New Ebike Rider? 5 Must Know Tips for New Electric Bike Owners

[@ebikingtoday]

Congratulations on your new ebike! Leave a comment or question!

[@kathleenshae6550]

Thanks!

[@ebikingtoday]

@@kathleenshae6550 You bet!

[@southernbustransportation]

Thank you! I got a Hitway ebike for christmas and it rides great. Just gotta get used to it and im good

[@ebikingtoday]

@Southern Bus Transportation Awesome! Take your time with it... sooo worth it in the end 😁

[@rswow]

Mine just arrived. Unfortunately, it has no carrier at the back nor front. And I'm too lazy or too busy to go and get one to fit.

[@orthicon9]

Here's one unique to e-bikes: When making sharp U-turns, especially at slow speeds or from a stop, do NOT use pedal-assist. Either set pedal-assist to zero, or don't pedal at all and use only the throttle. The problem is that pedal-assist power (on e-bikes with a cadence sensor, anyway) typically does not kick in until a short time after you start pedalling, maybe half a turn or so. The sudden lurch (even if set to low gear or a minimum level of pedal-assist) can throw off your balance, causing the bike to (mostly) skid out at the rear. I've had only two spills on my e-bike, and both were on sharp U-turns with pedal assist - one in loose gravel, the second on uneven wet turf. Now I just stop pedalling and gently throttle my way through it.

[@ebikingtoday]

Excellent suggestion! Riders with a torque sensor won't have a big problem with turns, but I've experienced the same problem on cadence sensor bikes.

[@BoulderMTBR]

The ROCKY MOUNTAIN motor does NOT do what you describe. They have the best motor of any e-bike.

[@orthicon9]

@@BoulderMTBR What does the motor have to do with it? It's the controller and type of sensor.

[@vulpixelful]

The material had more to do with this than the pedal assist. The loose gravel acts like a slippery surface. So you should avoid sharp turns on any bike with those materials.

[@Mindfulgrrl]

I only have pedal assist, so I have to figure out a different method!

[@Mindfulgrrl]

Wish I’d watched this BEFORE my first ride! My daughter said I was like a kid at Christmas. She wasn’t wrong! My accident occurred while standing still, about to take off. The weight got away from me and I fell over. Broke my elbow (not badly, but still broken!) but it could have been my wrist!! That was 3 months ago. Watching videos to boost my confidence so I can get back out there. 😬

[@ebikingtoday]

Oh no!😟 I’m sorry to hear that! A lot of accidents happen just getting on or off the bike too. The weight of an ebike is a big adjustment! You should definitely get back out there… perhaps you can look for a lighter weight ebike? If you can’t catch the bike as it falls, it’s too heavy for you. With someone standing nearby to help, let the bike fall a bit to the side and see if you can catch it. Wishing you the best!!!

[@mkygod]

The biggest difference for me over a regular bike is dealing the weight and center of gravity being more towards the back (for a hub motor bike). You have to slow down and shift your weight more when making big turns at speed

[@ebikingtoday]

Really good point!

[@trevorhedges]

I turned 73 January of this year, Now its April and i bought my first ebike..an Cyrusher Ovia,, Its brilliant, Ebikes are not just for the young people.

[@ebikingtoday]

It seems to me that there are more people over 65 looking for ebikes than in any age group!

[@kipbollinger1795]

@@trevorhedges good for you! E-bikes make hills less steep. I find on the same route that my heart rate is about 10 beats lower on electric than on my road bike. I can do longer rides and bike with a faster group on my ebike. The ebike opens up new biking experiences for all bikers. On our group rides, we usually have 25% e-bikes, ridden by both men and women. I am a 79 year old avid biker!

[@SDeww]

@trevorhedges ebikes are made for old people or people who cant cycle on a normal bike because of inury.

[@kathleenshae6550]

Good advice. I didn't go on any big ride for several days until I got used to the motor.

[@ebikingtoday]

Definnitely a good plan!

[@Todd66]

If you ride, you will go down. The seat height on a ebike is not as critical as on a standard bike…you are not putting the same stress on your knees on a ebike compared to a regular bike. Learn to use your brakes effectively and comfortably. That is to say that learning how your bike will react on different terrains and riding conditions. This is very important for any rider on a new or unfamiliar bike. WEAR SAFETY APPAREL…HELMET and Gloves at the very minimum. And appropriate foot wear ( not Sandles or Flip Flops ). While riding in public, get in the mindset that everyone on the roads are trying to kill you and it’s your responsibility to not let them succeed. Assume that you are invisible at all times. I have 2 ebikes and ride religiously, I also ride daily on my motorcycle and have for over 35 years.

