Electric Biking Basics: A Beginner's Guide To E-Biking

Electric bikes are increasing in popularity, but some people are unsure about how to ride them. You can ride an electric bike without any power, but this won't give you the full experience. To get the most out of your electric bike, you need to charge the battery, understand the pedal assist system (PAS), and turn it on when you're ready to ride. You can turn the PAS off at any time, and you can brake in the same way as on a traditional bike.

Charging the battery

The battery will power the pedal assist system (PAS). This is what gives you the extra "push" while pedalling. You can turn the PAS on and off at any time, and as soon as you stop pedalling, you will lose that extra power.

You can ride an e-bike without any power at all, just like an analogue bike. However, this won't give you the true electric bike experience.

Understanding the pedal assist system (PAS)

Electric bikes are increasing in popularity, but understandably, some people are nervous about trying them for the first time. However, riding an electric bike is not too different from riding a traditional bicycle. You can even ride an electric bike without any power at all.

To get started, you'll need to charge your electric bike battery. Once that's done, you can get ready as you would for a regular bike ride. Before you set off, you'll need to understand the pedal assist system (PAS). This is what gives you the extra "push" while pedalling. You can turn the PAS on and off as you please, and it will only activate when you start pedalling. So, if you stop pedalling, you'll lose that extra power. This means you can always turn off the PAS if you feel uncomfortable and want to ride the bike manually.

To get a feel for the PAS, you can try testing it out. Start by turning on the PAS and begin pedalling. You should feel the extra "push" from the bike. Then, stop pedalling and you'll feel that "push" wear off. Keep testing this until you feel comfortable with the PAS and are ready to take your electric bike for a longer ride.

It's worth noting that, while the PAS will give you extra power, it won't affect your braking. Electric bikes brake in the same way as traditional bicycles. Some electric bikes even have disc brakes, which provide extra stopping power.

Braking

Electric bikes are increasing in popularity, and while they may feel a little nerve-wracking at first, they are not too different from riding a traditional bike. In fact, you can ride an electric bike without any power at all, just like an analogue bike.

Electric bikes have the same braking mechanism as a regular bike. However, some e-bikes come with disc brakes, which have extra stopping power, so you might not have to brake as hard. Nevertheless, the method of braking is exactly the same. You brake while coasting (not pedalling), so there isn't any extra power that would affect your braking.

As with a traditional bike, it is important to understand how to use the brakes properly before you set off. Practice braking at different speeds and on different terrains so that you are comfortable with the bike's stopping power. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from other road users and pedestrians.

It is also a good idea to regularly check your brakes to ensure they are in good working order. Check the brake pads for wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Additionally, make sure that the brake cables are properly lubricated and free of debris. By following these simple maintenance steps, you can help ensure a safer riding experience.

Riding an electric bike

When mounting the bicycle, you can either swing your leg over the saddle or step through the frame on some models. Then, straddle the bike, hop on the seat, and prepare to ride. If you've never ridden an e-bike before, start in PAS level 0 to get comfortable with the bike. Once you're comfortable, levels 1 through 3 are a great choice, as they will make pedalling easy while also ensuring a safe start. You can also gently press the throttle to get rolling, then start pedalling.

While riding, you can adjust the Pedal Assistance level by pressing the up or down buttons. This will also change the number on the display panel. Most electric bicycles feature a headlight and tail light, which you can power on or off depending on your preference.

Removing the battery

The next step is to locate the connectors and identify where the battery connects to the bike. This usually involves a series of wires and possibly a connector. Gently unplug all the connectors by holding the connector, not the wires, to prevent damage. If the connectors have a locking mechanism, carefully disengage it using your thumb or a small tool.

Now you're ready to remove the battery. Take care to hold it securely to prevent it from falling as you disconnect the final connectors or fastenings. Depending on the model of your bike, you may need specific tools such as a spanner or screwdriver to remove locks or fasteners. For a battery located under the luggage rack, unlock it with the key and slide it backward. If the battery is on the frame of the bike, unlock it and tip it to the side or rear to unclip it from its cradle.

After removing the battery, check it and its locking mechanism for any signs of wear or damage. Clean any debris that might have caused the battery to stick, and verify that the pin and lock mechanism function smoothly. Store the battery in a dry place at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions