When you're visiting a new city for the first time or looking for a convenient, eco-friendly way to get to work every day, bicycle rentals are a great choice. Electric bikes make a day of downtown riding easy for anyone, but there are still important considerations before you head out. To ensure a fun and safe ride while navigating city traffic, here are a few useful commuting tips to embrace when on your rental bike. 

A Beginner's Guide to Riding a Rental Bicycle

1. Perform a Visual Inspection

Bicycle rental shops do their best to meticulously maintain their products and ensure safety. However, you should still take a moment to visually inspect the bike before hitting the road. 

Make sure the seat is locked and positioned at the right height for your body. Give the tires a squeeze to make sure they have sufficient air and pressure. When renting an electric bicycle, test all the buttons and levers and check power levels based on the length of your commute. 

2. Test Drive

Before jumping into the bike lane to start your journey, walk your new ride to a safe area or a quiet street. Hop on and start peddling to familiarize yourself with the handlebars, pedals, and seat. Practice various motions and turns as well as cycling with one arm while giving hand signals, so you know what to expect. 

3. Know the Rules of the Road

As a cyclist, you'll be sharing the road with other bikes, cars, trucks, and motorcycles. For your safety, always utilize bicycle lanes and maintain spatial awareness. If you don't have a bike helmet, ask the rental shop to recommend one.

Scan the road for hazards as well as parked vehicles whose doors may swing open. Cyclists should always come to a halt at stop signs and traffic signals alongside motorized vehicles. When driving at night, make yourself visible to drivers by using lights and wearing bright clothing with reflective elements. 

4. Use Hand Signals

Unlike cars, your rental bike won't have blinking turn signals to alert other commuters of your intentions. For this reason, hand signals are the safe way to indicate your next move and protect yourself from traffic. Extending a straight left arm to the side of your body means you're turning left. A left arm bent at the elbow with your forearm and hand pointing upward means you're turning right. 

If you're looking for a dependable ride around Atlanta, GA, ElectroBike is your premier resource. With two convenient locations in the heart of the city, this electric bike rental shop is known throughout the city for its wide range of quality bicycles and accessories paired with friendly, personalized customer service. To discuss your green transportation needs, call (404) 400-7132. For more information on the brands they carry and their commitment to affordable rental bike options, visit their website.