How to Properly Ride a Mid-Drive Ebike?

Are you a first-time, mid-drive motor Ebike rider? Or, are you curious how to properly ride an Ebike of this type and brush up on your riding skills? Either way, you’re in the right place.

To start, riding a mid-drive motor Ebike is different from riding a rear-hub motor Ebike, and aside from the name, there are many reasons why. For one, mid-drive motors interact directly with the drivetrain, resulting in a more efficient power transfer. Two, most mid-drive motors use a torque sensor which offers a smoother riding experience compared to a cadence sensor found with most rear-hub motors .

In this article, we'll teach you the advantages of a mid-drive motor. You’ll also learn how to get the most out of a mid-drive system and what specific techniques to use for different terrains.

Understanding the Mid-Drive Advantage

When comparing a mid-drive motor to a hub motor, the former offers many advantages.

First, a mid-drive motor interacts directly with the drivetrain. Since the motor is mounted to the bottom bracket, it feeds power to the rear wheel via the chain or belt drive. This setup allows the Ebike to utilize the gear’s ratios more efficiently.

Another advantage to mid-drive Ebike’s is the motor’s position. Since the motor is in the center of the frame, the weight distribution is more even. This makes the frame easier to control, especially on rough terrain.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Mid-Drive System?

To get the most out of your mid-drive system, choose the right motor and master the gear shift system. Also, learn how to use the pedal assist levels properly. Doing so can help you climb hills efficiently and descend hills safely.

Choosing the Motor

When searching for a mid-drive electric bike, choose one with the right type of motor.

A good mid-drive motor will work with the torque sensor and gearing system to deliver a smooth riding experience. As a result, you’ll enjoy a seamless transition of power, with minimal lag between when you use the pedals and when the electric motor kicks in.

The Heybike ALPHA has a powerful 500W Mivice X700 mid-drive motor with Heybike's own self-developed Galaxy Perform S eDrive system. These components interact with both the torque and cadence sensor, delivering up to 105 N·m of torque. With this amount of power, you can easily climb steep hills or paths with an incline.

Mastering Gear Shift System

Do you have to pedal an electric bike? The short answer is, yes. However, your pedaling experience will depend on how well you utilize the gearing system.

The most common gearing system has a cassette of cogs attached to the rear wheel and a derailleur that guides the chain up or down with each gear shift. The other type of gearbox is the hub system, where the gearing system is enclosed in a protective shell and attached to the rear wheel.

The great thing about the hub system is that you can change gears while stationary. As a result, you can select the right gear to start with, which makes it easier to accelerate from zero – especially when hill climbing. 

Starting the Ride

Ensure your Ebike is in low gear before you start moving. With a hub system, you can change gears while stationary. But, with a cassette and derailleur gear system, you should only change gears while moving.

If you use a cassette and derailleur gear system and are in a higher gear, set the pedal assist mode to HIGH. This will help you accelerate from zero faster. However, avoid relying too heavily on the mid-drive motor to accelerate from zero. Doing so will reduce the lifespan of the motor and drivetrain.

During the Ride

Once you start pedaling, the mid-drive motor will kick in to assist. You’ll notice it when pedaling becomes easier to do.

Once pedaling becomes easier to do, we recommend switching to a higher gear at this time. The mid-drive motor will temporarily reduce power while the gear shift occurs and will resume normal operation once the shift is complete.

Repeat this cycle until you've reached a comfortable top speed. You can also adjust the pedal assist at any time.

Working With Pedal Assist

Most mid-drive electric bikes have three pedal assist modes: Low, Medium, and High. The low setting provides the least amount of pedal assistance, while the high setting provides the most assistance.

To adjust the pedal assist mode on your electric bike, use the control panel on the handlebars. Depending on the bike model, adjustments can be made with the ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ buttons. You should also be able to set the pedal assist mode to zero, where you receive no pedal assistance.

When accelerating from zero, you can set the pedal assist to any mode you desire. Depending on your preferences, starting on the highest pedal assist mode may feel jarring. Once you start pedaling, you’ll feel the full force of the pedal assist system. In this mode, you’ll also drain the battery faster.

Riding Techniques for Different Terrains

When riding on different terrain, utilize the most appropriate settings on your mid-drive electric bike. Doing so will help you ascend and descend hills safely and maintain speed on flat terrain comfortably.

Climbing Hills Efficiently

Knowing how to ride your Ebike uphill is an essential skill, particularly if your Ebike has a mid-drive motor. When climbing hills, since you'll need more pedal assistance than on flat terrain, you should shift to lower gears and set pedal assist to Medium or High before you begin your ascent.

As you climb and gain speed, you’ll eventually reach a comfortable speed where less effort is required to pedal. Here you can switch to a higher gear if you'd like, or stick to the same speed and settings until you reach the top.

Descending Safely

When you need to safely descend a hill, consider following the opposite of the above advice. Instead of starting at a low gear and a high pedal assist mode, start at a high gear and a low pedal assist mode.

As you descend the hill, gravity will do most of the work for you. Gently apply pressure to the brakes to maintain a safe speed and make sure to always look out for road obstructions or obstacles.

Riding on Flat Terrain

When riding on flat terrain, use your best judgment to choose the right gear and pedal assist mode. On smooth terrain, you could start on a low gear and low pedal assist mode, then gradually raise the gears as you gain speed.

On rough terrain, you may need a higher pedal assist mode. Dirt, sand, and snow surfaces can be unpredictable, so using a higher pedal assist mode can help you ride faster and maintain traction on these tricky surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know more about how to properly ride a mid-drive electric bike, the next step is to choose the right model. At Heybike, we offer a range of electric bikes at affordable prices. From fat tire, to folding, to off-road Ebikes, so you’re bound to find the perfect model here.

Take your e-cycling experience to the next level. Explore the full range of electric bikes at Heybike today!