Riding an electric bike for the first time is exhilarating! But, your mind is probably buzzing with questions: Will I look like a fool if I don’t know how to start? What if I trip or fall getting off the bike? What if my battery dies mid-ride? Will I lose control? Am I using the right gear? Don’t sweat it. I’ve got you covered with 13 essential tips that’ll make you look and feel like a pro from your very first ride.
I’m Lisa at E-biking Today and I’ll admit that I’ve made some embarrassing mistakes when riding an ebike. Today, I’m sharing essential tips to keep you from feeling foolish and embarrassed as a new ebike owner… and I’m also letting you in on some of the shameful, no good, very embarrassing mishaps I had as a new ebike rider.
13 Tips for New E-Bike Riders
1. Know Your E-Bike’s Controls Before You Ride
Imagine sitting on your new e-bike and fumbling to find the power button while everyone watches. Once you’re powered on, you take off, but you don’t move forward quick enough, lose balance and start to fall. You awkwardly try to get off the bike while keeping it from falling over. Embarrassing, right? Don’t worry. You can avoid all of this!
First, take five minutes to locate and understand the essentials: the power button, pedal-assist levels, and brakes before you even get on your ebike. Then, get familiar with your display and be sure you can easily find the pedal assist controls before you ride.
Pro Tips: Practice switching pedal-assist levels while stationary so you don’t panic mid-ride. Begin on pedal assist 1 and only increase to the next level once you feel comfortable and safe. Don’t start off riding uphill or downhill. Stick with a level surface using levels 1 or 2 only for your first few rides.
My Embarrassing moment: I thought I could ride up a steep dirt hill on my new e-bike, only to panic when I didn’t have enough power to succeed. So, I tried to stop, but instead lost control and slid backwards down the hill with the bike on top of me. Other than a few scratches and a hole in my pants, I was fine. So, yeah, stick with riding on flat, solid ground as a newbie.
2. Learn How to Mount and Dismount Gracefully
New riders often struggle to get on and off their e-bikes smoothly, especially since they’re heavier than standard bikes. Practice stepping on and off while holding the brakes to steady the bike. Avoid leaning too much to one side—it’s a quick way to lose your balance.
Pro Tips: Practice getting on and off your bike, even if it has a step-through frame. You can still get tripped up if you don’t lift your leg high enough..
And of serious importance, make sure your hands won’t accidentally hit the throttle while mounting your ebike.
3. Master the Art of Braking
E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, so stopping isn’t as intuitive. Practice using both front and rear brakes evenly to prevent skidding or flipping over. Remember: the front brake is stronger, so squeeze it gently.
Pro Tips: Always brake early when approaching a stop—e-bikes need extra distance to slow down. And practice using your brakes before you get into traffic or around other people or objects.
My embarrassing moment: instead of using the brakes, I tried to maneuver my e-bike around a curb. Needless to say, I didn’t make it and fell flat in front of someone sitting in a car. Shame. Shame. Shame.
4. Adjust Your Pedal Assist Wisely
Pedal assist feels like magic, but it’s easy to overdo it. Keep it low (level 1 or 2) in crowded areas or when riding at slow speeds. Cranking it up to max in the wrong situation can make the bike lurch forward unexpectedly. Increase power prior to riding uphill or when crossing a street, but avoid these situations until you feel confident.
Pro Tip: Start at the lowest assist level and gradually increase it as you gain confidence. Always slow down around pedestrians.
5. Dress for the Ride
Baggy pants caught in the chain? A flip flop grabbed by the spokes? Avoid these rookie mistakes by wearing fitted clothing and proper footwear. No, you don’t have to wear cycling gear, just something comfortable and not baggy. Your shoes should be sturdy and secured to your feet protecting them in an accident. And safety before style people… e-bike helmets are NOT an option.
Pro Tip: To increase visibility, keep your e-bike lights on and use reflective gear when riding in traffic.
6. Practice Starting and Stopping
Starting from a complete stop can be awkward enough, so don’t even attempt it on a slight incline. Choose a flat, quiet area to practice starting smoothly without wobbling. The key is to pedal lightly and use the lowest pedal-assist level.
My Pro Tip: Learn to use your gear shifts. Shifting to a lower gear before stopping will make starting again easier.
7. Respect the Throttle
If your e-bike has a throttle, resist the urge to go full speed as a new ebike rider. Throttling too hard can lead to sudden, jerky movements that may throw you off balance. Practice using the throttle gently and consistently.
Pro Tip: Use the throttle sparingly to preserve battery life. Afterall, you’re on an electric bicycle and pedaling is always nice.
I may get in trouble for telling you this, but here’s Marc’s embarrassing moment: He laid on the throttle too hard up a steep dirt path and did an unexpected wheelie. Fortunately, he’s strong and was able to catch the bike before it went over his head.
8. Plan Your Route
Not all roads and trails are e-bike friendly. Before heading out, research your route for bike lanes, trails, and charging stations. Avoid heavy traffic areas if you’re still gaining confidence.
Pro Tip: Apps like Komoot or Google Maps can help you find e-bike-friendly paths.
9. Understand Battery Range
Don’t assume your e-bike will magically cover 50 miles just because the manufacturer says it has a range of 50 miles. Factors like terrain, pedal assist level, throttle usage, and rider weight affect battery range. Discover your true range by keeping track of mileage while on short rides and always plan a buffer.
Pro Tips: Charge the battery fully before every long ride and use the lowest pedal-assist level whenever possible to conserve battery.
Also, carry your charger with you or invest in a second battery if you’re planning long rides.
10. Secure Your E-Bike
E-bikes are an investment, and they’re a magnet for thieves. Never leave your bike unattended without two or more high-quality locks, like this massive chain lock. For extra peace of mind, consider a GPS tracker or Apple Airtag.
Pro Tip: Consider affordable e-bike insurance… the truth is, professional thieves will take your bike if they want it. You can expect to pay around $100 per year depending on the price of your e-bike and location.
11. Maintain Your E-Bike
A creaky chain or low tire pressure can ruin your ride and your neighborhood reputation. Keep your e-bike in top shape by checking tire pressure, brakes, and chain condition before every ride. Schedule regular tune-ups with a local bike shop.
Pro Tips: Get an air pump with a gauge that displays tire pressure levels. You don’t want to get a pinch flat because the pressure was too low.
Also, oil your chain at least every other month. Use a “wet” lubricant for humid or rainy areas and a “dry” one for arid locales.
12. Kick the Kickstand!
Nothing screams “rookie” louder than trying to pedal away with the kickstand still down. Not only is it embarrassing, but it can also throw you off balance or damage your bike. Always double-check that your kickstand is fully retracted before you hit the road.
Pro Tip: Develop a pre-ride routine: check the kickstand, brakes, and battery before starting every ride. A quick glance can save you from an awkward moment!
And the last of the 13 Must-Have Tips You’d be Embarrassed to Miss…
13. Ride With Confidence
One more tip for newbie riders? Own the road (or trail)! Hesitation can make you look unsure and put you in dangerous situations. Ride with purpose, signal your turns, and follow traffic laws.
Pro Tip: Practice on quiet streets or trails until you feel comfortable riding in busier areas.
Final Thoughts
Your first few outings as a proud e-bike owner should be full of joy, not embarrassment. With these 13 must-have tips as a new ebike rider, you’ll avoid rookie mistakes, ride safely, and build your confidence. Remember, every seasoned rider was a beginner once—what matters most is that you’re out there… enjoying the ride!
Get more new e-bike rider tips here!
