With the technological advancements, when the world is preparing to leave fossil fuels behind and turn towards more sustainable energy sources to minimise carbon dioxide emissions, e-bikes offer simplicity, comfort and efficiency to bike enthusiasts.
Are you one of those who have shifted to an e-bike recently? Are you confused and unaware of how to keep your bike in optimal condition? You don’t need to worry because we provide you with some basic tips to optimise your riding experience.
Charge Your E-Bike Battery Properly
Although, like conventional bikes, you can ride your e-bike even after the battery dies, e-bikes are a lot heavier than the others because they have batteries and electric motors mounted on them. This makes it inconvenient and difficult to ride it manually, particularly in traffic. That is why it is imperative to keep the battery charged to avoid ruining a perfect sunny day.
However, there are some tips on ways to maintain your e-bike’s battery:
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place between 50-80°F.
- Don’t let the battery fully discharge for long-term storage.
- Use a quality charger manufactured specifically for your e-bike battery.
- Clean the battery regularly to avoid dust and dirt buildup.
- Inspect the battery regularly for cracks, swelling, or leaking.
- Use power modes wisely, i.e., eco for short rides, and boost for long rides.
- Remove the battery if you don’t use your e-bike regularly to prevent self-discharging.
Check the Tyre Pressure before Riding
Although checking your tyres is not much fun, if you have ever gotten stranded on a hill or somewhere due to a flat tyre, you will know it is crucial. It doesn’t take much of your time to check the pressure of both tyres and avoid the potential disappointment of a flat one.
Moreover, you should also keep track of the wear and tear of the tyres as well to keep your rides smooth and pleasant. Some tips that can help you with maintaining the tyres of your e-bike are:
- Inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure only.
- Inspect tyres for cracks, tears, bulges, and low tread depth.
- Avoid overloading the bike; it will put too much weight on the tyres.
- Deflate the tyres if you are storing your e-bike for long periods.
- Use the right tyres according to your requirements and riding conditions
Stop Pedalling when Turning
Although e-bikes are designed to provide comfortable pedal rides to bike enthusiasts, they allow the bikers to achieve speeds that they haven’t achieved on their own. However, let’s keep in mind that safety should be the top priority; that is why, when tilting inward to take a turn on a sharp curve, you should stop pedalling to avoid scraping pedals on the ground and damaging them.
Some additional tips you can use while taking a turn include:
- Reduce your speed before turning and lean into the turn.
- Use your brakes smoothly and evenly to control your speed.
- Aim for the inside of the turn.
- Use your body weight to maintain the centre of gravity.
Keep Your Brakes Maintained
Brakes are an essential and major safety measurement for any ride. It is extremely important to maintain them properly to ensure their maximum functionality and reliability in times of need.
Brake systems have developed immensely over the past few years, and they are safer and more efficient than ever, but they need to be taken care of properly to keep them in perfect working conditions. Here are some tips to help you with that:
- Check the brake pads regularly to make sure they are still thick enough.
- Clean brake rotors and pads regularly.
- Lubricate brake cables to keep them working smoothly.
- Adjust brakes regularly to keep them working properly.
- Inspect brakes for damage, such as cracks, grooves, or rust.
Aim for a Smooth Stop with Even Brakes
Stopping your e-bike smoothly with a gentle touch will not only increase the life of your brake pads but also of the tyres as well. Furthermore, a smooth stop will make your ride more enjoyable, elegant and graceful. You can use the following tips, for that matter, if you are a beginner:
- Use both brakes to stop smoothly.
- Apply the brakes gradually to avoid skidding.
- Shift down gears before stopping to slow down the bike.
- Lean forward slightly to shift your weight forward and make the bike more stable.
- Be aware of the weight of your e-bike when stopping.
Follow the Traffic Rules for Safety
Traffic rules are designed to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Whether you are driving an e-bike or a conventional bike, or a car, traffic rules must be followed all the time to avoid any harm to yourself or others on the road.
Following are some rules and precautionary measures to ensure safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a keen eye on the traffic, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
- Use lights and reflectors at night, and wear bright clothing during the day.
- Wear a helmet as a safety precaution.
- Be aware of your speed because e-bikes can travel much faster than traditional bicycles.
- Do not ride on the sidewalk.
- Do not ride through water that will submerge your motor and battery.
Use Pedal Assist and Throttle when Going Uphill
Pedal assist and throttle modes are both designed to provide motorised support during the rides to make them more efficient and comfortable. It is important to know that these two systems are different. Pedal assist is designed for those who like their riding experience with a touch of traditional pedal bikes, while throttle mode does not require you to pedal your bike when it is activated.
