Electric trikes are a versatile and eco-friendly mode of transport. The three-wheeled configuration adds versatility and an extra level of safety that two wheels lack. However, riding in low-light conditions brings a set of unique considerations when it comes to safety. Therefore, in this article, we will focus on night riding safety on electric trikes. 

Why Night Riding Safety On Electric Trikes Is Important

Riding at night is not always avoidable, but it can be fun. The problem is that low-light conditions make riding slightly more dangerous. The hazards come from reduced visibility, lower temperatures, and other road users who are unaware of your presence. Therefore, it's critical that you are prepared and equipped to ensure you get to your destination safely and stress-free.

Make Yourself Visible To Others When Riding At Night

One of the most essential things for night riding safety on electric tracks is alerting your presence to others, and you can do this in various ways. 

Always Ride With Lights In The Dark 

Most electric trikes come with front and rear lights. When riding in low-light conditions, you should always have your lights switched on, as they help you see obstacles in the dark while making you visible to other road users. If your electric trike doesn't have lights fitted, you need to buy some. We recommend using LED lights with several brightness settings. It's even better if your lights have flashing modes that draw the eye of motorists even at long distances.

Wear Bright And Reflective Clothing

Another way to increase your visibility at night is to wear bright and reflective clothing. These items will make you visible from all angles when car headlights shine on you. This is much better than wearing dark clothing, which can make you virtually invisible in the dark. 

You should also be aware that temperatures drop at night. Therefore, you may want to wear extra layers that are waterproof and breathable to make your rides more comfortable. Consider a base layer, a mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell when riding in the winter. 

Plan Your Routes

Sometimes, you can choose an alternative route that is much safer in the dark than your usual route. Even if the safer route is slightly longer, it is often the best choice. It is best to stick to well-lit paths and roads whenever you can. Additionally, it's a good idea to avoid high-traffic areas, as they are more risky when the sun has gone down.

When you plan your route, you should always consider how much battery power your trike has. It could be dangerous if you run out of power in a bad part of town or far from home. If you use your trike or work, consider keeping a battery charger at your workplace so you know you have enough power to get home.

You can use navigation apps to make route planning easy, as they show the best routes for cyclists. These apps take you away from busy roads and can make your journey more direct, allowing you to reach your destination more quickly.

Maintain Your Trike  

It would be unfortunate and incredibly frustrating if you got stuck somewhere due to an avoidable technical fault with your trike. Here are a few things you should do to ensure your electric trike will get you to your destination safely. 

Electric trikes perform and handle at their best when the tire pressures are correct. Proper tire pressures ensure optimum grip and efficiency when writing and reduce the likelihood of punctures. Therefore, learn the manufacturer's recommendations for tire pressure and ensure your tires are correctly inflated.

You should also regularly inspect your brakes, as they are critical to staying safe when riding your electric trike. If you ride your electric trike regularly, check the brake pads every couple of weeks and change them if necessary. Also, if you notice any reduction in braking performance, inspect your brakes or get a bike shop to do it for you.

Always Wear A Helmet

Even though an electric trike is more stable than a regular bicycle, you should always wear a helmet when riding. A quality helmet will keep you safe in most circumstances, protecting you from injuries. You can also improve your safety further by fitting your helmet with an additional light that complements the ones fitted to your trike.

Adapt Your Riding Style

The challenges you’ll experience riding at night require you to adapt your riding style to stay safe. Here's what you can do:

Stay Alert

When riding in the dark, you need to be more alert to your surroundings. Therefore, look out for obstacles in the road, wildlife, and other road users. It would be best not to use your phone while riding, as this is a dangerous distraction. If you listen to music while riding, we recommend that you turn the volume down so you can hear what's happening around you and react accordingly.

Watch Your Speed 

It's fun to ride fast, especially if the roads are quiet. However, riding too fast at night makes you vulnerable to unexpected hazards lurking in the dark. So, it's better to reduce your speed to a point that allows you to respond to unexpected situations.

Always Ride According To The Rules Of The Road

It can be tempting to disregard the traffic rules when riding your electric trike by taking shortcuts, not stopping at traffic lights, etc. But when you do this, you leave yourself open to accidents, as other road users can't predict your actions. So, if you stick to the rules of the road, others will be able to anticipate what you're going to do, keeping you out of trouble.

Final Thoughts On Night Riding Safety On Electric Trikes

Night riding safety on electric trikes mainly relies on common sense and planning. By prioritising visibility, choosing safe routes, staying alert and looking after your trike you can enjoy riding in the dark while staying safe.