Early morning and night rides have their perks — less traffic, crisp air, and they’re generally a great way to kick off or wrap up your day. But low-light conditions come with extra challenges for ebike riders. Luckily, there’s some clear-cut steps you can take to stay safe.
So whether you're heading out before sunrise, riding home after sunset, or just dealing with cloudy, foggy weather, here’s how to stay visible and ride defensively.
Gear Up for Visibility
In low light, visibility is everything. You need to see—and, more importantly, be seen.
Before every ride, complete the safety checklist in the latest version of your owner’s manual. Check your brakes, confirm your battery is securely locked, and make sure your lights are functioning properly.
For low-light spins in particular, make sure all lights and reflective features are unobstructed and clearly visible to drivers.
We recommend keeping your headlights and brake lights on for every ride. On newer Rad models, they'll turn on automatically when powered up. If you’re riding an older model, double-check that your lights are on before you head out.
Additional lighting, bright clothing, and reflective stickers can also help improve visibility from all angles.
Pro tip: Reflective details on moving parts—like your shoes—make a big difference in helping drivers spot you.
Watch for Low-Light Hazards
Low-light conditions present unique hazards.
Assume drivers don’t see you. Early-morning commuters and drivers just getting off work may be less alert, so make eye contact where possible, avoid blind spots, and stay predictable in your movements.
Fog and wet weather require extra caution. Reduced visibility and slick roads can increase stopping distances, so use both front and rear brakes together for controlled stops and leave extra room and time to slow down, especially when riding at higher speeds, on slippery surfaces, downhill, or with extra weight, like cargo or a passenger.
Choose the Right Route
Planning your ride in advance is a great defensive measure
Stick to paths you know well when riding in low light. If you’re trying out a new route, test it during daylight hours first to get familiar with it.
Opt for bike lanes or well-lit roads where drivers expect to encounter cyclists. Routes with fewer intersections also reduce the chances of encountering unsuspecting drivers, while roads with less traffic allow for a safer, more predictable ride.
Use Common Sense
Always ride both defensively and predictably. Follow traffic laws, use hand signals when turning or stopping, and stay in your lane instead of weaving between them.
Minimize distractions. Skip the loud music and incoming texts — you’ll want to stay fully aware of your surroundings. Leave the earbuds at home, or pop them in once you reach your destination.
If you're new to riding at night, start with slower speeds and well-lit paths to get comfortable before venturing onto busier roads.
See You on the Road
By following these simple tips and referencing the safety checklist in your owner’s manual, you can ride confidently — morning, night, or anytime in between — and keep the fun going for years to come.
Ready for anytime rides? Rad ebikes are designed in Seattle, and built to handle rain, bad weather, and late-night rides. Check out our full lineup and pick up your perfect ebike online or at your local bike shop.
