Riding an ebike is a real treat, but if you’ve never done it before, there are a few things you should know before you hop on and go off to rule the planet!
Because the market is swamped with possibilities, purchasing your first e-bike might be a significant and costly decision. At the same time, electric bicycles have several benefits, like less traffic, a lower carbon impact, and a decent workout.
With COVID-19’s ups and downs and the rise in global gas prices, there is a greater desire for healthy travel and a sales boom for electric vehicles.
This article will help you make the best decision for your ebike.
PRO TIPS:
Safety!
When you get in your car, putting your seatbelt on has become second nature. Putting on your helmet before riding your commuter bike should also become a habit. Ebikes may reach speeds of up to 28 mph; thus, you must protect yourself.
Get Your Balance
First and foremost, an electric bicycle isn’t the same as a traditional bike. It’s heavier than a standard bike since it has a powerful motor to drive you over hills and trails. We recommend you spend some time getting on and off your bike, starting and stopping, and getting used to the extra weight.
Throttle & Pedal Assist
Knowing how pedal assists work and how to apply them in the appropriate settings is essential. To begin, pedal your bike on a level surface without pedal assistance to become acquainted with the feel of your ebike. Then, start with a level one pedal assist and gradually progress to discover how simple it is to improve your speed.
Keep Track of Your Turns
Your ebike will likely have a lower center of gravity than a standard bike. We recommend pausing, pedaling and taking your hand off the throttle before approaching the turn to get acclimated to how your ebike turns. Then, guide your bike normally and let it follow the bend of the curve. You may start pedaling and utilizing the throttle to get back up to speed after straightening out again.
Become Accustomed to Hills
When you’re climbing a hill, it might be challenging to get on your ebike and start pedaling. We recommend turning your bike 45 degrees to the hill and utilizing the throttle. Once you’re moving, you may begin pedaling and gradually reduce your speed.
Better Battery Care
To care for and extend the life of your battery, we recommend plugging it in after every ride and every 2-3 months while not in use.
Safeguard Your Investment
If you’re considering getting an ebike, you know it will be an investment. To discourage thieves, you might consider purchasing anti-theft gear.
How to Select Your First Electric Bicycle
Clarify your requirements
You must keep your needs in mind to expedite your search. For example, are you going grocery shopping on your ebike or planning a lengthy trip? Consider if you will ride the ebike on rugged or flat terrain. Suppose the primary reason for purchasing an ebike is for exercise and fitness.
In that case, an electric mountain bike is an option. Although electric bikes are broadly classified as leisure and commuting ebikes, there are subcategories. The hybrid variant of ebikes is a popular subcategory. This enables a person to ride while performing various functions.
Safety.
There are a few things to remember when riding an electric bike. Your brakes must have the same stopping power as your motor.
Easy to assemble
Many folks often overlook this issue. Some of your new ebikes are virtually entirely completed (for example, folding ebikes), but, in most cases, you must finish the assembly yourself. Many ebike companies give step-by-step instructions on their YouTube channel, but if the steps are complex, you may be unable to do it.
It would help if you went to the bike store for assembly, which costs money. Therefore it is included in the cost of your electric bicycle. It may or may not influence your buying decision, but you should be aware of it.
Your Preferred Motor Type
Hub motors and mid-drive motors are the two most popular types of motors. However, hub motors are more common among wholesalers and retailers than mid-drive motors, which are found at the rear wheel. Hub motors accelerate a bike by driving the pedal further.
However, despite their popularity due to their low cost, they are not as efficient as mid-drive. Even though both motors have comparable battery sizes, they operate at different speeds. This is why mid-drive motors are preferable for uphill riding.
The Assist Type
An electric bike can be either pedal-assist or throttle. A pedal-assist ebike helps a rider move uphill, but a throttle ebike demands strength from the user. However, your provider may provide you with three types of ebikes: class 1, class 2, and class 3. Meanwhile, your options will be influenced by the legalized class acknowledged in your nation. The highest speed at which class 1 ebikes may give pedal assistance is 20 mph.
Meanwhile, the class 2 category features both pedal-assist and throttle functions. The class 3 category featured simply a pedal-assist function and a top speed of 28 mph. As a result, the bike’s speed limit and electric bike restrictions in your area will also influence your choice.
Ideal Weight
Your electric bicycle’s weight should be appropriate for your body size. It is uncomfortable to ride if both weights are not aligned. On the other hand, lightweight electric bikes are favored by most riders. This is due to the ease with which your ebike, particularly the folding models, may be parked and stored. It enables commuting while cycling to work.
Waterproofing Abilities
The most reliable electric bikes are those that can tolerate rain. Without a doubt, every rider wants their LCD, battery, and motor to be splash-proof so they don’t have to worry about riding in the rain or keeping their bike outside because poor weather is unavoidable.
Price
Typically, you’ll need at least $1,500 or more to get an ebike. However, you may find reduced prices if you shop about. Similar to purchasing a car, the configuration and performance of ebikes are significant factors in deciding the price, as is their aesthetic.
Power and Battery Range
You should also evaluate an ebike’s battery performance. A regular 15-25km commute allows you to use a smaller battery. If you frequently ride long distances, a battery with 400 watt-hours or higher capacity is recommended.
As a first-time buyer, you should think about the power of your ebikes. A 250-watt motor is required for downhill riding and a 500-watt motor for uphill or difficult terrain riding. Higher power, however, may result in reduced range or a heavier, more expensive battery.
Maintenance and Service
Failure and repair may be unavoidable with any electronic components. Therefore, selecting a repairable motor is another critical option. Because of a shortage of parts or diagnostic tools, shop technicians sometimes cannot fix no-name brands.
Furthermore, carefully examining the brand’s warranty service and commitment is vital. Only the company can get the favor and confidence of customers by guaranteeing the maximum advantage to the client.
