
By Graeme McLaughlin
The very first thing that you need to be aware of electric bikes is, they’re in for a long haul. There has been a significant rise in the sales of electric bikes. And the surprising thing is, there are absolutely no signs of its slowdown.
Certain trade pundits view the rise of eBikes as a threat to standard bikes. However, there’s nothing to fear. Electric bikes aren’t here to rob us of our human-powered way of life. In fact, they’re there to enhance it-especially when it comes to the changes in travel and commuting habits amidst the global pandemic.
Although conventional bikes and electric bikes have several similarities, there are also some differences that you might want to look into.
Take a conventional bicycle, then add several electrical components to it, such as a controller, a motor, and a battery, all of which are seamlessly integrated into the design. These are the essential components of all-electric bicycles on the market!
Image: unsplash
Get Familiar with Your Electric Bicycle
eBikes are comparatively heavier than conventional bicycles. They are also controlled differently. Before you hit the road, we recommend you get familiar with your eBike.
Practice these things first before beginning to ride an electric bike and choose a place where you have plenty of space to yourself:
- Riding without the use of electricity
- Begin with the first level of pedal assistance
- Assess how your eBike reacts when you stop and start
- With various pedal-assist + throttle levels, you can turn, balance, and get past obstacles
- Ensure you know how to shift into higher and lower gears
- Practice and get used to the throttle’s power
Learn all the Functions of your eBike Before Riding on Busy Roads or Trails
For your electric bike to rotate its wheel, it needs some electric power. For that, you need to turn on the electrical system first. There will be a light on the battery that will indicate that the power system has been turned on.
Your control display which is on the handlebar will also activate. When you begin the ride, you can either start with level one pedal assist and then use the throttle to get going. You can also begin slowly with pedaling; keeping your eBike on level one pedal help. It is also known as ECO mode.
In this mode, you will feel that your eBike is helping you pedal with the motor power. Another unique feature about e-biking is maintaining constant traction on both wheels.
Mountain e-biking is an exception in this regard, but for all other types of eBikes, it makes sense to ride with both wheels on the ground. This has to do with how weight and electric power are distributed while riding an eBike. The electric motor powers one wheel, while the second wheel keeps the bike balanced on its track. This balance cannot be maintained if one of the wheels is up in the air.
Image: EVELO
Practice Turning and Taking Corners at Different Speeds
Turning on an eBike is very similar to turning on a conventional bike. There are some specific details, as well. When compared to a traditional bike, an eBike has a lower center of gravity.
This is because the motor (and, in many cases, the battery) is closer to the ground. Simple low-speed turns are not a problem. When entering a turn at a higher speed, ensure that you stop pedaling, half-stand up, and slowly incline into the turn.
This will allow your eBike to follow the curve. You can sit down and start pedaling or use your throttle to accelerate once you’ve exited the turn.
Make Yourself Aware About These Parts of Your eBike When Riding
While using electric assistance, make sure you are in a seated position. The motor adjusts its rotation power in response to your consistent pedaling effort. Standing up causes your pedaling to become more inconsistent, which confuses the motor and causes it to slow down, which may not be the best way for operating a motor.
As compared to a regular bike, you’ll be going faster when riding an eBike. Focus out for cars turning into and out of the driveways and the side roads as you go ahead. Drivers may not expect you to speed up at an intersection.
When the eBike is on the second rotation of the pedals, the pedal-assist typically sets in. You’ll notice a surge in power and take off quickly if you’re in high gear, so be aware of which gear you’re in. Stay to a low gear or use the throttle to go faster at an intersection or when starting uphill.
Image: Yay Images
Things to Do After Returning Home
When you come home after finishing your ride, you would think about charging your battery. Put your eBike to charge when the battery is drained 70% or more. This will increase the battery life of your eBike.
Unless the eBike is in use, the battery should always be in the “off” position, and only the original charger that comes with your eBike must be used. Remember to check on tire pressure to ensure that you haven’t lost any pressure during your journey. You must follow this to be properly prepared for your next e-biking trip.
When riding an electric bicycle, ensure that the battery is fully charged. You need to learn many other things also like switching gears, taking turns, etc. I hope these tips have been helpful, and if you have not tried riding an electric bike before, it’s time to give it a shot!
About the Author:
Graeme McLaughlin
Graeme is the Marketing Head at Evelo, a data nerd, and an E-bike enthusiast who is always excited about testing new bikes. After years of riding and coming from a career in cycle sales, he is still passionate about bicycles. Based in Vancouver, he enjoys riding everything from solo adventures in the mountains to big social night rides.