Electric Bikes: Top 5 Commuting Tips For Beginners
By Jamie | 14 October 2022 | 0 Comments
Are you new to the world of adult electric bikes? If you’ve just purchased one from Addmotor’s extensive selection, you’re probably wondering what comes next.
Every beginner in the electric bike community has questions about where to start, which accessories to buy, who to consult for e-bike maintenance, and what safety gear is necessary. “How do electric bike brakes work?” is another frequently asked question among new riders.
In this article, we’ve compiled five fundamental tips to help ensure you enjoy a pleasant and safe experience every time you take your adult electric bike out for a ride.
Tip # 01: Start Slow With Your Electric Bike
As they say, slow and steady wins the race.
Patience is crucial when you begin riding an adult electric bike. It’s unrealistic to think you can start commuting immediately after purchasing your bike. No matter how great the urge is to go on your first ride right away, you should take your time getting familiar with the bike’s controls first.
Electric bikes for adults often feature complex controls, with multiple gears and levels of electric assistance, which can initially be overwhelming. Read the manual thoroughly, practice the controls, and don’t hesitate to consult the e-bike community for advice.
This gradual approach will help you gain confidence and ensure you're ready for more challenging rides sooner rather than later.
Tip # 02: Choose the Ideal First Day for Commuting
Once you have memorized the controls of your electric bike, it’s time to pick the right day for your first ride. Generally, it’s recommended to choose a day with mild weather—neither too hot nor too cold. The best time for this would be the middle of spring or autumn when you aren’t sweating like a pig and don’t have to fight against the wind to ride on an incline or climb a steep hill.
We suggest starting on a weekend when traffic is lighter, making the streets safer and more relaxed for beginners. This will make your first experience more comfortable and less daunting. Remember, the goal is to familiarize yourself with the feeling of riding an electric bike for adults without the added pressure of navigating through heavy weekday traffic.
Tip # 03: Secure Your Electric Bike Properly
An adult electric bike is a significant investment and highly sought after on the market. These vehicles are all the craze these days, and they fetch quite the price in the market for anyone willing to sell.
The last thing you’d want is to have yours stolen because you dropped the ball on its safety. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to splurge on an alarm system for your electric bike. Investing in a high-quality lock should suffice. While no lock is completely impervious to theft, a sturdy lock will act as a solid deterrent to thieves and provide you with time to respond if an attempt is made on your bike.
We recommend using a U-lock combined with a cable lock for added security. This method allows you to secure both the frame and the wheels, providing comprehensive protection. Additionally, make sure you always lock your bike to a sturdy, immovable object and in a well-lit, visible area to deter potential thieves.
To avoid the fear of having your electric bike stolen altogether, you might want to buy a folding electric bike that you can easily store inside your home. The folding models are also more convenient for road trips since they can easily be put into your car’s trunk.
Tip # 04: Maintain Optimal Tire Pressure
Like automobiles, maintaining the correct tire pressure in your adult electric bike is vital. In fact, it is more crucial in electric bikes than in traditional bikes because of the additional weight and speed capabilities. Under-inflated tires can drastically affect your bike's performance and increase the risk of punctures.
You can use a pressure gauge to check the tires regularly or pinch them to ensure they feel firm and hard to the touch. Proper tire pressure prevents damage and extends your bike’s lifespan while providing a smoother ride.
This simple maintenance step can significantly improve your bike’s efficiency and reduce wear and tear. Low tire pressure is likely to cause long-term damage to your e-bike, compromising the function of its components. Needless to say, replacing those parts might burn a hole in your pocket. Also, riding with compromised tires would be a struggle because they may get stuck on the ground.
Tip # 05: Safety First
Each electric bike comes with a set of safety standards that riders must follow at all costs. Below are the three questions you should know the answers to:
What Are The Traffic Rules and How Do You Find the Best Route?
First off, you must familiarize yourself with your route and the appropriate lanes for electric bikes. Thankfully, almost all adult electric bikes have integrated Google Maps to help you navigate efficiently. Try to select routes with minimal traffic and avoid peak rush hours when offices and schools open or close.
Adhering to traffic laws is crucial. Not only do they keep you safe, but they also prevent accidents at intersections, which are commonly caused by cyclists running red lights to maintain their momentum.
What Constitutes Proper Gear?
Protective gear is non-negotiable for bike riders. You must wear a helmet at all times, as it can be the difference between a minor incident and a serious injury.
Besides helmets, visibility is key to safety. Make sure your electric bike is equipped with functioning headlights. You may also consider wearing reflective clothing. If these aren't available, attaching a reflective marker to your bike can greatly enhance your visibility to other road users.
How Do Electric Bike Brakes Work?
Knowing how to effectively use your electric bike's brakes is vital for safe riding. Most electric bikes for adults are equipped with advanced braking systems, such as hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes, to provide reliable stopping power in various conditions.
Here are a few tips to familiarize yourself with the braking process:
- Practice braking in a safe, traffic-free area to get a feel for the force needed and the bikes stopping distance.
- Regularly check the brake pads for wear and tear and ensure the brake cables are in good condition, especially if you use a folding electric bike, where the folding mechanism can sometimes affect the brake lines.
- Understand that wet or slick conditions can affect braking efficiency, so adjust your riding accordingly to ensure you always have control over your bike.
Final Words
Riding an adult electric bike is an enjoyable and efficient way to commute. By taking the time to understand your bike and following these essential tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Regular care and maintenance of your electric bike will keep it running smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of e-biking.
