Top10 Shocking E-Bikes Tips and Tricks for 2024 You Need to Know

E-Bikes Tips and Tricks

Whether you’re ditching the car by cycling to work or want an easier ride to the top of trails, an E-Bikes can offer many of the benefits of a non-assisted bike, with motorized power on tap when you need it.

Top Shocking E-Bikes Tips and Tricks

Electric bike technology has advanced at a pace in recent years and you can now find pretty much any type of bike with a motor. We have guides to the best electric road bikes, best electric gravel bikes and best electric mountain bikes.

In this general guide to electric bikes, we’ll explain exactly what an e bike is, how an E-Bikes works, how to ride an e bike and answer some of the key questions you may have before buying. You skip to the different sections by hitting the links below:

What is an electric bike?

An electric bike, or e bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric bike motor to assist you when you’re pedaling. The motor will get its power from a rechargeable battery mounted on the bike.

To classify as an e bike, the motor has to help you rather than propel you on its own. As a result, you need to pedal to get that assistance. How much power the motor delivers is regulated based on how hard you are pedaling and the level of support you have selected.

Electric bike systems offer a number of modes to choose from, allowing you to balance the amount of power supplied through the pedals with range and battery life.

E-Bikes laws on how much help the motor can provide, and the speed at which assistance cuts out, vary around the world. But in general the motor is limited to 250 watts output and must cut out when your speed reaches 25kph/15.5mph, except in the USA where it can continue to work up to 20mph.

You can go faster than that, of course, but only under your own effort – the bike’s motor will no longer provide assistance.

Electric bike laws in the UK

According to the Department for Transport (in the UK), for a bike to be classified as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), it must have pedals used to propel it, and meet the following requirements.

It must show either:

• the power output
• the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

• the battery’s voltage
• the maximum speed of the bike

Its electric motor:

• must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• should not be able to propel the bike when it’s traveling more than 15.5mph

How does an electric bike work?

An electric bike will typically have a motor housed either centrally on the bike (often referred to as a mid-drive motor, powered through the cranks) or on the front or rear hub.

• Whereas a hub-based motor will push the wheel around directly, an axle-mounted motor will work through the ebike’s chain and gears.
• When you pedal, a torque sensor will measure how much effort you are putting in and match that to the motor’s power output.
• The idea is that the motor won’t completely take over; instead, you should get consistent power delivery that won’t send the bike lurching forward.
• Therefore, one of many benefits of riding an electric bike is you still have to press on the pedals and get exercise. Riding an E-Bikes for fitness is eminently possible.
• Power comes from the battery, which might be mounted on the outside of the frame or hidden within it.
• Many batteries can be removed for charging, although others need to be charged on the bike. If that’s the case, you need to have somewhere to park the bike near a power socket.
• There will be a controller for the motor, usually mounted on the handlebar or integrated within the frame, that lets you decide how much assistance you want, and to keep an eye on the battery level. Some will include a screen with navigation and other functions too.
• Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha, Specialized, Mahle, FSA and Fazua all make popular ebike motors. Specifications can vary significantly and the type of motor found on a bike will depend on its price and the type of riding intended.
• For example, an electric road bike is more likely to favour a lightweight system with smooth power delivery, whereas a motor on a high-spec electric mountain bike is likely to offer more torque for off-road capability.

How do you regulate motor power?

An E-Bikes will usually have between three and five levels of assistance, selected via its controller.

• These can give you anything from a gentle push to lots of power for tackling steep off-road climbs, depending on the specifications of the bike’s motor.
• Some will also have a ‘boost’ button, which you can use to increase the power output for short bursts of additional power.
• Many bikes also offer a walk-assist mode, to make it easier to push when you’re off the bike.
• You can change between assistance levels as you ride and there’s usually the option to switch the motor off completely and ride under pedal power alone.
• Many e bike motors are designed to be drag-free when switched off, but there is still the additional weight to overcome.

How much weight does an e bike motor and battery add?

• e-bikes are heavier than non-assisted bikes and there’s a wide variation in the weight of e bike motors and batteries.
• The lightest systems come in at less than 4kg and are typically found on electric road bikes, but most systems weigh around 6 to 8 kg – and sometimes more.
• The additional mounting points and frame reinforcement required on an electric bike can add some extra weight, too.
• The weight of your system will depend partly on budget, but also the intended use of the bike.
• Bikes that require lots of power, for example, an electric cargo bike or e-MTB, are more likely to have a heavier motor and battery package.
• An electric road bike requires less assistance and will prioritise lighter weight.
• The latest e-road bikes are near-indistinguishable from non-motorised bikes, thanks to the sleek, integrated design of the motor and battery.
• The extra weight associated with e-bikes is worth bearing in mind if you need to lift or carry your machine anywhere.
• If that’s the case, consider how much extra weight you can comfortably handle.

However, for day-to-day riding, the benefits of having a motor should trump any extra weight, particularly when it comes to climbing… unless you run out of battery.

How do you ride an electric bike?

Riding an e-bike is pretty much like riding a non-motorised bike of the same type.

