What Should I know when Using Ebikes in Summer?

As the temperature rises, the use of electric bicycles in summer becomes more and more popular. However, many people don’t know how to use them properly in summer; it may cause accidents or, even worse, hurt themselves. So what should I pay attention to when using electric bicycles in summer?

Avoid riding under direct sunlight

Riding your bike can be great for fitness and fun, but avoiding extreme temperatures is essential. Riding under direct sunlight can cause you to overheat quickly, fainting, or even have a heart attack. Similarly, if you’re riding at night or early morning, use lights that allow other drivers to see you clearly. Visibility is vital for safety as well as not falling victim to drunk driving laws. You may also consider wearing reflective clothing or stickers while out on rides longer than 15 minutes.

Ride early or late in the day

If you know it will be hot outside during your ride, plan on riding early or late in the day. Of course, most of us have some degree of control over our schedules but if you can adjust them for a nice ride in temperate temperatures - do it. This may not always be possible, but think about where you live. Is there an ocean nearby? Does your city have parks with lakes? If so, these are great alternatives for rides because the water will keep things cool and help lower air pollution levels.

Wear sunscreen lotion

We are more likely to be hit by UV rays while riding a bike. It doesn't offer much protection, even wearing a helmet. The sunscreen lotion should be applied before you start cycling, especially since there’s no air conditioner on an e-bike. Prolonged exposure to unprotected skin can damage your skin severely. It could even lead to deadly diseases like melanoma. That’s why dermatologists suggest people use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. The best time to apply the lotion is 15 minutes before going out, but reapply every two hours or sooner if necessary. The less intense sun becomes the better the effect lasts too.

Drink plenty of water

It’s essential to stay hydrated during hot weather. If you’re riding your e-bike a lot, drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause cramps that could lead to accidents—not ideal if your commute includes busy streets or urban areas. It might sound like common sense, but staying hydrated makes it easier for sweat to evaporate from your skin so it can regulate body temperature rather than pool on top of your body. In other words: More sweat means less heat.

Find shade to take breaks

When used over extended periods, e-bikes can be grueling. After riding one for a few hours, you might notice how hot your hands are. This is why it’s important to find shade to take breaks. If possible, bring a friend so you can get some fresh air while you let your body cool down for 10 minutes or so before taking off again. When getting off an e-bike, you may notice yourself sweating quite a bit if you’ve been riding hard for a long time without stopping. Some people call it e-sweat and have seen that there can be a lot of sweat from simply riding an e-bike around town for 15 minutes or so.

Avoid riding up steep hills

In summer, it's a good idea to avoid riding up steep hills. When riding at high speeds on an incline, you're pushing more air out of your way; try to maintain a slower pace as much as possible. The increased pressure can be hard on your lungs and heart. Also, ensure you take plenty of breaks along your ride—you don't want to overheat too quickly.

Things you must do when riding an e-bike in the summer

Even on hot days, you still need to keep a cool head. If you feel warm while riding an e-bike, try putting ice packs or cold water on your thighs. Consider other transport options in extreme cases when it’s too hot for comfort, even with an air conditioner at maximum cooling. After all, riding around on an e-bike shouldn’t feel like running with a hairdryer aimed at your legs. A few ways to help stay cool include:

1) Put ice packs on your thighs; this will decrease the temperature near the skin surface by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Wear light clothes and wear protective sun cream, but don't forget about the area around your neck where there are many blood vessels close to the skin surface;

3) Drink lots of water (half of our body weight in fluid ounces each day); this helps bring down internal body temperature;

4) Avoid any activity that makes you sweat profusely;

5) If you feel hot after riding an e-bike, stop and take a break until feeling cooled off before continuing.

Final Thoughts

Riding an e-bike will get you to your destination more quickly than other modes of transportation. And while most of us don’t have as much time to spend on bike maintenance, it also means we have less time for breakdowns. Before you head out on your journey each day, make sure your battery’s charged; you don’t want a dead e-bike battery; check your tire pressure (underinflated tires can dramatically affect range), inspect brakes and cables for damage, clean off any loose debris from around or under your bike and consider having a lightweight folding lock on hand so you can secure it outside instead of propping it against a tree. Most importantly: Slow down.