What Adults Must Know About Riding an Electric Bike

Whether you’re an experienced biker, or the last time you were on a bike was when you were a kid, getting on an electric bike can be a new and different experience from what you’re used to with a strictly pedal-powered bike. An electric bike like the EVRYjourney is easy to ride, but there are differences you should know about getting on and zooming into your day. One way or the other, though, bike riding is an excellent choice for pumping less pollution into the air while also getting some more exercise and still being able to get where you want to go and do what you want to do. Riding an electric bike is both fun and practical. So, here’s what adults should know about riding an electric bike for the first time, and beyond:

How to Pick the Right Electric Bike for You

Ergonomics and comfort are primary considerations for everyone who wants to ride any bike, let alone an electric bike. Getting the right fit is essential no matter which type of bike you choose. What’s comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another, so it’s important to find a bike that is adjustable so that it fits your personal needs while putting little if any strain on your joints or your back while riding, especially if you like to go for long bike rides. Men and women also often prefer different bike styles, so that is another consideration. One of the most ergonomically designed, comfortable electric bikes out there is the EVRYjourney.

The frame is designed to enable riders to simply step through without having to lift a leg or climb into position, as is the case with many other bikes. It can be adjusted for people between 5 feet and 6 feet, 4 inches tall, and up to 300 pounds. The sitting position is completely neutral, enabling you to sit completely straight up and down for an optimal spinal position. The handlebars swoop toward you so that you can simply grab them without leaning over them. This reduces stress on your arms and shoulders. And the pedals are positioned forward so that you get a good leg extension for pedaling but don’t have to strain your knees or hips in the process.

A lot of people who have not ridden a bike in a while feel insecure about the balancing act needed to stay upright on a traditional bike, but the EVRYjourney removes this worry with its low center of gravity. And if you have balance issues, stability is a big worry that keeps people away from cycling again. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem with the EVRYjourney because you simply step through to sit down, and the weight of the bike is lower to the ground, it’s much easier to balance. This makes the bike safer because it significantly lowers the risk of tipping over and falling off. You can easily just put both feet on the ground when stopped, and you won’t have to lean over to one side to get just one foot on the ground.

And speaking of comfort, another thing that keeps people off of electric bikes is the fear of an uncomfortable seat. Nobody wants to go on a bike ride sitting on the brick-like bike seats that are so common. Fortunately, the EVRYjourney has a larger, well-padded bike seat that adequately cushions the posterior for a smooth, comfortable ride all around. The handlebar grips are also big and cushioned for an easy, secure grip, even if your hands get a little sweaty.

Know Your Battery Range and Speed

Electric bikes are a great way to decide how much exercise you want to get on your commute to work, on your way to pick up groceries, or while you’re just taking a ride through the park. Whether you plan to use the battery all the way, or you want to pedal for part of the time, you should plan your route and know how much of that route will use the motor, and how long the battery for the motor will last. You’ll need to know too, when it’s best to charge the battery, or if it’s OK to leave it unplugged for a while. Planning ahead is always a good way to go.

For the EVRYjourney, a 500-watt rear hub motor will take you 20 miles without you having to pedal, or 40 miles if you use the pedal-assist mode where you and the motor team up together. Typically, when using the motor by itself, you can go 20 miles per hour, but on pedal-assist, you can go all the way up to 28 miles per hour. Knowing these details can help you plan your day efficiently.

Even if you do run out of battery, you can still pedal, but if you’re tired at the end of the day and not in the mood, it’s nice to know that your battery still has juice and that you can let the bike do the work for you. So just keep an eye on the display and it should indicate what your battery range is.

Know the Best Riding Surfaces for Your Bike 

There are bikes built for heavy-duty mountain biking, and there are bikes best built for commuting and firm trail use. It’s best to know what kind of riding you want to do before choosing a bike. The EVRYjourney has been optimized with 26-inch wheels that have 1.95-inch tires designed for an easy, shock-absorbed roll on pavement or hard-packed trails. It’s best to avoid rocky or sandy areas in this case as it could damage the wheels or the tires could get stuck in the sand. For most people who simply want to leave the car at home when they go to work, shopping, visiting friends, etc., a stable, ergonomically-designed electric bike is exactly the thing they need to stop burning gas and enjoy getting out and about more, with just the right amount of exercise they want.

Start off Slow

It’s important, on your first electric bike ride, to simply start slowly. Riding an electric bike is a bit different because it can go a lot faster than a traditional bike. As you start to pedal, the motor can get you going a lot faster than you’d expect, so try it out in a safe area like a park or a parking lot first to get an idea of how the speed picks up so you know what to expect before you head off into traffic.

Understand Your Brakes 

Again, taking a test drive at the park or in a parking lot without any traffic is a good idea both for starting and for learning how to stop. The EVRYjourney has both rear and front disc brakes that you control on the handlebars. They stop very promptly, so it’s important to get a feel for how they work before going out onto a busy road.

Always Focus on Safety

If you’re getting an electric bike for commuting, be sure to know how traffic laws apply to you—because they do! Always wear a helmet and follow all safety precautions. Be extra aware of cars around you on all sides (the EVRYjourney has mirrors, lights, and safety accessories that you can attach to the bike to make that easy. Also, be aware of riding conditions like weather and traffic that might impact your ride that day. And never forget to bring extra water, a first-aid kit, and some extra snacks!

Knowing a little more about what to expect when riding an electric bike can help adults who haven’t been on a bike for a while to rediscover the joy of cycling!