Welcome back to The Senior E-Biker Podcast, I'm your host, Scott, and this is Episode 9: Mastering Your E-Bike: Tips for Confident Riding. Fall is just around the corner, and I hope you’re all out there enjoying the summer, maybe even on your e-bike!
If you're even remotely interested in buying, owning, riding or maintain an e-bike, and especially if you're 55+ well I am your huckleberry.
Today, I want to focus on something super important: building those skills and really growing your confidence on your e-bike. We all started somewhere, and no matter how long you’ve been riding, there’s always something new to learn or refine. F
So, let’s dive right into it. First up, let’s talk about understanding and using those different assist levels effectively. When you first get your e-bike, it’s natural to just stick it in a higher assist level and feel that power. And that’s great! It’s what e-bikes are for. But as you get more comfortable, I encourage you to experiment.
Think of your assist levels like different gears in a car. You wouldn't drive everywhere in first gear, right? The same goes for your e-bike. Your lower assist levels – Eco, Tour, or whatever your bike calls it – are fantastic for extending your range, getting a bit more exercise, and really feeling connected to the ride. They're also great for those times when you don't need a huge boost, like cruising on a flat path.
The higher assist levels, like Sport or Turbo, are your secret weapons for those steeper climbs, getting a quick burst of speed, or when you’re just feeling a bit tired and want an easier ride. The trick is to learn when to switch. I often start in a lower assist, and if I hit a headwind or an unexpected incline, I’ll toggle up for a bit of help, then drop back down when I'm past it. This smooth transition makes for a much more enjoyable and efficient ride. At first, it was something I had to think about - but now - just like it did when I started driving cars, it comes naturally and it's second nature. I no longer have to think about it. It just naturally happens.
Your pedal assist levels usually start low - or around one - and go up to maximum assist around five. Maybe your bike is different but just know the higher the number, the more assist.
Next up, let’s practice those fundamental maneuvers: smooth starting, stopping, and gear shifting. These might seem basic, but mastering them makes a huge difference in how confident and safe you feel.
For starting out, remember to always start in a lower gear. This applies to any bike, but with the added power of an e-bike, it’s even more crucial. You don't want to get a sudden lurch forward. I usually start in a medium gear, say 3rd or 4th, and if I have pedal assist on, I make sure it’s in a lower mode. When you push off, apply gentle pressure to the pedals, and the motor will kick in smoothly. Avoid mashing the pedals right away, especially on higher assist levels. If I am on a hill, I'll jump on and use the throttle just to get the bike up under me and then I start to peddle. This has mostly become habit for me because it just always works. One word of caution - when you're just getting ready to ride and have finished your pre-ride checklist (air in the tires, brakes work, etc.) Grab the right brake lever as you mount the bike. That way it won't be able to take off without you. Release the handle when you are ready to roll.
Once you have started rolling - eventually you will need to stop. Stopping smoothly is all about anticipating and using both brakes. Many people, including me - back when I first started, tend to grab a handful of the rear brake. But the front brake provides most of your stopping power. Practice using both simultaneously, feathering them gently to come to a controlled stop. Look ahead, plan your stop, and gradually apply pressure. A good habit I've developed is to downshift as I'm stopping, so I'm already in a good gear for when I start again. Also note that if you have hydraulic brakes they may work much more aggressively than your old manual bike's brakes. Get used to them before you have to practice a panic stop.
And speaking of gear shifting, it’s a game-changer on an e-bike, just like on a regular bike. Don't be afraid to shift! You want to maintain a comfortable cadence, meaning how fast your legs are pedaling. If you’re struggling to pedal, shift to an easier (lower) gear. If your legs are spinning too fast without much resistance, shift to a harder (higher) gear. And remember, always ease up on the pedal pressure slightly when you shift, especially on an e-bike, to allow the gears to engage smoothly. It prevents wear and tear and makes for a much smoother ride. Just a note - if you always leave your bike in its top gear and rely on more pedal assist to get rolling, that will work, but it will also wear out your sprocket and chain sooner than if you just get used to shifting on a regular basis. There's no right or wrong here. If you prefer to start with a lot of pedal assist and you're more comfortable with that, go for it. Just know it's a little harder on your gear.
Now, let's talk about handling those gentle inclines and descents. Depending on where you live, the terrain may be flat or hilly. If it's hilly you have to deal with the change in road grade.
When you're approaching an incline, think ahead. Shift into a lower gear before you start climbing. This way, you're not fighting the hill in too high a gear. And this is where your e-bike's assist levels really shine. If it's a gentle slope, you might only need a low assist. For something a bit steeper, don't hesitate to bump it up. The goal is to keep pedaling comfortably without feeling like you’re straining too much. Let the motor do some of the work! Maintain a steady pace and look ahead to where you want to go.
For descents, the key is control. Again, use both brakes. Don't drag them continuously, as that can cause them to overheat and become less effective. Instead, apply and release them in short, controlled bursts, especially on longer descents. Look for obstacles, keep your eyes up, and maintain a relaxed grip on the handlebars. If you're going down a very gentle slope, you might even find you don't need to pedal at all – just enjoy the glide!
If you’re looking for safe places to practice these skills, I have a few suggestions. For practicing those smooth starts, stops, and gear changes, an empty parking lot is your best friend. Think about schools on the weekends, or maybe some of the larger shopping center parking lots during off-peak hours. They offer plenty of space to get comfortable without worrying about traffic.
For gentle inclines and descents, many local parks have paved paths that are perfect. Just remember to be mindful of pedestrians and other cyclists.
And since it's late summer, it can get hot out there. When planning your rides, especially for practice, think about shorter, shadier routes. Early mornings or late evenings are your best bet. Look for routes that offer some tree cover, or plan to ride near the arroyos where there might be some natural shade. Staying hydrated is paramount – always carry plenty of water! And consider wearing light-colored, breathable clothing. We want to enjoy our e-bikes safely and comfortably, especially when the temperatures climb.
Before I wrap up, I want to give you a call to action. I challenge each of you, to practice one new skill this week. Maybe it's deliberately trying out all your assist levels on a ride, or perhaps it's focusing on that smooth two-brake stop. Or, like I suggested earlier, try using a lower assist level for a bit longer than you normally would. You might be surprised at how much further you can go and how much more you enjoy the ride.
Remember, every time you get on your e-bike, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow your confidence. ...
