Electric bikes are a great way to get around town, and they’re becoming more and more popular every day. If you’re thinking about buying one or if you’ve just bought one and aren’t sure how to ride an electric bike, this guide is for you.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about riding an electric bike. So whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve been riding bikes for years, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about electric bikes. Before we get started, let’s go over a few basics.
What Do You Need To Know Before You Ride An Electric Bike?
Before you ride an electric bike, there are a few things you should know.
Check The Bike Before You Ride
Before you get on an electric bike, it’s important to do a quick safety check. Make sure the brakes are working and that the tires are properly inflated. You should also check the battery to make sure it’s fully charged. If everything looks good, you’re ready to ride!
Know How To Operate The Bike
Electric bikes have a few different controls. The most important thing to know is how to operate the throttle. This is what makes the bike go, so it’s important to be familiar with it before you ride. Most electric bikes also have a pedal assist feature, which can be helpful if you’re riding up a hill or into a strong headwind.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
When you’re riding an electric bike, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. This means keeping an eye out for pedestrians and other cyclists and being extra careful when passing cars. Remember, electric bikes are still bicycles, so you should follow all the same rules of the road that apply to regular bicycle riders.
Wear The Proper Gear
When you’re riding an electric bike, it’s important to wear the proper gear. This includes a helmet, of course, but it also means wearing clothing that will make you more visible to other cyclists and motorists. Bright colors or reflective materials are always a good idea. And if it’s cold outside, dress in layers so you can stay warm.
Ride Defensively
Riding defensively means being aware of the traffic around you and being prepared to take evasive action if necessary. Always ride with the assumption that other cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians don’t see you. This will help you stay safe on the road.
How To Ride An Electric Bike?
Now that you know the basics, let’s get into how actually to ride an electric bike. Riding an electric bike is similar to riding a regular bicycle. The biggest difference is that you have a motor to help you pedal. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Get Comfortable With The Throttle
Before you start riding, get comfortable with the throttle. This is how you make the bike go, so it’s important to be familiar with it. Practice using the throttle before you go out on the road. It’s also a good idea to read the manual, so you know how your particular bike works.
When you’re ready to ride, start slowly and get a feel for how the throttle works. Then you can start pedaling faster and using the throttle more.
Use The Pedal Assist
Most electric bikes have a pedal assist feature. This is a great way to get a little extra help when you’re riding up a hill or into a strong headwind. To use the pedal assist, just start pedaling, and the motor will kick in and help you out.
Remember, you don’t have to use the pedal assist all the time. If you’re feeling strong, you can just pedal without any help from the motor. Pedal assist is there to give you a boost when you need it.
Use The Brakes
Electric bikes have two brakes, just like regular bikes. The left brake lever controls the front brake, and the right brake lever controls the rear brake. When you’re stopping, use both brakes at the same time. Apply pressure slowly at first, then more firmly as you come to a stop. It’s also a good idea to practice using the brakes before you go out on the road.
Keep An Eye On The Battery
Electric bikes have batteries that need to be charged regularly. Most batteries will last for about 500 cycles, which is about a year of use. After that, the battery will start to degrade and won’t hold a charge as well.
Keep an eye on the battery level, and make sure to charge it when it gets low. It’s also a good idea to keep a charger with you, just in case you need to charge the battery while you’re out riding.
Sit Up Straight
When you’re riding, sit up straight and keep your back relatively upright. This will help you stay balanced and in control of the bike. If you start to feel like you’re losing control, slow down and sit up straighter.
Use The Gears
Electric bikes usually have two or three gears. Gears are there to help you pedal up hills and into the wind. To shift gears, just click the shifter on the handlebars. The higher the gear, the easier it will be to pedal. The lower the gear, the more power you’ll have.
Remember to shift gears before you start pedaling. If you wait until you’re already pedaling, it’s harder to shift gears, and you could damage the bike.
Use Side Paths
If there’s a side path next to the road, use it. Side paths are usually smoother and easier to ride on than the road. They’re also a great place to practice riding before you go out on the road. Just be sure to yield to pedestrians when you’re riding on a side path. And, of course, always ride on the right side of the path.
Final Words
Now that you know the basics of how to ride an electric bike, get out there and give it a try. With a little practice, you’ll be riding like a pro in no time. And, who knows? You might even start to enjoy it. But, even if you don’t, at least you’ll be getting some exercise. Just don’t forget to charge the battery and to use the gears.
Let’s see our new post about Best Electric Bikes For Seniors in 2022.
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