How to Ride an E-Bike This Summer

If you just bought a brand-new electric bike from heybike.com, you're probably excited to get out on the road and see what the e-bike craze is all about this summer. We don't blame you. An electric bike is a healthy, environmentally-friendly, and most importantly, fun piece of technology that makes commuting a breeze.

However, e-bikes are a bit different than the old-fashioned pedal bikes you're probably used to. They function very similarly, but the few differences they have can startle you or even ruin your experience if you're not expecting them.

Here at HeyBike, we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best experience possible while using our top-of-the-line electric bikes. So, we've put together this list of our top suggestions for acclimating to your e-bike and enjoying every second you spend on it this summer.

Learn About Your Brakes

Before you ever attempt to ride your new e-bike, you need to spend some time getting familiar with its brake systems. These function identically to a traditional bike, but the extra weight and power of an e-bike makes using them properly a must.

On nearly any e-bike, you'll have two levers: One on each handle. The right-hand lever is typically for your back brake, and the left-hand lever is for your front brake. On a traditional bike, you probably only really used your back brake due to the lower speeds you were traveling at. However, you'll often need to use both brakes simultaneously with an e-bike to stop yourself without skidding all over the place. In any case, never attempt to use the front brake by itself. The weight and momentum of the bike will cause it to flip forward and eject you from your seat.

Beyond understanding which brake does what, you also need to see how your brakes feel and how quickly they engage. Take a few moments to squeeze each lever before you go for a ride. Try to notice how long it takes for your caliper to clamp down on your wheel once you start squeezing the lever. The sooner it engages, the more braking power you'll have by squeezing harder.

Start Slow and On Flat Ground

You can reach pretty high speeds on a traditional bike, but an e-bike can easily reach 20mph within a matter of seconds. Controlling your acceleration as a beginner can be difficult.

We recommend starting on a large, flat, straight stretch of pavement with few obstacles, and start pedaling as slowly as possible. You don't want the electric assist to bring you up to full speed before you're ready. This is also a great way to familiarize yourself with your brakes since you can take your time and don't have to worry about hills or obstacles getting in your way.

Stay Hydrated

Once you've gotten a hang of the basics, you're going to want to ride your e-bike everywhere. That includes longer commutes where the summer heat can easily get the best of you. It's important to stay hydrated during the summer regardless of what you're doing, but it's extremely important when you're riding a bike at 20mph or more. A single mishap can result in a bit more than just a scraped knee.

Luckily, most e-bikes have a storage solution, and you can easily bring plenty of water along for the ride.

Come Prepared

Even if you bring plenty of water along, you don't want to end up stranded in the summer heat if you experience a problem with your e-bike. While our HeyBike e-bikes are built to the highest quality standards, there's always the possibility that you'll run over broken glass or experience another common mishap.

It's important to keep a basic repair kit attached to your bike whenever you plan on traveling more than walking distance from your home. Spare inner tubes or Fix-A-Flat can allow you to quickly repair a flat and get back on the road, and an assortment of appropriate tools will allow you to make minor adjustments on the go.

Watch Out for Pedestrians

In the fall or winter, you won't have to worry too much about pedestrians, but summer is an entirely different ballgame. Kids will be riding their bikes or playing games in the streets, other commuters will be crossing the road on the lunch breaks, and people will generally be out in droves.

Your e-bike is convenient, but it's also heavier and faster than a traditional bicycle. Be extra cautious around pedestrians, and make sure to follow the rules of the road to avoid accidentally harming anyone else; including yourself.

Hop-On A Heybike E-Bike Today

Summer is in full swing, and there's no better time to jump on the e-bike bandwagon. It's healthy, great for the environment, and a fun experience you'll love.

If you haven't picked up an electric bike yet, you can browse our e-bikes and folding electric bikes here at heybike.com. We have options available for everyone in a variety of price ranges, and we're at the forefront of the e-bike movement.

You can trust us for an innovative e-bike and an unparalleled customer experience.