Our Top Tips for Riding an Electric Bike or E-MTB

Riding an electric bicycle or mountain bike (E-MTB) can be a fun way to cover extra mileage while reaping some of the same exercise benefits you'd get from a traditional bicycle. And, if you plan on using an electric bike to commute, you'll save time and energy getting to your destination—not to mention the environmental benefits compared to other forms of transit like cars and buses!

Despite the similarities between electric and traditional bikes, there are also significant differences to be aware of when riding one for the first time—that goes for both commuter bikes and E-MTBs.

Electric bikes are a great tool to help you incorporate easy exercise into your lifestyle while benefiting the planet. If you're new to the world of electric bikes, don't worry! Our team of experts have put together some tips on how to ride an electric bike safely and comfortably.

Do you know how fast an electric bike can travel? On average, an e-bike will travel at speeds over 20km/h making a helmet absolutely necessary to protect yourself from injury.

When it comes to choosing a helmet, there are many styles available, and the helmet you decide on will usually be influenced by the type of riding you plan on doing. For example, you may choose a full-face helmet if your goal is to hit the trails for some electric mountain biking. But if you're planning on using your electric bike to commute, you might prefer something sleeker.

Besides wearing a helmet, you'll also want to make sure to dress comfortably and avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught in the wheels or other parts of your electric bike.

If it's your first time riding an electric bike, we recommend starting at the lowest power setting. Starting at this level will help you get a feel for the bike and become more confident and comfortable as you move through the speeds. If you're already familiar with your electric bike, you can start trying higher power levels.

If you ride a regular bike, it's unlikely you'd ride at a speed comparable to an electric bike. Even if you are fast on a standard bike, it feels different having a motor pull you up to speed. 

There are two types of electric bicycles:

1. Torque-based sensors feel the most like a regular bike. A torque sensor means the motor will increase output relative to the pedal force the rider is applying.
2. Cadence-based assist systems will pull you up to speed as soon as you start to turn the pedals. 

The motor and battery make an electric bike or E-MTB much heavier than a traditional bicycle. The weight combined with increased speeds means your brakes are the most critical part of the bike. You want to ensure you understand how the brakes feel and what each lever controls. 

Always give yourself extra time to stop since a heavy bike going fast takes longer to slow down. We recommend practicing braking in an empty parking lot or on a quiet residential street before getting out into traffic or hitting the trails.

Electric bicycles and e-MTBs are relatively new modes of transportation compared to traditional bicycles, and as such, the laws and rules for both are constantly evolving. When you head out on your urban commute or hit the trails, make sure you're up-to-date on the most current rules.

When you get home from your ride, there are a few steps you should take to ensure proper maintenance. The first thing you should do is charge the battery for your next ride. There's nothing worse than getting ready to leave and realizing your battery is dead. It's also a good idea to give your bike a quick wipe to clean off any dirt or grime and keep it looking new. Finally, we always recommend storing your electric bike in a safe and secure place to ensure it won't be stolen.