Many cyclists are switching to modern e-bikes these days because they want to benefit from the numerous advantages in terms of comfort and mobility, like the fact that you can easily cover long distances without breaking a sweat. Some people sneer at e-bikes and claim that they are not sporty enough, but you can actually ride an electric bike like a pro, and we’ll explain how.
Basically, riding an e-bike is just as easy, fast and sporty as riding a bicycle, but the additional technology on board might take some getting used to. That is why it is best to familiarise yourself with the mechanics of it in advance and to follow our e-bike advice.
Preparing for Your First E-Bike Ride
If you want to learn how to ride an electric bike, to ensure that your first ride goes smoothly and that you build up confidence to ride like a pro, you should prepare yourself accordingly. After all, riding an e-bike for the first time is an entirely new experience that tends to surprise many riders. It is not difficult – quite the opposite – but the additional motor provides unusually fast acceleration that you won’t be familiar with at first.
A so-called beginner’s e-bike can make the first experience easier. A low weight, a low frame with an easy step-through and slip-proof pedals create additional comfort. Most e-bikes are pedelecs and therefore classed as conventional bicycles, so there is no helmet requirement. For safety reasons, however, we strongly recommend that you always use a helmet, whether you are riding a bicycle or an electric bike.
How to Ride an Electric Bike Explained Step by Step
With these practical e-bike riding tips, it will be a piece of cake and you will quickly become a pro. If in doubt, be sure to consult the operating instructions of your e-bike, where the most important information and functions should be explained in detail.
Step 1: Switch on and Adjust
First, you should switch on the e-bike and select the appropriate pedalling assistance settings before you get on or start pedalling. If it’s your first time on an e-bike, our advice is to start with the lowest level of pedal assistance. The manual will tell you how to switch it on, but you should easily be able to locate the button yourself.
Step 2: Start Off Slowly
Some types of e-bikes or pedelecs have a so-called starting aid. This supports you in the beginning without pedalling, but only up to a speed of 6 km/h. Other models do not have a starting aid, but in both cases, you should start slowly, so you don’t underestimate the fast acceleration based on your pedalling power and the motor output.
Step 3: Ride and Change Gears
Once you have reached your desired speed, you can continue to pedal steadily to save power and reduce the strain on the motor. Using the e-bike gears correctly primarily means avoiding gear changes under full load, as this could cause the chain to come off. A cadence between 70 and 90 revolutions per minute is optimal for the motor. Choose a gear that allows you to do this effortlessly.
Step 4: Charge the Battery as Required
Before you charge the battery for the first time, you should fully discharge it first. Although modern lithium-ion batteries are extremely robust and will function effortlessly without special maintenance, the first three to five charging cycles will allow the battery to calibrate itself a little better if it is completely drained and recharged.
E-Bike Safety Training
Riding an e-bike is extremely healthy and, with the right training, it’s also extremely safe. Inexperienced or senior riders will benefit from it in particular, as they may have been using a conventional bike for decades. In the safety training, experienced instructors build up your confidence in the new technology, teach the most important cycling tricks and give valuable tips.
Many dealers offer such training courses, where the necessary knowledge can be imparted within a few hours. Due to the increasing popularity of e-bikes, the demand is correspondingly high and courses are held regularly. Even if you are a seasoned cyclist, an e-bike training course can pay off, if you aim to learn how to ride an electric bike safely and effortlessly.
E-Bike Tips for Beginners
If you intend to learn how to ride an electric bike, you should definitely follow these tips. This will make it easier to get started and give you extra confidence.
- Set up your bike correctly: This tip applies equally to all bikes. Usually, most models allow you to adjust both saddle and handlebar height. This can increase comfort and safety when riding an e-bike.
- Choose a quiet road: Find a quiet and secluded road before you get in the saddle. Then you won’t be distracted by traffic and can fully concentrate on your task.
- Start off slowly: The engine provides unusually rapid and almost effortless acceleration. Initially, many riders tend to underestimate the speed generated by pedalling with motor assistance. So take it easy and shift down a gear.
Even if you are a novice, you should get a good understanding of how to handle your new bike after just a few minutes. Now, you should be able to master long distances and demanding routes without any problems.
Ride Like a Pro: Insider Tips From Cycling Experts
So that you can enjoy a great riding experience even on long routes and difficult terrain, we have put together a few insider tips from cycling professionals. Now nothing will stand in the way of your riding pleasure!
- First, test your bike thoroughly so that you are really familiar with it and can really focus on the ride
- If you wish to go on a longer tour, plan it carefully beforehand.
- Ensure that the battery is fully charged
- Don’t forget your water bottle, some snacks, and sunscreen
- Check your tyre pressure
- Make sure you don’t get lost. There are great digital navigation aids these days.
- Invest in good equipment, especially a high-quality helmet.
- A medium to high cadence is ideal.
- Stay seated when going uphill and stand up when going downhill.
- Make sure you have a small repair kit on board.
How to Find the Ideal E-Bike
In principle, there is a suitable e-bike for all needs, and you can actually ride like a pro on all of them. However, it is important to find out which one suits you best. Therefore, it pays to focus on the following aspects before buying an e-bike:
- Does the frame fit your needs in terms of comfort and sportiness? Do you prefer a low step-through or an active riding position?
- Does the e-bike have a low weight and is it easy to transport? The less it weighs, the easier it is to handle.
- Is the build quality adequate and are all components built into the frame? This doesn’t only look more elegant, it also offers greater safety and durability.
- Does the e-bike have all the necessary gears to enable effortless and rapid acceleration?
- What roads or terrain will you mostly be riding on?
- How long are the distances you usually want to cover?
- Is it a pedelec with up to 25 km/h pedal assistance? If so, you don’t need an extra driving licence or licence plate and can just get up and ride.
The Bottom Line
You can ride an e-bike like a pro! Riding an e-bike for the first time is a very special experience for cyclists who have never been in contact with this new technology before. But with the right preparation and our tips, you will soon get to know how to ride your new electric bike safely and yet speedily.
Ampler e-bikes are ideal for beginners and cycling professionals. Our e-bike model Juna is available with an extra small frame for petite riders, and our low-frame models allow seniors an easy step-through. Furthermore, our sporty models like Axel, Stout, Curt, and Curt Anyroad are ideal even on difficult terrain and for long tours. You also benefit from low weight and impeccable build quality.
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