If there’s one thing that Uber is constantly trying to do, it’s innovate. First they began experimenting with self-driving cars, an experiment that’s still ongoing and has come under a great deal of fire, but in which the company has a lot of faith. More recently, however, they’ve begun offering powerful bicycles with electric assist. These bikes, similar to those you can rent on street corners in most modern cities, also have electric engines to help them go faster and to reduce cyclist fatigue.
Of course, any vehicle with an engine can be dangerous, and these e-bikes are no exception. Before you jump on board one and head to your next meeting or lunch date, learn some important tips for staying safe with Uber’s e-bikes and learn what you can do if you’re in an accident with one and need compensation for your injuries.
Staying Safe With Uber’s JUMP E-Bikes
Staying safe with Uber’s e-bikes involves many of the same safety tactics you’d use riding a normal bike, just taken to the next level since you’re able to move faster. Always wear your helmet, watch out for obstacles in the road, corner carefully, give plenty of time to brake, use your signals and stay off the sidewalk.
Wear Your Helmet
This cannot be stressed enough. Wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle. A bit of mussed hair is nothing next to the damage you’ll suffer if you get hit by a car when you’re not wearing one. Helmets save lives — it’s that simple.
Watch for Road Obstacles
Keep your eyes open for traffic, potholes, train tracks, puddles, rough roads and other dangers. Whenever you cross the rails of trolley tracks or train tracks, cross at an angle, but never cross when your tires are almost parallel to the tracks. Make sure you’re turned as close to perpendicular as possible.
Give Plenty of Time for Braking
Brakes on these bikes are powerful, but a sudden stop can send you over the handlebars. Give lots of time for braking and brake gradually, slowly and gently. It will ensure that you avoid accidents and are able to maintain control of your vehicle.
Use Your Signals
Far too many cyclists weave in and out of traffic, brake suddenly or make turns across traffic without any indication as to their plans. Don’t be arrogant about your rights as a cyclist. In truth, when you fail to use hand signals, you become a danger to yourself and everyone else on the road. Always use hand signals and use them with enough time to be seen so other drivers can react to your intended course of action.
Stay off the Sidewalk
Sidewalks are a tricky thing when cycling. It can be very tempting to take your bike on the sidewalks. Certainly you feel as though you are safer on the sidewalk than potentially getting hit by a car. But the law is very clear; you don’t belong on the sidewalk. If there are bike lanes in your area, use them.
If You’re in an Accident
If you are staying safe with Uber’s JUMP e-bikes, and you’re in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation if the other driver was at fault. Your best bet to collect on damages for your injuries and medical bills, your pain and suffering, emotional trauma and other harm is to work with a qualified Uber accident attorney. For a free consultation in the San Francisco area, call Gruber Law Group today.