Smooth Starts: How to Get Moving on Your Electric Bike
Ever come to a stop on your ebike and can't quite get moving again? Those awkward moments will soon be history! Whether you're on an electric cargo bike, traditional bike, or are new to cycling altogether, these six essential tips will help you get rolling again.
1. Pedal Position
Move your pedal to the 2 o’clock position. This gives you the best leverage to use your body weight to generate the necessary momentum, which is particularly important when you're carrying heavy loads or wiggly passengers.
2. Gearing
Look ahead to anticipate whether you’ll need an easier gear after you come to a stop and shift accordingly before your stop. If you're still in a lower/harder gear after a downhill cruise, it's going to take a whole lot of effort to start from 0 mph especially on an incline or with a heavy load. Shifting to a higher/easier gear before you stop allows your take off to be easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
3. Balance and Stability
Electric cargo bikes are generally heavier and longer than regular bikes, which affects their balance and stability (especially at low speeds). Take some time to practice riding in a safe, open area before hitting the streets. Get comfortable with the weight distribution, especially when carrying cargo and wiggly passengers. Practice turning, stopping, and starting until you feel confident.
For more on how the Load4 60 handles, check out our latest review here.
4. Utilize the Stop as Yield Law
If your state allows it, take advantage of the Stop as Yield Law that allows cyclists to treat a stop sign as if it is a yield sign. When you approach an intersection with a stop sign, you must stop if there is approaching cross-traffic with the right of way. However, if there is no approaching cross-traffic, you can roll past the sign and enter the intersection, just as you would with a yield sign. Please be respectful, slow down and truly yield, though. This is not a free pass to zoom through stop signs!
Check the bicycle laws in your state here.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Riding an electric cargo bike may require more practice than a standard bike due to its size and weight. Don’t be discouraged if it feels awkward at first. The more you ride, the more you’ll get a feel for how the bike handles, how to maneuver it in tight spaces, and how to balance with varying loads.
6. Enjoy the Ride!
Once you get the hang of it, riding an electric cargo bike will change your life. By making easy work of carrying heavy loads and tackling hills, you'll enjoy the all the benefits of cycling while transporting your groceries, kids, dogs, and cargo efficiently and sustainably.
So what are you waiting for?! Come by our Hood River shop for a test ride or reach out for a consultation by
- Phone 541.386.6086
- Text 541.293.1308
- Email info@oregon-ebikes.com