Guide: Start riding an e-bike
The popular e-bikes
Electric bicycles have become a common sight in nature - both in the pulsating cities where you want to get from A to B quickly, and in the quiet villages where you usually cycle longer distances. Electric bikes are an efficient means of transport for all ages, and they can help you cycle more often than using the car or public transport. A big advantage of the electric bike is also that you can enjoy the fresh air on the way to work - without coming out sweaty and short of breath.
Electric bikes come in a number of different models to suit different needs and lifestyles. The classic electric bike is designed for daily commuting and quick trips around town. In addition, there are electric mountain bikes, touring electric bikes, speed electric bikes and folding electric bikes. In this guide, we start with the electric bicycle for urban use, which is the most common on the market.
Start riding on quiet roads
If you haven’t ridden an electric bike before, it’s a good idea to start with a few rides on a quiet road. This will allow you to safely practice and experiment with the bike’s different speed levels, as well as see how it feels when the battery stops assisting at 25 kilometres per hour. You may even find that the bike brakes slightly so as not to exceed this speed limit. On a quiet road, it’s also better to stop and turn around when you need to, without getting in the way of other cyclists and motorists.
Remember that your e-bike is heavier than an ordinary bicycle. It can therefore feel a little difficult to handle at first. But with a little time and practice, you will soon feel comfortable with your new electric bike, and you will be able to enjoy all the benefits.
How your e-bike works
Start your e-bike adventure at Biltema. We have put together a good and comprehensive guide for those looking for basic knowledge on how to start the bike on, work with the rechargeable battery, turn on the light, and much more. With our help, you can get started quickly and easily.
Insert, switch on, and lock your e-bike battery
Safe and efficient use of your e-bike starts with proper battery handling. First, insert the battery into its holder, which is usually located on the bicycle frame or under the saddle. When the battery is properly positioned, it is securely attached and can be switched on. On some e-bikes, the key to the battery must be in the unlocked position for the battery to fully enter the holder.
When the battery is positioned correctly, it can be switched on with the key. The key usually has three positions: On, Locked, and Unlocked. You can tell that you have turned on start-up mode when the battery or display lights up, depending on the bike you have.
It’s also important to lock the battery, especially when you park your e-bike in a public area and don’t want to carry the battery around. For example, when you go shopping or eat at a restaurant. However, if you live in the city, we recommend that you always take the battery with you if you will be away for a long time. Your bike is much more attractive to thieves when the battery is in. You’ll know the key is in the locked position when you cannot pull the battery out of the bike.
As mentioned earlier, e-bikes vary, so always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to make sure you’re handling and maintaining your battery properly.
How to turn on your e-bike
Turning on your electric bike is a simple process that involves viewing the bike display. The display is often located on the handlebar for easy access and visibility. There is usually an ON button that you must press to activate the bike’s electrical system. When the system is turned on, the display lights up and shows different information, such as battery level, assist level, and in some cases, even your speed – if your display has a screen.
Remember to check the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions, as the start-up process may vary slightly from model to model. But as long as your battery is properly inserted, the bike can be turned on easily and quickly.
Get the electric system up and running
To activate the electric system of your e-bike, simply pedal. This activates the motor, which helps you pedal smoothly and powerfully. When you stop pedalling, the assist stops. But keep in mind that it may take a few seconds for the motor to stop assisting. At a low assist level, you will find that you need to pedal with more force, so if you want as much ease as possible, you should ride with a high assist level.
How to adjust the assist level
One of the most important features to understand is the assist level. Using buttons on the display, you can adjust the assist level of the battery. Some e-bikes have arrow buttons – an up arrow and a down arrow – while others have plus and minus buttons.
By pressing these buttons, you can increase or decrease the motor assist level while riding. A high assist level is typically used on steep hills or long journeys. On the other hand, a low assist level is ideal on flat routes, shorter trips, or if you want to extend battery life.
