Things to Remember Before Your First Electric Cycle Adventure

You have got a new electric cycle and are excited to get on the open road and see where it takes you,  or you are planning to get one and want to get an idea of the dos and don'ts of your first ride. Either way, you have come to the right place. Travelling on an e-cycle lets you immerse yourself into your surroundings at your own pace, dip into the breathtaking and unexpected places, and take care of the environment while you are at it. However, as with any new activity, before you set off into the sunset with your new, smooth ride, there are a few essential things to know and prepare -

Planning your route is a crucial step in preparing for your e-cycle tour. Important to always stay connected, so ride with GPS to find and plan routes tailored to e-cycling. Pay close attention to the terrain and ensure that the distance aligns with both your fitness level and your e-cycle's battery capacity to avoid running out of power mid-journey. For longer tours, it's essential to identify potential charging stations along your route, ensuring you have places to recharge your battery and extend your ride without interruption. Almost all our e-cycles come with removable batteries, allowing you to charge the battery like a phone without any hassle and keep moving. Keep in mind the halts and break times so you don't run out of energy. Whether it's a short tour or a long one, careful route planning will enhance your touring experience and help you avoid unnecessary difficulties.

A no-brainer: equip yourself with proper gear. Always don a helmet that fits well to protect your head at all times. High-quality Panniers or saddlebags will be worth their weight in storing food, water, tools, and spare parts around so you don't find yourself in a lurch. Also, bring along navigational tools like a GPS tracker or a map. Google maps works as well but if you are going off-road to places with less connectivity, it’s better to bring something offline. This is particularly important and non-negotiable in your first few rides to unknown areas, to make sure you don’t get lost. 

This is another carry-on but always carry a repair kit with spare tubes, a tyre pump, a multi-tool, and a patch kit so that you can take care of minor mechanical issues by yourself on the go. Also, make sure the lights and horns in your e-cycle are in excellent condition, and reflectors are working to make sure you are always visible, especially if you plan to ride during dawn, dusk, or night, making sure you can see and be seen by others. Having the right gear ensures a smooth and enjoyable e-cycle tour.  

Depending on the regions you are venturing into for your first e-cycle trip, you can face a wide variety of weather conditions. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, and rainy days are more frequent in spring and autumn. Despite physical exertion (when you're not throttling), the speed can cool you down like a constantly running fan. Therefore, it is crucial to anticipate appropriate clothing to be prepared for any weather. Plan for three types of clothing: light clothing for hot days, warm clothing for cooler times, and protective clothing like a waterproof rain jacket and pants. Remember to take at least one pair of padded cycling shorts to protect your bum and ensure comfort. Also, consider low-top hiking shoes or trail shoes for comfort and functionality, as well as waterproof options if rain is likely.

Looking for accommodation that ensures a secure place for your electric cycle is, of course, important. It's not desirable to leave your e-cycle parked outside all night in urban areas. Look out for accommodations with parking space or, better still, get our foldable Doodle. You can simple fold up the Doodle and take it up to your room.

Many campsites also offer small cabins designed for touring cyclists. While booking your stay, consider these options that will keep your e-cycle safe and allow you to avail yourself of all necessary amenities. If you are on a very short trip, knowing places to get essentials when you run out helps in keeping you moving.

Want to see the location but not all the way up there? No problem! Just pop it on a bus, train, plane, or onto the back of your car, and off you go. If you decide to drive, then a bike rack will allow you to take your e-cycle with you, but you will need to find somewhere to leave your car for the period of your tour. Additional considerations include how to pack the e-cycle properly and any fees involved in flying with it. This way, you get to explore your choice of destination without fussing a lot over the planning that goes into it. Just pack it, zip it, and explore the place on your electric cycle. If you are looking for an e-cycle that can do it all, you can check out our website here. 

You finally executed that weekend ride after months of planning it in your head. Great! But the ride isn't over just yet. Now, it's time for one final ritual before you are off to plan your next tour: post-care routine. After a long drive across different types of terrain, it is important to take a few minutes to care for your electric companion. This minor caring keeps it safe and sound for the next set of adventures. Clean your e-cycle with some dedication, removing all dirt and other debris, and make sure that your chain and motor get special treatment to keep them in top condition. Keep the battery charged and store it in a cool, dry place; take care not to let the battery empty too often before you charge it for a longer battery lifespan. Do a thorough inspection of your e-cycle for any damage or wear and tear, especially in tyres, brakes, and gears, and attend to them immediately. Finally, schedule regular maintenance with a professional to keep your e-cycle in top condition, ensuring it remains reliable and efficient for future rides. 

An electric cycle tour is all about fun and exploration.

Get on your e-cycle and ride to places that are difficult to reach with a regular one. This will make your journeys with an e-cyclist community, either through local groups or online forums, all the more enriching and help you meet new people and move out of your comfort zone. Journaling or blogging, taking pictures, making video footage, and jotting down notes all serve as modes of documentation so that from time to time, one may relive those adventures. Properly planning, equipping, and reconnoitring an e-cycle tour, in cases where a trip around the world is planned, could be exciting and rewarding. So, plug in, saddle up, and take off on your e-cycle adventure—it's time to hit the open road!