If you’re anything like us, you can’t resist taking your electric bike out on a nice, bright, summer afternoon.
But what about all those scorching hot days, the ones where you end up drenched in sweat before you can even strap your helmet on?
While we’re certainly doing our part to help the climate, we can’t control the weather. We can, however, share a few tips for making those hot rides a little cooler.
1. Drink water before, during, and after your ride.
2. Don't forget the sunscreen!
There's a fine line between a suntan and a sunburn, so take some time before your ride to apply plenty of sunscreen.
Remember to pay special attention to the parts of your body that will be directly exposed to the sun for the duration of your spin, like the back of your neck and the top of your hands.
3. Plan ahead.
Take a look at the weather forecast the night before you hit the trail to get a sense of when the temperature will peak. Based on that info, you may find it's better to plan your ride for early morning or around dusk.
Planning ahead also lets you dress for the elements. If it looks like the heat's going to be an issue, go with lightweight, breathable material that lets you take advantage of the breeze. Loose clothing works too as long as it's not something that could get tangled up in your bike.
And if you usually rely on a backpack to haul around your beach gear or picnic snacks, consider leaving it at home. A pannier or basket will ensure your body gets ventilation and can carry just as much stuff (if not more so!)
4. Keep your battery happy!
While we generally recommend storing your bike inside, we know that's sometimes easier said than done, especially if you're camping or attaching it to the back of your car for a long road trip.
If you're in a situation where your bike will be in direct sunlight for hours on end, consider detaching the battery and storing it in a cooler, shadier place.
This simple step can help maintain your battery's lifespan. Warmer temperatures can wear down the components that are used to generate power for your ebike, effectively leading to premature capacity loss.
5. Be smart.
If it's too hot to ride, it's too hot to ride. Don't push yourself just because you feel obligated to squeeze in as much time on your bike as possible.
Listen to your body and keep an eye out for signs of overheating, which can include heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, or rapid heartbeat. If you start feeling uncomfortable on your ride, then it's time to call it a day. Luckily, with an ebike, you can rely on the throttle to quickly get you back home.
There'll be more sunny days ahead. Don't miss out on them by being stubborn. That's not rad.
