Safe Riding Guide

Last updated: March 2026

This guide is provided by Westlake Adventure Sports Inc., operating as RideNet, to help you have a safe and enjoyable ride. Please read it before your first rental and revisit it any time you need a refresher. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace your obligation to comply with all applicable laws, the Terms of Service, the Rider Waiver & Liability Release, or any Fleet Operator instructions.

Top 5 Tips for Safe Riding

1. Check Your Mindset

If you are feeling reckless, competitive, impatient, or like testing limits — stop. Get off the bike. Take a few slow, deep breaths. That "let's see what this thing can do" impulse is the single fastest path to a serious accident. E-bikes reward calm, deliberate riders, not aggressive ones. If you are angry, frustrated, rushing to be somewhere, or riding to impress someone, your judgment is already compromised. The ride will still be there in two minutes when your head is clear. Reckless riding doesn't just put you at risk — it endangers every pedestrian, cyclist, and driver around you.

2. Stay Ready

Ride like you are driving a car — eyes up, scanning constantly, hands in position to react. Keep your fingers resting on the brake levers at all times so you can stop within a second. Watch for doors opening, vehicles turning, pedestrians stepping off curbs, and road surface hazards. Check over your shoulder before changing position. The moment you zone out, scroll your phone, or fixate on the scenery is the moment something will appear in your path. Assume that every driver has not seen you, every pedestrian will step out without looking, and every parked car door is about to open. Staying ready means the surprise never becomes a crisis.

3. Control Your Speed

The motor makes speed effortless — and that is exactly what makes it dangerous. Faster speed means longer braking distance, less reaction time, and more severe injuries if something goes wrong. Slow down at every intersection, in congested areas, on descents, in wet or loose conditions, and anywhere your visibility is limited. Match your speed to the environment, not the speedometer. A relaxed pace through a busy area is always safer than flying through it with your heart racing. Remember: the posted speed limit is a maximum for motor vehicles on a dry day — not a target for an e-bike rider on a shared path.

4. Plan Before You Go

Know your route before you start pedalling. Check the battery level, estimate your distance, and make sure you have enough charge to complete the ride with a comfortable margin. Familiarize yourself with the designated operating area in the RideNet app so you do not accidentally ride outside the geofence. Check the weather — if rain, wind, or extreme temperatures are forecast, adjust your plans or postpone. Know where your return points are. A rider with a plan makes calm, predictable decisions. A rider who is lost, low on battery, and racing against a storm makes desperate ones.

5. Be Seen

You cannot avoid what does not see you, and drivers frequently fail to see cyclists — especially at intersections, in low light, and in blind spots. Wear bright or high-contrast clothing. Use your front and rear lights any time visibility is even slightly reduced, not just after dark. Stay out of the door zone alongside parked cars. Never ride in a truck or bus blind spot. Make eye contact with drivers at intersections when you can. If you are not sure whether someone has seen you, they have not. Being visible is not vanity — it is the cheapest, simplest, most effective protection you have.

Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Substances

The Rule

Do not operate an e-bike while impaired by any substance. This is a condition of your rental, a requirement of your Waiver, and — depending on the substance and jurisdiction — the law. Impaired cycling carries real legal consequences in Canada, including charges under the Criminal Code and provincial Highway Traffic Acts.

But this section is not just about the law. It is about keeping you and everyone around you alive.

Be Honest With Yourself

Alcohol, cannabis, and many legal prescription and over-the-counter medications impair balance, coordination, reaction time, depth perception, and judgment — every single faculty you need to ride safely. E-bikes make this worse, not better. The motor masks how impaired you are because you do not need to exert effort to maintain speed. You feel fine. You are not fine. Impaired riders consistently overestimate their ability and underestimate their speed.

If you have consumed any substance that could affect your riding, do not ride. There is no amount of "I feel okay" that makes up for the physics of a 25 kg vehicle at 30 km/h meeting an obstacle your reflexes were too slow to avoid.

