Things that nobody tells you and that you should know about electric bicycles (eBikes)

In recent years, The popularity of electric bikes has only grown. More and more cyclists are abandoning traditional bicycles, although they continue to succeed, and opt for those also known as eBikes.

For those who still don’t know, although we leave you with an explanatory video below, an electric bicycle, or eBike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that helps you pedal and circulate. The motor gets its power from a rechargeable battery. mounted on own bike.

To classify it as a eBike, the motor has to help you instead of driving you on its own. So you have to pedal to get that assist. And it is that, we are facing an evolution of the traditional bicycle.

However, despite its simplicity, which really exists, there are a few important things to know before you get in the saddle and start pedaling.

There are different types and not all are the same.

Not all eBikes can ride on bike lanes or conventional roads. Most cities have specific limitations on speed and maximum engine powerso it is important that you know that there are 3 very different types.

Class 1: they have a maximum speed of 25 km/h and only offer assisted pedaling, so the electric motor only starts when you pedal. They can ride on all bike lanes and roads without restrictions, just like conventional bikes.

Class 2: these have a specific acceleration mode. So even if you stop pedalling, the motor helps you maintain forward momentum. Class 2 electric bikes have a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

Class 3: these are already somewhat faster and a maximum speed of 45 km/h is allowed. Within this classification, eBikes must have a speedometer.

Of course, eBike riders they cannot ride their e-bikes on the sidewalks, and will be fined if caught doing so. In addition, you must have a circulation certificate provided by the manufacturer of the eBike and the license or insurance are not required.

Choose the one that best suits your needs

As in everything in life, when you go to buy a new bicycleyou must first know what your needs are. For example, if you are going to use it every day to go to and from work, it is recommended that it have a good battery that ensures a long duration.

If you are going to use it for weekends, look for electric bikes with powerful motors that can travel on terrain or mountain roads. If speed is what you care about, look for an eBike with a motor/battery combination that offers plenty of power, but with good range and battery life.

Therefore, the first thing to do is find an eBike that suits your purpose and not buy the first one that goes on sale.

start small

ride an electric bike it is a different experience due to the speeds that are reached. Even if you are used to high speeds, it is one thing to pedal very hard and go fast, but it is a very different feeling than a engine get you to the speed you want with very little work on your part.

If you have a system based on cadence, this is when you should be most careful. Some cadence-based assist systems will boost you up to speed as soon as you start pedaling. This is the easiest way to drive in terms of physical exertion, but it takes the most getting used to.

It’s a good idea to start in a flat, open area. Get the bike moving, and when you feel stable and comfortable, activate the assist. This process will help you feel in control as assistance kicks in.

Make sure the electric assist is on the lowest setting and that you know where the brakes are. Also make sure you know which is the front brake and which is the rear.

Know your brakes well and how the system works

As we said before, you must know perfectly how the brakes work. Electric bikes are heavier compared to normal ones. That weight, combined with higher speeds, makes braking something to really watch out for. You want to make sure you know how the brakes on your bike feel and which brake lever does what.

One of the first things to know with a new electric bike is what kind of brakes does it have. Mechanical disc brakes are stopped by a cable that pulls the calipers closed. If you have brakes For hydraulic discs, the only connection between the lever and caliper is fluid.

The next thing to check is which lever is for the front wheel and which is for the rear. In light braking, you can use only the rear brake, but make sure you know which lever controls which brake.

Be especially careful with traffic

Traffic is a problem on any type of bike, but on a electric bicycle it can be even more so. Riders have certain expectations about bikes, and electric bikes change everything.

Riders make decisions based on how long they think a bike should take to do something. electric bikes complicate this situation by being faster than other cyclistsbut also due to the lack of attention to the signals, both on the one hand and on the other.

None of this is the rider’s fault, but be aware and you are more likely to avoid the occasional scare. The tips are the same regardless of the type of eBike. If you are in traffic, make sure drivers see you and give you the space you need to move.