Some of our customers are a little nervous of eBiking when they pick up their bikes, although they are usually pretty relaxed about them by the time they're finished. So this month I'm going to talk about the safety measures we have in place.
The bikes
We only use high quality Trek eBikes, which means you are getting a bike which has been well designed for comfort and safety, as well as ease of use. All the bikes have always-on lights, and have good quality hydraulic disc brakes, as shown below.
Without getting technical, the differences between these brakes versus the old-style block brakes is absolutely huge. The brakes are reliable and can handle the steepest of hills. It is also easier to brake gently, as opposed to the all-or-nothing feel of the old-style brakes. Having ridden an eBike on the Donegal hills with block brakes, and later another with disc brakes, I can personally attest to the horrors of a steep downhill without full confidence in ones' brakes, as opposed to the joy of knowing that when it's time to start slowing down, it will be simple to do so steadily and without drama. On our routes in Tipperary and Clare, there aren't a whole lot of scarily steep Donegal-style downhills, but you can rest assured that you'll have no trouble stopping with our Trek bikes. Brake early and brake often, I always say!
Another safety feature of the eBikes is that they have good thick tyres, so that punctures are mercifully rare. If you are unlucky enough to get a puncture while out on one of our bikes, rest assured that we'll either bring out a change of bike or fix the puncture at the roadside.
Safety equipment
Before departing on you rental or guided tour, you will be offered a high vis jacket and a helmet. In colder weather, you will also be offered gloves and/or a neck warmer.
Safety checks before each rental
Before delivering your eBikes, I always perform a 10-point check on each bike. This includes checking the tyres, checking nothing has worked loose in transit and checking the brakes and lights.
In addition to this, I will talk each customer through the operation of the bike, showing how to switch it on/off, how to change the amount of power provide by the motor, and how to operate the gears and brakes. Before departing, you will have the opportunity for a quick try out on the bike to ensure that if any adjustments are needed, or if you have any questions, then I am there to see to it.
Also, please note that in the event of bad weather (that is a status Orange weather warning affecting the area of the rental / guided tour), all guests will be offered a choice of a reschedule or a full refund. This is in addition to our standard cancellation policy.
Routes
And finally, many people have misgivings about being out on public roads on an eBike, particularly if they are unaccustomed to cycling. In order to minimise risks, and also to maximise enjoyment, I have spent many hours devising routes on quiet roads. In counties Tipperary and Clare, as in most of Ireland, there is a whole network of minor roads that many car drivers never even know are there, and it is these roads that our routes are focussed on. The routes will rarely be the shortest way from A to B, but they'll be packed with scenery and will avoid busy roads as much as possible. You won't meet many cars, and those that you do meet will tend to be polite and patient. For self-guided rentals, a Garmin device is available to show you the routes. Happy cycling!
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