Top 10 Tips for Riding a City E-Bike

Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 15, 2024 | Time to read 5 min

I’m convinced that electric bikes are the future of urban transportation— and I’m not alone. Commuting by bike is more popular than ever and US cities are gradually becoming more bike-friendly with better bike lanes, cycling paths, and parking. Electric city bikes provide a helpful boost to navigating urban environments with ease. Below, I’ve dropped the top 10 tips on how to ride an electric bike that’ll transform the way you get across town.

Distracted riding is dangerous riding. Avoid the temptation to use your phone while you ride. Phone mounts can help display maps while keeping both hands on the handlebars. Don’t use headphones while riding either as this blocks out surrounding noises that cyclists use to stay safe. For example, cyclists may call out to inform others that they’re about to pass, and we can hear cars approaching from behind.

A helmet and bike lock are must-haves when riding in the city. Riding near cars and other cyclists means there can be a higher risk of crashes, and helmets are proven life-savers. Use a high-quality lock when securing your bike— electric bikes can be a target for thieves because of their higher value, so it’s important to use proper locking techniques. In addition to high-quality electric bikes, Upway sells all your essential accessories like helmets, locks, lights, bags, and more.

Riding safely through the city and surrounding areas is all about communication. Use clear hand signals to indicate your next move to other cyclists and motorists, whether it’s making a turn, changing lanes, or coming to a stop. Many commuter e-Bikes even have integrated turn signals or automatic brake lights that can help with this. Using signals and bright lights lets others know that you take road safety seriously and it shows— by demonstrating that you respect their safety as well, they may be more likely to respect your space.

Stay alert and anticipate what’s going on around you as you ride. Urban riding can be chaotic and full of unexpected events, but getting used to the rhythm of the city will help you enjoy the ride and remain safe. The more you ride, the more you’ll be able to read the traffic and anticipate what other cyclists and motorists are about to do. Analyzing turn signals, a door that’s about to open, a jaywalking pedestrian, and more allows you to stay in control.

Don’t be afraid to “boss your lane” and take up the necessary space to be safe. Command the road by riding predictably and with enough space between you and the curbs, street gutters, and “the door zone”. Having sufficient room on either side lets you make adjustments if something comes up, like a merging car or an unexpected pothole. If a car needs to overtake you, they’ll have to go around instead of trying to squeeze by using the same lane.

Taking a few moments to plan your route can pay off big time while traversing the city streets. Navigation apps like Google Maps have great “cycling modes” that display bike paths and preferred routes, along with real-time traffic that can save you precious minutes. 

I’ve learned about some great shortcuts and new bike lanes thanks to blindly following Google Maps’ directions— that said, you know your area best and shouldn’t always rely on a robot for route recommendations. I used to work with a bike mechanic who never rode his commute in the same way twice— sometimes a bit of exploration goes a long way to have fun and help us get to know our cities.

Make sure you have enough charge to get where you’re going, and hopefully, there’s enough juice for the return trip too. Of course, you can pedal electric bikes without assistance if the battery runs out. Charge your e-Bike after every ride and consider long-range electric bikes if you have an especially lengthy commute or have high-mileage habits.

Get the most out of your electric bike by understanding the pedal assist levels and gears. The lowest pedal assist levels offer a small boost and won’t drain the battery as much as the faster speeds. When going uphill, you can shift into a lower gear which allows the motor to deliver power while staying in its ideal rpm window. These riding tips help preserve long-lasting motor health and extend your range on every ride.

Pedaling through the streets is the best way to explore the city, and the riding tips above empower cyclists to stay safe and comfortable. If you’re hesitant about riding a bike in the city, you’re not alone— busy traffic and fast cyclists can seem intimidating at first. But the best urban e-Bikes and better bike infrastructure have made our cities more welcoming to cyclists! Keep my recommendations in mind as you take your bike for a spin around the neighborhood or across town.