Before kids start riding ebikes to school, it’s important to cover the basics. From simple bike checks to safe riding habits, a little preparation can make school rides smoother and safer.

If you’re looking to buy an ebike for riding to and from school, the first step is checking your school’s rules to make sure ebikes are allowed. If your child already rides an ebike to school, it’s still worth double-checking the rules before the new term starts.

Make sure the ebike lights turn on and are easy to see. Check that the bell or horn works and can be reached quickly while riding.

What to do if the e-bike light is not working?
Make sure the e-bike battery is charged and properly connected. Some lights will not work if the battery is low. Confirm the lights are turned on using the bike’s display or control button. It’s easy to miss this step. Look for loose or damaged cables going to the light. If anything looks unplugged or worn, the light may need professional repair. If the light is cracked, filled with water, or not turning on at all, it may need replacing.

Shop bright e-bike lights

Types of e-bike lights and how they are connected to the bike:

Most ebikes come with a front light and a rear light, and some models also include indicators for added visibility. These lights are usually connected to the ebike’s internal electrical system using cables and are powered by the bike’s battery.

When replacing ebike lights, there are two common options. You can choose lights that connect directly to your ebike’s built in wiring, or use detachable, rechargeable lights that have their own power source.

If you are using rechargeable or detachable lights and they stop working, check that they are fully charged using a wall outlet and the correct charger. In some cases, the ebike’s battery may not provide enough power to recharge removable lights effectively.

Shop E-bike Brake Pads

Common ways to tell your ebike brake pads need replacing
If you remember how thick your ebike’s brake pads were when the bike was new or when they were last replaced, compare that to how they look now. Brake pads that make a high-pitched screeching/scraping noise or appear very thin or uneven are likely due for replacement.

You can also take the ebike for a short test ride and check how much effort it takes to come to a complete stop when pulling the brake levers. If it takes more effort than usual or the bike takes longer to stop, it’s time to replace the brake pads.

How to check if your ebike's brake levers need to be serviced?
Make sure the brake levers feel firm and responsive when pulled. If they feel spongy, loose, or pull all the way back to the handlebars, the braking system may need servicing.

Look for any signs of fraying, cracking, or leaks. Visible damage to cables or hoses can affect how well the brakes work and should not be ignored.

Make sure the rotors or rims are clean and straight. Warped, heavily worn, or dirty surfaces can reduce braking performance and should be checked before regular school rides.

Don't use a spray lubricant near the rotors, as it will contaminate the brake pads and reduce their functionality.

Book an ebike service or a comprehensive safety check

Shop electric bike tyres

Make sure the tyres still have enough tread to grip the road, especially when it’s wet. If the tyres look smooth or worn down, it’s time to replace them before regular school rides.

Shop bike pumps

Check the PSI on the sidewall of the tyre and inflate the tyres accordingly. You cannot tell if tyres are slightly underinflated or overinflated by squeezing them by hand. The most accurate way to check ebike tyre pressure is to use an air pump with a pressure gauge and inflate tyres to the recommended PSI.

Why a squeeze test for checking tyre pressure doesn't work?  

Many people rely on the squeeze test to check tyre pressure, but this method is unreliable for ebikes for several reasons.

First, ebike tyres only feel noticeably soft when they are almost flat. By the time you can tell a difference by squeezing the tyre with your hand, the pressure is already far below what is safe for riding.

Second, the squeeze test cannot tell you if tyres are slightly underinflated. You will not notice if a tyre is five or more PSI below the recommended pressure, even though this can affect grip, handling, and braking.

Third, squeezing the tyre cannot tell you if it is overinflated. Riding above the recommended PSI can reduce traction and make the bike harder to control, especially on wet roads.

The most reliable way to check ebike tyre pressure is to use an air pump with a pressure gauge. If the tyres feel soft, inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the tyre sidewall to maintain safe handling and proper grip.

Shop electric bike tubes

How to check if ebike tube needs to be replaced without removing the tyre? After you inflate the tyres, check them the next day. If you think they have lost pressure, the tube may need replacing.

Book an e-bike safety check

Plug the battery into your bike, and try to move the bike a little. If you hear any rattling noise or any unsual sounds, its best to get the ebike inspected by a professional.

What to do if you dropped your ebike battery or charger?  Please get the battery and charger inspected by a professional if it was dropped or it got wet. Do not charge your battery with a charger that maybe damaged. If your battery was damaged, don't charge it or use it. Take it to a professional for inspection immediately.

Do you remember dropping the battery or getting it wet during the school holidays? Doesn't matter. You should always inspect both your ebike's battery and charger for cracks, swelling, or any other signs of damage from being dropped or wet before charging. Only proceed with the steps below if the battery and charger look normal to you.

Make sure the battery stays firmly locked in place and does not move while riding.

Charge the battery 100%

Take the ebike for a short ride and check that power delivery feels normal with no sudden cutouts.

If the battery level drops quickly or inconsistently, get it checked out.

What to do if the e-bike battery is not working?
If the electric bike battery is not working, you can get it checked out to see if the same can be fixed or replaced under warranty. Do not attempt to repair or DIY an electric bike battery. If your ebike battery is faulty, follow the steps as per your city and state guidelines for safe disposal of ebike battery.

When you switch on your e-bike, if the ebike display is showing any codes, refer to the ebike's manual to help identify what the error code means and buy the ebike parts you need to replace to fix it. Or else, take it to an ebike service store near you to figure out what's going on.

Customise your bike with colourful electric bike handlebar grips

Make sure the ebike seat and handlebars are adjusted to the rider’s height. Proper adjustment helps improve balance, control, and braking when riding to school.

Customise your bike with colourful electric bike pedals

Check that the ebike chain looks clean and moves smoothly when you turn the pedals. If the chain is noisy, stiff, or skips while pedalling, it may need cleaning or servicing. The pedals should spin freely and feel secure underfoot. Loose or damaged pedals should be checked before regular school rides.

Get a helmet and make sure it’s buckled up properly every time you ride. Wearing a helmet isn’t just about avoiding fines, it’s the most important way to protect yourself from serious injury. Along with helmets and safety gear, a reliable bike lock is essential for school rides. Most schools do not take responsibility for stolen bikes, so securing the ebike properly helps reduce the risk of theft during the school day.

Why should you buy a compliant ebike helmet?
A compliant ebike helmet meets the AS NZ 2063 safety standard and is designed to reduce head injuries in a crash. You can check compliance by looking for an AS NZ 2063 sticker inside the helmet. Helmets without this marking may not meet Australian safety requirements.

Always wear a well fitting helmet and make sure it is buckled properly before riding.

There's plenty of time to use your phone. Never use your phone while riding.

Only carry the number of passengers the ebike is designed for. Extra riders can affect balance and control.

Be aware of cars, pedestrians, and other riders. Share the road and ride predictably. Please let them know your next move and always be patient.

Check the route to school before the first ride. Knowing where to ride and where to stop helps you follow the rules and ride more confidently.