Enjoying Substances Responsibly Around Your Ride

We understand that legal alcohol and cannabis are part of many people's recreational activities, and that e-bike rentals often coincide with tours, tastings, social outings, and events where these substances are present. We are not here to lecture you about your personal choices. We are here to make sure your ride stays safe.

If you plan to consume legal alcohol, cannabis, or any substance during an outing that also involves an e-bike rental:

Enjoy responsibly and with good company. Having friends around you is not just more fun — it means someone is looking out for you. A good friend will tell you when you should not get back on the bike, even if you think you are fine.
Wait for the effects to fully subside before riding again. Alcohol and cannabis affect everyone differently depending on body weight, tolerance, food intake, hydration, fatigue, and other factors. Do not rush it. Give yourself more time than you think you need, not less.
Use legal testing methods to gauge your impairment level. Personal breathalysers (for alcohol) and other commercially available testing tools can help you make an informed decision about whether you have returned to a legal and safe level for your age and experience. These tools are not perfect, but they are far better than guessing. If you are even slightly unsure, wait longer.
Do not consume substances in locations where emergency or support services cannot reach you. If something goes wrong — a medical issue, an accident, a bad reaction — you need to be somewhere that help can get to you. Remote trails, isolated beaches, and backcountry areas are not the place to combine substances with physical activity.
Do not isolate yourself in a location that forces you to use the rented e-bike to leave. If the only way to get back from your destination is to ride the e-bike, and you have consumed a substance, you have put yourself in a position where you must choose between riding impaired or being stranded. Plan ahead. Choose destinations where you have alternative transportation options — a taxi, rideshare, a friend who can drive, a bus route, or a walkable distance to your accommodation. Never make the e-bike your only way out.
Plan your consumption around your ride, not your ride around your consumption. The safest approach is to complete your ride first, return the e-bike, and then enjoy your evening. If your plan is the other way around, build in a genuine rest period and a way to test your readiness before getting back on the bike.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

Many common medications impair riding ability, including but not limited to: antihistamines (allergy medications), muscle relaxants, sleep aids, anxiety medications, opioid pain relievers, some antidepressants, and any medication whose label warns against operating heavy machinery or vehicles. If your medication carries such a warning, it applies to e-bikes. Consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure whether your medication is compatible with cycling.

What Happens If You Ride Impaired

Your rental will be terminated immediately upon any evidence of impairment. We will assist you in finding a safe alternative way home.
You may be held liable for any damage to the e-bike, injury to yourself, or injury to others.
You may face criminal charges or Highway Traffic Act penalties depending on the substance and jurisdiction.
Your RideNet account may be suspended or permanently terminated.

We would much rather help you arrange a taxi than respond to an accident report. If at any point during your rental you realize you should not be riding, stop, lock the bike, and contact us. We will not penalize you for making the safe choice.

Before You Ride

Know Your E-Bike

E-bikes are not regular bicycles. Understanding the differences before you start riding is the single most important thing you can do to stay safe.

E-bikes are heavier. The battery and motor add significant weight — typically 20–30 kg (45–65 lbs) total. This affects your balance, your ability to manoeuvre, and how far it takes to stop. If the e-bike starts to tip, it is harder to recover than with a regular bicycle.
E-bikes accelerate faster than you expect. Whether using throttle mode or pedal-assist, the motor will push you to speed more quickly than leg power alone. Your first few seconds on the bike should be slow and deliberate — ideally in an open area away from traffic, pedestrians, and obstacles.
Braking distance is longer. Higher speeds plus greater weight means you need to start braking earlier than you would on a conventional bicycle. Always maintain a following distance that gives you room to stop.
Understand your assist modes. Before riding in traffic, know the difference between throttle mode (motor runs when you twist the grip or press a button) and pedal-assist mode (motor engages when you pedal). Test both in a safe area first. If you are unsure how the controls work, ask the Fleet Operator or contact support@ridenet.ca.

