Respect the more vulnerable
Whether you’re in the city or on the trails, always respect those who are more vulnerable – pedestrians, kids, dog walkers. If you see someone walking in the forest, slow down to walking pace. It’ll cost you maybe two seconds. Big deal. Say hello and be a good representative – not just for yourself, but for all e-bikers out there.
E-bikes climb fast, so if you’re approaching someone from behind, give a friendly heads-up. No one likes being startled. Shared-use paths are often a battleground between hikers and riders, but you can be the ambassador who proves bikes and boots can get along. You’re faster, your bike is heavier, and you’ve got a motor. That makes you the “stronger party” – and with great power comes the responsibility to yield.
Know the traffic rules
Even if you’ve never driven a car or taken a driving test, you still need to know the road rules. And not just the rules – the key to staying safe is communication. Always signal when you turn, make eye contact with drivers and other cyclists when you can, and try to anticipate what others will do. Yield when you’re supposed to, go when you’ve got the right of way. Ride smart.
Ride only where you’re allowed
E-assist extends your reach. Suddenly, you’re riding places you never thought you’d reach. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Many nature reserves, parks, and protected landscapes have strict access rules, and some trails are off-limits to bikes or e-bikes entirely. Check your route in advance and don’t get caught breaking the rules.
Plan your route around your battery range
Range is the holy grail of e-bike questions. Nobody wants to end up miles from home with a dead battery, right?
Your range depends on a lot more than just battery capacity. Rider weight, terrain, tyre pressure, motor assist mode, and your choice of gears all play a role. So get familiar with your bike: test it out, learn how it behaves, and plan your rides accordingly.
Modern chargers are compact and light. Throw one in your backpack and recharge at any café with a regular wall socket. Also, don’t overestimate your ability to handle big climbs. E-bikes make it easy to reach mountaintops, but getting down safely takes skill, especially on technical descents.
Don’t grind in high gears
Cranking the motor to full turbo and mashing the heaviest gear might feel effortless – but it’s a fast track to draining your battery and destroying your drivetrain. Chains, cogs, and motors aren’t cheap.
Instead, use moderate assist levels and keep your pedalling cadence around 60–80 RPM. Shift often, keep things spinning, and your bike will thank you. Bonus: you’ll get more cardio out of every ride, which science says is good for your mood and long-term health.
Double-check your charge
So, your bike was plugged in all night – great. But did you actually check that it charged to 100%? Look for the full set of battery indicators. Sounds silly, but we’ve seen too many rides ruined by extension cords not plugged into the wall. Trust, but verify!
Wear glasses
Not because it’s stylish (though it is), but because a bug to the eyeball at 25 km/h is no joke. One good hit from a wasp or fly and you could swerve into a ditch – or worse. Eye protection is just as essential as a helmet.
Downshift before you stop
Rolling up to a red light? Good. Now shift into an easier gear before you come to a stop. This makes your next launch smoother, quicker, and safer – not just for you, but for the cars behind you. Get into the habit, and you’ll do it automatically at every stop, including technical trail sections.
Don’t ride side by side
Let’s talk common sense: If we want drivers to give cyclists 1.5 meters of passing room, we need to give them space to do that. Riding two abreast may be legal or illegal depending on where you are, but in any case, it’s not doing us any favours.
Adjust things to get your e-bike under better control
Your bars should feel like the control centre of a spaceship: everything within easy reach, no fumbling. That includes shifters, assist controls, brake levers, and your dropper post remote (if you have one). If something feels off or out of reach, fix it. Your reflexes will thank you.
Another important thing is the foot position on the pedals. Are your feet pointing straight ahead when you pedal? Congrats, that’s how it should be. You’d be surprised how many people ride with their toes pointing inward (A-shape) or outward (V-shape), which can cause knee problems over time.
For better control and stability, position your foot so that about one-third is in front of the pedal axle and two-thirds behind it. No toe-pedalling, no heel-pedalling – just solid, well-balanced power.
