How to get motivated for an ebike commute
Posted by WickedKid90@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 110 comments
Hi all
I invested in quite an expensive ebike just before winter: riese Möller charger 5, cost me over 7k. My commute one-way is about 20 miles (33km), but I’m struggling finding the motivation to do it actually with the bike. The battery will last the one-way commute and I can charge it at work AND my car commute is often 1h or more due to traffic jams… so the ebike seems like a good alternative, jt would take only 20 minutes more than the car. Still, I’m lacking motivation to actually use the ebike… I need to be at work at 7:30, maybe 7:15, taking the bike inti consideration. I’m a surgeon, so my surgeries start at 8AM. Which means I need to leave the house around 6-6:15, which is really early. With the car I leave around 6:40.
What are some good and practical tips to actually use the damn expensive thing I invested in, profit from the health benefits and go at least 1-2 times per week to work on the bike? Any experience with a similar situation is welcome !
Ok-Faithlessness4351@reddit
Treat it as your workout instead of commute. After the pandemic, these commutes rides replaced my running days. And use low assistance level so you can ride both ways. Start with 1 day a week then increase from there. For me the alternative is train plus subway which neither are that pleasant nor cheap. So for me I got both the financial and health benefits by paying 30 mins more a day on "commute".
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Good mindset, I do cardio twice a week so cuts down that time. What’s ur commute distance ?
Ok-Faithlessness4351@reddit
25 miles one way and I just use the lowest assist level so I can ride it home.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Nice! How long does it take you ?
Sad-Room-1658@reddit
That’s a big commitment to commute to work 20 miles one way. I leave the house at 5am I would never be able to commute on an e-bike and my work is 15 miles away. I wouldn’t even take a motorcycle commuting regularly
jademage01@reddit
why not?
ponderosa-osa@reddit
What's the longest bike ride you've done with your new e-bike?
If you haven't yet gone on a 20 mile bike ride, you could do that distance first on a weekend day. If you see that it feels comfortable -- not too tiring -- that could increase your confidence that you won't be overextending to do that kind of ride at the beginning and end of a workday.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
I’ve done it a few times already. And it felt good ! But I lack the consistency, but it may get better with the longer days and summer mornings…
jademage01@reddit
Don't put too much pressure on yourself to do it every day so it feels like an obligation. Even one ride a week is better than none, and the more you focus on your enjoyment of it vs. driving in traffic, the more you'll be motivated to choose 2 wheels instead of 4.
chrispark70@reddit
It's probably going to take more than an hour to do your 20 mile commute, especially when you first start.
20mph is a pretty high speed to maintain as your average speed over 1 hour of riding, which is what you would need to be an hour.
I do not mean to sound like an ass, but whenever I respond to questions about what bike or e-bike I should buy, I always ask first if they are not pretty specific, what they want the bike for. Unless your bike has a 28mph limit with a throttle, shortening your commute just ain't happening. OTOH, if you leave your house as early with a car as you would with a bike, you almost certainly will dramatically cut your commute time by avoiding rush hour.
I would definitely take it by eye/ear. When it's going to be a nice day tomorrow, do ride the bike a couple of times a week if you can. Avoid riding on windy days and wet days and cold days and you will really begin to enjoy it. Who knows, you may just start looking forward to cycling to work.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
It can go up to 45km/h, but it’s the red lights that break my rhythm… I should look for better paths to ride
jademage01@reddit
I've been biking to work for 3 years and I still am finding new paths and shortcuts. Avoiding stoplights cuts the ride time SO MUCH.
Born-Wasabi8016@reddit
Wait, what??
A 7k ebike will only do 20miles on a charge?
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
Electricity doesn’t magically work better when you spend more 🤣
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
No, but batteries get bigger when you do
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
Obviously not necessarily or we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
What's more likely? That a $7k ebike has the range of a temu scooter or that op is mistaken about the stats?
chrispark70@reddit
Overpriced lifestyle bike
https://www.r-m.de/en-dk/bikes/charger5/
600 wh battery. Unlikely it can do the 40 miles round trip (on max assist) and would need charging at work.
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
Over priced or premium components? Could be both.
chrispark70@reddit
A commuter bike doesn't need the pinion gearing system. But, sure, it's not like it's a cheaply made bike with a huge price. Still get that lifestyle vibe from the marketing. Also, 7 thousand Dollars ought to get you a bigger battery. 600wh was the norm in 2020. Even cheap bikes are giving bigger batteries in 2026.
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
Don't get me wrong, that's way more money than you need to spend to get a good high end (compared to dropship/Amazon/temu) commuter for 3k.
