Start with the basics: power, pedaling, and braking

An electric bicycle works like a regular bike, but a motor helps you pedal. You control the motor with a throttle or pedal-information setting on the handlebars. The motor only runs when you tell it to — either by twisting a throttle (like a motorcycle) or by pedaling hard enough to trigger the pedal-information sensor. You still brake the same way: squeeze the brake levers, and the wheels slow down. The motor does not brake for you.

The battery sits on the frame, usually near the bottom or rear wheel. It powers the motor and shows you how much charge is left on a small display screen. When the battery runs low, the motor stops working, and you ride like a regular bicycle. Most electric bikes go 20 to 50 miles on a full charge, depending on the motor size, your weight, and how much you use the throttle.

Key Takeaways

  • Electric bicycles require you to pedal or use the throttle to move, and you control the motor power from the handlebars.
  • Braking works the same as a regular bike — squeeze the levers — and some models have regenerative braking that charges the battery slightly as you slow down.
  • Check your local laws before riding, because some places restrict motor power, speed, or where you can ride electric bikes.
  • Start in the lowest pedal-information level to learn how the motor feels and how the bike handles before moving to higher power.
  • Charge the battery after every ride to keep it healthy, and store the bike indoors in cold weather to protect the battery.

Understand throttle versus pedal-information before your first ride

A throttle is a button or twist grip on the right handlebar. Press or twist it, and the motor runs at whatever power level you set, whether you pedal or not. You can coast without pedaling. Throttle bikes are easier to learn on because the motor response is when ready and you control it directly. The downside is that throttle drains the battery faster than pedal-information.

A pedal-information motor only runs when you are actively pedaling. The harder you pedal, the more the motor helps. Most pedal-information bikes have three to five power levels you select from the handlebars — level one gives light help, level five gives maximum help. Pedal-information is more efficient because the motor only works when you are working. It also feels more like riding a regular bike, so the learning curve is gentler if you have ridden a bicycle before.

Some bikes have both throttle and pedal-information. Start with whichever mode feels natural to you. You can switch between them as you ride.

Mount and dismount the same way as a regular bicycle

Swing your leg over the seat and sit down. The extra weight of the motor and battery makes the bike heavier than a regular bike — usually 40 to 70 pounds instead of 25 to 35 pounds — so be ready for that. If you are short or the bike is tall, you may need to lean it more to one side as you mount. Use your toes to touch the ground while seated to steady yourself.

To dismount, slow to a stop, swing your leg over the seat, and step off. The motor will not engage unless you press the throttle or pedal, so you can walk the bike safely. If you need to walk it up a hill or through a crowd, turn off the motor completely using the power button on the display.

Accelerate smoothly and adjust your power level as you ride

If you have a throttle, start by twisting it gently rather than all the way. The bike will accelerate smoothly. Full throttle from a stop can jerk you forward and make the front wheel lift slightly, which is uncomfortable and wastes battery. Twist gradually and let the motor build speed over two or three seconds.

If you have pedal-information, start pedaling at a normal cadence — about 60 to 80 pedal strokes per minute — and the motor will kick in. Start at level one or two. As you speed up and feel comfortable, increase the level. Lower the level when you are going downhill or riding in traffic, because you need more control. Pedal-information will not engage if you are not pedaling, so if you stop pedaling, the motor stops helping when ready.

Most electric bikes have a display screen showing your speed, battery charge, and current power level. Check the battery level every few miles so you do not run out of charge far from home. Many riders aim to arrive home with at least 10 to 20 percent battery left.

Brake earlier and with more gradual pressure than you would on a regular bike

Electric bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, so they need more distance to stop. Start braking earlier than you think you need to — at least 30 feet before a stop sign or red light. Squeeze the brake levers with steady, even pressure rather than grabbing them hard. Grabbing hard can lock the wheels and make you skid, especially on wet pavement.

Some electric bikes have regenerative braking, which means the motor works backward as you brake and sends a small amount of charge back to the battery. You will feel this as a slight drag or resistance when you squeeze the brakes. It does not replace normal braking — you still need to squeeze the levers — but it adds a little range to your battery. Regenerative braking works best on hub motors (motors built into the wheel) rather than mid-drive motors (motors in the pedal area).

If you have both front and rear brakes, use both together. Squeeze the rear brake slightly harder than the front to avoid flipping over the handlebars. Practice braking in an empty parking lot before riding in traffic.

Know the laws in your area before you ride

Electric bicycle laws vary by state, city, and country. Most places in the United States allow electric bikes with motors under 750 watts and top speeds under 28 miles per hour on regular bike paths and roads. Some cities restrict electric bikes to streets only and ban them from parks or trails. A few places require a license or helmet, though most do not.

Check your local city or county website or call your parks department to learn the rules where you live. Some bike shops also know the local laws and can tell you what is allowed. If you plan to ride on trails, ask the trail manager directly — rules can differ between trails in the same city.

Maintain the battery and motor to keep your bike working

Charge the battery after every ride, even if you only used half the charge. Lithium batteries — which power most electric bikes — stay healthier when they are charged regularly rather than fully drained. Plug the charger into a wall outlet and connect it to the battery port on the bike. Most batteries take two to four hours to charge fully. Do not leave the charger plugged in overnight once the battery is full, because overcharging can shorten its life.

Store the bike indoors in winter or cold weather. Lithium batteries lose charge faster in cold and can be damaged by freezing. If you must store it outside, cover the battery with a plastic bag or insulation. Keep the motor and chain clean by wiping them with a dry cloth after wet rides. Do not spray water directly on the motor or battery.

Check the tire pressure and brake pads every month, just as you would on a regular bike. The extra weight of the motor and battery wears tires and brakes faster, so you may need to replace them more often. Most bike shops can service electric bikes, though some charge more for motor repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pedal on an electric bike?

On a throttle bike, no — you can twist the throttle and coast without pedaling. On a pedal-information bike, yes — the motor only helps when you are pedaling. Some pedal-information bikes have a throttle option for hills or emergencies. Check your bike's manual to see which mode you have.

What happens if the battery dies while I am riding?

The motor stops working, and you ride the bike like a regular bicycle. You can still pedal and brake normally. The bike will be heavier and harder to pedal than a regular bike, so plan to walk it if you are far from home. Always charge after every ride so this does not happen.

Can I ride an electric bike in the rain?

Most electric bikes are water-resistant but not waterproof. Light rain is fine. Avoid riding through deep puddles or heavy downpours, and do not spray the motor or battery with a hose. Dry the bike with a cloth after wet rides. If water gets inside the motor or battery, it can cause damage that a bike shop will need to repair.

How do I know if I am riding too fast for the motor?

The motor has a top speed, usually 20 to 28 miles per hour depending on your bike. Once you reach that speed, the motor stops helping and you coast. You can pedal faster than the motor's limit, but you will not get any information. Most displays show your current speed, so you can see when you have hit the motor's limit.

Is it harder to balance an electric bike than a regular bike?

No — balance works the same way. The extra weight is distributed low on the frame, so it does not affect how the bike handles. If you can ride a regular bike, you can ride an electric bike. The main difference is that the bike is heavier, so mounting and walking it takes a bit more effort.