In the age of technology and innovation, bicycles have experienced, and continue to experience, a multitude of advances and improvements that increase performance and features, improve the user experience and guarantee their safety. In addition, new possibilities have opened up on the bike, and good proof of this are e-bikes.

The bike is gaining more and more followers as a means of urban transport due to the agility it offers over short and medium distances, the freedom to move at your own pace and the savings on fuel and parking. Plus, you get to exercise. Of course, the streets are a jungle and it's better not to be careless to avoid problems with other means of transport or pedestrians.

If you are an urban cyclist, in this buying guide you will find a lot of accessories to get the most out of your bike safely.

Helmet

If we stick to the mandatory rules, the use of a bicycle helmet is mandatory both in the city and on interurban roads only for minors under 16 years of age. If you are an adult, it is only mandatory on interurban roads. And in the city? In general, it is left to the cyclist's choice, although it is recommended by the DGT to use it. However, cities may have their own specific, more restrictive regulations. In any case, wearing a helmet when you ride a bike around the city is a good idea.

Lighting and reflectors

Although it is common for urban bikes to have lights, this may not be the case for your bike or they may simply not provide enough light.

Remember that if you ride at night you are required to carry a white front light and a red rear light. In any case, it never hurts to have an extra light that helps us to be seen and helps us in situations of poor visibility.

Lock

Leaving your bike parked on the street always entails risks, which is why a good lock is an essential accessory for the safety (of our bike) on a daily basis. There are no foolproof locks, but there are those that are robust enough to deter a potential thief: the key is to find a model that is robust enough without being too heavy and cumbersome. In this sense, sometimes it is enough for your lock to be (or appear) more difficult to open than your neighbour's to prevent theft.

A rear-view mirror

Bicycles do not have rear-view mirrors by default, but anyone who drives a car or a motorcycle knows perfectly well the important role they play in avoiding collisions by allowing us to see what is behind us, which helps us when overtaking and merging, two tasks that we frequently perform in urban settings full of obstacles, pedestrians and other vehicles. 

GPS tracker

If your bike spends the night in public places (or communal places, such as a garage) or if you simply leave it parked frequently on the street, then it may be interesting to integrate a discreet GPS tracker that allows you to know its location at all times. There are many GPS trackers, but for this use scenario, a model that can be integrated into the bike without attracting attention is interesting.

When buying a GPS tracker, look at what type of tracking systems it has, the functions implemented (real-time tracking may be interesting, a compact and weather-resistant design, coverage, battery life and the price of the subscription service derived from its use.

Bell

They don't have the power of a horn, but they do serve to alert pedestrians of our presence, which will help to avoid possible approaches or even accidents. Ideal for those bike lanes populated by people.

Repair kit

While not categorically classified as a safety gear, maintaining your bicycle in top condition is paramount to preventing flat tires, ensuring components stay snug, and ultimately, minimizing the likelihood of transportation mishaps. Roadside uncertainties underscore the wisdom of packing a compact yet comprehensive repair arsenal.

Embracing the unpredictability of the open road, investing in a portable repair set becomes a prudent decision. This nifty accessory equips you to tackle quick fixes like tightening bolts, adjusting nuts, or even swapping wheels in a jiffy.

Kickstands

As we have said, e-bikes are generally heavier bikes, so supporting their weight while standing can be uncomfortable and when leaning them against a wall or other surface this can be a problem if the bike falls and is damaged or falls on another person, for example.

For this reason, adding a kickstand to your electric bike can be a very useful solution to solve this problem.

Specific components

Most of the components of an electric bicycle are the same as those of a conventional one. The bearings, chains, headsets... are the same, however, maintenance and replacement of these must be done more periodically since they are exposed to greater wear.

Pedals

Although you can mount any pedals you want on your electric bike, depending on whether you want automatic (with cleats), mixed or cleat type.

Have you ever owned or embarked on a journey with an electric bicycle? Are you currently contemplating the acquisition of one? If so, we sincerely hope that this article serves as a valuable guide for you. Do not hesitate to leave your queries or suggestions in the comments section below. FD (Freedare) remains steadfast in our commitment to offering high-tech, swift, and eco-friendly modes of transportation, ensuring your journeys are not just swift but also safe and secure.