Happy commuting, e-bikers!
Every beginner in the electric bike community has questions about where to start, which accessories to buy, who to consult for e-bike maintenance, and what safety gear is necessary. “How do electric bike brakes work?” is another frequently asked question among new riders.
In this article, we’ve compiled five fundamental tips to help ensure you enjoy a pleasant and safe experience every time you take your adult electric bike out for a ride.
Tip # 01: Start Slow With Your Electric Bike
As they say, slow and steady wins the race.
Patience is crucial when you begin riding an adult electric bike. It’s unrealistic to think you can start commuting immediately after purchasing your bike. No matter how great the urge is to go on your first ride right away, you should take your time getting familiar with the bike’s controls first.
Electric bikes for adults often feature complex controls, with multiple gears and levels of electric assistance, which can initially be overwhelming. Read the manual thoroughly, practice the controls, and don’t hesitate to consult the e-bike community for advice.
This gradual approach will help you gain confidence and ensure you're ready for more challenging rides sooner rather than later.
Tip # 02: Choose the Ideal First Day for Commuting
Once you have memorized the controls of your electric bike, it’s time to pick the right day for your first ride. Generally, it’s recommended to choose a day with mild weather—neither too hot nor too cold. The best time for this would be the middle of spring or autumn when you aren’t sweating like a pig and don’t have to fight against the wind to ride on an incline or climb a steep hill.
We suggest starting on a weekend when traffic is lighter, making the streets safer and more relaxed for beginners. This will make your first experience more comfortable and less daunting. Remember, the goal is to familiarize yourself with the feeling of riding an electric bike for adults without the added pressure of navigating through heavy weekday traffic.
Tip # 03: Secure Your Electric Bike Properly
An adult electric bike is a significant investment and highly sought after on the market. These vehicles are all the craze these days, and they fetch quite the price in the market for anyone willing to sell.
The last thing you’d want is to have yours stolen because you dropped the ball on its safety. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to splurge on an alarm system for your electric bike. Investing in a high-quality lock should suffice. While no lock is completely impervious to theft, a sturdy lock will act as a solid deterrent to thieves and provide you with time to respond if an attempt is made on your bike.
We recommend using a U-lock combined with a cable lock for added security. This method allows you to secure both the frame and the wheels, providing comprehensive protection. Additionally, make sure you always lock your bike to a sturdy, immovable object and in a well-lit, visible area to deter potential thieves.
To avoid the fear of having your electric bike stolen altogether, you might want to buy a folding electric bike that you can easily store inside your home. The folding models are also more convenient for road trips since they can easily be put into your car’s trunk.
Tip # 04: Maintain Optimal Tire Pressure
Like automobiles, maintaining the correct tire pressure in your adult electric bike is vital. In fact, it is more crucial in electric bikes than in traditional bikes because of the additional weight and speed capabilities. Under-inflated tires can drastically affect your bike's performance and increase the risk of punctures.
You can use a pressure gauge to check the tires regularly or pinch them to ensure they feel firm and hard to the touch. Proper tire pressure prevents damage and extends your bike’s lifespan while providing a smoother ride.
This simple maintenance step can significantly improve your bike’s efficiency and reduce wear and tear. Low tire pressure is likely to cause long-term damage to your e-bike, compromising the function of its components. Needless to say, replacing those parts might burn a hole in your pocket. Also, riding with compromised tires would be a struggle because they may get stuck on the ground.
Tip # 05: Safety First
Each electric bike comes with a set of safety standards that riders must follow at all costs. Below are the three questions you should know the answers to:
What Are The Traffic Rules and How Do You Find the Best Route?
First off, you must familiarize yourself with your route and the appropriate lanes for electric bikes. Thankfully, almost all adult electric bikes have integrated Google Maps to help you navigate efficiently. Try to select routes with minimal traffic and avoid peak rush hours when offices and schools open or close.
Adhering to traffic laws is crucial. Not only do they keep you safe, but they also prevent accidents at intersections, which are commonly caused by cyclists running red lights to maintain their momentum.
What Constitutes Proper Gear?
Protective gear is non-negotiable for bike riders. You must wear a helmet at all times, as it can be the difference between a minor incident and a serious injury.
Besides helmets, visibility is key to safety. Make sure your electric bike is equipped with functioning headlights. You may also consider wearing reflective clothing. If these aren't available, attaching a reflective marker to your bike can greatly enhance your visibility to other road users.
How Do Electric Bike Brakes Work?
Knowing how to effectively use your electric bike's brakes is vital for safe riding. Most electric bikes for adults are equipped with advanced braking systems, such as hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes, to provide reliable stopping power in various conditions.
Here are a few tips to familiarize yourself with the braking process:
- Practice braking in a safe, traffic-free area to get a feel for the force needed and the bikes stopping distance.
- Regularly check the brake pads for wear and tear and ensure the brake cables are in good condition, especially if you use a folding electric bike, where the folding mechanism can sometimes affect the brake lines.
- Understand that wet or slick conditions can affect braking efficiency, so adjust your riding accordingly to ensure you always have control over your bike.
Final Words
Riding an adult electric bike is an enjoyable and efficient way to commute. By taking the time to understand your bike and following these essential tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Regular care and maintenance of your electric bike will keep it running smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of e-biking.
Happy commuting, e-bikers!
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