Pre-Ride Checklist

Before every ride, take 60 seconds to check:

Brakes — Squeeze both brake levers. Each should feel firm and responsive. If either feels spongy, loose, or doesn't engage, do not ride the bike. Report it immediately in the app.
Tires — Look at both tires. They should be inflated and free of visible cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. A flat or soft tire dramatically reduces your control.
Lights — If your ride will include any low-light conditions (overcast, dusk, dawn, evening), confirm that the front and rear lights are working.
Battery — Check the battery level in the app. Plan your route with enough charge to complete it. Running out of battery mid-ride means you are pedalling a very heavy bicycle, which can be exhausting and unsafe on hills or in traffic.
Handlebars and Seat — Make sure the handlebars are straight and the seat is at a comfortable height. You should be able to touch the ground with your toes when seated.
Mirrors (if equipped) — Adjust mirrors so you can see behind you without turning your head.
Loose Items — Secure bags, straps, scarves, or anything that could catch in the wheels, chain, or motor.

If anything seems off, do not ride the bike. Report the issue in the RideNet app and request a different vehicle.

Prepare Yourself

Helmet on, strap fastened. A properly fitted helmet is required on every ride. It should sit level on your head (not tilted back), the straps should form a V under each ear, and you should be able to fit only one finger between the strap and your chin.
Dress for visibility. Bright or reflective clothing helps drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians see you — especially in low light, rain, or fog. Avoid dark clothing at dusk and after dark.
Footwear matters. Closed-toe shoes with a firm sole. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, heels, or any loose footwear that could slip off the pedals or catch in the drivetrain.
No headphones covering both ears. You need to hear traffic, horns, emergency vehicles, and other riders. If you must use one earbud, keep the traffic-side ear open. Many jurisdictions prohibit headphones on both ears while cycling.
Hydrate and fuel. Especially in warm weather, make sure you have had enough water and food before riding. Dehydration and low blood sugar impair your reaction time and judgment.
Sun protection. On longer rides in direct sunlight, apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses or a visor. Heat exhaustion is a real risk during extended summer rides.

The Five Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents — and How to Avoid Them

1. The Right Hook

What happens: A vehicle passes you on your left and then immediately turns right, directly into your path — or across it. This is the most common type of car-bicycle collision.

How to avoid it:

Never ride in a driver's blind spot. If you cannot see their mirrors, they cannot see you.
When approaching an intersection, watch for vehicles signalling right turns (or slowing without signalling).
Make eye contact with drivers when possible. If you cannot tell whether a driver has seen you, assume they have not.
Slow down as you approach intersections, even if you have the right of way.
Use the full lane if the lane is too narrow for a vehicle to pass you safely within it. Riding in the centre of a narrow lane forces vehicles to change lanes to pass, which makes them more aware of you.

2. The Door Zone

What happens: A parked car's door swings open directly into your path. At e-bike speeds, you may have less than one second to react. This is called "dooring" and it causes severe injuries.

How to avoid it:

Ride at least one metre (three feet) away from parked cars at all times. This is called "riding outside the door zone."
Scan the interiors of parked cars as you approach. Look for brake lights, movement, or occupants who may be about to exit.
If the bike lane is in the door zone (directly adjacent to parked cars), consider riding on the traffic-side edge of the lane or taking the full travel lane if it is safe to do so.
Reduce your speed when riding past a line of parked cars, especially near restaurants, shops, and other high-turnover parking areas.

3. Intersection Conflicts

What happens: A vehicle crosses your path at an intersection — either running a red light, making a left turn across your lane, or failing to yield at a stop sign. Intersections account for the majority of urban cycling collisions.

How to avoid it:

Slow down at every intersection, whether controlled or uncontrolled, even if you have a green light or the right of way.
Scan left-right-left as you enter the intersection. Do not assume that vehicles will stop.
Be especially cautious of vehicles turning left from the opposite direction. Left-turning drivers frequently fail to see oncoming cyclists.
Use hand signals clearly and early — at least 30 metres (100 feet) before your turn.
At stop signs, come to a full stop. Treat every stop sign as a chance to assess your surroundings.
Avoid entering an intersection during a stale green (a light that has been green for a while and may change). If you are unsure whether you can clear the intersection before the light changes, stop.

