Now that you own a hybrid bike, it seems like the next move is to change up your transportation strategy for commuting to and from work. Obviously, you will need to understand your electric bike battery lifespan. Still, there are a couple of other considerations you will need to make, including charging routines and essential gear for your trek back and forth from work. Some considerations are customizable and depend on your specific situation, but others are standard for the best rider experience.
3 Things To Know About Charging Your Bike
Whether you own an ebike for women or men, you will need to understand some basics about your bike’s battery, including power output and predicted range. Keep in mind that most manufacturers will specify a bike’s range based on optimal conditions, meaning that you cannot always trust the stated limits. It is better to fully charge your bike and drain the battery on a fun riding experiment. Your primary goal is to see how far the cycle takes you when using full power.
Beyond the distance test, you will want to get in the habit of charging your battery. There are a few things you will need to remember about charging the bike.
- Charge New Bikes for 12 Hours
Regardless of the type of hybrid bike you purchase, whether a men’s commuter bike or a women’s cruiser, you will need to charge the cycle for up to 12 hours before taking it out for the first time. You want to charge the battery until it is full. Performing this long initial charge ensures a healthy current through all cells, and it helps to condition the battery. If your battery takes longer than 12 hours to charge or drains rapidly, contact the manufacturer to discuss troubleshooting and your options.
- Charge Regularly
The lithium batteries used in most hybrid bikes last longer with regular charging and use. While manufacturers encourage riders to charge their batteries often, they do not recommend constantly riding to a complete drain. Most experts suggest riding your bike until there is 30 to 60 percent capacity remaining and then charging. However, the occasional depletion of the battery is recommended about once every 30 to 40 charges.
- Avoid Overcharging
While regular charging is advised, overcharging is not. Some people think that leaving their battery on the charger for several days is a good idea and won’t hurt anything. However, leaving the battery to charge for extended periods will eventually put it in a cycle of small discharges and recharges, resulting in a poor charging cycle. You can diminish the efficiency of your battery by charging it this way. For more efficient charging, put a reminder on your phone to take the battery off the charger.
Essential Gear for Your Destination
What gear do you need for commuting by bike? There are several items you might consider:
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Change of clothes
- Water bottle
- Personal items
Do you think you are ready to start riding to work? Contact a local bike shop to discuss any other essentials you might need.
Marziano is a seasoned tech expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and multiple certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Cisco’s CCNA, he has a well-rounded and robust understanding of various aspects of technology.