[@ebikingtoday]

Yes, what it really comes down to is learning to ride. If a rider doesn't pedal much or uses quite a bit of pedal assist, their knees won't take as big of a hit!

[@ebikingtoday]

And yes, definitely do not ever assume you have the right of way... great advice Todd!

[@Todd66]

@@ebikingtoday well thank you! I love to ride. I think more people should ride. It’s fun, it’s healthy and very rewarding.

[@ebikingtoday]

@@Todd66 Me too!

[@tommak6516]

"you will go down" ???? You make e bikes sound suicidal.

[@sly592]

Good seat tip. I've adjusted my seat so my knees don't feel so old haha.

[@ebikingtoday]

Thanks and good for you... keep adjusting until it's just right for you!

[@laughingbirdproductions3541]

Thanks for the tips!

[@ebikingtoday]

You bet! Enjoy your ride!

[@annaka5000]

Excellent advice. I'm getting a new ebike soon....this helps a lot. Thanks😊

[@ebikingtoday]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful! Good luck on your e-bike search!

[@akechetasavage7658]

I grew up in a family with motorcycles and riding those a lot these are good tips for someone who has no knowledge on motorized bikes of any kind but to be honest I pulled the throttle and went zooming right as soon as I got one 😅

[@ebikingtoday]

I'm sure you took off with no problem having ridden motorcycles before! Many of us are new to anything electrical that moves, so caution is still a good idea for the rest of us :)

[@akechetasavage7658]

@@ebikingtoday yeah exactly you made a good video definitely not something I would have thought about but yeah for others who don’t know (obviously new e-bike riders) this is a great start 💯💯

[@ebikingtoday]

@@akechetasavage7658 Thanks!

[@MattsRanger]

I think I’m in the same boat. I have a Panther 48V on order & a MSF course next month. I’ve ridden pedal bikes for 45 years and my dad was basically a master mechanic of them. I have 2 motorcycles 250 & 500cc. I also had a few minutes on my friend’s Townie 36V. I rode a mountain bike under back end of a regular F250 4x4 in my late teens. Without putting a foot down. Probably more than 45 degrees lean. I’m looking forward to this one. My debate is flat or clipless pedals.

[@ebikingtoday]

@MattsRanger That's cool! You and @Akecheta Savage have way more experience than most e-bike riders, so it should be easy for you! For some of us, throttling up to 15mph is more than enough adventure 😂

[@lindamcd1217]

Thank you so much. I needed this.

[@ebikingtoday]

You're welcome! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@ch3m1c4l_c0ff1n]

Im ordering one for myself as a birthday gift in like a week!! Im so excited, i only have a cruiser bike and my town has alot of hills and its annoying having to get off my bike and walk up the hills

[@ebikingtoday]

How exciting! You’re going to have so much fun!

[@gwynethgirl]

My first ebike injuries - - > Doing a U-Turn using the pedals, instead of the throttle.. The motor turns on unexpectedly. Ouch.... (and other accidents when the motor turns on unexpectedly)

[@ebikingtoday]

Ughhh, sorry! Sounds like sensitive cadence sensor issues!

[@vmobile890]

Yes learned then Don’t pedal on U turn . New one if chain falls off turn power putting chain back on power came on almost got finger in moving parts . Decided to unplug throttle for added safety also .

[@ebikingtoday]

@@vmobile890 Yikes. Good to be cautious!

[@skeller61]

1:33 Your leg should be straight with the heel on the pedal. That will give your leg the right slight bend when you are riding (with the ball of your foot on the pedal). While I don’t encourage you to do this, I rode my new e-bike home 10 miles from the bike shop, and I hadn’t ridden a bicycle since 1979. I rode a heavy (660 lbs) motorcycle for a few years, so my 70 lb e-bike is light by comparison. However, I agree you should ride in a safe place until you get the hang of it, as they are heavier than regular bikes, and you want to understand what the different pedal assist levels do, as well as the throttle (if you have one) before making a substantial journey. When you’re going to stop, for instance, remember to downshift to a lower gear first, so when you start up, you (and the motor) don’t work too hard when starting out. The same is true when you’re,going up hills. If you have trouble with these comments, have a more experienced rider along to help you learn these concepts before taking off. Have fun, but be safe! Thanks for the video.

