First time e-ride

[Markxc40]

I'm soon to obtain my e-bike but apart from a couple of trial spins around the shop how and what should I be aware of when I start e-riding for real.

A little background on me, I'm 76 years old reasonably fit but looking to improve on that.

I don't want to have all the kit but no idea so any assists will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mark

 

[AHicks]

Without more detail about things like the type of power (mid drive vs. rear hub for instance) about the only things I can share are pretty much related to a regular analog that you are probably already used to.

Maybe also is that there IS going to be a learning curve in becoming efficient when it comes to getting best available battery range.

 

[Deleted member 18083]

Mark …
Welcome to the EBR Forum.

I think you'll enjoy riding an ebike because having pedal assist will take ten years off your age. At least it will feel like that! (I hope.)

However, there is one aspect of cycling that won't be made easier by swinging your leg over an ebike instead of a regular bike. Yes, it is exactly that, swinging your leg over. Literally!

Every time you ride you'll need to get on and get off, and very likely you'll have to put your feet (plural) on the ground at intersections; so, choose an ebike with this in mind – doubly so, if you have a rear carrier. Think very seriously indeed about choosing a step-through or, at the very least, a step-across frame.

New adventures await you. Have fun!
… David

 

[Marci jo]

Congrats on researching your first ebike. You will feel like you have bionic legs while riding.

My suggestion is test ride a much as possible mounting & dismounting, sudden stops, and how the bike handles at slow speeds and tight turns.

I currently own 2 ebikes both considered mid-step frames. Easy to stand over but I still need to swing my leg over the seat when starting and stopping. My next ebike will for sure be a true step through frame. They are just easier hopping on and off.

Looking forward to a photo of your new ebike!

 

[Al P]

Be aware that ebikes are much heavier than analog bikes so make sure you have your footing if the bike starts to lean at a standstill. I found that out the hard way.

 

[Markxc40]

Thanks all for you suggestions see my above post for e-bike EDIT details.
David, Marci, Al your comments about step through sounds solid advice, of the 2 choices I have one is step through the other is step across so when I go in for a final play this week I'll pay particular attention to stopping, load carrying etc.

Best

 

[Sierratim]

I'd recomend you carry a flat repair kit, and practice using it. I carry steel reinforced tire levers, a spare tube, patches and adhesive, hand pump, and a CO2 inflator with 2-16g cartridges. My normal practice is to swap tubes and fill the new tube with CO2. Makes for a very fast trail side fix. On a bad day, defined as getting a 2nd flat, I'll patch the tube and fill with the pump. Takes longer, but always works. I patch any tubes I swap out back home. Since the CO2 leaks out of the tube I also let this out and refill the tire with my shop floor pump at home. This is all carried in a saddle bag.

I also carry a cycling specific tool. There's a lot of choices but I like the Topeak Alien II mounted on the seat post.

Enjoy your bike.

Ride on.

 

[ruffruff]

e-bike or not I've changed the seat on every bike I've owned. Some multiple times.
I'm currently running a big soft cushy seat on my fat tire and a more slim smaller seat on my mountain bike.

Shop around everyone's preference is different.

 

[Alex M]

There is rarely a reason for an older male not to choose a step-through.
I can think of only 2 reasons: you don't like how step through looks, or you can't find a step through with features that you want for the price you can afford.

 

[Markxc40]

Well thanks all for your helpful suggestions.

Sierratim> that's a comprehensive and complete recommendation listing and one I intend to start with, thanks.
ruffruff> EDIT Yes the seat and helmet are two of the things I intend to give some early thought too. Sena helmets best for built in comms,
Alex> Yes spot on Alex I was a little wary of looking a somewhat like Marry Poppins on a step through and yes some had features missing.
After looking at Cube they have most models in all three frame variants, I'm also more understanding of the step through for the older male but I may go for in betweeny trapeze one.

Thanks all there's still a lot for me to understand.

 

[ruffruff]

If you are going to ride with someone get the Sena helmets with build in communications.
They work great and my wife and I love them.