As we reach summer and warmer months ahead, many e-bike riders will already be dreaming of warm, idyllic rides, longer days, and smoother journeys less likely to be interrupted by unexpected showers.
Exploration can quickly turn to exasperation in the heat, though, with soaring temperatures turning a joyride into a sweaty slog that easily verges into overheating or uncomfortable territory.
We're passionate about helping you to find safe, comfortable ways to continue enjoying your e-bike journeys in style, which is why we've gathered five essential tips to keep you cool and smiling on your summer e-bike excursions.
1.Take a weight off your shoulders
Nothing quite compares to the discomfort of wearing a backpack while e-biking in the summer.
Beyond the additional strain that backpacks put on your shoulders and back, they also seem to be a magnet for sweat during summer rides, making an already stifling experience even more uncomfortable.
Pannier bags are the perfect way to not only take a weight off your shoulders but also keep the sweat off your back and make your e-bike safer and more stable.
Pannier bags generally have more space and specialised compartments (e.g., laptop sleeves) to keep your belongings organised and adequately protected, particularly since they are often water-resistant.
Plus, having a back rack with a pannier bag means that you can store all of your summer essentials conveniently, including sunscreen, water, and even a picnic if you're planning on a scenic journey!
2.Pick the perfect time to ride smarter and cooler
Riding your e-bike in summer is all about timing — between 14:00 and 17:00 is when temperatures generally peak and UV rays are at their highest.
To avoid stifling hot weather and potential sunburn and exhaustion, it's best to plan your rides for the early morning or late evening to avoid the period of peak sun exposure.
This has multiple benefits! Firstly, the air is cooler and the sun is less intense when riding, making the experience overall more comfortable. Secondly, these times can often mean less road traffic, which streamlines your journey.
Lastly, high temperatures can negatively impact your e-bike's battery performance, so opting for early morning or late evening rides can help maintain your e-bike's battery range and overall performance!
3.Keep you (and your battery) cool
As we mentioned above, battery maintenance is a key consideration during warmer weather.
Li-ion batteries can be particularly sensitive to extremely high temperatures, which can cause reduced travel range on a single charge if the battery is exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period (e.g., leaving your e-bike outside in the sun for long durations).
Additionally, prolonged heat exposure can permanently degrade your e-bike's battery capacity and shorten its overall lifespan, impacting charge cycles and performance in the long term.
With this in mind, it's important to store your e-bike somewhere cool during the warmer months and be sure to keep it in shaded areas when you're taking breaks during summer journeys.
4. Stay hydrated
Did you know that cyclists can have sweat rates between 0.5-2.0 litres per hour, depending on environmental factors and ride intensity? This is likely to be even higher during the hottest months of the year.
Maintaining hydration is a massive safety consideration for e-bike riders in summer, particularly since dehydration can cause multiple issues such as overexertion, fatigue, heat stroke, and muscle cramps.
It's important to bring water on your journeys in summer, whether you're storing your water in the bottle cage of your e-bike or a pannier bag.
We'd also recommend avoiding drinking coffee in the morning prior to journeys so that you're less likely to get dehydrated.
Make sure to drink before, during, and after your ride to maintain hydration!
5. Make sunscreen your best friend!
It might sound like common sense, but plenty of riders have been caught out by forgetting their sunscreen, and the subsequent sunburn is no joke (particularly when it can make getting back on your e-bike the next day so uncomfortable!).
Be sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outside. The back of the neck, ears, collarbones, and hands are areas that can be commonly forgotten, though they are highly exposed when riding, so take care to include these areas as well.
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours to maintain protection, or more frequently if you're sweating heavily or wiping your face often.
Top tip: Opt for lightweight, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses for additional protection!
Stay smart for smooth riding this summer
Hotter days shouldn't mean hanging up your e-bike keys!
By being strategic and considerate, you can be sure to stay cool and protected this summer and enjoy all of the nature and seasonal charm that summer has to offer.
Remember: pack smart, be diligent about sun protection, choose the right time of day, and be mindful of hydrating and maintaining your e-bike battery.
You'll be conquering the heat and enjoying your easy-breezy ride in no time! And if you've not already snatched up one of our stylish TENWAYS rides yet, be sure to browse and look at our summer-inspired colours too (like the CGO600 Pro New Edition in the delectably fresh Mint Green colourway).