4. Riding Against Traffic

What happens: A cyclist rides on the wrong side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. This makes the cyclist invisible to drivers turning onto the road, exiting driveways, or pulling out of parking spaces — they are looking the other direction for traffic.

How to avoid it:

Always ride in the same direction as traffic. This is the law in every Canadian province.
Use bike lanes, cycle tracks, and multi-use paths where available, and follow their designated direction of travel.
Never ride on the sidewalk unless local law explicitly permits it. Sidewalk cycling puts both you and pedestrians at risk, and drivers do not expect to encounter fast-moving vehicles on sidewalks.

5. Poor Visibility and Night Riding

What happens: The rider is not visible to other road users due to darkness, rain, fog, or inadequate lighting and reflective gear. Nighttime cycling fatalities are disproportionately high relative to the number of nighttime cyclists.

How to avoid it:

Use front and rear lights whenever visibility is reduced — not just after dark, but also in rain, fog, overcast conditions, and at dusk/dawn.
Wear bright or reflective clothing. Reflective ankle bands are particularly effective because the up-and-down pedalling motion catches drivers' attention.
Reduce your speed at night. Your headlight illuminates less road than you think, and your ability to see potholes, debris, and road hazards is significantly reduced.
Avoid unfamiliar routes at night. Stick to well-lit roads you know.
Make sure your front light is bright enough and aimed correctly — it should illuminate the road 5–10 metres ahead, not pointing up into the air or down at your front tire.

On the Road

Ride Predictably

The number one thing you can do for your safety in traffic is to be predictable. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can only avoid you if they can predict what you are going to do next.

Hold your line. Ride in a straight line. Do not weave between parked cars or in and out of the bike lane.
Signal your intentions. Use hand signals for turns and stops. Signal early, not at the last moment.
Don't surprise anyone. If you need to change lanes, merge, or stop suddenly, check behind you first. Give others time to react.
Obey traffic signals and signs. Stopping at red lights and stop signs is not optional. Running a red light is one of the most dangerous things a cyclist can do.

Be Defensive

Assume that every driver, pedestrian, and other cyclist has not seen you. This mindset keeps you alert and prepared.

Cover your brakes. Keep your fingers resting on the brake levers at all times so you can stop quickly.
Scan constantly. Your eyes should be moving — checking the road ahead, parked cars, intersections, mirrors, and the road surface.
Leave yourself an out. Always have an escape route in mind. If a car swerves into your lane, where will you go?
Beware of large vehicles. Trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles have enormous blind spots. Never ride alongside a large vehicle at an intersection — they may turn directly into you without seeing you.

Manage Speed

E-bikes make speed effortless. That can be dangerous.

Slow down in congested areas. Pedestrian zones, school zones, busy sidewalk-adjacent paths, and crowded multi-use trails all require reduced speed.
Slow down on descents. E-bike weight plus gravity means you build speed faster than on a regular bicycle. Start braking early on hills.
Slow down in poor conditions. Wet roads, gravel, sand, leaves, and painted road markings are all slippery. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on these surfaces.
Match the environment, not the speedometer. Just because the e-bike can go 32 km/h doesn't mean you should. Adjust your speed to conditions, visibility, traffic density, and your own comfort level.

Weather and Surface Conditions

Wet Roads

Wet pavement reduces your tire grip and extends your braking distance. In the first few minutes of rain, roads are especially slippery because oil and dust mix with the water.

Reduce speed by at least a third in wet conditions.
Brake earlier and more gently — avoid sudden or hard braking.
Avoid painted road markings, manhole covers, metal grates, and railway tracks when wet. These surfaces become extremely slippery.
Increase your following distance behind other vehicles.
Be aware that wet conditions reduce your visibility to drivers.

Gravel, Sand, and Loose Surfaces

Reduce speed significantly on gravel, sand, or loose surfaces.
Avoid sharp turns. Make your turns wide and gradual.
Do not brake hard. If you must brake, use the rear brake gently.
Keep your weight centred and slightly back on the saddle.
If you encounter an unexpected patch of loose surface, stay calm, hold the handlebars steady, and coast through without braking or turning.

