Top 10 Riding Tips for Step-Thru Electric Bikes
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 17, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Step-thru bikes make cycling even more convenient and accessible. Here are my top riding tips to ensure a safe and wheely fun time.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
But once you’re pedaling, there are a few more things to keep in mind. Below, I’ve included my top 10 riding tips specifically for beginner riders and step-thru electric bikes. Whether you’re new to cycling or returning to the sport with an e-Bike, here’s a refresher before you enjoy your next ride.
Top 10 Riding Tips for Step-Thru Electric Bikes
1. Adjust the seat height
2. Adjust the handlebars
3. Look where you want to go
Step-thru bikes do a great job of opening up the upper body so riders can sit and breathe comfortably but with all that freedom of movement, keep your eyes pointed where you’re headed!
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4. Anticipate stopping and dismounting
Instead, slow down gradually and lean slightly before your bike comes to a stop, placing your foot firmly on the ground. If you’re on your tippy-toes when stopped, consider lowering the saddle slightly so you can rest in a more stable position when stopped or at a traffic light.
5. Starting pedal position
6. Throttle can help you get moving
Riders with Class 2 electric bikes can take advantage of the throttle to accelerate from a stopped position. Some e-Bikes have acceleration assistance even if they don’t have a full-on throttle, too. Feather the throttle to get moving slowly and then you can get pedaling like normal. This technique can help riders stay balanced and move forward if they have trouble starting out on the pedals or aren’t so quick to put the power down.
7. Safe riding habits
No matter what bike you ride, it’s important to follow safety best practices. I recently covered the most important tips for riding an electric city bike and there are other considerations if you ride a Class 3 e-Bike in high-traffic areas, too. Use hand signals in traffic, ride predictably, and don’t hesitate to take the space in the road if you need it. Bike lights are crucial for safe night riding and many e-Bikes come with integrated front and rear lights.
8. Wear a helmet and cycling clothing
Always wear a helmet when you ride— it’s as simple as that. You can choose between MIPS or non-MIPS, but a helmet is a must. I also recommend wearing clothing made for cycling which will significantly boost comfort on your ride. There’s a huge range of cycling apparel so you can dress as pro as you’d like or dress down to more casual athletic wear that wicks sweat or provides cushion where you need it (the bum).
9. Understand pedal assist modes
You’ll get the hang of your step through e-Bike as you ride, but it’s worth knowing a bit more about pedal assist modes and how they work. The pedal assist kicks in when the e-Bike’s sensor notices that the rider is pedaling. Cadence sensors sense the rotation of the crank arms while torque sensors measure the rider’s pedaling force.
If you need more assistance on a hill, for example, it may not be enough to simply pedal harder— change into an easier gear so you can maintain your pedaling rhythm and the right amount of assistance will start. E-Bikes are most efficient when they have the mechanical advantage of a bike’s gear system with the added motor.
10. Choose the correct frame size
Last but not least, make sure you get a bike that fits you well. Some step-thru models have a one-size-fits-all approach whereas other bikes come in a few different sizes. What is the best electric bike for your height? Upway makes it easy to search for electric bikes according to rider height and you can check the recommended height range for every model in our inventory, too.
Key Takeaways
- Proper Bike Setup is Crucial: Adjusting the seat height, handlebars, and choosing the right frame size ensures comfort, control, and efficiency while riding a step-thru electric bike.
- Mastering Start and Stop Techniques: Look ahead while riding, anticipate stops, and use the correct starting pedal position or throttle assist to maintain balance and momentum.
- Safety and Riding Habits Matter: Always wear a helmet, use hand signals, ride predictably in traffic, and understand pedal assist modes to enhance your riding experience and safety.