You switch on the motor, select the assistance level you want using the controller, and then pedal. The motor will make initial acceleration much easier and then help you keep up to speed, particularly when you need to climb a hill.

However, because of the extra weight from the motor and battery, an electric bike may handle a bit more sluggish than a non-assisted bike.

It may also have wider tyres to carry the extra weight and provide more grip, and it will usually have disc brakes because there’s more mass to slow down and stop.

What range will an electric bike have?

Batteries on e-bikes can give you a range of anything from 20 to 100 miles or more on a full charge, depending on their capacity (measured in watt-hours and abbreviated to Wh). Batteries are expensive, so an ebike with a longer range will, in general, cost more.

You’ll usually get a battery-level indicator, while some control systems will give you an estimated range as you ride or regulate the power output to let you achieve your planned ride distance.

Some e-bikes let you plug in a second battery, which might fit in a bottle cage, to up range. You can also lower the assistance level during a ride to help conserve the battery and extend the bike’s range.

While many brands will offer an estimated range for a particular model of bike, and it is possible to gauge a bike’s theoretical range based on its motor power and battery capacity, ultimately it depends on the level of assistance you’re using and the terrain.

Fully recharging the battery from the mains can take anything from around three hours up to nine hours, or more depending on the model, charger and battery capacity.

What types of electric bikes are there?

We’ve got a separate guide to electric bike types, but you can find almost any kind of bike with a motor.

The most common types of e-bikes are hybrids and mountain bikes.

The best electric hybrid bikes have flat bars and chunky, puncture-resistant tyres, useful for biking to work, shopping and more leisurely rides.

They may also have mudguards (or the eyelets to add full-length mudguards), a rack and lights, and sometimes have a step-through frame design to make it easier to hop on and off the bike.

Electric mountain bikes normally have a beefy motor with a high torque output to help you get up loose off-road climbs and over obstacles. Once you get to the top, the motor can be turned off to enjoy the downhill ride. There are also a growing number of lightweight electric mountain bikes.

Electric road bikes have drop handlebars and they’re designed to ride fast and are usually relatively lightweight (as far as e-bikes go), to help with handling and hill climbing.

There’s an increasing number of electric gravel bikes, too. With wider tyres to enable you to ride off-road with confidence and drop handlebars for road speed, e-gravel bikes are designed to offer the versatility to really broaden your riding.

The best electric folding bikes will be designed for versatility and compact size. They can be folded up to take on public transport or for easier storage at home/work, so they could be the best bike for commuting for many people.

There are also electric cargo bikes, designed to carry loads for deliveries around town and other day-to-day tasks where they can replace a car or van.

Whichever electric bike you choose, we suggest you read our guides to electric bike insurance and electric bike maintenance to look after what’s likely to be a sizable investment.

In short, if you want a helping hand on your ride, you can find an electric bike to suit your needs.

Can you convert a bike into an e bike?

Yes, you can convert a bike into an e bike. There are an increasing number of electric bike conversion kits available, which enable you to add a motor to a non-assisted bike.

• These kits are often a more affordable way to electrify your riding, compared to buying a whole new electric bike.
• Electric bike conversion kits will include a motor as well as a battery to power it. They will also have controls so you adjust the power output on the motor. The controls often mount to the handlebar of a bike.
• Conversion kits tend to come with sensors to detect speed and the level of power input required to ensure the motor matches your needs.
• One of the most popular ebike conversion kits in the UK is the Swytch kit, which uses a hub-mounted motor.
• Other kits use ‘mid-drive’ motors but some of these kits are compatible only with specific bottom bracket standards.

Tips for E-Bike Riders

There are just a few additional features and settings that you have to keep in mind when hopping on a battery powered two-wheeler and heading out. Which is why we’ve pulled together this list of e-bike tips and tricks that’ll help you ride like a pro, even if it’s your second time ever putting pedal assist to use. With a mix of general bike upkeep and tactics for the most battery conserving ride, these e-bikes tips and tricks should be easy to remember and even easier to put into use.

1. Avoid Letting Your Battery Die Entirely

A drained battery has the power to ruin a perfectly good sunny day—and we want to help you avoid that unfortunate situation as much as possible. So, we suggest getting into the habit of charging your battery after every single ride, no matter how much juice you used or how short your cruise was. Because if you let your battery fully die, it can become damaged or, in the worse case situation, totally unusable. You might even find that if you’re down to the last bar of the battery (according to your display), the power output may be limited to preserve its use.

We also recommend heading out for a ride with a full battery charge, for your maximum enjoyment and safety, which is why it’s so useful to get in the habit of charging after each ride. It can take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours to get a full charge and you never want to leave your battery plugged in (and left unattended) for more than 12 hours.
 

2. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly 

We know, this definitely isn’t a fun tip or trick. But it’s relatively easy and quick maintenance that’ll save you a headache down the road. Because no one wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere, on the side of the road, at the start of a huge hill, with a flat tire. 

You might not find it necessary to check your tires before every ride, especially if you’re just taking a spin around the block, but it’s good to get into a regular pressure checking routine. And to make it a requirement before embarking on a really long trek.

