Update the software on your drivetrain
Older types of e-bikes are still as they were when you bought them. Modern e-bikes, however, have big advantages: they link you to the digital world. For example, the Bosch eBike System, which is used by hundreds of e-bike manufacturers, allows you to update the software in the control unit via a mobile app. This means your e-bike’s drive system is constantly evolving as your brand’s developers improve it. All you need to do is download the app to your mobile phone and then pair it with your e-bike. The app will act as your digital service book, recognising that it’s your bike. For example, you can have a look at your bike’s mileage, battery capacity or what service work has been done so far. In the app, you can adjust the behaviour of the e-bike, such as the dynamics of the assistance when you pedal away, or the amount of help the motor gives you in different riding modes.
Climb steep hills smoothly
Wondering how to climb a steep hill smoothly and safely without the rear wheel slipping? The first thing you need to do is to lower the height of your saddle by about 3 to 5 cm from its normal position. This will make getting on the bike much easier. Set the assistance to a faster mode in the Riding Modes menu. One foot should be on the ground and the other, more powerful foot on the pedal. Step on the pedal, sit on the saddle and slowly release both brake levers. Put your other foot on the pedal as soon as you’re moving and climb safely up.
Choose the right speed
Using the strongest assistance mode in the highest gear (smallest rear sprocket) is a common mistake. In this setting, the bike’s electric drive does not work properly when going uphill. The correct pedalling cadence (or pedalling speed) should be between 80 and 95 revolutions per minute. You can estimate this using a simple rule. Imagine a line on the ground: from the moment the front wheel axle crosses it to the moment the rear wheel axle crosses it, the cranks should turn once. Slow, hard pedalling in the highest gear is not good for the drivetrain because the engine doesn’t help you enough and the pedalling drains the battery. Beginners tend to think that a higher gear means a sportier ride. In fact, a higher cadence not only burns fat faster but also improves your fitness.
Push your e-bike up hills effortlessly
It is a waste of energy to push an e-bike up a steep hill. Modern drivetrains have a system that helps you push uphill by pressing a button on the handlebars. Choose your side according to whether you are right- or left-handed to push the bike comfortably. You must hold the button down and keep a sufficient distance from the bike at all times to avoid contact with the pedals, as the cranks will continue to rotate as you ride uphill. To increase rear wheel traction, rest your elbows on the seat and put your weight on it. You can even use the app to adjust the pedalling speed up to 6 km/h. The other way to change your speed is to change gear. The steeper the climb, the better it is to use a lower gear to slow the bike down.
Riding over uneven terrain without hitting a fixed object
There is a risk of hitting an obstacle on the ground when riding over rough terrain, like fallen rocks or high roots. Thanks to the pedal click trick, the electric bike will give you enough momentum to ride through the rough section without the need to turn the cranks. You just click the pedals and the e-bike moves forward as if you were pedalling normally but still gives you plenty of ground clearance.
Maintain rear wheel traction on steep climbs
Remember the time you tried to climb a steep hill but the rear wheel slipped and you fell? You can stop the rear wheel from slipping by shifting your weight backwards but this will cause the front wheel to lift and you will lose your coordination again. There is a simple trick to solve this problem. Lower the saddle by five centimetres, sit back, put weight on the rear wheel and apply the rear brake. This will prevent the front wheel from lifting and the engine from running at full power. E-bikers have adopted this practice from kart riders who use the brakes to maintain traction on the rear-driven axle. Despite sounding unlikely, give it a chance and see how surprisingly it works.
Increase stability when crossing an obstacle
When crossing an obstacle, it’s important to maintain as much stability as possible. Before entering the obstacle, switch legs and place your other foot in front of you. This is because your more stable foot will come next at the critical point of the obstacle where you need it the most. The important thing is to find the right cadence to help you swing over the obstacle. Lighter gears work better than harder ones.
Improve braking efficiency
With the motor in the middle and the battery in the frame tube, e-bikes are heavier than conventional bikes, which increases the forward energy used when braking in corners. To turn safely and avoid going straight through a corner, you need to brake well in advance and then ride through the corner without braking.
