Hey everyone!
If you’re new to the world of eBikes—welcome aboard! Riding an electric bike is a total game-changer. It’s fun, fast, and makes commuting or weekend rides so much more enjoyable. But, like anything new, there’s a bit of a learning curve. When I first got into eBikes, I made a few rookie mistakes myself (and trust me, I learned the hard way 😅).
So in this post, I’m sharing the top 5 mistakes I’ve seen new eBike owners make—including a few from my own experience—and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Charging the Battery Properly
The mistake: Some people leave the battery plugged in overnight every night or let it run all the way down before charging.
Why it matters: Overcharging or deep discharging can shorten your battery’s life.
What to do instead: Try to keep the battery between 20% and 80% charged. Only charge it fully when you really need the extra range. And unplug it once it’s full.
Personal tip: I used to just leave it charging while I slept—now I use a timer plug to stop charging after a few hours. Simple and effective!
2. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
The mistake: Thinking eBikes don’t need as much care as cars.
Why it matters: Just like any bike, eBikes need regular maintenance—plus they have electrical parts too.
What to do instead: Check tire pressure, clean the chain, and inspect the brakes often. And if you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to visit a local bike shop (or if you’re in London, come say hi at Stratford Bikes where I work 😄).
3. Relying Too Much on Full Throttle Mode
The mistake: Using throttle all the time instead of pedaling.
Why it matters: It drains your battery quicker and you miss out on some good exercise.
What to do instead: Mix it up—use pedal assist when you can. It saves battery and gives you a bit of a workout without overdoing it.
From my experience: On my first long ride, I ran out of battery halfway because I kept using throttle. Pushing an eBike uphill without power? Not fun. Never again!
4. Not Knowing Local Laws
The mistake: Riding an eBike like it’s a motorbike—on pavements, at high speeds, or without a helmet.
Why it matters: You could get fined, or worse—cause an accident.
What to do instead: Learn your local eBike rules. In the UK, for example, the motor must not exceed 250W and assist should cut off at 15.5 mph. Wear a helmet even if it’s not law—it’s just smart.
5. Buying the Wrong Type of eBike
The mistake: Choosing an eBike just because it looks cool or it’s cheap.
Why it matters: You might end up with something uncomfortable or not suitable for your needs.
What to do instead: Think about how you’ll use it—commuting, hills, cargo, off-roading? Test ride a few before deciding. And always check the weight—some eBikes are heavier than they look.
Final Thoughts
Getting an eBike was one of the best decisions I made. It’s changed the way I get around and made riding fun again. But it’s easy to make mistakes when you’re just starting out. Hopefully, this post helps you avoid the most common ones.
If you’ve just bought your first eBike or are thinking about it, feel free to drop any questions in the comments or reach out—I’m always happy to help (or nerd out about eBikes with fellow riders 😄).
Ride safe and enjoy the journey!
— Ehtisham @ ebikesland.com 🚴♂️⚡