3k gets a really nice bike that happens to be electrified with a bosch mid drive
gary_7vn@reddit
Try getting it repaired
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
Getting what repaired? A cheapo or a nice one?
chrispark70@reddit
I think Priority makes a decent pinion gear box commuter for like 2 or 3 grand. You are definitely correct in that you can get something pretty good for 3grand.
xpsycotikx@reddit
Here I was hoping OP had something that could do more then commute but alas super over built commuter. Kinda not surprised considering his occupation. Essentially a dentist bike. Haha
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
I think you just wanna be argumentative under the guise of “counterpoints” given how much you respond with them.
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
I guess I'm just not sure what your original point was when you said "electricity doesn't work better when you spend more"
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
That….went over your head? You…want to admit you are struggling to grasp such a simple statement?
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
What, it's supposed to be literal? 🙄
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
U still talkin? 😂
Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit
Nope
chrispark70@reddit
Whatever.
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
Fuck if I know.
Muffythepussyhunter@reddit
No always
gary_7vn@reddit
That bike will easily get 140 km depending on power assist levels
gary_7vn@reddit
It's more like 140 km total
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
It can drive up to 100-130km more or less on 1 charge, depending on the level of assistance. But driving it in auto or turbo will bring the range down to about 75-80km. So charging it at work is safer, in stead of doing both ways on 1 charge…
7k seems like a lot but riese Möller is known for it’s pricier range, but is on of the best European brands and very popular here. The bikes can go up to 12k 🙈 7k is quite “basic”…
Natural_Scholar_9246@reddit
I can get 25 out of my 1000$ ebike it’s cap
Relative-Display-676@reddit
It has 600wh battery so theoretical can do 30 miles on charge. He will still need to charge it at work to make it home.
AdSignificant6673@reddit
It might be one of those e bikes that meant for pedalling. Youre supposed to use it on eco mode the whole time with the focus on fitness. Turbo mode is only for people with short commutes or just to get you up a bad hill.
ahotdogcasing@reddit
yeah, i don't know what features could possibly make ANY ebike worth 7k, but at that price, I better be getting like 100miles out of a charge at moderate use.
erixx11@reddit
For boring daily communting for over an hour two times I'd get a motorcycle for 7000 or less.
silenceispower26@reddit
Hi ..I can add only this ..the route you take makes or breaks the experience ..once you figure out the best route traffic wise and road conditions wise you are all set ..stay focused during your daily rides and wear gloves helmet, high top shoes .and visibility clothing bright led light on rear ..and a mirror is a good idea but I'm sure you have one in a high end bike like that .. Care to share a pic of your bike ?
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
erixx11@reddit
Fantastic and German Sachlich. But oh overpriced, fot that price I got myself a Scott Genius full suspension and a CYC Photon 2 motor and battery.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Yes the route makes a big difference. The few times I took it out, I had at least 15-20 red lights, which breaks the experience…
isoripper@reddit
Endorphins will be pumping after that ride! Might improve your focus for Your 8AM surgery and the others after.
Gold-Program-3509@reddit
doubt
Gold-Program-3509@reddit
just accept that 66km trip is not a commute but a moderate to high intensity excersise.. even if youre having help from motor, the potholes, vibrations, headwind, will wear you down to the point you need recovery
Toiletpirate@reddit
You just start doing it. After the initial drudgery of waking up earlier, you'll realize you're arriving to work in a better mood. You'll eventually start enjoying the commute to the point where you go from 1-2 days a week to everyday.
Four years from now, you'll sell your car because you'll realize you don't need it anymore. You'll begin to wonder why everybody doesn't ride an ebike.
Just make sure you have everything you need to make your commute enjoyable. I recommend a change of clothes, some kind of wet wipes (I use "Dude Wipes") to clean yourself if you don't have a shower, wet weather clothes, spare tubes and tools, and some kind of bone conduction headphones so you can listen to music and also hear traffic.
20 miles is a haul but your bike goes 28mph. If anything, you'll start getting to work faster by ebike than by car after you get into the swing of things. Good luck.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
He is in EU so bike is capped to 25kmh assisted.
Toiletpirate@reddit
Yikes, I take back everything I said then lol. 15mph for 20 miles is brutal. My old commute was 17 miles one way and I average 19mph on an acoustic bike. I'd probably recommend a non-ebike for OP. It'll take a good 12-18 months before OP is in the 19-20mph average range though if they're just starting out.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
No it can go up to 45km/h without a problem. A comfortable rhythm for me brings it to +/- 38km/h…
Toiletpirate@reddit
You’ll enjoy this commute a lot more than you think you will. I’m excited for you.
loligo_pealeii@reddit
Find some good podcasts, get a good audio book loaded up, or make yourself an awesome playlist.
