Check tires, brakes, chain, bolts, lights and your helmet before every ride. On an e-bike, also check the battery, display and cables. If anything feels off, don't ride it until it's fixed.
1. Tires and wheels
- Pressure is within the range printed on the tire sidewall.
- No cuts, bulges or worn-through spots on the tread.
- Wheels spin straight without wobbling or rubbing.
- Wheels are tight in the frame. Quick releases and axle nuts are fully closed.
2. Brakes
- Levers stop well before touching the handlebar.
- Rolling at walking speed, each brake stops the bike on its own.
- No grinding, squealing or pulsing.
3. Chain and gears
- Chain looks clean and lightly oiled, not dry or rusty.
- Pedaling is smooth, with no skipping or slipping.
- Pedals and cranks don't wiggle side to side.
4. Bolts and fit
- Handlebar doesn't twist when you hold the front wheel between your knees.
- Seat is tight and at the right height.
- Nothing rattles when you lift and drop the bike an inch.
5. Lights and reflectors
- Front white light and rear red light work and are charged.
- Rear red reflector is clean and in place.
Florida requires a front white light visible from at least 500 feet, and a rear red light and red reflector visible from 600 feet, when riding at night. (F.S. 316.2065)
6. E-bike extras
- Battery is charged and locked in place.
- Display turns on with no error code.
- Throttle, if you have one, snaps back when released.
- Cables aren't pinched, stretched or rubbing through.
- Battery isn't swollen, cracked or hot to the touch.
7. You
- Helmet fits snugly and the strap is buckled.
- Water for hot days.
- Phone charged, in case you need a ride home.
In Florida, riders and passengers under 16 must wear a properly fitted, fastened bicycle helmet. (F.S. 316.2065)
On sidewalks and trails
On a sidewalk, yield to people walking and give an audible signal, like a bell or "on your left," before passing. (F.S. 316.2065) On the Pinellas Trail, obey the posted speed limits. Local speed limits are changing around Pinellas County, so watch for new signs. See our Florida e-bike laws guide for the latest.
Stop and get it checked if
- Brakes feel soft, grab unevenly or make grinding noises
- A wheel wobbles or a spoke is broken
- The battery is swollen, damaged or gets hot while charging
- An error code keeps coming back
- The bike took a hard hit or was underwater
We're happy to do a full safety check at our St. Petersburg shop and tell you exactly what, if anything, needs attention. You approve the price before any work is done.