Learning Curve for New eBike Riders - Tips and Lessons

Posted by twowheels_1life@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 32 comments

I'm putting together some information for new eBike riders, and the first bit I've shared with an initial group that's close to me, regards shifting - which tends to be neglected by new riders that over rely on the motor.

Keen to know what tips and tricks you've appreciated learning, or have taught others. TIA

E-Bike motors prefer to spin faster; lugging them in a high gear at low speed creates unnecessary heat so shifting gears as your speed and terrain change helps your motor work more efficiently, plus it lets your pedalling contribute more.

Also: when you’re coming to a stop, downshift before coming to a halt. That way you can start smoothly in a lower gear and shift up as you gain speed. It’s easier on the motor, you'll have more control, and it ultimately gives you a smoother ride.

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prissytomboy23@reddit

Thanks for this! I’m about to buy one!

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twowheels_1life@reddit (OP)

My pleasure (even if I don't necessarily feel I deserve too many thanks, ha!) What did you end up getting?

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Then_Fee_1638@reddit

Flats (especially on a fat tire) are a more of a job to change than conventional bikes. Make sure you are prepared, I carry an extra tube, tools (tire spoons) and an electric air pump. Torque washer needs to be oriented correctly or it can cause damage to your frame, know your bike.

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Toocancerous@reddit

I got a flat two weeks into starting my ebike commute, got some schwalbe marathon plus tires and havent had a flat since. Got to love LAs glass ridden roads

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Proxy345@reddit

Fat tires are the easiest ones to change, well easier than the skinnier tires that I've dealt with in the past. The trick is using some disinfectant wipes to wet the rim and a few tire levers,then it'll just slide off without much effort.

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twowheels_1life@reddit (OP)

Fat tires should get way more credit than they have, especially for ebikes. You're right that they make changing flats easy - and they also make the ride feel super smooth especially on rougher roads.

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Keljian52@reddit

Better if you don’t need to fix flats at all though

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Keljian52@reddit

I’ll add to this: get decent tires with some puncture protection, it will reduce the risk of this

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Numerous_Street451@reddit

💯been learning everything about the e-bike life the hard way lol appreciate this info

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twowheels_1life@reddit (OP)

The hard way at least makes the lessons stick, I find, ha!

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Numerous_Street451@reddit

Definitely first ride out I thought I was heading to work when my whole back tire came off 30 minutes away from home because I didn’t put the washers on right and didn’t tighten the torque 😂😅

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stormdelta@reddit

Practice emergency braking, even if you're an experienced cyclist.

An e-bike is heavier than a normal bike, and it's important to know how far it takes you to stop from various speeds and conditions. And it's a skill to maximize braking without losing control of the bike.

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twowheels_1life@reddit (OP)

Excellent tip! This is well used in motorcycle schools and should be considered by more new ebike riders!

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AntEaterApocalypse@reddit

Turn the bike off or set assist to 0 when not on the bike, especially if you have a bike with a cadence sensor. This might sound like a no brainer but you don't want to bump a pedal and send your bike through your garage wall.

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twowheels_1life@reddit (OP)

Oh this is a really good one!

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Veggyhed@reddit

I think the best way to turn the bike off is sitting on the bike with a hand on a brake. That way the motor is in cut-off mode

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stormdelta@reddit

Assuming the bike has brake cutoffs. Every e-bike should of course, but you'd be surprised how many don't, even some of the more expensive ones

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anotherFNnewguy@reddit

Brake cutoff would be a disaster on mountain bikes. For very slow, technical riding it is a common technique to drag the brake.

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Veggyhed@reddit

I had no idea. I thought every e-bike had them. To me it almost seems like an essential safety requirement.

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MiKaisr@reddit

Bosch doesn't. I was surprised, but then, I never missed it.

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Veggyhed@reddit

Is there any reasoning behind this? Am I missing something about the safety factor?

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AntEaterApocalypse@reddit

Bosch systems are (far as I know) always use torque sensors without throttles. The only time the motor ever turns on is when you apply force to the pedals. Just free spinning them isn't enough, you have to put your weight on them.

My current bike uses a Bosch system and, indeed, it has never activated accidentally. The upside is that it can use normal brake levers that don't need cutoffs.

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stormdelta@reddit

The argument is that someone would normally stop pedaling when braking, but the real reason is because it costs less to not have those extra sensors. I personally think that's pretty inexcusable when you're paying several thousand for a bike though.

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Veggyhed@reddit

That's terrible that it comes down to monetary over safety

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Mundane_Sherbert2246@reddit

Ive almost done this! Learned pretty quickly! Lol

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Space_Lllama@reddit

If you are riding near cars, drivers will not expect you to be going faster than pedal cyclists and will misjudge your speed approaching intersections. Be cautious of this.

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ProjectCybersyn@reddit

If I may offer a friendly amendment:
"If you are riding near cars, drivers will not expect you ~~to be going faster than pedal cyclists and will misjudge your speed approaching intersections~~. Be cautious of this."

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_KeepOnTrucking_@reddit

The best advice I give a rider new to ebikes is:
If any trouble arises, hit the brakes.
(This cuts off the motor and brings down the speed.)

Hitting the brakes is instinctive on an acoustic bike,
but for some reason, not necessarily so on ebikes....

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