and tilting. If you know that you’ll be working on rough terrain, be careful of your speed and make sure both your brakes are working right.
Hop on Your Electric Cargo Bike Safely
With the right kind of electric cargo bike, you can move around town without breaking the bank, get in your daily exercise, and have fun at the same time. It’s easy to get the hang of it, and once you do, you’ll never look back. Take a look at our new Pirez brand e-cargo bikes at Pirez Electric Bikes, or if you find a regular cargo bike elsewhere, we can probably convert it to electric for you. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.