Riding an electric longboard is an exhilarating experience, offering both convenience and excitement. However, it’s critical to prioritize safety, both for yourself and others. With the Defiant: ONE electric longboard offering high-speed capabilities and impressive range, we've assembled a comprehensive safety guide to ensure you can enjoy the ride responsibly.
The Non-Negotiables: Helmets and Protective Gear
The head is the most vulnerable part of your body in case of an accident. Wearing a certified helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries. Make sure your helmet is industry-certified and well-fitted for maximum protection.
Additional Gear for Electric Skateboards
While a helmet is non-negotiable, other protective gear like knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards can also make your ride safer. Especially for new riders, these additional pieces of equipment can be invaluable when you're learning the ropes.
Mastering the Art of Posture and Balance
Proper Posture on an Electric Longboard
An erect back, aligned neck, and slightly bent knees are key to maintaining good posture on your electric longboard. Proper posture not only aids in better control but also minimizes fatigue during long rides.
Importance of Balance in E-skate
Balancing on an electric longboard like the Defiant: ONE involves both skill and proper technique. Here are some tips to help you maintain balance while enjoying a smooth and safe ride:
Position Your Feet Correctly
Your front foot should be near the front edge, angled slightly towards the nose of the board, while your back foot should be closer to the rear edge, pointed straight across the deck. This position allows for maximum control and stability.
Lower Your Center of Gravity
Bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity. This not only improves your balance but also allows you to absorb bumps and irregularities on the road more easily.
Use Your Core
Balance isn't just about your legs and feet; your core plays a crucial role too. Engaging your core muscles can help you maintain balance, especially during turns and when tackling challenging terrain.
Keep Your Eyes on the Horizon
Your gaze should be directed where you want to go, not at your feet or immediately in front of the board. This helps in maintaining a straight line and makes turns smoother.
Distribute Weight Properly
For acceleration and uphill climbs, lean forward slightly to distribute more weight onto the front wheel. While slowing down or going downhill, lean back to shift the weight to the rear wheel for better control.
Arm Position
Keeping your arms slightly extended and parallel to the ground can aid in maintaining balance. Use them for minor adjustments and to prepare for any sudden maneuvers.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you ride your Defiant: ONE, the better you'll understand how it responds to different situations. Take the time to practice on various types of terrain and under different conditions to become a more balanced and confident rider.
Flexibility and Footwear
Flexible footwear that provides a good grip can significantly enhance your balance. Additionally, doing some stretching exercises before hopping on your board can improve your flexibility, aiding in better balance.
Know Your Board, Know Its Limitations
Battery Life and Signals
Understanding your electric longboard's battery life can save you from precarious situations. For Defiant: ONE users, our boards offer an impressive range, but it's still essential to monitor battery levels before heading out.
Versatility of Wheels
Your board's performance can vary significantly depending on the type of wheels you're using. Defiant: ONE is soon launching all-terrain wheels, designed to offer a smoother and safer ride on uneven terrains. For now, we use shock-absorbing boa 76a 100mm cloud wheels which are designed to handle both smooth and bumpy terrains.
Navigating Through Different Weather Conditions
Wet Roads and Rain
While some boards like Defiant: ONE offer water-resistant features, riding on wet roads can be risky due to reduced grip and visibility. Riding an electric longboard is generally not recommended. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to ride on a wet surface, here are some tips to minimize the risks:
Slow Down
Water can make your wheels lose grip on the road, so it's advisable to significantly reduce your speed to maintain better control over the board.
Avoid Puddles
Water can damage the electrical components of your electric longboard. Even if your board is labeled as water-resistant, it's best to avoid large puddles.
Use Smooth Movements
Abrupt turns or sudden braking can cause you to lose control. Make sure to use smooth and gradual movements when turning, accelerating, or decelerating.
Increase Your Following Distance
It takes longer to stop on wet roads. Give yourself more room behind other vehicles or riders to account for the increased stopping distance.
Be Visible
Wet conditions often mean poor visibility. Make sure to wear high-visibility clothing, and utilize the bright LED lights on your Defiant: ONE to ensure you're seen by others.
Check Your Tires
Make sure your tires have good tread depth before you venture out. Tread depth is crucial for maintaining grip on wet surfaces.
Wipe Down Your Board
After riding on a wet road, make sure to thoroughly wipe down your board to prevent any long-term water damage. Pay special attention to the wheels and bearings.
Avoid Slippery Surfaces
Painted road markings, manhole covers, and leaves become extremely slippery when wet. Try to steer clear of these hazards when riding.
Be Extra Cautious on Turns and Slopes
The risk of slipping increases on bends and inclines, so approach them with extreme caution.
Test Your Brakes
Water can affect your braking efficiency. Test your brakes in a safe area before you start your ride to get a feel for how they're working in the wet conditions.
Incorporating these tips can help you navigate wet roads more safely, but it's important to remember that riding in wet conditions should be avoided whenever possible. Always prioritize safety above all else when using your electric longboard.
The Icy Challenge: Snow and Sleet
Though all-terrain wheels offer better control, snow and ice can be unpredictable. Slowing down and being extra cautious can be life-saving.
Windy Conditions
Strong winds can throw you off balance. In such situations, leaning into the wind and maintaining a low profile helps retain control.
To Bail or Not to Bail on an Electric Skateboard
Recognizing the Need
Every electric rider has been in this situation before- and it can be tricky. To bail, or not to bail? Sometimes, the safest course of action is to jump off the board. When you face unexpected obstacles, malfunctioning equipment, or lose control, knowing when and how to bail can prevent serious injuries.
The Technique for Bailing
If you must bail, try to roll upon landing to distribute the impact and minimize injury. Always practice this in a controlled environment before attempting it on busy streets. Emergencies can happen. Knowing how to "bail" or jump off the board safely can be a lifesaver. Always aim to land on your feet and roll to dissipate the impact.
Pads and Guards
Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are also essential. They provide an added layer of protection, reducing the risk of fractures and scrapes, in the event you need to bail.
Defiant: ONE’s In-Built Safety Features
Our Defiant: ONE board comes equipped with safety features like regenerative braking and bright LED lights for better visibility at night. These features are not just bells and whistles but essential elements that add to your safety.
Before You Board- Always Do a Pre-Ride Check
Before you embark on your journey, always perform a pre-ride check. Make sure your Defiant: ONE board is charged, the tires are inflated, and all the nuts and bolts are secure.
Electric Skateboard Maintenance for Safety
A well-maintained board is a safer board. Regularly inspect your Defiant: ONE for wear and tear. Look out for any cracks, ensure the wheels are in good condition, and the brakes are responsive.
Emergency Contact Preparations
Always let someone know where you're going and carry an ID and emergency contact details. It's also wise to carry a small first-aid kit for minor injuries.
Local Laws and Regulations
Being aware of and adhering to local laws regarding electric longboards can save you from hefty fines or legal trouble. Always respect traffic laws, signals, and ride only in permitted areas.
Conclusion
Safety should never be an afterthought when enjoying your electric longboard. By taking the necessary precautions and utilizing the safety features of your Defiant: ONE, you're not just protecting yourself but also contributing to a safer environment for everyone