Staying safe while you shred: essential eMTB safety tips and precautions

AMFLOW

06/08/2025

We all love riding our eMTBs. Whether it’s a chance to escape the day-to-day, or an opportunity to test your personal or competitive limits – there’s no denying the awesome power of this pursuit.

Simply put, few things compare to the joy of riding electric mountain bikes.

With that said, eMTB can also be dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions. Just the same as driving a car or crossing the street. That’s why we wanted to create this guide – to give you some quick tips for staying safe while living your passion.

In This Article

Personal protection – the essential safety gear for eMTB

There are a few bits of protective equipment that no electric mountain biker should be without.

• Helmet

One of the best parts of riding an eMTB – especially an all-mountain electric bike like the PL Carbon Pro – is the chance to take on a wide variety of features and trails. Naturally, that does occasionally mean getting out of your depth and taking a tumble.

Your bike helmet is the number one item that will protect you in the event of any spills or collisions.

There is a whole galaxy of MTB helmets out there. Our advice is to go for something with extended protection around the back of the head as a minimum, and to consider a full-face lid if you’re going to be doing techy downhill or enduro racing.

• Footwear

We hate to sound like your mum but you can’t go wrong with a pair of strong, sturdy shoes. This counts double when you’re riding eMTB.

Look for grippy shoes that give you excellent purchase on the pedals – ideally ones designed specifically for mountain biking.

If you feel like exploring clip-in shoes – they can give you more control over the bike – then they’ll already have all the features needed for safe cycling.

Strong, durable upper materials are also a benefit. We’d advise against open-toed shoes for eMTB.

• Eye protection

With dirt, dust and mud flying up off your wheels, and then a whole host of bugs and branches lurking around at eye level, some kind of eye protection is essential for eMTB.

A regular pair of sunglasses will do just fine, but if you opt for a dedicated cycling-specific pair you’ll likely find that you have more coverage. This extra protection makes it less likely for foreign bodies to sneak around the frames and into your eyes… they also look way cool.

If the weather is gloomy or you’re going night-riding, you might want to consider switching out the darker lenses for a clear pair. Many cycling sunglasses brands provide a clear switchout option as standard nowadays.

Pre-ride checks to ensure EMTB safety

We know the feeling of simply wanting to get going on your eMTB ride as quickly as possible, but a five-minute check of the bike can save you major time (and stress) later.

You’ll get the best, most predictable – and therefore safest – performance from your tires if they’re inflated to the correct eMTB tire pressure. It’s always worth checking your tire pressure before you set out for your ride.

Likewise, it only takes a few seconds to make sure your battery has enough charge for the ride you want to do. And that’s way better than realising halfway round the route you planned that you haven’t got enough power to reach home.

We’d also advise checking your brakes before you set off. These are perhaps the biggest safety factor that is built into your bike. If they’re not engaging, the pads are worn down or the braking feels slow and unresponsive, this is something to address before you leave home. And not when you’re about to tackle a steep downhill section of trail.

Finally, make sure you have a toolkit so you can do any minor tweaks or running repairs. You don’t want to be forced to ride an unsafe bike home because you have no way to tighten up a bolt that has come loose. Nor do you want to be stranded at the trailside because you left your pump at home.

Tips and techniques for riding safely on eMTB trails

When riding an EMTB, controlling your speed is crucial, particularly on descents. Adjust your pace according to the trail conditions so you can respond quickly to changes in terrain or unexpected obstacles.

Maintaining the right body position helps with balance and control. Keep your elbows slightly bent, your weight centred over the bike, and stay relaxed – especially when tackling rough sections or technical climbs.

Safety isn’t just a personal concern. EMTBers also look out for one another. To this end, clear communication on the trail is essential for safety. Use hand signals to alert fellow riders to stops or hazards, and always stay aware of other trail users to avoid collisions or confusion.

In an emergency – being prepared for the worst

Hopefully you never need to use most of the tips in this section. Nevertheless, it’s important to be prepared for the kind of crash that might occur, where you’re not able to dust yourself off and ride back to the trailhead.

Always notify someone of where you’re going when you set off to ride your eMTB. You can do this when riding in a group, but it’s especially important if you’re headed off solo.

Carry a first aid kit to treat minor injuries on the trail. This is a benefit not just for you, but for other people you might encounter out there who’ve taken a tumble. Consider taking a course in first aid if you plan to be riding a lot, leading rides, or headed off into very remote places.

Familiarise yourself with proper emergency response procedure. If something does go wrong, make sure you know in advance how to respond. Check in with your local trail network or the emergency services (non-emergency) for advice on this.

Choose the right bike

While buying a particular bike model can’t protect you from accidents, having a well-built, versatile and capable bike can certainly help you out of a few scrapes. The PL Carbon Pro is a true adventure machine, capable of taking on varied terrain without backing down.

The PL Carbon Pro is built around a powerful, efficient Avinox motor – which will support you if you need to blast up a steep incline, or keep on pedalling when you’re injured or fatigued. The long battery life also helps to this effect.

The tough-yet-lightweight frame is another big benefit in challenging situations. It won’t fall to pieces if you do have a crash, and rides light as a feather when you’re headed for home.

Safe (and happy) trails!

eMTB riding is all about fun and freedom – but it only stays that way if you stay safe. A good helmet, solid shoes, and eye protection should be the bare minimum every time you ride. Quick pre-ride checks on your tyres, brakes, and battery can save you from major problems down the trail.

Ride smart. Keep your speed in check, especially downhill, and stay balanced with a centred body position. Use hand signals and keep an eye out for other trail users – safety isn’t just about you.

Crashes can happen, so be ready. Tell someone where you're going, carry a first aid kit, and know how to handle emergencies. A capable, reliable eMTB like the PL Carbon Pro won’t prevent accidents, but it might just help you handle them better.