How to Ride an Electric Bike: Things You Didn’t Think About But You Should Do
How to Ride an Electric Bike: Things You Didn’t Think About But You Should Do
There are a lot of things to look out for when thinking about how to ride an electric bike. Here are some top tips to stay safe and have fun on your first electric bike ride
Growing up, many of us never had the opportunity to participate in some exciting activities we would have liked to do. It could be due to a lack of funds or strict parents. Adulthood gives us the freedom to make whatever decisions we desire for ourselves. You have the opportunity of exploring your cycling interest. It is never too late to make up for all those years of fun.
Cycling is fun. Riding an electric bike is also fun. But despite their obvious similarities, riding an e-bike can offer a somewhat different experience than a regular bike, thanks to the pedal-assist features and, of course, its electric motor. So you might be wondering how to ride an electric bike.
Cycling, electric or not, is good for your health and the health of the planet, and there are few things in this world that can be both fun and impactful in such a dramatic way.
In the US, less than 1% of trips are by bicycle. Even turning that number into a modest 6 percent would be a win, according to a recent paper from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It estimates that 6% of travel will reduce 28,000 cardiovascular disease cases and 22,000 diabetes cases each year. The same paper claims that if the U.S. travels by bicycle as much as 15%, it could mean 40,000 fewer deaths per year.
The numbers are huge, and they don’t even touch on climate claims. If bike travel replaces car travel, the benefits are equally huge. Just make an interesting choice and you can be a part of this change, and the huge improvements made to the best electric bikes in recent years mean that choosing to replace car travel is easier than ever.
Electric bikes are bicycles, but they do have some differences. It was a big purchase and a whole new experience. It’s worth making that choice, but you want to be safe while having fun, staying healthy, and saving the planet. Read on for some tips on how to ride an electric bike.
Riding an electric bike is a different experience because of the speed involved. Not every cyclist regularly takes the time to ride at the speed of an electric bike. This is especially true in the US, where Class III bikes are capable of 26 mph, but also at slower speeds than you might expect. Even if you’re riding at a speed you’re comfortable with, it’s one thing to work hard and go fast, but it’s a very different feeling to have your motor pull you fast when you’re doing very little work.
Different kinds of bicycles have different solutions to provide power. Read about what to expect first. Some e-bikes feel a lot like regular bikes. Torque-based sensors tend to provide this more natural feel. If this is the kind of bike you have, it’s still a good idea to start with a low assist level, so you can expect an experience not too different from what you know.
More attention is especially important if you have a rhythm-based system. Some cadence-based assist systems will get you up to speed when you start turning the pedals. Physically, this is the easiest to ride, but takes the most time to get used to. On flat ground, a lower assist level might mean around 12mph/20kph, and you’ll get to that speed pretty quickly.
It’s a good idea to start with a flat, open area. Electric bikes are heavier, and because of the weight, shifting gears when not riding is more difficult. If you can, take the rear of the bike and turn the pedals a few times while shifting into an easy gear. Start without any help. Let the bike move and turn on the assist when you feel stable and comfortable. This process will help you feel in control when assistance begins.
However, due to the weight of the e-bike, it may also be impossible to shift gears and start riding without electric assist. If you need electric assist to start, go ahead and use it. Pay attention to the direction of the bike. Make sure it’s clear and you’ll be able to focus on the ride. Make sure the electric assist is at the lowest setting and you know where the brakes are. Also, make sure you know which is the front and rear brakes.
Check out our guide to the best electric bikes below: Take some time to examine each one and consider which ones sound right for you.
Electric bikes are heavier than non-electric bikes. The weight combined with the higher speed makes braking a real concentration thing. You want to make sure you understand how your bike’s brakes feel and which brake lever does what.
One of the first things to know about a new electric bike is what kind of brakes you have. It’s actually a good thing to look for when shopping, but it’s a must-see once you own a bike. Mechanical disc brakes stop due to pulling cables that close the caliper. There is a physical connection between the brake levers, and the harder you pull, the stronger the braking force. If you have hydraulic disc brakes, the only connection between the lever and the caliper is fluid.
Once you understand the brakes, it’s time to check the settings. With the bike not moving, pull the brake lever. The lever should engage the caliper before it reaches the handlebar. Does the engagement happen in a place that leaves room for a light touch when you want to slow down a bit? Is it also comfortable to pull hard if you need to stop in a hurry? If it doesn’t feel right, open the manual and find out how to adjust it, or take it to your local bike shop.
The next thing to check is which lever is for the front wheel and which is for the rear wheel. You never want to use just the front lever, and the strongest braking will come from using both brakes at the same time. If your braking intensity is low, you can just use the rear brake, but make sure you know which lever controls which brake.
Once you start riding, you’ll want to hear how the brake pads are rubbing against the rotor, and if there is friction, you may need to adjust the pad-to-rotor distance, or the alignment of the calipers. It is also possible for the brake discs to bend during transport. To check for a bent rotor, spin the wheel while focusing on a single point on the brake rotor. If there is wobble, it will need to be straightened or replaced.
Beyond the intricacies of understanding the brakes and making sure they work properly, there are some electric bike specifics to consider. A heavy bike that goes faster will take longer to slow down. Make sure you take into account the extra time it may take to stop the e-bike. It’s a good idea to take some time to practice before getting into traffic.
If you’re on a budget, there are even fewer options with hydraulic disc brakes. But they do exist, and you can find them in our price-based buyer’s guide.
Car traffic is a problem with any type of bike, but on an e-bike it can be an even bigger problem. Drivers have certain expectations from bikes, and e-bikes change the equation. Fast-moving road cyclists also have this challenge, but e-bikes exaggerate it even more.
Drivers make choices based on how long they think the bike will take to do something. Should drivers wait for cyclists to pass before crossing bike lanes? Sure, but when they guess speed incorrectly, they tend to make unsafe choices. Electric bikes exaggerate this because it’s faster than other cyclists, but also because the visual cues don’t match.
Drivers always misjudge the speed of road cyclists, which is the best-case scenario. A road cyclist on a deep-wheeled bike wearing form-fitting clothing is providing additional visual cues that they are moving fast. A person riding a single handle e-bike could easily move faster without looking like it. An upright stance, casual clothing, and easy pedaling don’t make drivers chasing speed. None of this is the cyclist’s fault, but be aware that you’re more likely to stay safe.
No matter which bike you ride, the advice is the same. If you’re riding in heavy traffic, make sure you don’t expect the driver to see you, or give you the space you need. It’s not what it’s supposed to be, but it’s what it is.
One way to help keep yourself safe is to use a quality helmet. Check out our guide to help you find the best option for you.
If you are looking for a new way of commuting or want a healthier lifestyle, we are here to help you. Visit our website to learn more about electric bikes and electric scooter or please leave information to us.
If you are looking for a new way of commuting or want a healthier lifestyle, we are here to help you. Visit our website to learn more about electric bikes and electric scooter or please leave information to us.