Helmets, hi-vis, braking distance and battery care. A practical safety guide for Australian e-bike riders — written by people who actually ride them.
An e-bike is faster, heavier and quieter than a regular bike — three things drivers don't expect. Most crashes aren't dramatic; they're a kerb misjudged, a car door opened, a wet white line. The good news: a handful of habits cut your risk dramatically. Here are the 12 we ride by.
Before you ride
- Helmet, every time. AS/NZS 2063 certified. Mandatory in every Australian state and territory.
- Tyre pressure check — under-inflated tyres pinch flat and wash out in corners. Check weekly.
- Brake test in your driveway. Both levers. If anything feels spongy, don't ride until it's fixed.
- Lights on, day or night. Daytime running lights cut driver-fault collisions noticeably.
On the road
- Ride a door's width away from parked cars. Dooring is the most common Sydney bike injury.
- Assume you're invisible. Eye contact at intersections beats a green light.
- Brake earlier than you think. A loaded e-bike at 25 km/h stops in roughly 1.5x the distance of a regular bike.
- Pick the lower assist mode in the wet. Less torque, less wheelspin on painted lines and tram tracks.
Battery & charging safety
- Charge on a hard surface, away from bedding and exits. Never overnight while you sleep.
- Use the supplied charger only. Cheap third-party chargers are the #1 cause of e-bike fires.
- Store the battery between 10–25°C. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct summer sun.
- If the pack is swollen, hot or smells chemical — stop using it. Contact us, don't bin it.
If the worst happens
Move yourself and the bike out of traffic. Photograph the scene before anything moves. Exchange details. Report the incident to police if there's any injury or vehicle damage — it protects your insurance claim and any third-party cycling cover you hold.
Ride like you're invisible. Brake like you mean it.
FAQ
- Do I have to wear a helmet on an e-bike in Australia?
- Yes. Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in every Australian state and territory, regardless of age or e-bike type. Helmets must meet AS/NZS 2063.
- Is it safe to charge an e-bike battery indoors?
- Yes, if you use the supplied charger, charge on a hard non-flammable surface, keep the battery away from exits and bedding, and don't charge unattended overnight.
- How long does an e-bike take to stop?
- A typical 25–30kg e-bike loaded with a rider stops in roughly 1.5x the distance of a standard bicycle at the same speed. Brake earlier in the wet and on downhills.
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