How to Ride an E-Bike

E-bikes, or electric
bicycles, are growing in popularity in the United States and around the world.
By 2023, the industry is expected to sell more than 40 million units globally. If you’re considering purchasing an e-bike,
what do you need to know before you bring one home? Are there any tricks to
caring for one? How long will a charge last? Here’s everything you need to know
about going electric.

What
Is an E-Bike?

E-bike is short for an
electric bike. These models come equipped with a small motor and a rechargeable
battery. Unlike other bicycle motors, these electric ones aren’t designed to
turn your bike into a motorcycle. Instead, it offers a bit of a boost to help
riders conquer hills or other challenging terrains.

Electric bicycles are
becoming a popular choice for commuters in cities around the globe because you
can ride your bike to work without putting a ton of effort into it. You’re
still the primary power source for forwarding momentum, but you don’t have to
exhaust yourself trying to get up hills.

How
to Ride an E-Bike

If you know how to ride a
bicycle, you might think you know how to ride an e-bike — but they’re not exactly the same thing.
Instead of pedaling at full tilt to maintain your top speed, you only need to
occasionally spin the pedals to keep yourself going. The max will depend on the
specifications of your e-bike, but most models top out at around
15 mph. You may find models that
offer between 20 and 28 mph, but the motor will stop engaging at that point.

They may also have a variety
of settings — like low to save power when you’re pedaling down a flat highway
or boost to help you get up a steep hill.

You will need to continue to
pedal to keep the motor engaged, though. It won’t do all the work for you.

Keeping
Your E-Bike Charged

The big difference between an
e-bike and a regular bicycle is that you need to keep it charged. Most e-bikes
come with a charger, and most will take between two and six hours to reach full
power. If you don’t have that much time, an aftermarket charger can help. Some
are capable of charging your e-bike battery up to 400% faster
than the stock model that comes with your bike.

Choosing
Electric for The Environment

If you’re looking for a way to reduce
your carbon footprint while still commuting to and from work, an e-bike might
be the best option. Not only does it help keep you fit because you’re the
primary power source — the battery and motor only assist — but it also creates
no emissions. They get even greener if you charge them with wind or solar
energy.

E-Bikes Are the
Right Choice

E-bikes are becoming more
popular, and with good reason. They allow you to stay fit and exercise on your
commute without exhausting yourself trying to get up any hills that might lay
in your path. They’re better for the environment, help reduce traffic
congestion and just look cool.

There is a bit of a learning curve if
you’re transitioning from a traditional bicycle to an e-bike. Just remember
that the motor isn’t doing all the work for you, and you need to keep pedaling
to maintain your speed. While you’ll never be as fast as a motorcycle, it’s
still faster than riding a human-powered bicycle. Don’t forget to keep it
charged, and your e-bike will serve you well — and save you from traffic jams —
for years to come.