Testing an e-bike for the first time?
E-bike for the first time testing? Here is what to pay attention and not to worry aboutTo.
When you first test the e-bike but are not sure how to properly test it? Don’t panic – it’s not like buying a car where you have to pretend that you know what a torque or catalytic converter means. E-bicycles are much simpler and most stores are happy to give you a spin. But it helps to know what to pay attention to – and what you can safely ignore.
Here is a novice-friendly guide to testing the e-bike for the first time (no Lycra or vocabulary is needed). However, I recommend wearing nice pants or shorts and a couple of coaches. And ask for a helmet or take one with you.
1. Don’t be shy – ask questions
To begin with, tell the seller what riding you actually do. Do you commute? Pooting in the city? Touring in the countryside? Or are you going to the rougher landscape? They can direct you to the right type of wheel-the here is not suitable for everyone. And no question is frankly too stupid.
If you haven’t done so already, read my blog first so you can be ready.
The store team is ready to answer all the questions, so please do not hesitate to ask. What questions should you ask? Here are some examples of the questions I asked: How fast does it go? How far can I go? How difficult is it? What is the engine and what battery? What do these two things do? How does the “helper” work? What are the levels of ‘assistance’? How to change the level of assistance? Do I have to use a “helper”? What does “help” actually mean? How many moves do you have? Can you really get uphill easily? If you are not sure, please ask. This is not a cheap purchase and that is, you want to get the right thing to get out of this fantastic machine.
2. Make a convenient
Before zooming in, take a moment to make it nice:
- Adjust the height of the saddle so that your foot is slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal.
- Make sure you can easily reach the brakes and the control iron.
- If it seems crazy or too high, ask for a pinch – this is not a bravery test.
Also, make sure how engine aid works. Most e-bikes have a simple control system with help levels such as EcoTo do, Excursionand TurboTo. Try them all out – you won’t break anything, let it.
3. Test help (it’s a little fun!)
Its whole point The e-bike is a small electric breed. So, find a short mountain or long stretch and play with different help levels. (The explanation of the levels can be found in point 5). You should feel a noticeable impetus on the pedal, especially in higher settings. It’s a bit like when someone gives you a steady impetus, but they never get tired or moaning.
Does the engine hit smoothly? Is it noisy or quiet? Does it seem natural as your feet just got stronger? That’s what you want.
4. Test brakes
E-foot bikes are heavier than regular bikes and they also go faster. Good brakes are essential. Try testing some delicate stops and then firm – nothing dramatic, just make sure it is all reactive and safe.
5. See the screen (but not too much)
Most e-bikes have a small screen showing speed, battery level and auxiliary mode. Many ebiks in Europe use Bosch Motor and have 4 assistance levels – Eco = Lowest, Tour = Medium, Turbo = Highest and EMTB = which is like owning an automatic car, it sets what power you need. Don’t worry if it looks like a spacecraft control panel. You will learn the basics quickly and you don’t have to understand all on the first day.
6. Drive how You Drives
This is the key. Don’t just go around the circles. Drive with it in real life – start, stop, go up the slope, turn the corners, go slowly, go quickly, get forward and down. If you can’t turn your leg around, go to the step-through frame. There is no point in throwing it out or hip just because you are too proud to buy the right bicycle. Ask yourself, do you plan to wear bags on a bike trip or from your weekly store? Then talk to the sales team to see if they can jump on the shelf to feel extra weight.
Final thought
Trust your instincts. If the bicycle feels good – reasonable, reactive and fun – you are to the winner. Don’t let the weird seller talk to something that doesn’t seem quite right. If you need time to think, take it. A good ebike seller is patient and takes time to answer all his questions. They want you to have a great experience so you can recommend them in the future to others.
E-bike testing is for exciting, not scary. Take the time, enjoy the ride and ask as many questions as you want. You don’t just buy a bicycle – you buy more time outdoors, with simpler hills and bigger smiles.
