Improve your e-bike riding with 8 simple tricks

Do you remember that feeling when you sat on an electric bike for the first time? That excitement when you used the engine assistance and experienced the ease of driving. But what if it could be improved? In this article, we offer you 8 proven tricks that will help you get even more out of your e-bike.

1. Update the software on your e-bike

Older types of e-bikes are still the same as they were when you bought them. However, modern e-bikes have great advantages - they connect you to the digital world. For example the Bosch eBike System , which is used by hundreds of electric bicycle manufacturers, allows you to update the software in the control unit via a mobile application . This means that the drive system of your e-bike is constantly evolving as the developers of your brand improve it. Just download the application to your mobile phone and then pair it with the e-bike. The application will function as your digital service book, which recognizes that it is your electric bicycle . For example, you can look at:

•         kilometers traveled by bicycle
•         battery capacity
•         what service work has been done so far

In the app, you can adjust the behavior of the e-bike, such as:

•         dynamics of pedaling assistance
•         the amount of help the engine provides you in different driving modes

2. Climb steep hills smoothly

Are you wondering how to go up a steep hill smoothly and safely without the rear wheel slipping?

• The first thing you need to do is to lower the height of the saddle by about 3 to 5 cm from its normal position . This will make getting on the bike much easier.
• Set the assistance to a faster mode in the Driving modes menu . One foot should be on the ground and the other, stronger foot on the pedal.
• Depress the pedal, sit on the saddle and slowly release both brake levers.
• As soon as you move, put the other foot on the pedal and safely climb the hill.

3. Choose the right speed

Using the strongest assist mode in the highest gear (smallest rear cog) is a common mistake. In this setting, the bike's electric drive does not work properly when going uphill.

The correct pedaling cadence (or pedaling speed) should be between 80 and 95 revolutions per minute . You can estimate this using a simple rule of thumb. Imagine a line on the ground: from the moment the front wheel axis crosses it to the moment the rear wheel axis crosses it, the cranks should turn once.

Slow, hard pedaling in the highest gear is not good for the drive, because the motor does not help you enough and pedaling drains the battery. Beginners tend to think that a higher gear means a sportier ride. In fact, a higher cadence not only burns fat faster, but also improves your fitness.

4. Push your e-bike uphill effortlessly

Pushing an e-bike up a steep hill is a waste of energy. Modern electric bicycles have a system that helps you push uphill by pressing a button on the handlebars.

• Choose the side according to whether you are right-handed or left-handed to push the bike comfortably.
• You must hold the button down at all times and maintain sufficient distance from the bike to avoid contact with the pedals as the cranks will continue to rotate when going uphill.
• To increase rear wheel traction, lean your elbows on the seat and put weight on it.
• You can even set the pedaling speed up to 6 km/h using the app.
• The steeper the climb, the better it is to use a lower gear to slow the bike down.

EXIsport tip:

Try the Mondraker full-suspension electric mountain bike . The ebike combines greater stability on technical climbs and uneven terrain with better grip and control. It has Zero Suspension System technology, which has the following main advantages:

•         zero loss of performance
•         zero pedal kickback
•         great ability to absorb any type of unevenness

5. Driving on uneven terrain without hitting an obstacle on the ground

When driving over uneven terrain, such as fallen stones or tall roots, there is a risk of hitting an obstacle on the ground . Thanks to the trick with clicking the pedal, the electric bike will provide you with enough momentum to drive through a rough section without the need to turn the cranks. Just click on the pedals and the e-bike will move forward as if you were pedaling normally.

6. Maintain rear wheel traction on steep grades

Do you remember trying to climb a steep hill, but your back wheel slipped and you fell? You can prevent the rear wheel from skidding by shifting your weight back, but this will cause the front wheel to lift and you will lose coordination again.

There is a simple trick to solve this problem. Lower the saddle by five centimeters, sit down, put weight on the rear wheel and use the rear brake . This will prevent the front wheel from lifting and the engine from running at full power. E-bikers have adopted this practice from kart drivers, who use brakes to maintain traction on the rear driven axle. Although it sounds unlikely, give it a chance and see how surprisingly it works.

7. Increase stability when crossing an obstacle

When crossing an obstacle, it is important to maintain as much stability as possible .

• Before entering the obstacle, switch legs and place the other leg in front of you. This is because your more stable foot will come into play at the critical point of the obstacle where you need it most.
• It is important to find the right cadence, which will help you swing over the obstacle.
• Lighter gears work better than heavier ones.

8. Improve braking efficiency

With the motor in the middle and the battery in the frame tube, e-bikes are heavier than conventional bikes, which increases energy consumption forward when braking in corners .

To turn safely and avoid going straight through the curve, you must brake well in advance and then go through the curve without braking.

Thanks to these tips, you have gained advice on how to enjoy your e-bike ride even more. Now it's up to you to make full use of them. Don't be afraid to try new routes, discover hidden corners and inspire your loved ones.

Author: Gabriel Galeštok

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