What Are the Bike Hand Signals Every E-Bike Rider Should Know?

Most of us are used to flicking on a turn signal in a car. On an e-bike, you may not have that option, so you use your arm to show where you're going. Now you're a block from your turn, and a car pulls in behind you. Do you signal right away, or keep both hands on the bars until you've slowed down? The arm motion is easy to learn. Giving the driver time to see it and getting your hand back to the brake before the corner takes practice.

Bike Hand Signals

Those are the common U.S. bicycle signals shown in the New York State DOT's bicycle guidance. Local rules can differ, especially on when and how long you must signal, so check the rules where you ride. A signal tells people what you plan to do; it doesn't give you the right of way.

The Left-Turn Bike Signal

When you are cycling to the grocery store and have to turn left at the next traffic light, first look over your left shoulder. If the lane is clear, extend your left arm straight out to shoulder height and keep the bike going straight while your arm is out. Then, before you brake, shift your position or turn, and take hold of the handlebars again.

Don't point left and immediately drift across the lane. A driver may have seen your arm but still be too close to give you space. If the traffic gap isn't there, stay in your lane and wait. On a busy multi-lane road, you can also stop and cross on foot where the rules allow it. California's bicyclist safety guide says to look and signal for each lane change, not just for the final turn.

Right-Turn Hand Signals

For a right turn, you can point your right arm straight to the right. You can also hold your left upper arm out and bend your elbow so your forearm points up. Both versions appear in New York's bicycle rules and NHTSA's hand-signal guide.

So which one do you choose? A straight right arm indicates precisely the direction you want to go. The version with the bent left arm enables you to keep your right hand on the grip. You should try both of them on a quiet street, well before reaching the corner, and then use the one that is permitted by your local rules and that you are able to hold without swerving.

The Stop Hand Signal Before Braking

To show that you're slowing or stopping, hold your left upper arm out and point your forearm down. You might use it before a stop sign, a queue of cars, or a driveway where you're about to pull over. Give the people behind you a moment to see it, then return your hand to the bar and brake with both hands available.

Don't force a stop signal during a sudden hard brake. Stopping the bike comes first. A brake light shows that you're braking; the hand signal can warn people before you squeeze the lever. Our e-bike brake-light guide explains how a steady rear light differs from a brake light, but neither one replaces a shoulder check.

Hand Signals in Real Traffic

The sequence that I would like you to attempt on your next slow journey is this: look back, indicate that you are turning while you still have space, take your hand back, check once more, and only then proceed. If another driver is overtaking you, allow them to complete the move. When a car that is parked pushes you away from the curb, regard this as a change of lane and indicate at the same time that you can do so safely.

You don't need to hold an arm out through the whole turn. In fact, Oregon's bicycle manual notes that you may need both hands to steer through it. Some states set a specific signaling distance; others spell out exceptions when safe control needs both hands. Check your own state rather than borrowing a "100-foot rule" from somebody else's ride.

The same clear signals can assist the cyclist who is behind you on the path, but they won't overcome all the difficulties you may encounter. When you come across people walking, reduce your speed and use your voice instead of giving a hand signal if the latter cannot be seen. If you're uncertain about the meaning of a bike lane or a crossing sign nearby, our guide to bike road signs looks at those markings in detail.

E-Bike Hand Signals Need Control

You may find that the motor assistance gets you to a junction faster than you anticipate. Take off the assistance or reduce the throttle early, leave yourself some extra space, and indicate while the bike is still in a stable position. Avoid reaching across the bars or holding a phone in the hand you'll use to give the signal. Your hand must be able to return to the brake lever without having to rush.

Do the exercise on the bike that you actually use. All you need is a short loop on a quiet street: ride straight for a brief period with one hand, indicate to the left, take the grip, brake, and then repeat on the right. But if the bike wobbles, don't go on to use this technique in traffic yet. Check your riding position, and if you are still unable to steer steadily with one hand, ask a local bike shop for help.

If you use a Leoguar rearview mirror, set it so you can spot approaching traffic without twisting around for every glance. You'll still need the shoulder check before changing lanes—the mirror cannot show every blind spot.

Bike Hand Signal FAQs

Do I need electronic turn signals?

Not learning the hand signals. Although an extra light might help others see your intention, it's important to check the local regulations before using it as a replacement, and you should not buy one that obstructs your brake lever or grip.

Will gloves make my signals easier to see?

Gloves that are bright or reflective can be useful in poor lighting conditions, but you can't rely on them to make a dark street any safer. You should select gloves that allow you to grip the bar and squeeze the brake lever properly, since thick mitts can make it more difficult to do so.

May I use a loaded handlebar bag to send a signal?

You will be able to do it only if you can still reach each brake and be able to keep the bike straight with one hand. Before fitting on a bag, make sure it doesn't pull on the cables, obscure your front light, or cause the handlebar to swing when you let go of the grip.