Unlike a conventional bike, an electric bike has a control for the throttle. It boosts your speed so you can travel faster with less effort. Different ebike models have varying throttle designs ranging from automatic pedal assist throttle to button or twist handle throttle. Thus, you should first decide which throttle design feels most comfortable before you pick and ride your electric bike. Now pedal assist throttle is common with full suspension mountain bikes where you need to concentrate on the riding and not on the throttle. the throttle automatically adds power when you pedal. Button and twist handle throttles are more common in regular electric bikes.
A button-type throttle may suit you if you feel more comfortable with a steady bike grip. The accelerator button is usually located on the handle where your thumb would be. With this type of throttle, you don’t have to turn the handlebars to adjust your speed.
Alternately, a twist throttle works similarly to a motorcycle. You can control your speed by turning the handlebar. Depending on how much you turn your throttle, you can either speed up or slow down.
If you’re looking for a suitable electric bike model for your needs, you can check out this website for more options.
After choosing your electric bike, here are some ways to enjoy riding it:
Riding An Electric Bike With A Throttle
Once you pick your bike model, the next thing you should do is test it out. You may need some practice before going on longer cycling sessions, especially if you haven’t ridden an electric bike before. Although most of its controls and functions are similar to a conventional bike, you may need to practice to feel more comfortable with the added features.
For instance, you may be startled by the added speed your throttle will contribute to your cycling session. If you’re not used to quickly accelerating, you may lose your balance while on the bike.
So, you should practice using your throttle a few times to get a better sense of it. If you have a button type accelerator, try pressing it slightly to see how much you’d speed up. Once you’re more comfortable, you can increase your speed.
On the other hand, if your bike has a twist handle throttle, you should find a comfortable grip as you need to hold on tightly at all times. If you retract your hand from the throttle, your bike may slow down too quickly and cause you to fall. Hence, you must practice before hitting the road to avoid any accidents.
Ride On Even Terrain
One advantage of riding an electric bike with a throttle is that you won’t need to exert too much effort when cycling on various terrains. Some models have a pedal-assist feature and a throttle, making it easier for riders to cycle on elevated or uneven roads. However, before you venture outdoors and go to different places with your bike, you should first practice on even terrain.
Riding on a flat road is an excellent way to assess your bicycle’s performance. It’ll also allow you to make any adjustments before going on longer trips. Additionally, taking this step will help you spot any bike problems.
Use The Right Gear
Like other outdoor activities, riding a bike also has some risks. So, it’s helpful to equip yourself with the proper cycling accessories to stay comfortable and avoid accidents.
For instance, you should wear a helmet whenever you ride your electric bike to protect your head if you fall. It’s also helpful to pick the right shoes and outfit if you usually take your bike on longer rides.
Other Considerations
Besides the throttle, there are other considerations you need to keep in mind when riding an electric bike. These aspects may affect your riding experience, which is why you should check these features before hitting the road.
Bike’s Height
The height of your bike will affect your comfort once you’re cycling. If your bicycle is too high, your feet may not reach the ground. On the other hand, if you use a model that’s too small, you may not have enough legroom to pedal. Accordingly, you should test a bike and see whether its dimensions fit you. Some units have adjustable seats which you can raise or lower down to suit your height better. When it comes to pedaling your leg should be extended in the knee at the the most bottom point of the pedal cycle.
Bike’s Weight
The material of your electric bike will affect how much it weighs. You must take into account that electric bikes will be heavier that regular bikes due to the motor and the extra battery that you carry with you. That being said, the build quality and the materials used will still play a big role in the final weight of your electric bike. A heavier bike is harder to maneuver which is especially important with mountain bikes. For riding in the city crowded streets also might need some extra maneuvering. Otherwise, for easy riding in the city or over flat dirt roads weight is not that much of an issue. Weight also plays a role when you need to lift the bike, so this is also something to think about. Typical occasions when you need to lift the bike are: putting the bike in or on your car for transport, taking your bike up to your apartment using stairs etc…
Final Thoughts
Riding an electric bike with a throttle has a lot of advantages, especially if you cycle often. But before you go on rides, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind first. This way, you’ll have a smoother cycling session wherever you may go.