Common mistakes to avoid for new electric bike users

While you often learn by doing, I wish I had known certain things about electric bikes beforehand. This would have allowed me to avoid some mistakes and keep it in good condition a little longer. Some of these tips might seem obvious, but overall, they will help you take better care of your electric bike in every way.

Improper battery usage : mistake #1

Recharging too often or not enough

As with any device containing electronic components (phone, computer, tablet, etc.), overusing or underusing your e-bike's battery isn't ideal and can damage it more quickly than expected. Regardless of 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 riding style and how often you use your e-bike. The most important thing is to adapt your charging habits to optimize battery life.

Leaving the battery plugged in all night : good idea or bad idea ?

When starting out with an electric bike, it's common to wonder if it's risky to leave the battery plugged in all night, like you would with your phone. In reality, modern lithium batteries are equipped with a smart management system that automatically stops charging once they're full. This means that, in principle, there's no danger in leaving it plugged in until morning. However, it's still advisable to avoid doing this systematically to preserve the lifespan of your battery (it will thank you, and so will your electric bike ). Ideally, you should unplug the charger once the battery reaches about 80%.

Not storing it properly in winter

Electric bike batteries are sensitive to temperature variations and adverse weather conditions. Therefore, in winter, be sure to store them in a dry place, protected from moisture, dust, and cold.

Poor maintenance of your electric bike : mistake #2

We tend to think that an electric bike requires little maintenance, but that's a mistake many people make at the beginning (myself included 😅). Ignoring simple, regular checks, like 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. It's not complicated, though ; a quick check once or twice a month is often enough to keep your bike running smoothly, safely, and enjoyable for longer.

Incorrect use of electric assistance : error #3

Always use turbo mode

A fairly common mistake when you've just gotten your first electric bike (I'm speaking from experience 😂) is thinking you should always ride with the maximum assistance level. But in reality, that's not the best way to take care of it or optimize its use, and eventually, you even lose the pleasure of cycling.

The electric assist level should be adjusted according to your route (uphill, downhill, terrain, etc.) and your actual needs. It doesn't really affect the battery's lifespan, but it significantly reduces its range. So, remember to switch modes depending on the situation !

Generally, bicycles offer three levels of assistance :

• Eco mode : the lowest electric assistance, but maximum range.
• Intermediate mode (the name may vary depending on the model) : a good balance between assistance and autonomy.
• Turbo mode : maximum electric assistance for minimal effort… but a 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 assistance (turbo mode), which wastes energy, or conversely, you barely pedal, thinking the motor will do all the work, which makes it work unnecessarily hard. However, an electric bike works optimally when you pedal at a steady pace (find the pedaling cadence that suits you best). The idea is therefore to find the right balance between your own effort and electric assistance .

Do not adjust the assistance to the slope

Many people don't necessarily adjust the assistance level when the road changes, especially on inclines. Uphill, you should slightly increase the assistance ; on flat ground or downhill, you can reduce it. This helps conserve battery power and makes riding smoother.

Safety and positioning on an electric bike : mistake #4

Underestimating the actual speed of the e-bike

When switching from a regular bike to an electric bike, it often feels like riding the same as before, when in fact you're reaching much higher speeds, without necessarily realizing it because you're exerting far less effort. The problem is that our perception of risk doesn't always keep up. We try to weave through traffic, we brake late, we take corners too fast… In short, we forget that an e-bike is a bit like a car without a body. Taking the time to relearn how to anticipate, brake earlier, and adjust your speed is what makes all the difference between a smooth ride and an avoidable scare.

Not wearing appropriate equipment

Many people think that an electric bike is just a regular bike, so no special equipment is needed. However, the speed, weight, and power of an e-bike warrant a minimum of protection. A lightweight but sturdy helmet or a discreet but reflective vest can really make a difference. You don't need to look like a pro cyclist, but simply be visible, stable, and ready to react, especially in the city center.

Poor posture on the electric bike (back, saddle, handlebars)

It's often underestimated how much poor posture can ruin the enjoyment of an electric bike. A saddle that's too high or too low, poorly positioned grips, 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 before your first rides, because a good setup means less pain and more motivation to ride regularly.

Choosing the wrong model or the wrong accessories for your electric bike : mistake #5

Urban electric bike used for paths

It's a fairly common mistake , but choosing an electric bike designed for city riding and then ending up taking it on trails or bumpy roads is far from ideal if you want a bike that will last. The consequences are numerous: tires that wear out too quickly, a weakened frame, and a poor riding experience. So, it's better to choose a bike that suits your actual needs rather than your ideal ones, even if it means investing in a hybrid model if you enjoy riding on a variety of terrains.

Anti-theft device or poor quality helmet

A good lock is not a minor detail. Many electric bikes are stolen simply because the lock breaks in seconds. The same goes for a helmet : it's not just a safety feature, it can literally save your life. In both cases, it's best to take the time to think before buying so you don't regret it later.

Incorrect engine torque setting

An incorrectly adjusted engine torque setting can completely transform the driving experience, and often in a bad way.

• Too much assistance, and you're just pedaling in the air.

• Not enough, and cycling loses all its appeal.

Ideally, you should test several torque levels depending on the type of journey : city, uphill, flat… By finding the right balance, you will ride more naturally and preserve the battery of your electric bike.

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