Electric scooters and bikes have grown in popularity over the last few years as a convenient mode of transportation. Whether heading to work, running errands, or simply riding around the neighborhood, these electric options are a lot of fun. They tend to come with their own set of safety challenges, however, especially when riding in the evenings or at night. Reduced visibility and heavy traffic could turn a typical commute into a dangerous one. Between wearing the right gear and careful planning, there are several ways to make the night riding experience a lot safer. Join us as we jump right into covering the best safety practices for riding an electric vehicle at night.
Visibility and Lighting
One of the obvious challenges that come with night riding is decreased visibility. It’s important to make sure both the rider and the vehicle are visible to others on the road.
Most electric scooters and bikes out there already come equipped with lights. Always make sure these lights are turned on before riding. Some models even have adjustable light settings, where the beam can be made bright enough to suit specific needs.
In addition to the built-in lights, there are lots of great extra lighting accessories. A more powerful front light can help to see farther down the road if the light on the electric scooter or bike isn’t sufficient. If the ride doesn’t have reflectors on it, they can easily be attached to the wheels or frame in order to increase visibility. This is especially useful when riding down poorly lit streets and side roads after dark.
I have personally purchased nearly 20 different handlebar lights, and this one (OFFBONDAGE Bicycle Light) is far and away the best for the price. It costs $15 and is plenty bright for scooters up to 45mph.
Example Scooter Lights
Below is an example of various scooters and their stock lights, ranging from a $150 iScooter i8L to a $5999 Dualtron X Limited. The OFFBONDAGE light is roughly as bright or brighter than all of these example scooter lights, except for the Dualtron X Limited.
Gear and Clothing
Wearing the right gear is a no-brainer when it comes to safety, and riding at night is no exception. A helmet is a must, no matter the time of day. Something that protects the top of the head is fine, but a more motorcycle-like helmet that protects the jaw is strongly recommended. If launched over the handlebars, that extra protection could save a life.
See our full review outlining our favorite safety gear here.
When it comes to clothing, always aim for something bright or reflective. This could be in the form of a reflective vest, jacket, or pants. Any of these options will make the rider more visible to others on the road. The more visible a rider is, the less likely they are to be unnoticed by other drivers.
Check out our favorite reflective armored jacket here.
Gloves + Shoes
Sturdy footwear and gloves are also important. Not only do gloves provide better grip on the handlebars, but they also add extra protection in case of a fall. There are even gloves armored along the knuckles, if desired. A good pair of shoes also adds increased control.
My favorite pair of riding shoes/boots are no longer available, but I got them on Amazon here.
For longer rides, knee and elbow pads offer extra protection. They’re recommended in general, but especially when riding on unfamiliar routes where the risk of falling is higher.
Riding Behaviors
It’s not a bad idea to ride at a slightly slower pace. If the area is familiar, feel free to ride at a normal pace. Slowing down allows for more time to react, whether that be a dip in the road or a driver speeding through a stop sign. At night, the risk of running into potholes and other roadblocks is higher too, so slowing down gives the rider more time to react. Whether it be a dip in the road or a driver running a stop sign, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Always be aware of pedestrians, especially in heavily trafficked areas and around crosswalks. Yield the right of way to pedestrians, even though it may be frustrating. They may not always see the rider and are probably crossing with the same sense of entitlement we all do as pedestrians.
The Right Routes
As should always be the case, make sure to carefully choose the route to take. Where possible, travel on roads with bike lanes or quieter side streets that have good lighting. These types of roads tend to be less crowded and are safer than the busy main ones, especially at night. Try to avoid low light areas and streets with higher traffic, as they can increase the likelihood of an accident. The most dangerous roads are narrow roads without any shoulder on either side.
Conclusion
Riding an electric scooter or bike at night should be an enjoyable experience, but it requires extra attention to safety. To summarize, be sure to maintain visibility, wear the right gear, adopt safe riding behaviors, and choose smart routes to take. By far, visibility and caution are the best friends for any rider after hours. Be sure to follow these tips to make any nighttime ride a lot safer, and therefore more enjoyable.
