Whether it being environmentally friendly, something to do as a family, a more economical form of transportation, a way to avoid public transit or just something new to get you moving, electric bikes have certainly become popular no matter where you live.
There is a growing range of options, from commuter-friendly foldable models to those designed for adrenaline-fuelled off-road riding. Electric bikes are brilliant in that they remove the everyday barriers that stop people cycling, like feeling out of shape, the dread of a steep climb, recovering from an injury, or just being tired after a long day.
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Why All The Rage
Riding a bike not only gets us active and outside, with so many of us housebound these days, but provides an excellent option for almost any health level and most ages. Given their ability to help us cover multiple miles, The New York Times noted electric bike sales have soared by 70 percent or more each month since the pandemic began, according to industry statistics.
and have help when it comes to moving up hills, traveling when you’re tired or in pain, or working against a headwind. Multiple studies have shown that you work just as hard riding an electric bike, you’ll go further or arrive quicker. You’ll also be more likely to get the bike out again the day afterward.
When it comes to selecting an electric bike, keep in mind, you should know there are various levels, depending on what kind of pedal-assistance, speed, or distance you’re choosing. With the different assistance levels, you can gradually build up stamina and improve your cardiovascular fitness at your own pace.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
Electric bicycles do require regular maintenance to make sure all the moving parts are in tip-top shape. Maintaining electric bikes isn’t complicated, but there are some essential things to know if you’re going to keep them in top condition and get the best performance every time you head out on a ride.
Before each ride, invest in a pump to check your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure level. Under-inflated tires will require your motor to work harder and drain the battery quicker. Every few weeks, clean and lubricate your bike’s chain. Make sure to keep your bike dry and follow your manual’s instructions for longer-term storage. Take your bike to a repair shop for a tune-up once a year. It’s not a bad idea to get to know the staff at your local bike shop.
Don’t Stress Your Motor by Running At Full Wattage
Also, think about which of your bike’s modes you’re going to be using. Most e-bikes have a set of different options that give varying degrees of assistance. Some electric bike internal controllers are capable of sending over 1000w of power to the motor. While this is nice in short bursts, it’s a battery drain. If the battery drains on an electric bike, it can overheat and cause damage to the motor.
You can avoid this by not running at 1000w for an extended time.
You can monitor real-time wattage on your electric bike’s display to avoid stressing your motor this way. If you don’t know how to access the real-time wattage on the display, please check your electric bike manufacturer’s tutorial videos. Generally, to avoid damaging your motor, don’t use your throttle at full wattage for too long. Pay attention to the wattage you are using during rides, especially if you are riding your electric bike uphill for an extended period.
Charging Recommendations for Your Electric Bike’s Battery
Electric bike batteries, and the way they’re charged, vary from brand to brand. It’s best to keep your battery charged at 30-80% capacity. This will extend the battery’s life. It’s also recommended that you don’t leave your battery plugged into the charger, and we suggest monitoring it while charging. The battery in your electric bike will slowly degrade over time, which will vary depending on how often it’s used and recharged.
Replacement batteries can be costly, but if you’re using your bike to lessen driving and public transport usage, it works in your favor long term. On average, a full recharge takes up to eight hours. Before you head out on your journey, remember to monitor your battery life. The miles can slip by while your pedaling is aided, but the return trip will be difficult if you have drained your battery, as electric bikes are heavier than standard bicycles.
Don’t Ignore Noises You Hear Coming From Your Electric Bike
Brakes are your primary safety component, and if they’re not working correctly, can lead to some serious trouble. If you hear noise from your chain, saddle, cranks, or brakes, don’t ignore it. Addressing the issue right away could prevent a serious problem down the road.
The drivetrain will make noise if the cranks are too loose. This is a serious issue to address because they can torque off while you are riding. They will also make noise if they are too dry and need to be greased. It’s a good idea to have a bike mechanic you can call if you run into difficulty self-diagnosing problems with your electric bike.
Protect Your Wires to Keep Your Electric Bike Functioning Properly
Your wire connections are critical to the functioning of the electric bike. If you allow them to become disorganized, tangled, or stretched, they will eventually fail. If your electric bike’s wires are torn, crimped, or pulled from the connector, this will result in a critical component failure. This is the most frequent cause of motor failures.
Helpful Reminders For Consumers
A couple of last points to note to make sure you have a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience. Note that each city and state have various regulations on where you’re allowed to use your electronic bikes, such as bike trails and designated lanes. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your electric bike’s features, always wear a helmet, don’t operate while drinking, and always follow traffic rules.
Whether using your electric bike to commute, for recreation, an activity for the whole family, you’re sure to enjoy the wind in your hair, and not to mention a fun way to burn a few calories. There are many different types of bikes to choose from and a wide price range. Turn up the power and pedal on. You’ll get to your destination refreshed, not a mess.