[@ebikingtoday]

You're welcome! Thanks for sharing your experience... good advice to all!

[@kipbollinger1795]

We suggest not using pedal assist at all until you are familiar with the handling and braking. Canter of gravity and placement of battery and motor change the bikes behavior and the weight increases braking distance. When comfortable, add the lowest level of assist.

[@ebikingtoday]

I definitely agree... when possible! Some ebikes are just too heavy to get started without it. But if that's the case, start on level 1 with nothing else around you :)

[@Dukester61615]

Thank you for sharing your experiences...

[@ebikingtoday]

Happy to do so Dave!

[@justabout6979]

Great, helpful, and organized video

[@ebikingtoday]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@johnpeck5268]

!.) read the manual carefully, makers want you to have the best experience. A good manual has dos & don'ts along with tips to maintain your bike. Familiarize with how things work; get at least enough knowledge to make adjustment & minor repair. Be extra vigilant, head on a swivel. it may save your life. Take it easy at 1st.

[@ebikingtoday]

Yes, John, another great tip! And just to note, it seems some companies aren't including a physical copy with your ebike. But they should all have a detailed manual online!

[@postalinVT]

@@ebikingtoday Yes, I just got my new 3.0 and I called to get a physical manual and they said NOPE! It's hard for an old man, 71, to drag my PC out to the shed. Glad I found you, new subscriber.

[@ebikingtoday]

@postalinVT Congrats on your new ebike! Thanks for subscribing! And I get it... plus, not all of us want to get on our computer every time we have a question 😁

[@grouchydude3448]

About seat height and full leg extension. Soes this rule really apply with e-bikes? the motor does most of the work so these rules shouldnt apply here. I think its okay to have both feet on the ground when at a stop especially now, since most ebikes are waaaay heavier than regular bikes. I have one ebike that is almost 100 pounds! For ebike newbies, this fact alone should be a concern. Get used to the weight, practice mounting and dismounting, etc. As an older rider with mobility issues, this was and STILL is, my greatest burden riding an ebike.

[@ebikingtoday]

You're right that ebikes are heavier and you need to be in control. So, as suggested in the video, you can definitely start out with feet flat on the ground to get used to it. However, if the seat is too low and your knees come up higher than your hips, it could cause knee pain. If you don't pedal much, you can play around with this. But if you're pedaling, you might want to try out what feels right for you. I've actually raised my seat over time to find the most comfortable position 😄

[@MajChronic]

Millions of people have no problem being able to balance a motorcycle which weights hundreds of pounds more than any ebike. Keep your seat height adjusted for proper leg extension and learn to either step off when you stop or learn to hitch your leg up on the seat to give you more room to reach the ground with the other.

[@scottbradentx]

Saddle height / leg extension is important if you plan to actually pedal and get exercise. OTOH if you are just gonna throttle around in scooter mode, low saddle height is fine

[@ebikingtoday]

Most riders do some level of pedaling... otherwise, you could just get a moped. I pedal between pedal assist 0 and 2, so getting the seat height right is very important to keep my knees from hurting.

[@alphahybrid4867]

@@ebikingtodayor young people such as myself use it to get out of lawful situations ;)

[@AnEnglishRawr]

quick advice from the motorcycle world, try not to break in the middle of a turn especially in a full lean, while its easier to muscle an ebike around and keep it upright, breaking in a turn can make you slide out and loose the bike.

[@ebikingtoday]

Great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@siriosstar4789]

Not all bikes have a throttle . most mid drives don't . a throttle is not needed on a midrive with a 250 watt motor and a minimum of 75 nm of torque . the gearing the assist level and the torque sensor will enable you to start on hills with ease .

[@ebikingtoday]

True, a mid-drive is a different beast 😄

[@bestechdeals4539]

Good content 👌

[@ebikingtoday]

Thanks so much!

[@bestechdeals4539]

@@ebikingtodayMay I know how I can reach you out for business deal? If you would like to make a review content.

[@alphadogzairsoftfamily7245]

Thank you

[@ebikingtoday]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@LisaBlc]

the only ebikes we have in the UK are ONLY pedal-assist! We don't have throttles on our ebikes, so getting started on a hill is almost impossible!

