With Spring approaching it’s time to dust off the cobwebs and enjoy that warmer air. It may be that you didn’t let the winter months hold you back and you’re at the top of your game. Maybe, you’re feeling re-energised after a bit of hibernation. Keeping a few things in mind as you tackle new tours and adventures will help you make the most of springtime. Here are a few things to keep you and your e-bike healthy while ensuring you have the best time possible.
Fitness considerations
Although an e-bike is designed to make commuting easier they are also great for overall fitness. There are however a few things to consider if higher stamina or faster times are part of your goal. Whether you’re incorporating e-bikes into your fitness routine or relying on them, here are a few tips.
- Keep in mind your pedal assist: Ampler e-bikes are perfect for being able to adjust your motor assistance. As a lightweight e-bike, you can even turn it off entirely and cycle freely. Make note of intervals you might want less assistance to increase stamina.
- Start gradually: If you have taken a break over winter be sure to set realistic goals. Luckily, e-bikes are perfect for building fitness in this regard. As mentioned above, understand where you’re coming from and adjust accordingly.
- Listen to your knees: Even if you have been training hard over winter it’s important to pay attention to your body. ‘Spring knee’ is a common ailment where the warmer weather pushes cyclists to go further, sometimes overworking their knees. Be sure to be attuned to both the bike and the body.
Technical considerations
Ensure that you and your e-bike are in good working condition. As the weather improves you’ll find you can’t keep away from a good bike ride, whether for errands or simply for fun. With increased use, it’s crucial that your two-wheeled friend is at the top of its game.
- Basic checkup: Here is a manual specifically for Ampler. In particular, you want to have the chain lubricated and if possible have the gears, tyres, and (especially) the brakes looked at. Stop by your nearest Ampler workshop for things like the battery if you’re concerned. However, basic bike maintenance can be done by a regular bike shop.
- Gear up: Just because it’s getting warmer doesn’t mean we haven’t seen the last of winter weather. Spring is notoriously sporadic with dropping temperatures and heavy rainfall. If you’re going out for a longer ride be sure to have waterproof jackets and extra layers on hand. Of course, at Ampler we always insist on using a helmet for every ride.
- Know the limits: As we already talked about your own personal fitness and goals over spring, keep in mind how that works with an e-bike. An Ampler will take you on average around 70 km with a single charge. If you’re planning on pushing yourself this Spring be aware of your journeys, desired motor assistance, the route and how the e-bike fits into each.
Fun considerations
Now that the boring stuff is out of the way you and your e-bike are ready for an awesome season of fun. Here are a few ideas for you and your sustainable transport to make the most of it. While an Ampler is an incredibly useful tool for green commuting, it’s also a lot of fun to ride.
- Plan ahead: There are loads of cycling enthusiasts out there and often they have online organisations dedicated to planning trips, races, tours and more. Check out what’s local to you and make sure to get a spot before spaces fill up!
- Discover the land: With an e-bike, you have the opportunity to go even further. Now that the sun is shining, plan a weekend and explore the great outdoors. Inclines and distances shouldn’t hold you back (unless you want the push). Instead, you could spend afternoons and evenings crossing fields, ascending hills and embracing nature.
- Meet the locals: Use your e-bike as a way to join in fun events. Perhaps there’s a nearby market you’ve been dying to check out, or maybe there’s a concert that you’d love to see. Get on the saddle and make a whole day out of it. Not only will you make great memories, but you’ll have more fun getting there with some exercise along the way.
Conclusion
Spring is a cause of celebration and enjoying it with an e-bike is not only fun but sustainable. Improve your mood and make the most of each and every day. If you want to test an e-bike or find out more, check out our test ride page, which lists our showrooms and nearby ambassadors so you can find out for yourself. Until then, enjoy nature and embrace the ride this season.