Get all your prep done the night before so you can just get up and go. Get a designated water bottle and pre-prep yourself a cold brew coffee every evening, to be waiting for you to grab out of the fridge on your way out the door. If you prefer hot, get one of those coffee makers you can pre-program and a thermos style cup that fits in your water bottle holder. Get some good bars to snack on during your ride.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Cool tips ! Classic earbuds or bone conducting to still hear the traffic ?
poubelle@reddit
note that it may be illegal to wear headphones of any kind while riding. check your local laws
Muffythepussyhunter@reddit
Bro why did you spend so much on a bike, I purchased a second hand full suspension upgraded it, installed midrive with 28ah battery if I go easy 70mile range. Total cost £1400. Start going out and if you don't enjoy it you need a better bike....
TRAKRACER@reddit
You are assuming it is a guy posting??
Muffythepussyhunter@reddit
Ffs does it matter
TRAKRACER@reddit
Not sure I would call a girl bro
Salt-Lingonberry-853@reddit
The biggest motivation is to tell your co-workers you're gonna do it on a certain day. Then if you don't, you have to deal with the shame of explaining why.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Love this
Own_Shine_5855@reddit
If you were my surgeon I'd say "take whatever mode of transportation that keeps you relaxed and rested".
I'd want you in A+ shape before cutting me open.
Maybe use the bike in your free time and you'll learn to like it more/get excited to use it. Then it might not seem as obligatory and you'll want to use it for the commute.
ComfortGooseBlue@reddit
Ritalin.
AVLbatman@reddit
Just do it don’t be a wimp
Reelair@reddit
Just do it once! Riding an ebike makes me feel like a kid again. I grin ear to ear the whole time.
I would get a bigger battery if I were you. One that can handle the whole commute, there and back, maybe a third trip. That's how I choose my battery size. I figured if I couldn't charge at work for some reason, and by chance couldn't charge at home that night, I would still be okay to get to work the next day.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
I can get a second battery to attach to the bike, so maybe I’ll do that…
yangbanger@reddit
how fast can your bike go? Here in the US we get to ride bikes that go 28 mph / 45 kmph. I do 19 miles each way now on one and it's great! Any slower though and I would consider multi-modal commuting or just sticking with the car.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Same ! 28 mph, so no issues there… I drive it on AUTO mostly…
Carbsv2@reddit
Start on a nice day, and just go. Once you get a few under your belt, you'll come to the conclusion that most of us have... it's just a better way to get to work. Find a route you like and feel comfortable on, even if it's a few km longer, and enjoy. You'll feel more relaxed after work as well.
I bought mine pretty much exactly one year ago. I just hit 4600km today. My commute is a little less than half of yours, but, I'm always looking for ways to make it longer because I enjoy the time so much. I could get to work in 7km, but I choose a 13km route because it's nice, safer, and I enjoy the ride. If I'm running late I always have the option to take the direct route, but I never do.
It sounds like it's mostly a schedule adjustment for you, which I get (winter adds 20-25 min to my ride because even with studded winter tires, still can't go as fast), but once you've adapted to getting up a little earlier, you'll be loving it.
Wish you the best.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Thanks, kind words !
m2keo@reddit
Just go out, ride and explore on your days off bro. Try using the bike to run errands, grab lunch, groceries etc. You'll find it rather refreshing being outside on a bike especially when the weather's nice.
Plus you've got an expensive ass bike, go out and put it to good use. lol. After all that, if u find biking is just not for u, simply sell it.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Also a good way to start !
theysellcoke@reddit
Early morning is an absolutely amazing time to be out on the bike. Try it a few times and you'll love it. Also I have far more energy at work if I ride before work.
A good tip is to get everything ready the night before and leave yourself the bare minimum to do in the morning before riding to work.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Yup, true… “atomic habits”
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
The easiest way to do it is to get off your ass and just do it. You know you’ll feel better once you are doing it. You obviously don’t lack self discipline if you were able to get through schooling to become a surgeon. But up buttercup. 🤣
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
😆
ScallionParticular19@reddit
Pick one day to start- a good weather day so there’s no excuses. Just plan on one day. See how it goes. That might at least give you motivation to do another day. But stop looking at the big picture -
Just one day at a time
bgross42@reddit
Seriously. Baby steps to begin. Build on success.
Perhaps a “recon” run on your day off? If you’re already reasonably fit you can build from that.
Try a few 10 mile out-and-back rides to determine battery range and chargers times. Eliminate those nagging “what if” variables.
Remind yourself that a healthy lifestyle now will pay dividends later. I’m in my mid-70s and rejoice that I can still be active.
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
This is actually helpful info ☺️
Geoff-Lillis@reddit
It's okay if it isn't for you. Sell it, find some exercise you love, do that in the time you save by driving.
