Beginner Tips for Cargo E-Bike Riders: Tips to Get Started
If you're thinking of buying an electric cargo bike, or are just getting started with e-cargo biking, you're in the right place!
Electric cargo bikes provide all the benefits of a regular bike, plus so much more. Aside from helping you power through long journeys with big loads, you also get a ton of additional cargo space that can fit either kids, adults, or gear.
Electric cargo bikes can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, get some exercise, and simplify your daily errands. This makes them great options for cycling fans who are starting a family or anyone who loves an active lifestyle and wants to spend less time in their car. If you're new to e-cargo biking, this article will give you all the cycler beginner tips you need to get the most out of your experience.
Safety first
Checking your e-cargo bike before riding for safety
Safety should be your number one priority, for yourself and your cargo passengers. Here are a few things to check:
- Tire pressure and tread
- Brake pads and levers
- Lights and reflectors
- Chain
If you're unsure about anything, it's always best to consult with a professional.
Wear a helmet
This one's a no-brainer. No matter what kind of bike you're riding, always wear a helmet to protect your noggin in case of an accident. Ideally, you want one with reflective material to make night-time riding safe as well.
See and be seen
This is one of the most important e-bike cycling tips! Before you get on the road, you want to make sure you have proper lighting on your e-cargo bike. In addition to wearing reflective gear, it's important to make sure your bike is visible to cars and pedestrians alike. Depending on the model of your e-cargo bike, it may come equipped with integrated lights. If not, you can easily add them yourself. Just make sure they're properly secured so they don't jostle loose during your ride.
Cycling practice
As with anything new, it's important to ease into things. Get a feel for your electric cargo bike and how it responds before cranking up the power. Once you're more comfortable, you can start testing out different speeds and settings.
Add cargo and passengers gradually
One of the best 3-wheel cargo bike riding tips is to get a hang of your bike before adding any cargo and passengers. And when you do, add them gradually. You'll need some time to get used to the new weight distribution.
Be gentle on the turns
To start, take it easy on the turns! Turning with an electric cargo bike is a lot different from the turns you would make on a conventional bike. They tend to be wider, and you want to ensure that your cargo and passengers are safe at all times. Try solo turns first, then add cargo once you build confidence.
Plan your routes
Part of being a safe cycler is knowing the ins and outs of the roads you'll be riding on. Before starting your journey, map out a route that avoids high-traffic areas and busy intersections whenever possible.
Mapping out a plan also takes the stress out of real-time navigation, allowing you have fun! If you're unsure about the best routes to take, there are plenty of online resources and mobile apps that can help.
Shifting gears
One of the great things about e-cargo bikes is that they come with multiple gears, which allow you to shift depending on the terrain. When going up a hill, for example, it's best to use lower gears so you don't have to pedal as hard. Conversely, when going down a hill or on level ground, you can use higher gears for a boost.
If you're not used to shifting gears, it may take some time to get the hang of it. But once you do, you'll be able to better control your bike and make riding a breeze.
Power conservation
One of the key e-bike cycling tips for beginners is to learn how to conserve your battery power. First and foremost, try not to use full power all the time as this will drain the battery quickly.
Instead, use lower settings when starting off or going up a hill, then amp up the power once you've reached a comfortable speed. If you need to brake, do so gradually to extend the life of your battery.
Learn to ride slowly and take your time
One of the most important cycler beginner tips is to learn to ride slowly and take your time. This will help you avoid accidents and give you time to react if something does happen.
Start off by riding in quiet, low-traffic areas until you get a feel for your bike. Then, gradually start adding speed and distance as you become more comfortable.
Stay alert
As a beginner cyclist, it's important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means keeping an eye out for obstacles on the road, as well as other cyclists and pedestrians.
If you're carrying cargo or passengers, make sure they're aware, too. And always stay alert while riding, even if you know the route well.
Relax and enjoy!
Finally, one of the best e-bike riding tips is to relax and enjoy the ride. This is a great way to get around, and you'll soon build up the confidence and skills you need to ride like a pro.
So, there you have it! These are just a few cycling beginners’ tips to help you get started with e-cargo biking. Just remember to take your time, prioritize safety, know your routes, and have fun! Before you know it, you'll be an expert e-cargo cycler.
Are you ready to upgrade your biking game? Check out Ferla bikes! We have some of the best electric cargo bike models on the market, perfect for any budget. Whether you’re planning on a few short rides around the neighborhood, or for day-long off-road weekend adventures with a group, we’ve got an electric cargo bike for you.
Your new e-cycling future awaits!