A Beginner's Guide To Riding Electric Bikes Safely

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are a fun and healthy way to cover more miles than would be possible on a regular bicycle. They are similar to traditional bicycles in many ways, but there are some differences to be aware of before you start riding. Firstly, check your tire pressure and adjust your saddle to a height that allows for proper leg extension. Next, turn on your electric bike using the power button, which is usually located on the handlebar. You can then adjust the pedal assistance level, or PAS, to control how much power the motor delivers during your ride. If you are riding for the first time, start with PAS level 0 to get comfortable with the bike, and then move up to levels 1 through 3. When riding, remember that electric bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bikes, so it is important to understand how the brakes work. Finally, always wear a helmet to ensure a safe ride.

Electric bikes are heavier than traditional bikes, so you must practice gaining balance and understand how it manoeuvres

Electric bikes are heavier than traditional bikes, so you'll need to adjust to the weight difference and practice gaining balance. Start with some basic balance exercises: try balancing on each foot for around five seconds, holding onto a wall or your bike for support if you need to. This will help you get a feel for your balance on either side.

Next, you'll want to adjust your saddle. Start with the seat lowered so that you can put your feet almost flat on the ground. This will help you feel more stable and allow you to catch your balance if needed. Once you feel comfortable, you can gradually raise the seat to ensure proper leg extension while riding.

Now, you can start to get a feel for how the bike manoeuvres. Begin by walking slowly, practising going left and right. When you feel ready, sit on the saddle and continue practising turning, this time with one foot raised at a time. As you continue, you can start to use more power and glide for longer, pushing off and gliding with one foot down almost all the time.

Remember, the weight of the electric bike, combined with its higher speeds, makes braking something to really concentrate on. Make sure you understand how the brakes on your bike feel and which brake lever does what. Mechanical disc brakes stop because of a cable pulling the callipers closed, with a physical connection between the brake lever and braking power.

Learn the different types of brakes and how they work

Electric bikes are heavier than regular bikes and are capable of higher speeds, so it's important to understand the braking system on your bike. Here are some common types of brakes and how they work:

Mechanical Disc Brakes

Mechanical disc brakes are operated by a cable pulling the callipers closed. There is a physical connection between the brake lever and the brake pads. The harder you pull the lever, the stronger the braking power. These are typically found on low-end bikes.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes are found on mid-range to high-end bicycles. In this system, a piston in the brake lever pushes hydraulic fluid through the brake hose when the brake is applied, pushing the brake pads together and against the brake rotor. When the brake is released, a spring pushes the pads away from the rotor and back into their housing.

V-Brakes

V-brakes, or direct-pull cantilever brakes, are the most widely used type of rim brakes. They are operated via a cable that runs from one side of the brake and across the top, pulling the two halves of the brake together. V-brakes are lightweight, simple in structure, cheap, and easy to maintain.

Rim Brakes

Rim brakes are common and work remarkably well without needing too much mechanical know-how to maintain. However, they may become less effective in the rain if the rim surface gets wet.

Roller Brakes

Roller brakes are a braking system invented by Shimano for urban or leisure bikes. They have high braking efficiency, a fast braking response, high sensitivity, convenient operation, and are labour-saving. However, they are rarely used nowadays due to their heavy weight.

Check the tyre pressure and adjust the saddle to your comfort

Checking your tyre pressure and adjusting your saddle to your comfort are crucial steps in riding an electric bike for beginners.

Checking Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure is critical to your e-bike's performance and safety. It directly impacts traction, manoeuvrability, and efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to check your tyre pressure before every ride and adjust it according to the riding conditions.

To check your tyre pressure, use a pressure gauge. Remove the valve cap from your tyre and press the gauge firmly onto the valve. You can also use the air pump to measure while you inflate/deflate your tyre if it has a built-in gauge.

The recommended pressure range for your tyre is typically displayed on the sidewall of your e-bike tyre. The optimal pressure depends on factors such as tyre design, bike weight, your weight, and riding conditions. For example, you should reduce the psi for wet conditions and increase it for dry, packed surfaces.

Adjusting the Saddle

Adjusting the saddle to your comfort is essential for a pleasant riding experience and to prevent injuries. The saddle can be adjusted in three ways: height, fore-aft position, and vertical angle.

To adjust the saddle height, sit on the bike with your cycling shoes on and place your heel on the pedal. If your leg is stretched, and your knee is fully extended, the saddle is at an ideal height. If your leg is not fully extended, adjust the saddle height until it reaches the ideal position.

To adjust the fore-aft position, turn the cranks so the pedals are horizontal, with the right pedal at 3 o'clock. Sit on the bike and align the ball of your foot with the pedal axles. If your kneecap is behind the pedal axle, move the saddle forward; if it's ahead of the axle, move the saddle backward.

When adjusting the saddle angle, remember that there is no golden rule, and it depends on individual preferences and variables such as body weight, age, flexibility, and riding style. As a starting point, set your saddle with a level nose and adjust from there according to your comfort.

Understand the different pedal-assist levels and how they influence your ride

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have varying pedal-assist levels that can aid riders in numerous ways. These levels influence the amount of power the motor delivers during your ride. The higher the level, the more power the motor will provide, but the quicker the battery will drain.

For beginners, it is recommended to start with pedal-assist level 0 to get comfortable with the bike. Once you are familiar with the bike, you can increase the pedal-assist level to 1 through 3, which will make pedalling easier while still ensuring a safe start. These lower levels are ideal for extended distances on flat and smooth streets, giving you a slight extra push that will benefit you in the long run.

If you need to go uphill, you may want to increase the pedal-assist level to 4 or 5. These levels will provide more power to help you climb the hill with less effort. However, it is important to note that higher levels will drain the battery more quickly.

By experimenting with different pedal-assist levels, you can understand how they influence your ride and when to use them. For example, on flat terrain, you might opt for a middle gear and a lower level of assistance to preserve your battery and extend your range. On the other hand, when climbing a long hill, you might choose a lighter gear and a higher pedal-assist level to prevent leg fatigue.

Know the terrain and weather conditions before you set off

Electric bikes are a fun and healthy way to cover more miles than would be possible on a regular bicycle. However, it is important to know the terrain and weather conditions before you set off.

Firstly, check the tire pressure for the front and rear tires. You can do this by squeezing the tire to see if it is soft. If you have access to one, use a pressure gauge to get a more accurate reading. Adjust the pressure to your preferred amount of air. The tire sidewall will provide the maximum pressure allowed, but you do not need to use the maximum pressure if you prefer a softer ride. If you are unsure about the appropriate tire pressure for your weight, consider contacting the manufacturer.

Secondly, adjust your saddle to a height that ensures proper leg extension. A good rule of thumb is to adjust the saddle so that just the ball of your foot touches the ground when you are at a stop. If you prefer a lower saddle height so that your feet can be flat on the ground while stopped, that is also acceptable, but remember that a higher saddle height will make pedaling more efficient.

Thirdly, if you are riding in cold weather, take extra care of your e-bike battery, as it is vulnerable to cold weather. Keeping your battery warm is essential, and you should store it in a climate-controlled environment when not in use. Additionally, basic e-bike care and maintenance will ensure that your bike remains in top shape during the winter.

Finally, if you are riding in winter, consider investing in winter tires, which provide improved traction on slippery surfaces and help prevent punctures. Winter tires are especially important if you are riding on snow or ice, as they have specific tread patterns that allow for maximum contact with the ground.

Frequently asked questions