Scandinavianbears@reddit
I’m in a similar boat when it comes to time spent driving versus cycling. I use a third of my time to cycling and that’s why I do it. I really dislike commuting
Nibb31@reddit
The cost of that bike would be motivational enough for me.
I enjoy riding to work more than being stuck in the car. Try taking a more scenic route through the countryside. Try listening to some music or to a podcast (get a pair of OpenShokz so that it doesn't cut you off from your surroundings).
OldMany8032@reddit
Think of the time you won’t be wasting sitting in traffic.
Aaand the savings.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
As much as I like ebiking, 20 miles before doing surgeries = no thanks.
My commute is 3 miles and I start at 6:30am, it's fucking cold in the morning! Often times I arrive and I'm shaking like a leaf. The only surgery I would be able to do is on a cardboard box with a box cutter.
Alia_Explores99@reddit
Fill your car’s tank fully to the tippy top with gas. Watch your wallet weep and writhe. Voila, motivation
grilledchzisbestchz@reddit
Dude's a surgeon, he can afford the gas in his 911.
grilledchzisbestchz@reddit
You just gotta try it one day. Even if it's a bad day and you didn't enjoy it at least you'll know. You could also do the commute on an off day but DON'T go to work. Find a coffee shop or somewhere you enjoy spending time nearby. I know you need to charge to get back so plan for that too. You're either going to really love the experience and won't think about the extra time or you'll learn that commuting is not for you and you can use the bike for recreation when not at work.
CelticJewelscapes@reddit
I bought a bike from a surgeon. He realized he was one fall away from breaking a hand.
Keljian52@reddit
Music
c3161@reddit
Difficult to explain but I find riding is a release. Having a really nice bike helps too, I've also got a a R&M and it's the second nicest bike I've ever ridden (the nicest one is an even more expensive R&M).
Sometimes I wake up in the morning feel shit and lazy and I think fuck it I'll take the car today, then I get to the door and I'm like actually nah fuck this, the weather is glorious and I don't wanna sit in that traffic. And I end up taking the bike instead.
Friendly_Drink_705@reddit
I do 20 miles each way and don’t take any longer on the bike through hilly country roads
ChicoBananasSOTP@reddit
i’m going to go against the grain here and tell you that if you can’t find the motivation, don’t bother. and to help with getting rid if that sweet new bike of yours… i’ll be there to pick it up first thing tomorrow morning!
PabloEskimo_@reddit
20 miles each way before and after work is pretty rough to be fair.
I’d rather sit in traffic and still get there 20mins earlier without being a sweaty mess at the end.
Cash in on that bike if you still can.
No_Crow8317@reddit
I like it better than driving to work so that's all the motivation I need.
matolandio@reddit
right? oh no. time for work. at least i get to ride my bike. oh hell yeah!! of work and i get to ride my bike!!
Suit_Responsible@reddit
You went through med school and you need help either motivation to ride a bike??? Well why did you get it in the first place??
FatherSky@reddit
Doctors aren't perfect. This isn't a very helpful comment.
Suit_Responsible@reddit
Didn’t say they were perfect, bur they have way more drive and perseverance than the average person!
WickedKid90@reddit (OP)
Try standing up performing surgery for 10-12 hours and then having to ride back +1h home 😉
Alia_Explores99@reddit
Im a middle aged professional gardener with a 30+ mile round trip commute, hours of manual labor in the weather, then pedal assist only commute. It’s hard out here for all of us our own ways, not a competition
Suit_Responsible@reddit
Are you exaggerating or do you literally spend 10-12 hours doing surgery?
But back to my first question… why did you buy the bike in the first place?
Prestigious_View_401@reddit
Get a ebike with a big battery so you can just throttle when you’re not in the mood to pedal
ICQME@reddit
I find the ride home to be more fun and a mood booster. The morning ride isn't as fun.
skippytheowl@reddit
I’ve ridden 20,000 kms the last 4 years, commuting in snow, rain all year round, and what I find is I’m so much calmer when I get to work, also did I mention I’ve also spent from 2014-2023 fighting 2, stage 4 primary cancers. Just start, one day a week, the one day that’s your lightest, and progress from there. You deserve this time of piece in your day…
skippytheowl@reddit
Also, I’m commute at 4:50 am btw*
Delicious-Sector-233@reddit
I’d say sleep earlier if possible(ik that might be hard with you being a surgeon), and I’d say find smth abt ebiking you enjoy and stick with it, for example, listening to music while riding or just try it once and you’ll either warm up to it or hate it, if you don’t like it don’t force it on yourself, you can take the car. For me I love riding but my bike is throttle focused.
Dry-Spot-474@reddit
Spend more on a expensive headphone 🤣
I like riding bike and listening to music because I feel like I am in the music video 🤣