[@ebikingtoday]

That's unfortunate. The lawmakers don't realize how important a throttle is for riders on hills (they're not riding e-bikes, just making laws). It really limits where one can ride (or how far) and has no concern with age, physical ability, or the fact that e-bikes are heavy. Most riders need a throttle to get started up a steep hill!

[@JMulvy]

So if there is only good things about being in a low gear, what is the use in ever shifting to a higher gear? Even with my standard bicycle, I struggle to see the point in using higher gears.

[@ebikingtoday]

Sure, You don’t ever have to shift gears at all. But many riders shift gears to make their hill climb easier or have a more efficient and fast ride!

[@JMulvy]

@@ebikingtoday see a lot of people say that but I don't see the point in it. I think maybe because I live in MA and it is just covered in hills. Even the empty back roads are a constant up and down and wavy. It makes more sense to be in 1st gear all the time. Then with my e-bike people tell me the opposite because it has a motor with pedal assist. 🤷‍♂️

[@ebikingtoday]

The standard gearing on an ebike is really best used as an option anyways. After all, most people get an ebike for the pedal assist, right?! I’ve ridden several nice ebikes that are single gear.

[@JMulvy]

@@ebikingtoday That makes sense. I have a Rad Power Bike and it has 7 gears plus 5 levels of PAS plus throttle. Like suggested in the video, I use throttle for getting through intersections and out of ways of cars. We are not required to use the crosswalk in MA. they encourage us to take our place in the line of traffic much to many a motorist's chagrin, which I do. I always thought that if I needed a new one I would go single speed gear, and my standard bike is a commuter hybrid anyways so not for competition. I guess that just means one less thing for me to worry about then. 😁 Thanks for the insight and replies!

[@ebikingtoday]

You bet! Gears are not essential but I agree that a throttle is!

[@RonMagaw]

Well done

[@ebikingtoday]

Thanks! I appreciate hearing that!

[@RonMagaw]

@@ebikingtoday welcome...

[@SuperSokol7]

Curbs at super slow speed or you will crash.

[@ebikingtoday]

Great idea...caution all the way!

[@SuperSokol7]

@@ebikingtoday I have had my e-MTB for less than a week and have had almost full crashes trying to get on the curb of a sidwalk too fast. The tires do not budge and do not go over a 3cm high curb.

[@ebikingtoday]

@@SuperSokol7 Yikes! Maybe tires are over or under-inflated?

[@SuperSokol7]

Specialized XC Tires, Ground Controlled. They are hard. So over flated, I guess. It is because that I treated my e-bike like a regular bike and the manuver of just turning right over a 3cm curb does not work because you are entering it from the side and not over it from the front of the tire, so the 3cm curb stops the tire and you start fighting not to fall or crash.

[@uursullla]

My seat keep moving how do i fix that ?

[@ebikingtoday]

If it's falling down, tighten the seat clamp around the base of the seat post; if it's sliding forward, tighten the bolts underneath the seat (may want to remove the seat from the bike first to make it easier)

[@ZyliceLiddell]

The throttle is pathetically slow in Australia. Just like a slight push!

[@ebikingtoday]

😂

[@DAS-Videos]

A person should learn how to ride a peddle bike first. And only after they have mastered balancing and riding a normal bike should they ride an ebike.

[@ebikingtoday]

Definitely the best way to go! Here are some suggestions for anyone who wants to ride an ebike but hasn't learned to ride a regular bike: www.ebikingtoday.com/can-i-ride-electric-bike-cant-ride-regular-bike/

[@steveschurr5967]

I have to disagree with you regarding using the brakes. More than 75% of your braking power is in the front. You should learn to rely on it, including making emergency stops safely. You will be able to stop much, much faster. Use a parking lot or other location without traffic and practice. This applies to all bikes, electric or not. A lot of cyclists use the front almost exclusively, using the back mostly to control speed or hold position while stopped. Going over the bars is actually quite rare, even if you apply the brake too quickly. Most of the time going over the bars occurs when you hit an object, forcing a dead stop.

[@ebikingtoday]

I get what you're saying. A lot of people are new to electric bikes and are stopping from a much faster speed than they're used to, so caution is a good plan all around!

[@rd4660]

Educate yourself and lear the various classes of e-bike and your state law before buying an e-bike. Ride on the appropriate roads or trails; not all e-bikes are trail legal.

