Electric bikes offer a fun and eco-friendly way to commute, exercise, and explore the outdoors. Riding an e-bike is similar to riding a regular bike but with the added benefits of motor assistance. Here are some tips on how to ride an electric bike.
Understand Pedal-Assist
Pedal assist is the feature that sets e-bikes apart from traditional bikes. As the term implies, the electric motor assists your pedal power, empowering you to ride faster and easier. However, it is important to remember that e-bikes will not replace pedal power. Instead, the design is to:
- Enhance your riding experience, making riding a bike easier and more enjoyable.
- Allows you to travel further and at a higher average speed (if you choose).
- Give you a new sense of adventure.
- The ability to explore trails and cycleways that you would not otherwise feel confident to tackle.
Use Gears and Pedal Assist
Knowing when and how to use your mechanical gears in conjunction with pedal assist can maximise the distance you get from a fully charged battery and make your ride more efficient. Before increasing your level of pedal assist (which you do by pressing up and down buttons on the handlebars), make sure to select an appropriate mechanical gear for your terrain. This will help you use the least amount of battery power while still allowing for smooth and easy pedaling.
For example, when approaching a hill, shift down to gear 3, 2, or 1, depending on the hill’s steepness, leg power, and length. Shifting gears before you need to climb will make it easier to climb hills without draining your battery power. Once you have shifted down to an appropriate mechanical gear, you can start increasing the level of pedal assist to get you up the hill.
Shift Your E-Bike into a Lower Gear before Stopping
A common mistake made by e-bike riders is leaving their bike in high gear when stopping. This means they either have to apply strong leg pressure to get moving again or use more battery boost than would be necessary if they had shifted to a lower gear on the derailleur, anticipating the need to get moving again easily after a stop. We highly recommend that you shift down into second or third gear, or even first gear, before coming to a stop.
How to Maximise Your Battery Life
Maximising your e-bike’s battery life – the number of charge cycles you can expect before your battery’s ability to hold a full charge diminishes – requires proper battery care. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and maintaining the battery. A few key steps to battery care include:
- Charging it regularly.
- Storing the battery properly (avoid extremely hot or freezing storage).
- Not letting it drain completely.
Are Electric Bikes Easy To Ride?
Electric Bikes are easy to ride—and better yet, lots of fun to ride—if you follow the advice in this article. They allow you to ride further with less effort, and they eliminate the grind of climbing hills or riding into a headwind.
Conclusion:
Electric bikes, like regular bikes, are powered by the legs first and the motor second. They are also known as “pedal assist” for a reason: The electric system is there to assist your pedaling, not to replace it (although most MeloYelo e-bikes do come with a thumb throttle, which can be used to provide short boosts of battery power if you need to give your legs a quick rest).
Riding an e-bike is a fun and sustainable way to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. To maximise your battery life and get the most out of your ride, use gears and pedal assist wisely, anticipate terrain changes, and follow proper battery care. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth ride and get the most out of your investment.
