10 fun things to try on an electric bike

Not many modes of transport offer the same level of freedom as an electric bike.

Sure, most people will use an electric two-wheeler for a specific purpose, but e-bikes open up a whole range of levels of accessibility, regardless of age or physique. 

And the diversity across the e-bike spectrum means there is fun to be had on any machine. From folding machines for city jaunts, to electric gravel bikes for some off-piste action, they’re all enjoyable for different reasons in different ways. Here we take a look at some of the fun things we think are worth trying on your electric two-wheeler. 

Commuting 

Cycling to work is a great way to get the most out of your bike, especially if you’re looking to boost your fitness levels – even on an electrified machine you’ll start to feel fitter. It can often be quicker too, and allows you to sithe through traffic you would normally be stuck in had you driven to work. 

And if you haven’t yet taken the plunge and purchased your own e-bike yet, you can benefit from the Cycle to Work Scheme, which lowers the initial cost of a bike and incentivises you to commute on your new electrified machine.  

Cycling with faster friends

If you’re already a keen cyclist, the chances are you’ll have a friend or a group of fellow enthusiasts you regularly ride with – and it’s likely that some of them will be faster than you.
If you’re finding a leisurely ride more taxing, then why not give an e-bike a try? 

Electric road bikes are particularly good at taking the edge out of a steep climb, helping you enjoy the ride, rather than feel like you’re lagging behind your mates. 

Head off the beaten track

If your electric bike is suited to off-road trails or rougher terrain, why not try heading away from the roads and expand your e-bike skills further. Electric mountain bikes are particularly thrilling: there’s nothing more rewarding than threading a high-spec e-MTB down a dedicated off-road trail. 

If you’re reluctant to test your skills in the great outdoors, there are numerous mountain bike centres with several trails for varying abilities. 

Tackle a challenging hill or route

Naysayers will be the first to downplay the health benefits of an electrically assisted e-bike, but this simply isn’t the case. E-bikes allow you to ride further, and that added boost helps to improve your ride, so why not take advantage of it?

Perhaps there’s a challenging hill you want to conquer that’s beaten your road bike, or a trick trail ascent you’ve not been able to traverse. These are the best places to ride your e-bike. 

Doing the shopping

Not all types of electric bike will be suitable for your Friday ‘big shop’, but those with carrying capabilities are ideal for a trip to the shops. You’ll be amazed by what you can carry with a set of pannier bags and rear rack.

Indeed, there are some e-bikes that are tailored to carrying, such as cargo e-bikes, which are often fitted with large load carriers. Such machines are the perfect companion for a weekly shop and save you from worry about parking and traffic. 

Go beyond and discover new places

Most electric bikes these days have a pretty good range, with the best batteries delivering around 100 miles. Indeed, there are parameters which have a detrimental impact on an electric bike’s mileage, such as rider weight, wind and terrain, for example.

But in general, if you want to go further on your e-bike and explore somewhere new, an electric bike will give you the confidence to do it. In fact, studies have shown that e-bike riders do just that, taking longer trips than cyclists without motors. 

Soak up the views

It’s easy to overlook your surroundings when you drive. And when you ride an unassisted bike, particularly up a climb, it's easy to ignore the views and purely focus on riding. 

The good thing about an e-bike is that because they’re often faster to ride up hills than an unassisted machine, they require less effort, you can absorb your surroundings more freely, making climbing and visiting new places enjoyable. 

Take part in an event

Dedicated cycling events and group rides are ideal for meeting fellow cyclists, as well as maintaining your fitness. Gravel-orientated sportives are designed to test riders' limits, while road-based events are tipped as a good entry point. 

Learn a new skill

Understanding how an e-bike works and the maintenance involved is a great way to expand your knowledge. Of course, if you’re a regular rider of an unassisted bike you’ll be familiar with chains and gears. But seeing as e-bikes are more expensive to buy and parts are limited, it's better to learn how to maintain your machine yourself so you get the most out of important components. 

The best way to maintain an e-bike is to keep it clean, and get it serviced at regular intervals. Some repairs, like a puncture, you’ll be able to do at home, so it's always good to learn how to fix basic issues. 

Learn a trick

Some electric bikes are more akin to a stunt or trick, particularly lighter machines. We’re not suggesting you hop your e-MTB and attempt to emulate stunt rider Danny MacAskill, who is regularly seen flipping and jumping a bike in his YouTube videos. 

We suggest you start simple and practice in a safe space. Try a wheelie; head to a dedicated off-road course and get air-borne; or have a go at a more challenging course at a dedicated mountain bike centre. Make it something that will push you out of your comfort zone and leave you feeling accomplished once you’ve nailed it. 

Ride with new people

This falls into line with our earlier point on riding with faster cyclists; it can work both ways.
They help to even out performance and might even get you riding with loved ones or older relatives that might have neglected the saddle for some time. 

Whether its a friend who has just learnt to ride or an ardent e-bike fanatic, electric bikes allow you to ride as one even if your fitness levels and age are significantly different.