The Common Mistakes Beginners Make with Electric Bikes

If you have decided to enhance your cycling adventure by riding an electric bike, you made the right choice. Although electric bicycles are flexible and easy to use, you must avoid certain mistakes that could hinder their proficiency. Thus, the rate at which a user enjoys an ebike depends on how its benefits are maximized. Many people regret ever buying an e-bike due to wrong decisions. Thus, this guide compiled the common mistakes among beginners which should influence your buying decision.

Ignoring your State Laws

Most countries do not mandate certification or license before riding an electric bike. However, there are specific laws guiding e-bike ownership and usage. Some countries' laws are flexible based on the rider's age, while others are not. Meanwhile, provinces that state e-bike laws often focus on the speed limit, maximum power rate, age limit, and specific terrains. In the long run, these rules are set to ensure riders' safety. Below are some laws surrounding e-bike usage in Europe.

• A maximum power output of 250W and a speed limit of 25km/h.
• Some e-bikes can go beyond the speed limit of 25km/h but without assistance from the electric motor.
• People who ride powerful ebikes, called the "speed pedelecs," are mandated to wear helmets.
• UK riders are not allowed on the public road with speeds above 25kph.
• The United Kingdom only permits ages 14 and above to ride an e-bike.

The Honbike models are designed to meet European laws or standards, so users within this province are less worried about legal charges. Nevertheless, Honbike manufacturers update their products based on the latest consumers' needs. You may confirm with your local authority for any rules subject to change.

Poor Understanding of Terrain

E-bikes are of different types, which vary with adaptability to several terrains. Thus, you need to understand the road type that is best suitable for particular ebikes. It would help if you considered these road types: cruising, mountain, hauling, sandy, snowy, downhill, trail, urban commuting, and many others. In some cases, these road types are also used to categorize e-bike specifications.

Some people often select an e-bike based on a fancy design. As much as design is a priority, it should not replace purpose. The differences in e-bikes according to terrains are mainly the tire, distance capacity, motor, and power output. Thus, you also need to understand your commute system and the route you will most likely pass through.

Ignoring E-bike Capacity

Ignoring e-bike capacity can cause discomfort while riding. Thus, e-bikes are made in different sizes to fit the weight of every rider. Your state law may also influence your choice of e-bike capacity. For instance, an e-bike has a weight limit of 30kg, so you want to avoid heavy-weighted designs. Meanwhile, some other countries may accept larger e-bike weights.

As much as you meet your state's weight or size standard, confirm if an e-bike fits your body size. The Honbike U4 weighs 20kg and is suitable for carrying a maximum weight of 120kg. Your electric bike specification is identified in the manual guide, so a beginner should check before making a purchase.

Ignoring the Battery Quality

Batteries are a critical component of an electric bike apart from an e-motor. It influences your e-bike range and performance. Electric bikes with the same drive type can vary due to battery size. If you have an e-bike of 360Wh, it has a voltage of 36 and 10Ah. This also means a battery of 360Wh will sustain you for one hour. If your battery has more Watt-hour, you can ride for a longer time at a farther distance. Understanding your battery is paramount when you have an estimate of the distance you cover daily.

The Honbike U4 can cover up to 100km on a single charge, with 432Wh and a power rate of 250W. The charging duration is also between 4-4.5 hours. Thus, it would help if you understood how long your e-bike battery takes to charge fully. This will prevent you from overcharging your battery, which could affect its durability.

Buying a Cheap E-bike

Although price does not validate the quality of an e-bike, most priced ebikes are usually premium products. Many beginners fall victim to online scams by believing offers that seem too good to be true. It would help if you observed a brand's reputation over time and the comments from past and present customers. To estimate if you are buying at a fair price or not, compare the market rate.

The average cost of an electric bike is between $800 and $1,500. Some e-bikes cost more than $1,500, reaching as much as $8,000. The vast difference is based on location, accessibility, brand, and quality factors. Nevertheless, good quality e-bikes offered at reasonable prices are usually around $1,500—Honbike HF01 and U4 cost €2,199 and €1,699, respectively. However, customers are entitled to specific discounts and incentives. For instance, the brand offers free shipping to the UK and EU and a $200 discount on two or more HF01 purchases.

Ignoring the E-bike Design

Beyond the fancy look of an electric bike, it must be well-designed to provide balance. It is highly recommended that a beginner buys an adjustable bike, so you can adjust the height to suit you. You should also extend your leg on the pedal without experiencing any discomfort. The e-bike frame model should also enhance easy maneuverability. This helps riders to change direction when stuck in traffic.

Foldability is an essential aspect of an ebike, allowing users to carry it around. An e-bike frame should also be flexible and light-weighted to enable you to fold within 5 secs. This also increases your e-bike security, as it is less exposed to theft. You will be less concerned about parking fees, especially if your workplace allows riders to create a mini space for e-bikes within the office.

After confirming an e-bike's comfortability, you can choose based on appearance. This covers the overall design, including the frame type. You should consider e-bikes without sharp edges if you want a minimalist design. The Honbike U4 fits into this description with its 7,000 series aluminum frame. Instead of sharp edges, it gives a rounded design or framework. Every detail of the physical look of your electric bike should count during the selection phase.

Buying an E-bike With No Warranty

As a beginner, you need to trust the manufacturing brand, which is usually provided as a warranty. An e-bike brand with reputable service should provide a warranty on the battery or overall components of the e-bike. The battery is a delicate and expensive component of an e-bike, so you want to be assured you are getting a quality model. Honbike offers a warranty of two years, which is a reasonable guarantee period for its users. The brand also provides details on maintenance and care procedures. You can check for professional recommendations on the website or user manual.

Conclusion

Before buying an e-bike, you should gather adequate knowledge about bike specifications. Doing so allows you to choose a model that matches your needs. You can also learn from other people's mistakes by avoiding them. Many of the errors have been discussed in the article, with recommended solutions. Also, it would help if you were open-minded while making a purchase. Since you are a beginner, you can be open to suggestions from your supplier. Nevertheless, make sure you are buying from a reputable manufacturing brand.