# Pre-Ride Inspection A short safety check before **every** ride. It takes two minutes and prevents the most common causes of on-trail failures and accidents. --- ## The every-ride checklist ### 1. Brakes - **Lever feel:** Squeeze the brake lever. It should feel firm, not spongy, and should not reach the handlebar. - **Power cut-off:** Confirm the brake lever cuts motor power when pulled. This is a safety function — if the motor keeps driving with the brake applied, stop riding and see [Brake Faults](https://wiki.cemotoride.com/link/328). - **Response:** The brakes must respond in time and be able to stop the wheel rolling with proper tension. - **Pads and disc:** Check pad thickness and that the disc is not warped, scored or contaminated with oil. - **Adjustment:** Brakes stretch and settle during use. Adjust frequently and replace brake pads in time. ### 2. Throttle - **Free return:** Release the throttle — it must snap back to zero immediately and without sticking. - **Before applying throttle:** Make sure you are in an open, safe area, that you are balanced on the bike, and that both hands are on the controls. - **Damage:** Check the throttle housing and cable for kinks, cuts or a cracked housing. ### 3. Tires and wheels - **Pressure:** Check pressure is within the normal range for your model. A pressure gauge is the only reliable way to check. - **Wheel rotation:** Spin each wheel — it must turn freely with no scraping, grinding or lateral play. - **Condition:** Look for cuts, embedded debris, exposed cords and worn knobs or tread. - **Spokes and rims:** Check for loose spokes and buckled or cracked rims. ### 4. Battery and power - **Charge level:** Confirm the battery holds sufficient charge for the ride you plan. - **Power switch:** Make sure the power switch is turned **off** when the bike is not in use. - **Mounting:** Confirm the battery is fully seated, latched and locked in the compartment. A partially seated battery can disconnect under vibration. - **Connectors:** Check the main battery connector for heat discoloration, corrosion or looseness. ### 5. Frame, plate and fork - Check for cracked, broken, worn or loose parts. Any such part should be repaired or replaced **before** riding. - Check the frame around the head tube, shock mounts and swing arm pivots for cracks. - Confirm the front number plate and fender are securely fixed. ### 6. Throttle, fork and fasteners - **Handlebar:** Push down on the bar — it must not rotate or move forward or backward. - **Axles and stem:** Confirm the front and rear axles and stem bolts are tight. - **Footpegs:** Confirm each peg locks securely in the deployed position. - **Chain:** Check tension. Chain slack should be **approximately 15 mm**. ### 7. Instrument panel (display) - Turn the switch on and confirm the display illuminates. - Check the remaining power / state of charge reading is plausible. - Confirm **no error indicator is showing**. If an error code is displayed, see [Display & Error Codes](https://wiki.cemotoride.com/link/332). ### 8. Lights and horn - Test the headlight, tail light and brake light. - Test the horn if your model is equipped with one. --- ## Before your first ride In addition to the checklist above: 1. **Charge the battery fully** before the first ride. The manual recommends an initial charge of up to 12 hours for the first cycle. 2. **Re-check all fasteners** after assembly. Wheels, stem, brake calipers and pedals settle during the first ride. 3. **Practice in a safe area first.** Find an accessible area of at least **10 m × 10 m** and practice riding forward, turning and stopping before going onto any trail. 4. **Start in the lowest power mode.** The starting gear should always be in 1st gear (ECO mode). The product has 3 gears selectable from the dashboard. For safety, do not ride in high gear until you are fully familiar with the bike. 5. **Ride with an experienced person first.** When practicing for the first time, it is recommended to do so under the guidance of an experienced rider or instructor. 6. **Do not ride under the influence.** Never operate the bike after consuming alcohol, taking drugs, or while ill or unable to follow the instructions in the owner manual. --- ## Warning reminders These warnings are reproduced from the CEMOTO owner manual and apply to all CEMOTO electric dirt bikes and eBikes: - **NEVER** carry a passenger on the electric bike. - **NEVER** modify the electric bike with unapproved accessories. - **NEVER** ride through deep water. - **NEVER** perform wheelies, jumps or trick stunts on eBikes. - **AVOID** riding in the rain for long periods of time. - **AVOID** water contact to the motor and electrical lines. - **ALWAYS** keep both hands on the handlebars. - **ALWAYS** apply brakes lightly when riding on rocks or loose surfaces. - **ALWAYS** use caution when going through puddles. - **ALWAYS** inspect the bike before each ride to ensure a safe ride. > **Do not** touch the motor or the brakes immediately after use. These components get very hot and can burn skin. --- ## Related pages - [Display & Error Codes](https://wiki.cemotoride.com/link/332) - [Battery Care & Charging](https://wiki.cemotoride.com/link/321) - [Maintenance Schedule](https://wiki.cemotoride.com/link/323) - [Torque & Fastener Reference](https://wiki.cemotoride.com/link/325) *Checklist content is derived from the official CEMOTO electric dirt bike owner manual and CEMOTO eBike owner manuals.*