Safe on the road with your (e-)bike or e-scooter: smart tips for every ride
Whether you commute daily or just enjoy being outdoors — safety always comes first. With an e-scooter or (electric) bike, you travel quickly, flexibly, and sustainably — but you’re also more vulnerable in traffic. With these practical tips from our prevention service, you’ll be well-prepared for every ride.
Stay safe with your e-scooter
Before you go
- Always wear a helmet — it protects your head in case of a fall.
- Use wrist, knee, and elbow protectors to prevent injuries.
- Check your e-scooter: brakes, tire pressure, lights, and battery.
- Remember: small wheels mean less stability.
- Place your feet toward the back and bend your knees slightly when braking or turning.
While riding
- Don’t go too fast – maximum 25 km/h.
- Use the bike lane, and only the road if there isn’t one.
- Be visible: wear reflective clothing and make sure your lights work.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars for better control.
- No passengers – one scooter, one person.
- Keep your eyes ahead and watch out for cobblestones, tram tracks, or leaves.
- Avoid bad weather – rain and snow make the road slippery.
- Brake gradually – sudden stops can cause falls.
- No phone use, alcohol, or drugs – focus and reaction time are key.
- Wear sunglasses in bright sunlight.
- Follow the traffic rules – an e-scooter is treated the same as a bicycle.
- Park responsibly, without blocking others.
Ride safely - electric or not
Before you go
- Make sure your bike fits you and is in good condition (check brakes, lights, tires).
- Helmet on! Not mandatory, but smart.
- Wear reflective clothing and proper shoes.
- Consider handy extras like a bike bag or sturdy lock.
- Get good advice when picking up your bike.
- Practice first in a quiet area.
While riding
- Use bike lanes whenever possible.
- Know the traffic rules.
- Watch out for blind spots, especially near trucks.
- Keep at least 3 meters in front of or behind a truck at a red light.
- Never overtake a truck.
- Use hand signals when turning.
- Look ahead and make eye contact with other road users.
- Adjust your speed to traffic and road conditions.
- Wear sunglasses in bright light.
- Plan your route in advance.
- Regularly check: brakes, lights, tire pressure.
- Cross safely:
- Use a bike crossing if available.
- If there’s only a pedestrian crossing, get off and walk.
- When in doubt, don’t take the risk.
Extra tips for electric bikes
- Start in a low gear and with low pedal assistance.
- Lower or turn off assistance in heavy traffic.
- Avoid sudden braking – your balance is more fragile.
- Keep your battery well charged, especially in cold or hot weather.
- Schedule regular maintenance.
- Always wear a helmet and reflective vest.
- Avoid gutters and tram tracks.
- Set a reminder: “Charge your lights!”
Bike safety checklist:
- Handlebars secure: Yes/No
- Bell works: Yes/No
- Grips firmly attached: Yes/No
- Brakes working: Yes/No
- Spokes tight: Yes/No
- Side reflectors present: Yes/No
- Tire pressure good: Yes/No
- Saddle secure: Yes/No
- Saddle/frame height adjusted: Yes/No
- Pedals move freely: Yes/No
- Lights working: Yes/No
- Chain properly adjusted: Yes/No
Rear red reflector: Yes/No
- Front white/yellow reflector: Yes/No
- Gears working: Yes/No
- Wheels secure: Yes/No
- No dents/cracks: Yes/No
- No rust: Yes/No
- Controls and levers functional: Yes/No
- Screws and bolts tight: Yes/No
One safe step today saves a thousand worries tomorrow. Safety today is building tomorrow.