As I test electric bikes for Popular Science, one of the unexpected perks is introducing my friends and family to their first e-bike rides. While part of it is selfish—I enjoy having company on longer test loops—it also helps me keep a fresh beginner’s perspective in mind.
Observing people struggle with confusing displays, unusual gear setups, or tricky throttles has taught me valuable lessons about what truly matters for beginners. It has also highlighted common fears and surprises that arise, showing me how simple it is to make a first e-bike ride less intimidating and more enjoyable. Here are my insights on everything new riders need to know to start confidently and eventually master e-biking like a pro.
Your first e-bike ride should happen before you buy anything
Consider it a test drive. Do you even enjoy ebiking? Local bike shops and outdoor stores like REI often offer test rides, but try to arrange a more extended experience. If borrowing a bike isn’t an option, look for shops that rent e-bikes by the hour or day, or book a local e-bike tour. Even if the bike isn’t your ideal choice, the experience will help you determine your preferences. Once you’ve figured that out, you can customize accordingly.
What to check before you go
On an e-bike, the first question is always: How much charge does the battery have? Ensure it has ample juice, preferably fully charged, and take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controls. Some bikes keep it simple with buttons for more or less pedal assist, while others offer extras like turn signals and cruise control. Explore the controls beforehand to avoid confusion while riding. At the very least, know which buttons adjust the pedal assist levels, how to use the throttle, and where to check the battery life indicator.
After mastering the controls, adjust the seat height (and handlebars if possible). Check that the tires are properly inflated, the wheels spin smoothly, and the brakes function effectively. Practice with short rides before embarking on a longer journey.
It’s essential to wear an e-bike-specific helmet. For example, the Bern Hudson MIPS Bike Helmet is NTA 8776-certified for speeds up to 27 miles per hour and has a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech’s 2025 helmet ratings.
Bern Hudson MIPS Bike Helmet
Your ride isn’t a race. Start slow.
Although e-bikes can reach speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour, it’s advisable not to push the limits right from the beginning. Begin with a low assist mode to familiarize yourself with the speed, handling, and most importantly, stopping distance. E-bikes are heavy, ranging from around 27-30 pounds for ultralight models to over 75 pounds for fat-tire e-bikes like the 165-pound dual-battery Segway Xyber we’re currently testing. At maximum speed, you may require 20 feet or more to come to a stop.
When braking, pulse both brakes instead of squeezing them hard to maintain control. While the front brake provides significant stopping power, grabbing it abruptly can cause you to lurch forward instead of stopping. Remember, you’re not Kermit; you’ll just feel it.
Another tip is to avoid gripping the handlebars tightly like monkey bars. Relax your grip and periodically wiggle your fingers to prevent numbness.
Ease into using the throttle
Throttles can be tricky to handle. Some are designed to accelerate gradually, while others provide instant acceleration. Regardless, they can startle riders, especially on the first attempt.
To prevent sudden jerks forward, avoid applying full throttle from a standstill. Start pedaling, then gradually increase throttle once you’re in motion. For throttle-only bikes like the JackRabbit XG, push off as you would on a skateboard to start moving and then slowly engage the throttle.
JackRabbit XG
Heather Kuldell-Ware
Use your gears
Gears determine the amount of effort you exert—not to be confused with pedal assist, which simply adds motor power. Many beginners tend to increase pedal assist instead of shifting gears correctly, ending up in the hardest gear and struggling to restart after stopping or climb hills they should easily conquer. Here’s what you should do:
- Begin in an easy gear.
- Shift up as you gain speed.
- Shift down before approaching a hill or stopping.
If you’re unsure when to shift:
- If your legs feel strained, shift down.
- If you’re pedaling vigorously but making minimal progress, shift up.
If handling gears seems overwhelming initially, select a middle gear and stick with it. You don’t have to master it on your first ride, but don’t make things more difficult than necessary. If gears seem daunting, consider a single-speed e-bike like the lightweight and agile Ride1Up Roadster v3, ideal for commuting in the city.
Ride1Up Roadster v3
Heather Kuldell-Ware
