Common Mistakes New Electric Bike Users Should Avoid

Even though we often learn by doing, I wish I had known certain things about electric bikes beforehand. This would have helped me avoid some mistakes and keep it in good condition for a little longer. Some tips might seem obvious, but overall, they will help you take better care of your electric bike, in all its aspects.

Improper Battery Use: Mistake #1

Charging Too Often or Not Enough

As with any device containing electronic components (phone, computer, tablet, etc.), overusing or underusing your electric bike's battery is not ideal and risks damaging it faster than expected. Whatever the situation (riding, charging, or not using it for several days), try to keep the battery level between 40% and 80%. Of course, this can be adjusted according to your profile and how often you use your electric bike. The most important thing is to adapt charging to your habits to optimize battery life.

Leaving the Battery Plugged in Overnight: Good or Bad Idea?

When you start with an electric bike, it's common to wonder if it's risky to leave the battery plugged in all night, as you would with your phone. In reality, modern lithium batteries are equipped with an intelligent management system that automatically cuts off charging once it's full. This means that, in principle, there is no danger in leaving it plugged in until morning. However, it is still advisable to avoid doing it systematically to preserve your battery's lifespan (it will thank you, and so will your electric bike). The ideal is to unplug the charger once the battery is at about 80%.

Not Storing it Correctly in Winter

Electric bike batteries are sensitive to temperature variations and poor weather conditions. In winter, make sure to store them in a dry place, away from humidity, dust, and cold.

Poor Electric Bike Maintenance: Mistake #2

We tend to think that an electric bike requires little maintenance, but this is a mistake many make at the beginning (myself included 😅). Ignoring regular small checks, such as tire pressure, brake adjustment, or cable condition, always ends up taking its toll: loss of performance, reduced range, or even premature wear of certain parts. Yet, it's nothing complicated; a quick check once or twice a month is often enough to keep your bike smooth, safe, and enjoyable to use for longer.

Improper Use of Electric Assist: Mistake #3

Always Using Turbo Mode

A common mistake when you first get your electric bike (I'm speaking from experience 😂) is to think you always need to ride with maximum assist. But in reality, this isn't the best way to take care of it or optimize its use, and eventually, you even lose the pleasure of pedaling.

The electric assist should be adapted based on your route (ascents, descents, terrain...) and your actual needs. It doesn't really affect your battery's lifespan, but it significantly reduces its range. So, remember to change modes depending on the situation!

In general, bikes offer three levels of assist:

• Eco mode: the lowest electric assist, but maximum range.
• Intermediate mode (name may vary by model): a good balance between assist and range.
• Turbo mode: maximum electric assist for minimal effort… but much shorter range. The difference is noticeable!

Not Pedaling Enough (or Too Much)

Another problem that can be difficult to correct is misjudging your effort: either you pedal too hard even with high electric assist (turbo mode), which wastes energy for nothing, or conversely, you hardly pedal at all, thinking the motor will do all the work, which unnecessarily strains it. However, an electric bike works optimally when you pedal at a regular pace (find the pedaling cadence that suits you best). The idea is to find the right balance between personal effort and electric assist.

Not Adapting Assist to the Slope

Many don't necessarily adjust the assist level when the road changes, especially on slopes. Uphill, you should slightly increase the assist; on flat ground or downhill, you can reduce it. This saves battery and makes the ride smoother.

Safety and Position on an Electric Bike: Mistake #4

Underestimating the Actual Speed of the EAB

When transitioning from a classic bike to an electric one, you often feel like you're riding as before, when in fact you're reaching much higher speeds, often without realizing it because you're exerting much less effort. The problem is that our perception of risk doesn't always keep up. We try to weave through traffic, brake late, take turns too fast... In short, we forget that an EAB is a bit like a car without a body. Taking the time to relearn how to anticipate, brake earlier, and adjust your pace is what makes all the difference between a smooth journey and an avoidable scare.

Not Wearing Appropriate Gear

Many people think an electric bike is just a bike, so no special equipment is needed. However, the speed, weight, and power of an EAB warrant a minimum of protection. A light but sturdy helmet or a discreet but reflective vest can really make a difference. We're not asking you to look like a professional cyclist, but simply to be visible, stable, and ready to react, especially in the city center.

Poor Position on the Electric Bike (Back, Saddle, Handlebars)

We often underestimate how much a bad posture can spoil the pleasure of riding an electric bike. A saddle that's too high or too low, misaligned handlebars, and your back or wrists will be begging you to stop pedaling after just a few kilometers. The best thing to do is take a few minutes to adjust your bike to your body shape before your first rides, because good adjustments mean less pain and more desire to ride regularly.

Choosing the Wrong Model or Accessories for Your Electric Bike: Mistake #5

Urban EAB Used for Trails

This is a classic mistake, but choosing an electric bike designed for the city and then taking it on trails or bumpy roads is not at all optimized if you want an electric bike that lasts. The consequences are numerous: tires wear out too quickly, the frame is weakened, and the riding experience is mediocre. So, it's better to adapt your bike choice to your actual use rather than your dreamed-of use, even if it means investing in a hybrid model if you like to vary terrains.

Poor Quality Anti-Theft Device or Helmet

A good anti-theft device is not a minor detail. Many electric bikes disappear simply because the anti-theft device gives way in a few seconds. The same goes for the helmet: it's not just about ticking a safety box; it can literally save your life. In both cases, it's better to take the time to think before buying so you don't regret it later.

Incorrect Motor Torque Setting

An improperly adjusted motor torque can completely transform the riding experience, often for the worse.

• Too much assist, and you're pedaling in vain

• Not enough, and the bike loses all its appeal

The ideal is to test several torque levels depending on the routes: city, uphill, flat... By finding the right balance, you'll ride more naturally and preserve your electric bike's battery.

And if you want to extend the life of your bike, consider our partner repair workshops: trusted professionals to maintain your EAB in the best conditions.