Learning how to ride an electric bike is easy if you can already ride a bicycle. Turn the system on, start in the lowest assist level and a low gear, and pedal as normal: the motor joins in gently. The main differences from a regular bike are the extra weight, quicker acceleration and higher cruising speed, so practice starting, braking and turning somewhere quiet before you ride in traffic.
This guide walks you through a first ride step by step, then explains how to use pedal assist levels, the throttle, gears and brakes. Controls differ between brands, so keep your bike’s manual handy and check your local rules before riding on roads or paths.
Before your first ride
- Charge the battery fully with the charger that came with the bike. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission advises staying present while it charges and never charging overnight while you sleep (CPSC micromobility safety).
- Set the saddle height. With the ball of your foot on the pedal at its lowest point, your leg should be almost straight. Beginners often start a little lower so they can touch the ground more easily, then raise it as confidence grows.
- Check tire pressure against the range printed on the tire sidewall. Our post on e-bike maintenance and tire pressure explains why it matters.
- Test the brakes by squeezing both levers while walking the bike. They should feel firm and stop the wheels.
- Wear a helmet. The CPSC recommends always wearing a bicycle helmet, and some states require one for certain riders or classes. California, for example, requires helmets for e-bike riders under 18 (Vehicle Code 21212).
- Know your local rules. Where you can ride, and whether a throttle is allowed, depends on your bike’s class and your state. See our guide to e-bike classes and laws.
Learn the controls
Spend five minutes with the bike standing still before you ride:
- Power button. Usually on the handlebar remote or display. Some bikes also need the battery switched on or a key turned.
- Assist level buttons. Up and down arrows that select how much the motor helps. Level 0 means no help; on many bikes, including the Himiway D5 2.0 and A7, there are 5 levels plus an auto mode.
- Throttle. A thumb lever or twist grip, if fitted, that runs the motor without pedaling. Most Himiway bikes we carry have one; the Italwin and Wayel models are pedal-assist only.
- Display. Shows speed, battery level and the current assist level.
- Walk mode. On bikes that have it, such as the Himiway D5 2.0, the motor pushes the bike slowly while you walk beside it, which helps on ramps.
- Lights. Many e-bikes power their lights from the main battery, switched on from the display.
How to ride an electric bike for the first time, step by step
- Find a quiet, flat space such as an empty parking lot or a wide, quiet path.
- Turn the system on with assist at 0 or 1, and shift to a low gear.
- Keep your hand off the throttle while you get on. On a bike with a throttle, an accidental twist or push can move the bike before you are ready.
- Start pedaling gently. Feel the motor come in and notice how quickly the bike picks up speed.
- Practice braking from low speed with both brakes, then from a little faster. Notice how much farther a heavier bike rolls.
- Practice slow turns and circles in both directions.
- Step up one assist level at a time once starting, stopping and turning feel natural.
- Try the throttle last, if your bike has one, starting with a gentle press while rolling slowly.
Using pedal assist levels
Pedal assist adds motor power while you pedal. Lower levels give a little help and save battery; higher levels make hills and headwinds easier but use more energy. A simple approach:
- Level 1 or 2 for flat ground, crowded paths and getting used to the bike.
- Level 3 for everyday riding.
- Level 4 or 5 for hills, headwinds or a heavy load.
How the assist feels depends on the sensor. A torque sensor adds power in proportion to how hard you push, so it feels like a stronger version of your own pedaling. A cadence sensor gives a set amount of power once the pedals turn, so the bike can surge forward at higher levels. Our guide to how electric bikes work explains the difference.
The motor stops helping at the bike’s assist limit: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, 28 mph for Class 3. The Italwin and Wayel bikes we carry are EU-spec, so their assist stops at 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
Using the throttle
A throttle is useful for getting moving from a stop, crossing an intersection or giving your legs a break. Press or twist it gradually; full throttle from a standstill can jerk the bike forward. Riding on the throttle alone drains the battery faster: Himiway lists the D5 2.0 and A7 at up to 70 miles on pedal assist but up to 40 miles on throttle only. Mixing throttle starts with pedal assist is a good balance. Throttle use may be restricted on some trails and paths, so check posted rules.
Shifting gears on an e-bike
Gears still matter. Shift to a lower (easier) gear before you stop, so you can start smoothly, and before a climb. Ease off the pedals for a moment as you shift, especially on a mid-drive bike, where the motor drives the chain. Pedaling at a comfortable, steady cadence is more efficient for the motor and the battery than grinding in a high gear.
Braking and stopping
E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes, so they take longer to stop. Himiway lists the Himiway A3 at 68.3 lb and the D5 2.0 at 92 lb before you add a rider or cargo.
- Brake earlier than you would on a regular bike, and use both brakes together.
- Stop pedaling before you brake. On many e-bikes, including the D5 2.0, pulling a brake lever also cuts motor power.
- Brake in a straight line before a corner, not in the middle of it, especially on wet or loose surfaces.
- On wet roads, allow even more distance. Our post on e-bike safety tips covers riding in the rain.
Riding in traffic and on shared paths
Because e-bikes accelerate quickly and cruise faster than many cyclists, other people may misjudge your speed. Ride predictably, signal turns, and slow down when passing pedestrians or other riders on shared paths. The CPSC recommends lights, reflectors and a bell or horn so others notice you, and keeping both hands on the handlebars. Lower assist levels make it easier to match the pace of a busy path.
Climbing hills
Shift to a low gear before the climb, raise the assist level, and keep pedaling smoothly. A mid-drive motor, such as the 500 W unit on the Himiway A7 Pro, works through the bike’s gears, so a low gear helps it climb. On a hub-motor bike, a short burst of throttle can help on a steep start if your bike has one.
After the ride
Turn the system off, park the bike somewhere dry, and recharge the battery with the supplied charger while you are at home and awake. Many batteries can be removed to charge indoors. For tips on storage and making a battery last, see our e-bike battery guide.
Still choosing a bike? Step-through frames such as those in our step-through e-bikes category are the easiest to get on and off while you learn.
FAQ
Is it hard to ride an electric bike?
No, if you can ride a regular bike. The pedals, brakes and gears work the same way. The adjustment is getting used to the extra weight and quicker acceleration, which takes most people a short practice session.
Do you need to know how to ride a bike to ride an e-bike?
You need basic balance and bike-handling skills. If you have not ridden in years, practice on a regular bicycle or with the motor off and the saddle low until balancing and braking feel natural.
What assist level should a beginner use?
Start at 0 or 1 in a quiet place, then move up one level at a time. Most riders settle on a middle level for everyday riding and save the top levels for hills.
Can you ride an electric bike without pedaling?
Only on a bike with a throttle. Pedal-assist-only bikes need you to pedal for the motor to help, but even light pedaling gets you assistance.
Do you need a license to ride an e-bike?
In most states, e-bikes that fit the standard classes do not need a license, but rules vary by state and change. Our e-bike classes and laws guide explains how to check yours.