An electric bike can change how you move, shop and enjoy your free time. It can make hills easier, distances shorter and everyday errands less tiring. But like any new tool, there is a learning curve. Many new riders repeat the same mistakes in their first weeks with an e-bike – mistakes that can be avoided with a bit of guidance.
1. Treating an e-bike like a regular bicycle
At a glance, an electric bike looks like a normal bicycle with a battery and motor added. Because of this, some people assume it should be ridden and handled in exactly the same way. In reality, an e-bike is usually heavier, faster and more complex.
The extra weight affects how the bike slows down, how it leans in corners and how it behaves when you push it or lift it. The extra speed means you reach junctions and obstacles quicker than you might expect. Electronics add displays, buttons and assist levels that you need to learn and use wisely.
How to avoid this mistake: Spend time in a quiet parking lot or empty street learning the basic feel of the bike: how quickly it accelerates, how it stops and how it behaves at low speed. Start in a low assist level and work your way up as you grow comfortable.
2. Using maximum assist all the time
When riders discover the strongest assist level, it can be tempting to use it for every ride. It feels fun, powerful and effortless. However, riding constantly on the highest assist has a few downsides:
- The battery drains much faster, reducing your range.
- Acceleration can feel abrupt, especially for new or older riders.
- It can encourage higher speeds than you are comfortable controlling.
How to avoid this mistake: Think of assist levels as “gears for your energy.” Use lower assist on flat or familiar routes, and save higher assist for hills, strong wind or times when you are tired. This gives you smoother control and helps your battery last longer.
3. Forgetting how powerful the brakes are
Many e-bikes are equipped with strong disc brakes – sometimes hydraulic – in order to handle the extra speed and weight. New riders who are used to soft rim brakes can be surprised by how quickly these systems can stop the bike.
Grabbing a full handful of the front brake at high speed can cause the front wheel to lock or the rider to feel like they are being pitched forward. On the other hand, being too gentle with the brakes can lead to long stopping distances and missed junctions.
How to avoid this mistake: Practice braking in a safe, traffic-free area. Learn to apply both brakes together, smoothly increasing pressure instead of grabbing suddenly. Notice how much distance you need to stop from different speeds. With a bit of practice, strong brakes become a source of confidence instead of worry.
4. Ignoring basic bike fit and comfort
Some riders adjust nothing when they first receive their e-bike. The seat might be too low or too high, the handlebars too far away or too close. Over time, poor fit can lead to knee pain, back discomfort, hand numbness and general fatigue.
A well-fitted bike, on the other hand, feels natural to sit on. Your legs can pedal efficiently, your back is supported, and your hands rest comfortably on the grips without having to stretch too far forward.
How to avoid this mistake: Take a few minutes to adjust your saddle height so your leg has a slight bend at the bottom of the pedal stroke, not fully locked and not extremely bent. If your handlebars are adjustable, experiment with small changes until your shoulders and neck feel relaxed. If you are unsure, a local bike shop can help set up your bike correctly.
5. Under-estimating how fast you are going
Electric assist can make it easy to cruise at speeds that feel gentle because the motor is doing part of the work. However, your actual speed might be higher than you realise, especially on smooth paths or gentle downhills.
Higher speed means less time to react, longer stopping distances and more severe consequences if an accident happens. This is particularly important around other cyclists, pedestrians and in areas with cars entering and leaving side roads.
How to avoid this mistake: Get into the habit of glancing at your speed on the display from time to time. On shared paths or crowded areas, slow down well before you reach people or intersections. Ride at a speed where you feel fully in control and can stop smoothly if needed.
6. Neglecting lights and visibility
Because many e-bikes have integrated lights, some riders assume they will always be on or always be bright enough. In reality, lights may need to be switched on manually, and in some conditions – such as fog or heavy rain – even good lights may not be enough on their own.
Wearing dark clothing on a grey day, riding without lights or forgetting to check reflectors all make it harder for other road users to see you in time.
How to avoid this mistake: Use your lights not only at night, but also during dawn, dusk and in bad weather. Consider a reflective vest or small reflective strips on your jacket or bag. A simple rule is: if you are not sure whether you are easy to see, turn on your lights and add some reflective elements.
7. Skipping simple maintenance
E-bikes feel solid and modern, and this can give the impression that they “take care of themselves.” Many new owners delay basic tasks like checking tire pressure, cleaning the chain or inspecting brake pads. Over time, this can lead to poor performance and avoidable repairs.
How to avoid this mistake: Create a simple routine: quick checks before each ride, a light clean and chain wipe once a week, and a more detailed inspection once a month. If anything feels strange – noises, reduced power, vibration – investigate early or ask a professional mechanic for help.
8. Jumping into heavy traffic too soon
Some riders take their new e-bike straight onto busy roads or complicated junctions. While this might be necessary for some commutes, it is not the ideal way to learn a new vehicle. Mixing high speed, unfamiliar controls and dense traffic raises stress and risk.
How to avoid this mistake: Start in low-traffic environments: quiet streets, park paths where cycling is allowed or empty car parks. Once you feel fully in control – starting, stopping, turning, using assist and braking smoothly – gradually introduce more complex routes.
Take your time and let confidence grow naturally
A good e-bike should feel like a helpful partner, not a machine that pulls you forward faster than you can react. If you respect its extra power, learn how it behaves and give yourself time to adapt, you can avoid most of the common mistakes new riders make.
Start gently, ride at speeds that feel comfortable, keep your bike maintained and treat visibility and braking as priorities. With these habits, every week on your e-bike becomes easier, safer and more enjoyable – whether you are commuting, running errands or simply enjoying the freedom of riding again.