Wind

Strong crosswinds can push you into traffic or off the road. Grip the handlebars firmly and lean slightly into the wind.
Headwinds drain your battery faster. Plan your route accordingly.
Be especially cautious when passing gaps between buildings, emerging from tunnels, or cresting hills — wind gusts can be sudden and powerful in these locations.

Extreme Heat and Cold

In extreme heat, take breaks, hydrate frequently, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion). If you experience any of these, stop riding, find shade, and hydrate.
In cold conditions, your hands and feet lose dexterity first. Cold fingers affect your grip and braking ability. Wear appropriate gloves.
Battery performance decreases in extreme cold. Plan for reduced range.

When Something Goes Wrong

Mechanical Issue Mid-Ride

If you notice any strange noise, vibration, reduced braking, or loss of motor power, pull over safely and stop riding.
Report the issue immediately in the RideNet app.
Do not attempt to fix the bike yourself.
If you are in an unsafe location (busy road with no shoulder, isolated area at night), walk the bike to a safer spot before stopping.

Accident or Injury

Get to safety. If you can move, get yourself and the bike out of the road and away from traffic.
Call emergency services if needed. In Canada, call 911 for any medical emergency or serious accident.
Report the incident. Use the RideNet app or contact support@ridenet.ca as soon as possible.
Exchange information. If a motor vehicle is involved, get the driver's name, phone number, licence plate, and insurance details. Get contact information from any witnesses.
Document the scene. Take photos of the location, vehicle damage, bike damage, road conditions, and your injuries if safe to do so.
Seek medical attention. Some injuries (especially concussions and internal injuries) may not be immediately apparent. If you have been in a collision, see a doctor even if you feel fine.

Lost or Disoriented

Check the RideNet app for your current location and nearby return points.
If you are in an unfamiliar area and feel unsafe, find a public place (store, restaurant, gas station) and contact support.
If your phone battery is low, prioritize navigating to the nearest return point over other app functions.

Quick Reference

Always:

Wear your helmet with the strap fastened
Ride with traffic, not against it
Use lights in any low-visibility conditions
Signal your turns and stops
Slow down at intersections
Stay out of the door zone
Keep both hands on the handlebars
Report any bike issue before riding

Never:

Ride impaired by any substance
Ride with headphones covering both ears
Ride against the flow of traffic
Ride on the sidewalk (unless local law permits)
Ride alongside trucks or buses at intersections
Attempt to repair or modify the e-bike
Lend the e-bike to anyone
Ignore a mechanical issue — stop and report it

Resources

RideNet Support: support@ridenet.ca | +1 (613) 242-0837
Emergency Services (Canada): 911
Ontario Highway Traffic Act (cycling provisions): ontario.ca/cycling
Transport Canada — E-Bike Regulations: tc.canada.ca
Canada Safety Council — Cycling Safety: canadasafetycouncil.org

Stay safe and enjoy the ride.

Disclaimer

This Safe Riding Guide is provided by Westlake Adventure Sports Inc. (operating as RideNet) for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional instruction, formal cycling training, or your own judgment.

Following the practices in this guide does not guarantee your safety. Cycling and e-bike operation involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated by any guide, training, or precaution. Conditions on the road are unpredictable, and no set of tips can anticipate every hazard you may encounter.

This guide does not create a standard of care. The inclusion of any tip, recommendation, or practice in this guide does not represent a warranty, guarantee, or assurance by RideNet that following it will prevent injury, damage, or loss. The omission of any hazard, scenario, or safety practice from this guide does not imply that it is not relevant or important.

Your safety is your responsibility. You are bound by the Rider Waiver & Liability Release, the Rental Agreement, and the Terms of Service, all of which require you to self-evaluate your fitness, comply with all applicable laws, and accept the risks of participation. This guide supplements — but does not replace — those obligations.

RideNet expressly disclaims all liability for any injury, damage, loss, or harm arising from or related to your reliance on the information in this guide, whether you followed the practices described herein or not.