[@ebikingtoday]

Yes! Classification info here: www.ebikingtoday.com/what-are-e-bike-classes-why-do-they-matter/

[@rd4660]

I wish the classifications were more clear, but hey, government. The bottom line is if you have a bike with a throttle (not pedal assist only) and you are riding on bike paths or bike-only trails, be prepared to suffer insults from folks who peddle their bikes. Although it's not a strict legal definition, a bike with a throttle (no peddling needed) is essentially an electric motorcycle. And BTW, please don't buy your pre-teen a throttle only bike. It's an easy way for them to get killed.

[@ebikingtoday]

@R D There's always someone around to throw an insult your way, isn't there? I just try to remember to say "excuse me" nicely as I'm quickly passing a cyclist on an incline 😆(yes, I'm pedaling... just with a little help)

[@bromptinowner763]

@@ebikingtoday There's always someone ready and willing to throw insults your way where ever you are, be ready !!!

[@ebikingtoday]

@@bromptinowner763 True!

[@erikmalmberg7319]

The first thing i did with my e mtb was riding as fast i could lol

[@ebikingtoday]

😂 Well, sounds like you survived (but I still wouldn't recommend riding fast your first time)!

[@DEVILDOG1964]

IT'S NOT GEARS THAT SAVE THE BATTERY AS MUCH AS PEDAL ASSIST. RIGHT?

[@ebikingtoday]

The more pedal assist and throttle you use, the faster the battery will deplete... however, if you use gears, you won't require as much pedal assistance, thus saving battery charge :)

[@SDeww]

lol this is made for americans who never ride on a bike, as a Dutch person i thought i could learn something but nope, all that was said we learn as small kids in school, and than when we are 5 we alrady have a bicycle with training wheels, at 8 we drive with our parents and at 10-11 we cycle to school.. by the time we are 18-19 we own 2 or 3 bikes.

[@ebikingtoday]

Very smart indeed!

[@julianshepherd2038]

It's a lot easier than a petrol bike

[@ebikingtoday]

And a lot better for the environment :)

[@guslevy3506]

Be careful riding no hands just before an incline. Carry on…

[@ebikingtoday]

No hands is never a good idea. I don’t even ride with only one hand for more than a couple seconds!

[@geraldherbst5069]

Hate mine biggest mistake I ever made 36 inches from the ground to the top of the seat heavy and clumsy beast.

[@ebikingtoday]

Super sorry to hear that! There are lots of wonderful ebikes…you’ve just got to find the right one for you! Beat wishes!

[@ebikingtoday]

Maybe this will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anyzk4ifrLV0jrMsi=JEhMatefUAoC2Qtl

[@scottbradentx]

That first tip is bogus. Saddle height / leg extension is important if you plan to actually pedal and get exercise. OTOH if you are just gonna throttle around in scooter mode, low saddle height is fine

[@ebikingtoday]

Most riders do some level of pedaling... otherwise, you could just get a moped. I pedal between pedal assist 0 and 2, so getting the seat height right is very important to keep my knees from hurting.

[@derpityderp-derp4007]

Ahh yes, first time on a moped. Electric or gas, you are totally eating dirt.. LOL

[@ebikingtoday]

👌🏻

[@MajChronic]

Your first tip is WRONG! You should NEVER adjust the height of your seat so that your feet can touch the ground. The seat needs to be adjusted solely so that you have the proper distance to the pedals so as to avoid damage to your knees. Being able to step off or place a foot on the ground is a skill that needs to be learned and shouldn't compromise your riding position. If you start out with it low enough so that you can place your feet on the ground, you'll probably not change that position of your seat later.

[@ebikingtoday]

Many new riders are anxious about being able to manage their heavy e-bikes, as I was when I started. So, learning to ride with at least the pads of your feet touching is my suggestion, as is rising the seat to protect your knees once you're comfortable. Yes, a rider shouldn't get too comfortable and never change their seat height to protect their knees 😎

[@Floydbaker-te1pg]

Actually it is very much dependent on the design of your bike. I ride a bike with forward placed petals that are designed for your feet to be firmly on the ground, not your tip toes. Due to an old leg injury this tech works best for me. Every rider has different needs and conditions to go with all bike are not designed the same way.

[@konanoobiemaster]

90% of your braking power comes from the front brake - and the rear brake is useless at high speeds.

[@ebikingtoday]

I use them together for the most part but am careful to keep from going too fast down steeps hills and having to brake hard, especially the front brake on its own :)

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

Thank you

[@ebikingtoday]

You bet!