RAID E-BIKE RULES OF THE ROAD

A little assistance. The same good manners.

More roads. Longer days. Shared adventures. However you power the pedals, respect for one another belongs on every RAID ride—and so does a little riding etiquette.

Think of these tips as shared riding etiquette, rather than a rigid rulebook. Please read them before arriving so you understand how we approach e-bikes, group pacing, and support on a RAID trip.

The motor changes how you climb. It doesn’t change how we ride together.

01 / You belong here.

No explanations required. No apologies necessary. You came for the roads, the company, and the adventure. So did everyone else.

02 / Extra watts. Equal status.

Whether your power comes from breakfast, a battery, or both, everyone gets the same respect. No commentary on who is working harder. There is plenty else to talk about.

03 / Ride with the company you came for.

Use your assistance to settle into the group’s rhythm. If everyone else is riding steadily and you are disappearing over the horizon, ease back. The best part of a shared adventure is sharing it.

04 / Set a pace people want to follow.

A turn at the front is a contribution to the group. Keep the pace steady and the effort predictable. Nobody ordered a motor-paced interval session with breakfast.

05 / Turbo is a setting, not a personality.

Use the assistance you need, with a little finesse. Accelerate smoothly when leaving a stop or closing a gap. Your change of pace travels through every rider behind you.

06 / Pass with some class.

Announce yourself, leave room, and pass where it is safe. A friendly hello goes a long way. Announcing “this isn’t so steep” while cruising past someone does not.

07 / Enjoy the climb. Share the summit.

Climb at a comfortable pace and pass considerately. At the agreed regroup point, pull safely off the road and enjoy the view. Reaching the top first gives you more time for photographs.

08 / No disappearing acts.

Do not launch a solo breakaway simply because the motor makes it possible. Keep your pace in line with the group’s average and stay connected to the ride.

Our SAG vehicles support the whole group. If you are so far ahead that they cannot catch up and support you, you are going too fast for the day’s ride. Ease back. There are no prizes waiting up the road.

09 / Get acquainted before getting ambitious.

Know the bike’s weight, brakes, gears, and assistance settings before the first big day. Practice starting, stopping, and turning. A little familiarity makes every mile more enjoyable.

10 / Gravity has plenty of power already.

Descend within your ability and the conditions. Leave space, control your speed, and give yourself room to react. A good descent ends with everyone ready for the next climb.

11 / Leave a little breathing room.

Hold a predictable line and keep a sensible distance from the wheel ahead. Avoid overlapping wheels, sudden braking, and abrupt changes in power. Smooth riding makes good company.

12 / Know what is in the tank.

Check your battery before departure and throughout the day. Consider the distance and climbing ahead when choosing your assistance. The range on your display is an estimate, not a promise.

13 / Save something for the final climb.

Wind, hills, luggage, and enthusiastic use of the power button all affect range. Manage your battery across the whole day, and let the team know early if it is running lower than expected. Five percent is a late time to start the conversation.

14 / Plug in with purpose.

Make charging part of your post-ride routine. Use the designated charging area and the manufacturer-approved charger, keep exits clear, and report damage or unusual heat. Before heading to dinner, confirm who is handling your bike’s charging. Assumptions do not charge batteries.

15 / A charging stop takes planning.

On our Japan trips, at least one support vehicle will carry a compatible charger for mid-ride charging. Arrive with a charged battery; consider additional charging part of the plan, not an unlimited supply of extra miles.

16 / Good company is useful assistance.

Ride alongside someone who would appreciate the company. Offer encouragement, share a laugh, and give them room to find their rhythm. Keep your hands on your own bike—no pushing or towing riders while moving.

17 / Small problems deserve an early mention.

An unfamiliar noise, a warning light, or something that feels wrong is worth raising straight away. We would much rather look at it over coffee than halfway up a remote climb.

18 / Feed the person doing the pedaling.

You still need lunch, water, rest, and clothing for the conditions. Your battery may have plenty left. Make sure you do, too.

19 / Coffee is a group affair.

Arriving first does not mean leaving first. Take a seat, enjoy the stop, and give everyone time to refuel. We roll out together at the agreed time.

20 / Be someone people want to ride with again.

Be considerate. Stay curious. Look up from the display. Use that extra energy to enjoy the landscape, get to know your fellow riders, and make the day better for everyone.

More roads. More shared adventures. That’s RAID.