Super Pocket Bike Safety
Safety Information brought to you by Super Pocket Bikes
Protective Gear
Always wear appropriate protective gear. This includes an approved helmet, knee and elbow pads, gloves and proper shoes, not sandals and no shoelaces. Make sure all gear fits properly and is fastened securely.
Helmets
Ensure your helmet is approved. In the US look for D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) standard (officially designated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 218 requirements include that the helmet absorbs a high proportion of impact energy, is able to withstand penetration and has an adequate fastening system. The SNELL standard is more rigorous but is not often used. Other country standards include CEN European Standard Helmets for Pedal Cyclists and for Users of Skateboards and Roller Skates, EN1078, February, 1997. and Canadian Standards Association CAN-CSA-D113.2-M CYCLING HELMETS (”Canada”). For a complete list of helmet standards check here A Comparison of Bicycle Helmet Standards. Testing helmets is carried out at appropriate facilities including the Head Protection Research Laboratory. A helmets ability to absorb energy is tested by drop tests. All approved helmets will have the appropriate sticker on the back.
Elbow and Knee Pads
Look for pads with hard caps (usually plastic) for increased protection
Shoes and Gloves
Athletic shoes are suitable for bike riding. Shoes without shoelaces are much better as laces can become tangled in chains etc. Sandals or other open toed shoes should never be worn.
Where to Ride Your Pocket Bike
Make sure you know the local laws. In most countries you cannot ride a pocket bike on the roads. Some countries allow them to be ridden on the pavement. Pocket bikes, due to their small size, are hard to see by motorists and it is highly dangerous to ride them where there are other vehicles. Always ride a pocket bike on a designated circuit. The surface should be smooth, paved and hard and water, mud, ice and other debris free. Pocket bikes are not made to be used on uneven surfaces so avoid anywhere with curbs or other obstacles.
Who Should Ride a Pocket Bike
Poket bikes are NOT toys. They are powerful machines and should be treated with respect. Children under 12 should not ride pocket bikes and adults should carefully supervise youngsters up to 16. There may also be local regulations concerning age limits so be sure to check them out before buying a pocket bike for a child or young person.
Weather Conditions
Never ride your pocket bike in adverse weather conditions including rain, snow or fog. These conditions will affect the traction of the bike and seriously hinder your control. Ride in the day, not at night. Pocket bikes are not equipped with lights and riding under low light conditions will increase the risk of accidents considerably..
Maintain Your Bike Properly
Always check for loose nuts etc each time you ride. Vibrations can easily work nuts and fastenings loose, leading to serious accidents. Check for any damage, cracks regularly and take apart and visually inspect the disc brake system for wear regularly. Lubricate your bike frequently with good quality oil. Read the manufacturers manual for any special maintenance required. For more information see Tuning up your Super Pocket Bike
Always Respect your Bike
Pocket bikes are incredibly powerful for their size and under estimating their power will lead to accidents. Take it slowly with a new bike, break-in the engine carefully while you get to know its capabilities. Take it slowly, avoid harsh acceleration and sudden stops. Learn your bikes capabilities while you slowly break-in the engine. Your bike will perform better and last longer and you will possibly avoid too many scratches and scrapes by being over ambitious at the beginning!
We found a nice article on pocket bikes and keeping fit. Check it out below.
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Fitness, Fast Pocket Bikes For The Fastest Road Companions – Fast Pocket Bikes are shaped in form of mini motorcycles and therefore they are those cute little dynamites always ready to set the road on fire. Constructed robustly with aluminum or steel frame, it is so easy to have a go with these …