Exactly how much air should you be putting in your tires? That information can be found printed on the sidewall of your tire…but it can also depend on where you’ll be riding and what tires you’re riding with. For example, a good rule of thumb for cruising on your Premiere Edition through city or town streets is between 80 and 130 psi; that number should be a bit lower if you’re taking your Bluejay Sport out to hit the trails.

One more thing: Be sure to use a standard bicycle pump that’s fitted with a Schrader valve attachment with your Bluejay tires. You don’t want to over inflate (or you’ll run the risk of a burst tire) or under inflate (which could lead to loss of control), so stay vigilant with how much air you’re putting in.

3. Stay Seated to Maintain Your Battery Status

Did you know that standing while pedaling can affect how much power your battery needs to provide? So can turning excessively or leaning too intensely.

Since e-bikes naturally have a lower center of gravity, anything that throws off that delicate balance requires your motor to work even harder. This also adds to less stability and in effect, less control you’ll have over the bike.

While you can definitely stand up, stretch those legs a bit and really get into the ride, you might want to keep this in mind towards the end of your day when the battery might be running low on power or on longer trips when saving the battery pack is your key concern. Along with having fun, of course.

4. Go Ahead & Use Pedal Assist On-the-Go

There’s absolutely no need to stop to adjust your pedal assist when exploring (or commuting) on a Bluejay e-bike. We designed our two wheels to offer you the smoothest, most comfortable ride possible, which is why the pedal assist controls are located right on the handlebars. That way it’s simple and easy to add or remove speed with just the press of a button while you cruise around.

When you hit the button to adjust your speed, the power will kick in after just a pedal stroke or two. So get yourself familiar with the feeling of the added boost your Bluejay provides during your first few rides and you’ll be a pedal assist pro in no time. 

5. Back Off the Pedals While Hitting Turns

No one wants a damaged bike, which is why you should be really cognizant about pedaling while carving turns. It’s really easy to scrape your gorgeous pedals on the ground while e-biking, especially if you’re really leaning into those curves. The simplest way to avoid these scratches and scrapes is to simply not pedal while you ride out the entirety of a turn.

Keep the pedal on the inside at the noon position and have the pedal facing away from the turn at six o’clock. This will keep those pedals safely out of the ground’s way…or vice versa.

6. But Pedal Faster When Approaching Hills

However, you are going to want to really hit those pedals while you approach hills with pedal assist on. You’ll notice that you won’t have to pedal harder, simply faster. Just make sure you’re in the correct gear to climb the incline and let the pedal assist do what it does best—provide a smooth, powerful ride without too much effort from you.

Benefits of E-Bikes

Moved forward Physical Health

 Opposite to the misinterpretation that e-bikes are a unimportant easy journey, a consider from Brigham Youthful University, featured within the Diary of Restorative Web Inquire about, uncovers that riders of electric bicycles experience about as much work out as those handling hilly territories on conventional bicycles. The pedal help includes guarantees that riders still lock in their muscles, coming about in calorie burning, making it an extraordinary cardiovascular workout. This not as it were builds perseverance but too contributes to muscle advancement, advertising a all encompassing approach to physical fitness.

E-bikes enable riders

Pedal help isn’t almost about making cycling easy; it’s around making it open to a broader group of onlookers. This innovation may be for prevailing slopes, slants, and unpleasant territories with ease, lessening push on joints. Past that, e-bikes enable riders with more noteworthy exactness and control than conventional bicycles, making cycling a delight for those who might be something else bashful absent due to physical confinements. The capacity to set out on longer rides without the fear of depletion opens up a world of conceivable outcomes for riders looking for both enterprise and convenience.

Best For Mental Health

E-bikes bridge the hole between work out and availability, advertising an engaging elective for those driving inactive lives. The ease of riding energizes more individuals to grasp cycling, encouraging a workout with less exertion. Past physical benefits, the involvement of riding in nature, coupled with an alter in view and new discussion, acts as a capable tonic for mental well-being. E-bikes have been connected to progressed disposition, stretch diminishment, superior rest quality, and expanded efficiency, making them not just a mode of transport but an all encompassing way of life choice.

Extraordinary Elective to Cars

In the hustle and flurry of present day life, e-bikes develop as a feasible and proficient elective to conventional commuting strategies. Culpable for brief separations and fast errands, e-bikes, classified as bikes in numerous cities, give the adaptability to ride on sidewalks and bicycle paths, indeed cutting over parks. Choosing an e-bike over a car doesn’t fair spare time; it contributes to natural well-being by diminishing gas utilization and contamination, thereby enhancing discussion quality and advancing a greener, more advantageous planet.

Quicker and Safer

While ordinary cyclists have normal speeds of 10 to 12 mph, e-bikes kick it up a notch, cruising at an amazing 20 mph. Opposite to concerns about security, e-bikes offer a secure and proficient mode of transportation. The capacity to quicken quickly and keep pace with activity makes them a commonsense choice for urban commuting. E-bikes, with their upgraded speed, permit riders to reach their goal quicker than their conventional partners, without compromising safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

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