Electric bikes (also called e-bikes) are becoming very popular these days. They provide an eco-friendly way to commute or go out for a ride. If you want to try riding them, then read about how to use an electric bike on.
E-bikes are powered by electricity instead of using pedals. Which makes them easier to operate and allows you to travel at higher speeds without having to pedal. They also come equipped with various features such as lights, brakes, gears, etc.
Unlike traditional bicycles, you can also use them for casual city rides, cross-country trips, and downhill areas. Its electric and mechanical elements help the riders to move forward using pedelec and throttle. You’ll have power assistance and throttle to control an e-bike manually.
Let’s have a closer look at the basics of an electric bicycle–
How To Use An Electric Bike – An Ultimate Guide
Riding an electric bike for the first time can be overwhelming. But, you need to bear a few things in mind before knowing how to use an electric bike. Here, things are a bit different as compared to conventional bikes. We’ve explained the journey step by step after a section–
How Do The Electric Bikes Work Actually?
Electric bikes are powered by electricity. The electricity is stored in a battery and then used to power the electric motor. This motor can be either integrated into the wheel or it can be connected to the pedals via a chain or a belt. That’s it!
It’s true that electric bikes are powered by motors to help pedal the bike. There are three(3) main components that make up an electric bicycle. The first is the battery, which stores power for the motor and pedals. The second is the controller, which regulates how much power goes to each of these components.
The third component is the motor, which provides power for pedaling and also helps with hills when needed. You can learn more about the functions of e-bike in detail.
Electric bikes are great for people who want to get around without using fossil fuels, or who want to reduce their carbon footprint. They’re also good for people who don’t have access to public transportation– they can use an e-bike as their main mode of transportation.
Now, it’s time to start the process of riding one–
NOTE: If you’re a new player to this game, it’s better to learn and practice well before on the highways. Besides, DON’T forget to wear a safety helmet, otherwise, you may face legal complications.
1. Assembly
First thing first, once you owned one, the first job is to assemble and ready the bike for action. You can take the help of assembly instructions from the manual the bike manufacturer provided. It might take 5 to 10 minutes depending on the different model and form factors. And almost a similar process to a standard bike.
2. Check The Pedals & Chain
This is the first and foremost step actually, in the pen and paper. Before you power up the engine, you should test whether the pedals working properly or not. As you might fail to install them while assembling, otherwise you could face various problems once you are on the saddle.
It’s also crucial to check your bike chain and its rotation. A lot of bikers, especially the newbies can hardly install it properly. Therefore, you should also keep an eye on it by testing the chain rotation(forward and reverse) to ensure your comfort zone.
Only then, you go for 5 minutes of a test drive, here and there. Of course, nearby your house or in the backyard.
3. Brake System
You can save yourself by wearing a safety helmet. But what if your bike fails to brake in the middle of the road? Whether the brakes working correctly ensure your road safety, especially when you’re on the go– at high speed. Most experts, consider it a Must-Have checklist before you go out.
However, there’s nothing to worry about with the current brake of an electric. Most of them use mechanical disc brake mechanisms to avoid such circumstances. All you need to press the brake lever.
4. Gear Shifting
While you’re conducting the test drive, you should try to shift the gears once after another. It ensures you have complete control of your bike no matter where you’re. As you may require to change the gear depending on the demand.
5. Check the Saddle and Handlebar
It can make you uncomfortable when the seat and handlebar of your e-bike are not adjusted appropriately. Hence, it’s essential to adjust them according to your height and comfort. There might be an adjustment lever under the saddle surface.
6. Default Menu & Gear Shift
When you start the e-bike for the very first time in electric mode, you’ll see the default menu on the display. It’s your choice whether you keep the default riding setting or change it as per your preference. You’ll find gear number 1 on the screen, you can increase the number of gears chronologically upshift.
7. Working Modes
Knowing about the working modes is also crucial since having THREE(3) options in most electric bikes is common. They are respectively the pure E-mode (throttle), pedal-assist mode, and manual(just like a traditional bike). In electric assist, you don’t need to push the pedals since it depends on the motor.
On the contrary, you need to put a little effort into the pedal besides throttle support. The third method is the manual pedal mode with no electric power. However, it might a bit difficult to ride with human power as most electric bicycles come with heavier weights.
8. Rule & Regulations
Every country and state has different rules set by their federal transport authority to ensure law enforcement and public safety. So, you should follow all the traffic laws and regulations before you go out. We found most people pay fines for speeding and changing bike lanes illegally.
FAQ’s – Frequency Asked Questions
What Main Components of An E-bike?
The small electric motor is the heart of the e-bike. It is powered by a rechargeable battery that is charged by plugging it into an outlet or a generator.
When the rider pushes on the pedals, the motor turns a gear that drives a chain connected to the back wheel. The chain moves up and down, turning gears that propel the bike forward.
The battery and controller are housed in one part of the frame called an e-bike’s midsection or center frame.
What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of An Electric Bike?
An electric bike is an environmentally friendly way to commute from one place to another. They are powered by e-bike batteries and can be charged at any time.
The advantages of using an electric bike for transportation are:
- Electric bikes are cheaper than owning a car
- No need to worry about parking
- Less expensive than public transportation
- Healthier than sitting in traffic
- Can use it on the train or bus as well
- Eco-friendly and emits no carbon
- You can travel a large distance with the minimum battery capacity
The disadvantages of using an electric bike for transportation are:
- Batteries need to be charged and replaced on a regular basis
- Relatively heavier to carry to a remote place
- A bit pricy compared to a non-electric bike
What Features to Keep in Mind When Buying an Electric Bike?
When it comes to buying a new electric bike, the features that you should keep in mind are the size, weight, and battery power & life–
The size of the bike is important because it will determine how much storage space you have on your bike. Weight is also important because it will determine how easy your bike is to pedal and how much energy you will expend in order to move it.
Lastly, battery life is crucial because this determines how far you can go before having to recharge your battery.
Why Choose an Electric Bike?
E-bikes are a great way to get around town, especially if you are looking for an alternative to public transportation. They offer a healthy activity that can help you maintain your weight and improve your overall health.
There are many different types of e-bikes, so it is important to find the one that best suits your needs.
How Far Can You Go On An Electric Bike?
An electric can travel up to 25 to 50 miles per hour with a full charge battery, on average. Yes, depending on the power of your motor and the battery of the bike. Besides, the road you’ll use can also affect your speed and mileage.
Final Words
Using an electric bike is almost like riding a conventional bike, except in a few respects. Therefore, you need very few things to learn about this new form of a bicycle. We already described in the above sections explaining how to use an eclectic bike for beginners. An electric bike can help you when a normal bike can struggle to reach off-road and mountain areas.
Of course, a long-distance coverage with no time and effort! No matter what your purpose is, whether you ride them in casual city rides, daily commuting, or cross-country trip. They’re easy and fun to ride!
