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AVOID These E-Bike Mistakes! | EMTB Tips & Tricks
Mistakes are a part of life, but when it comes to your EMTB, mishaps can be a costly headache! Luckily, Chris Smith is here to run you through how to avoid some of the most common mistakes made! There are even a few of his own personal mistakes thrown in for good measure! 🤦♂️ 👀
Buying an electric bike? Do you want to avoid these common mistakes? Here’s how to get started with your new purchase. In this article, we’ll talk about choosing a model, range, and braking system. And we’ll touch on braking when it comes to a motorcycle. A few other common mistakes to avoid when buying an e-bike are discussed in this article, too.
Buying an e-bike
When purchasing an electric bike, make sure you do your research. Many people buy one based on its look, but it might not be the best option for them. Some people also buy one based on its battery range, but there are different models with different capabilities. Read reviews before you buy and be realistic about your riding needs. You might need to pay extra for a larger battery to achieve the range you want.
Another mistake people make when buying an e-bike is not paying attention to the specs. There are many different parts to an electric bike, and cheap models are often made with inferior components. Be sure to read reviews and look for company guarantees before you buy. Before purchasing an electric bike, you should also know how to ride one. Identify what speed you like and how far you want to ride. Also, keep in mind the terrain and steepness of hills.
Investing in an e-bike requires an investment of several thousand dollars. While it may seem like a relatively low investment when compared to the cost of a car, it’s important to protect yourself from accidents with it. If you’re not careful, you could end up seriously damaging your new e-bike or causing it to completely break down. Therefore, it’s essential to get insurance for your new e-bike. Insurance policies protect you from collisions, damages, liability, and even theft.
You’ve also probably noticed that most E-bikes have internal batteries. Although this is possible for long commutes, you may need to recharge them frequently. It’s a good idea to get an externally mounted battery if you plan to park your E-bike outdoors. The advantage of externally mounted batteries is that you can remove the battery while you park it. Also, externally mounted batteries have the advantage of being safer against theft and easier to charge.
Choosing a model
Before buying an e-bike, you must determine its primary use and how often you plan to use it. Some e-bikes are suitable for road use only, while others can also be folded to fit in the trunk of a car. The primary use of an e-bike will determine the type of assistance it offers. Other features to consider include its budget. Listed below are some tips that can help you choose the right model.
Choosing a range
There are a few different factors that come into play when choosing a range for an e-bike, so it’s important to compare models and the assistance level of each one. Batteries with higher energy density will give you longer range, but they also tend to be heavy. When comparing models, choose those with the same level of assistance. Choosing a range for an e-bike is equally as important as its speed.
Braking
One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when operating an E-bike is not lubricating the brake discs properly. If you do this, you risk preventing the friction necessary for your brakes. This can lead to severe problems when you’re traveling at high speeds. Also, if you forget to lubricate your chain, you may end up disengaging the brake wires.
Another mistake to avoid is purchasing the wrong brake pads. If you buy non-metallic brake pads, your e-bike will have a tough time braking properly. To avoid this, make sure to purchase metallic brake pads and ask a mechanic or electric bike store owner for advice. By paying close attention to your surroundings while riding, you’ll avoid the common e-bike mistakes. In addition to the right brake pads, you also need to check the cable tension.
Aligning the caliper is also a critical step in achieving high e-bike braking performance. Aligning the caliper properly ensures that all pistons are working effectively on the rotor. Also, make sure to properly tighten the adapter. These are all simple, but crucial steps in ensuring high-quality braking performance. You should also check that the tires are free of purples or worn out. By practicing proper e-bike braking technique, you can maximize the performance of your electric bicycle brakes.
If your brakes are squeaking or making a grinding noise, they may be contaminated. If they’re dirty or too worn out, clean them first. If the noise persists, check for possible misalignment by spinning the wheel and listening for the sound. If there’s rubbing or scraping sound, realign the brake caliper by loosening the mounting bolts. Once you’ve adjusted the lever, you can repeat the process until the noise stops.
Leaving your e-bike without electricity
If you’re traveling and you’ve left your e-bike unplugged, it may be tempting to charge it in the same location you left it, but that can be a risky proposition. Not only can it be difficult to ride, but a battery dead on your e-bike also makes it less attractive to thieves. Here are some tips for protecting your bike:
Don’t worry: there’s a solution. Electric bikes are still usable even when they’re not powered up. You’ll still have pedal assistance, but it will be much harder to pedal. If your e-bike has hydraulic brakes, you can use them to slow down or stop. Regardless of which solution you use, make sure to have a backup battery, or consider getting a new one.