Introduction
You want to enjoy the summer scenery and get out on your e-bike to go wherever the road takes you… But first, you want to make sure your e-bike is in tip-top shape.
This is our handy 5-minute guide to building your confidence when cycling in summer, giving you the habits you need to keep your rides smooth and reliable.
Here's how you keep yourself and your e-bike in great condition for every journey, with only a few simple changes.
Quick pre-ride checks
Setting aside 5 minutes once a week for pre-ride checks will keep your e-bike more reliable and give you peace of mind on longer summer journeys, so that you can enjoy the weather without ride-related anxiety.
Check each area as follows:
- Tyres: Are your tyres firm when pressing them? (If not, they may require air). Check for any visible cuts or sharp objects stuck in the tyres, too.
- Battery: Check your charge level, and avoid storing the battery or e-bike in direct sunlight.
- Brakes: Squeeze both of your brake levers while standing still to ensure they feel firm, not soft or spongy.
- Lights and bell: Check your front and rear lights by turning them on and off, and ring the bell to make sure it's working properly.
- Overall cleanliness: Give your e-bike a quick wipe with a damp cloth and dry down with a microfibre cloth to avoid build-up over time.
Take care of yourself
It's not just your e-bike that needs a bit of TLC to make summer journeys more pleasant!
Here's how to make sure every ride is comfortable and safe for you in summer:
- Keep a water bottle handy to take sips regularly, especially on hotter days.
- Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before leaving the house on all exposed areas, paying attention to your face, ears, neck (especially the back!), hands and arms.
- Switch up your riding posture occasionally to stay comfortable and avoid stiffness.
- Use a higher assistance level on hills to reduce strain on your knees and the motor.
- Stop for regular breaks, whether it's you or your e-bike that needs to cool off — it's the perfect chance to enjoy some of the scenery, too.
Listen to your e-bike when cycling
Sometimes, when issues arise with your e-bike, your e-bike will make noises to tell you what might be wrong.
Before long, you might be able to recognise these issues when you hear them.
- Squeaking or grinding: This usually indicates that your brakes need looking at, or a dry chain that needs lubricating.
- Clicking noises: The usual suspects for this type of noise are a loose pedal, small debris like a stone stuck in the tyre, or a slightly loose spoke.
If you hear an unusual sound whilst riding your e-bike, find a place to stop and take a calm look at the wheels, chain, and brake pads.
If you can't see anything obvious, there's no need to panic! Visiting your local e-bike shop or getting in touch with your e-bike brand's customer service before your next ride is the best next step for peace of mind.
Simple habits save you time to enjoy summer properly
By conducting pre-ride checks once a week, taking care of yourself, and listening for any unusual noises, you can fully appreciate the summer on your e-bike with confidence and peace of mind… and it only takes 5 minutes!
If your current e-bike needs more than a 5-minute check or isn't performing as smoothly as you'd like for longer rides this summer, it might be time for something fresh and new.
Why not explore our range of effortless e-bikes to keep enjoying scenic adventures all summer long?
