How to Start Commuting on an Ebike

Are you sick and tired of getting stuck in traffic jams? Perhaps the cost at the pump is leaving a dent in your budget? Or maybe you’d like to do your part for the planet, by switching to a more eco-friendly mode of transport?

Enter the commuter electric bike (e-bike). Powered by an electric motor and long-range battery, riding an Ebike enables you to get from A to B with less sweat and effort than a traditional pedal bike. You also enjoy tremendous cost savings by avoiding the need to pay fuel, parking, or transport fares.

In this article, we will cover all you need to know about commuter Ebikes. We’ll discuss what they are, how to choose the right one for you, and share tips on how to start riding one.

What is a Commuter Ebike?

A commuter Ebike is a bicycle powered by an electric battery, motor, sensor, and controller. The battery supplies power to the electrical components, while the sensor detects the pedalling motion and instructs the motor rotate the pedals. If the Ebike has a throttle, the system will allow the rider to propel forward without pedalling with a twist or press.

Commuter Ebikes are renowned for their comfort, safety, and energy-efficiency. They have an ergonomic seating position, which encourages you to adopt an upright sitting position and maintain a safe posture during rides.

They also have long-range batteries to help you travel to and fro without recharge worries, and powerful motors to help you climb steep hills with ease.

Best of all? Riding an Ebike is good for you, with notable health benefits being its ability to improve muscle engagement and heart health, similar to riding on a traditional bike.

Choosing the Right Ebike for Your Commute

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right Ebike for your commute:

• Weight – Lightweight electric bikes typically possess aluminium frames. Carbon fiber frames are lighter but also have a higher price tag. The Heybike EC-1 is an aluminium frame Ebike weighing a mere 19.2kg, making it easy to manoeuvre in urban settings like congested city streets.
• Travel range – Most commuter Ebikes have a travel range of 50 to 65 miles (80 to 110 km). Keep in mind that an Ebike with a high-capacity battery will most likely have a more powerful motor. This could result in a heavier frame and a bulkier ride.
• Safety features – Common safety features for commuter Ebikes are front headlights, hydraulic disc brakes, and backlit colour displays.In low visibility, the front headlight helps illuminate the path ahead and allows you to be seen by others, while the hydraulic disc brakes offer precise stopping power.
• Motor power – The average wattage on an Ebike motor is between 250 and 750W. Less powerful motors are lighter and consume less energy, while more powerful motors are heavier and consume more energy. Most e-commuters don’t typically need a wattage higher than 500W for daily commuting.

Getting Started: First Rides & Building Confidence

The first step to becoming a confident rider is to prepare for the trip. This means becoming acquainted with your Ebike’s basic controls, and learning how to mount and dismount safely.

Familiarising Yourself With the Controls

Take the time to become familiar with the controls on your Ebike, including the pedal assist mode and gearing system.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the Ebike, and refer to any official video tutorials published online by the company.

Many Ebike manufacturers also have a dedicated help center on their website, providing maintenance and troubleshooting tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

The majority of commuter Ebikes have a manual gearing system, but if you would prefer an automatic gearing system, consider the Heybike EC Compact City. It has an automatic 3-speed hub that takes care of gear shifting for you. This means you can relax and enjoy the ride, without worrying about changing gears.

Start With Simplicity

When riding an Ebike for the first time, learning how to use each function at once can be overwhelming.

The key to overcoming this problem is to take it one step at a time, learning how each system works separately and understanding what to do in specific situations. By doing so, you’ll be able to use the controls fluently without taking your eyes off the path ahead for too long, if at all.

Some useful beginner tips for Ebikes include:

• On flat terrain, set the Ebike to the lowest pedal assist mode, to prevent launching too quickly from an idle position.
• Ride gently on different terrains and inclines, getting a feel for which gear and pedal assist levels that can be used in different situations.
• Check your Ebike’s tyre pressure, chain lubricant, and braking performance before each ride.

Mounting & Dismounting Safely

To mount and dismount safely from your rEbike, ensure the seat is at a comfortable height. While seated, the heel of your foot should be able to easily touch the ground while you extend your leg to the ground.

Before you get on and off your Ebike, turn off the motor. Otherwise, you may accidentally trigger the pedal assist or throttle. This could cause the Ebike to accelerate forward before you've properly dismounted or mounted the bike.

Planning Your Commute Route

To plan your commute route, use real-time navigation software like Google or Apple Maps. Use the software on your smartphone to choose your start and end point, and add any pit stops along the way. For our money, though, we recommend the official Heybike

app. Aside from being able to plan your route, you can also use the Heybike app to record and share your route with other riders. You can also use the Heybike app to monitor the status of your registered Ebike, adjust the settings, or provide more specific adjustments like changing the top speed of each pedal assist level.

Safety & Etiquette

Staying safe and abiding by the rules is vital to an enjoyable ride. Take the time to become familiar with your regional Ebike laws. In the UK, you must be 14 or older to legally ride an Ebike. You do not need a license nor does the Ebike need to be registered, taxed, or insured in order for you to ride one.

Most parts of the UK that permit the use of traditional pedal bikes also permit the use of Ebikes. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Refer to your local councils’ and national parks’ Ebike laws for clarification.

Even though it’s not required by law, we encourage you to always wear a safety helmet while riding your Ebike. Wear a helmet that meets the BSEN1078 standard for bicycle helmets in the UK. This European Standard sets out specific requirements and testing methods for helmets used by people who ride pedal bicycles.

Final Thoughts

With the cost of private and public transport taking its toll on the economy and the planet, a commuter Ebike is an affordable and eco-friendly alternative. They are easier to ride than a traditional pedal bike, and they help you arrive at your destination with more energy and less sweat.

Take your e-cycling experience to the next level. Explore our full electric bike range at Heybike today. We guarantee you’ll find a model that suits your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Happy cycling!