It’s a common misconception that an e-bike doesn’t provide exercise. Even if you don’t burn as many calories as on an ordinary bike, it still gives you something. If you want to get your heart rate up on an e-bike, you can ride with a low assist level over a long distance or up a hill. You can also ride with the battery off, although it’s significantly tougher with the extra weight.
Turning on the lights
Turning on the lights on your e-bike may vary from model to model, but it’s usually a simple process. On e-bicycles where the battery is under the seat, the rear light is sometimes located on the battery, and therefore turns on as soon as the electrical system is switched on. It also means that the rear light will be on during daylight. On some models, the rear light is placed conventionally on the bike and must be turned on manually. If bike lights are not included in your e-bike purchase, you can always buy some good models separately.
If your bike comes with a headlight, then it must either be turned on manually or with a button. Normally, you need to hold down one of the adjustment buttons for a few seconds.
Get help with Walk Assist
Walk Assist is a smart feature found on some electric bikes. It is designed to help and give an extra push when you need it. When you activate Walk Assist, your e-bike helps you push the bike forward by triggering gentle but effective motor assistance. This is especially useful when you need to pull the bike up steep hills, push it over rough terrain, or when you just need a little extra help getting started. Walk Assist is usually activated via an on-screen button, which is held down for as long as you want help.
Charging the battery
When the display shows that the battery level is low, it needs to be charged. First, you need to remove the battery from the bike and connect it to the charger. Then plug the charger into a wall socket. Charging time varies, but it can take anywhere between 2.5-8 hours for the battery to fully charge. While charging, an indicator light often shines red, and then changes to green when the battery is charged. Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper charging and extend the battery life.
How to extend the range of your e-bike
An electric bike often takes some time to get used to if you’ve ridden a conventional bike all your life. Battery life can be tricky many beginners, and Per Normann, who is responsible for bicycles at Biltema, offers his best advice for increasing the range of your e-bike:
- Inflating the tyres: Whether you have an electric motor or not, tyre pressure is one of the most important factors for a bike’s range. Use a bicycle pump to inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure for your specific tyres, and do so weekly. Cold air takes up less space, which is why you need to pay special attention to tyre pressure in winter and during sudden temperature drops.
- Take care of the battery in winter: Frost and cold significantly reduce the capacity of the battery, so you should bring the battery inside at room temperature when it is cold. If it’s below freezing, it cools down quickly and discharges while riding, so it’s a good idea to wrap the battery to retain heat.
- Never run the battery if discharged: It is important to charge the battery every day after riding. The new battery types do not perform well when they are completely discharged. If you are on a particularly long trip or if you have a lot of weight on the bike, you should take the charger along so that you can charge the battery at your destination.
- Start with the battery off: Starting and accelerating to full riding speed is very hard on the motor and battery. Therefore, set the motor assist to the lowest level or turn it off completely before starting the bike. Once you’ve reached your desired speed, you can turn it up. Also, be sure to turn off the motor assist when biking downhill.
- Proper storage is important: For many Danes, it is quite natural to park their bike in a shed. However, sheds get very hot in summer and cold in the winter months. These temperature fluctuations impair the capacity of the battery. Therefore, always remember to bring the battery and store it in the same position as when inserted on the bike. For example, if the battery is placed horizontally under the rear rack, it must also be stored horizontally – including during charging.
The distance your e-bike can travel on a charged battery depends on, among other factors, your weight, tyre pressure, temperature, wind, terrain, and how much assistance you get from the battery. But on average, a normal battery lasts for 30-70 kilometres.
Read more here about how to get more out of your e-bike battery
Find both e-bikes and accessories at Biltema
Biltema is one of the largest retail chains in the Nordic region. Biltema’s range is constantly developing, and today there are over 19,000 products in the categories Cars and Motorcycles, Bicycles, Boating, Leisure, Home, Office and Workshop, Construction, Car Care, and Tools.
You may want to explore our range of e-bikes for men and women in different colours. Also remember that the functions may vary by model and brand, which is why you should always check the bike manual.
Also check out our range of bike accessories, such as our helmets, baskets, bike locks and much more.
