Planning Your E-Bike Route

As electric bikes become more popular, many people are choosing to use them as a means of transportation to and from work. Not only are electric bikes environmentally friendly, but they are also an excellent way to get exercise while commuting. However, if you are new to electric bikes, planning your commute can be a bit daunting. Here are some tips on how to plan your electric bike commute.

Determine Your Route

The first step in planning your electric bike commute is to determine your route. You should try to find the safest and most direct route to your destination. You can use online mapping tools to find bike-friendly routes, or you can ask other electric bike riders in your area for their suggestions. You may also want to consider the time of day you will be commuting, as traffic and road conditions may vary.

Check Your Battery Charge

Before setting out on your electric bike commute, you should always check your battery charge. The last thing you want is to run out of battery power halfway through your commute. If you have a long commute, you may need to invest in a second battery or carry a charger with you.

Dress Appropriately

When commuting on an electric bike, you should dress appropriately for the weather and the ride. This means wearing comfortable and breathable clothing that will allow you to move freely. You should also wear a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident. If you are riding in the dark, you should wear reflective clothing and use bike lights to make yourself visible to other drivers.

Consider Your Work Attire

If you are commuting to work on your electric bike, you should consider your work attire. You may need to carry a change of clothes with you or find a way to transport your work clothes on your bike. There are a variety of bike bags and panniers available that can help you carry your work clothes and other essentials.

Be Prepared for Inclement Weather

If you live in an area with inclement weather, you should be prepared for it when planning your electric bike commute. This means carrying rain gear and dressing in layers that can be easily removed if you get too warm. You should also be aware of road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.

Plan Your Parking

When planning your electric bike commute, you should also consider where you will park your bike. Many workplaces have designated bike parking areas, but if yours does not, you may need to find a secure place to lock up your bike. You should also invest in a good bike lock to prevent theft.

Test Your Route

Before starting your electric bike commute, you should test your route. This will give you a chance to get familiar with the route, as well as any potential obstacles or hazards. You may also want to test your route during different times of the day to see how traffic and road conditions may vary.

Plan Your Charging

If you have a long commute, you may need to plan for charging your battery. Some workplaces have charging stations for electric bikes, but if yours does not, you may need to plan to charge your battery at home or at a charging station along your route. You should also carry a charger with you in case you need to charge your battery on the go.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Finally, when planning your electric bike commute, you should be prepared for emergencies. This means carrying a first aid kit, a phone with emergency numbers, and any necessary medication. You should also be familiar with basic bike repair, such as changing a flat tire, in case of a breakdown.

Use Routing Apps

Using routing apps for bicycles can be an excellent way to plan and enjoy cycling trips. These apps can help cyclists find safe, bike-friendly routes that are optimized for cycling, avoiding busy roads and other hazards. By using these apps, cyclists can plan their routes more efficiently, taking into account factors such as distance, elevation, and terrain.  It is important to have a reliable phone mount such as the BRCOVAN Pro Style Mount that will withstand different terrains and allow for easy viewing.  

In addition to providing navigation and route planning features, many cycling apps also offer useful tools for tracking performance and monitoring progress. For example, some apps can track speed, distance, and calories burned, allowing cyclists to set goals and track their progress over time.

Overall, using routing apps for bicycles can be an excellent way to enhance the cycling experience, whether you are a casual rider or a serious cyclist. By providing a wealth of information and tools, these apps can help cyclists stay safe, have fun, and achieve their cycling goals.

Here are three of the top recommended apps:

1. Strava - Strava is a popular app among cyclists, runners, and other fitness enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of features, including route planning, performance tracking, and social networking. Strava's route planning tool allows users to create custom routes based on distance, elevation, and other factors, and provides detailed information on the terrain and difficulty level of each route. In addition, Strava offers a range of performance tracking tools, such as speed and distance tracking, heart rate monitoring, and more.

2. Komoot - Komoot is another popular app for cyclists, with a focus on adventure and exploration. It offers a range of features designed to help users discover new routes and explore new areas, including turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps, and detailed route planning tools. Komoot also offers a range of social features, allowing users to share their routes and connect with other cyclists.

3. RideWithGPS - RideWithGPS is a comprehensive app that offers a wide range of features for cyclists, including route planning, turn-by-turn navigation, performance tracking, and more. It allows users to create custom routes based on distance, elevation, and other factors, and provides detailed information on the terrain and difficulty level of each route. In addition, RideWithGPS offers a range of performance tracking tools, such as speed and distance tracking, heart rate monitoring, and more.

Conclusion

Planning your electric bike commute may seem overwhelming at first, but with a bit of preparation, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience. Following the nine steps above, you can easily place for a safe and enjoyable commute wherever you are going.