Safety essentials
| Everyone at Rad Power Bikes cares about your safety and the safety of those around you. We want you to thoroughly enjoy your amazing ebike safely and reliably for many years to come. Please follow the safety advice here and in the latest version of your Owner's Manual. |
DO NOT alter or modify anything in your ebike's electrical system, battery, digital controls, physical components, or drive train. Doing so may void your warranty. Any such modifications may result in damage to your vehicle, other property, or injury or death to you or others.
| Your ebike is not to be operated by anyone under the age of 16. Children under the age of 16 may lack the necessary judgment and skill to safely operate an ebike, potentially resulting in damage to the ebike, damage to other property, serious injury, and/or death. Please also check your local laws, which may require a higher age. It is your responsibility to know and obey local regulations regarding operator age and other qualifications. |  |
| Riding any bike or similar vehicle without a helmet puts you at VERY HIGH RISK of serious head injury or death. Always wear a properly fitted helmet that covers the forehead. Many locations require specific safety devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself and comply with the laws, rules, and regulations where you ride. |  |
| Ebike components like brakes, cables and tires may wear out faster than would be the case for non-motorized bicycles, requiring more service. You must check your ebike before each ride and according to the other checklists in your Owner's Manual, and have a professional, reputable bike mechanic perform a thorough tune-up following the service intervals described in your manual, or sooner if you discover increased wear. Failure to do so could result in property damage, serious injury, or death. |  |
Safety first
Operating any vehicle involves some risk of serious injury or death. Your safety while operating an ebike depends on many factors including your skill, your ebike's maintenance, and operating conditions.
To minimize risk, you need to be educated, properly assemble and maintain your ebike, and operate defensively and within your abilities. You still might encounter unanticipated hazards.
Please follow the guidelines below for the safest, most enjoyable riding experience possible.
Read your Owner's Manual
Your Owner's Manual is packed with essential information to ensure you have the safest experience with your new ebike. Read it thoroughly before riding.
Have a professional perform or check your assembly
If your ebike is not assembled correctly and fitted to your body, or if its fasteners are not torqued to the values listed in your Owner's Manual, you put yourself at greatly increased risk of serious injury or death. Have a professional bike mechanic assemble your ebike, or, if you assemble your ebike yourself, have a professional double-check your work.
Perform a safety check before each ride
Before each ride, you must perform a full check of your ebike. Here is a quick summary of the main features to check:
- The seat must be properly adjusted to the operator's leg length, not extend beyond the minimum insertion point, and be securely tightened (not able to slip or twist).
- The handlebar must pass the twist and push tests described HERE. You must be able to move your handlebar both left and right without interference from any accessories. Turning your handlebar must not pull any cables taut or strain electrical connections.
- The battery should have enough charge to get you where you need to go before your next charging opportunity. Remove the key from the battery or frame before riding.
- The brakes must securely stop both wheels, and brake levers must operate easily. When the brake levers are fully squeezed, there must be enough space between the lever and your handlebar grip to not pinch any fingers on the handlebar grip.
- The wheels must be securely attached, with axles tightened according to the Owner's Manual instructions and torque values. If your front wheel has a quick-release lever, secure it according to the instructions HERE.
- The tires must be properly inflated, not wobble when spinning, and not have any cuts, cracks, bulges, or bald spots.
- The chain should have some flex, but not be "floppy" or sagging.
- All moving parts (chain, wheels, cranks, etc.) must be clear of any gear, clothing, straps, or other objects that might touch, interfere, or rub against them.
- All bolts and other fasteners must be tightened according to the instructions and torque values specified in your Owner's Manual. Accessories must be securely attached according to manufacturer's instructions.
Your Owner's Manual includes a comprehensive safely checklist tailored for your ebike model. You must review that information before riding your ebike.
Follow service interval and other maintenance guidelines
Every bike has a "break-in" period of about 50-100 miles and needs a professional mechanical check afterward. Some parts of any bike experience normal wear and tear and must be periodically serviced and/or replaced. Appropriate service intervals are listed in your Owner's Manual.
Take it slow
An ebike is heavier and more powerful than a bike without a motor. New ebike riders frequently remark on how differently ebikes handle compared to their non-electric cousins. It takes time and practice to get used to your ebike and to feel confident riding it in different conditions, even if you're an experienced cyclist.
For your first few rides, keep it to a safe, flat area away from traffic and other hazards. Start at low speed and low PAS level (0 or 1 at first). Practice balancing through acceleration and deceleration, working your way up to increasingly sudden stops. Gradually try higher speeds and more motor assistance until you are comfortable with the PAS, throttle, and braking features. Then you can graduate to riding on shared roads and bike paths (if allowed in your area).
Always leave more distance and time to brake when riding at higher speeds, on slippery surfaces, downhill, or with extra weight. Use both your front and rear brakes together.
Read your Owner's Manual for in-depth information on riding in various conditions.
See and be seen
Always pay attention to your surroundings, avoiding distractions like cell phones or music from headphones.
The better others can see you, the safer you'll be. Always ride with your headlight on (which will also illuminate your taillight). Do not remove or obstruct these lights or any of your reflectors. Wear bright, reflective clothing. Avoid riding in low-visibility conditions such as the dark, fog, or rain. If you must ride in the in low-visibility conditions, stick to well-lit, familiar routes.
Review your entire Owner's Manual, consult the resources on this Help Center whenever you have questions, and ride Rad!