Top tips for your (first) e-MTB ride with kids!
Curious about riding e-bikes as a family? Here's how to turn every ride into a shared adventure, plus what to keep in mind while e-biking with kids.
Just like any outing with kids, a great e-bike ride starts with good planning. That means giving your bikes a mandatory >>pre-ride check, making sure everyone's got the right gear, and checking the route. If your bikes have been out of action for a while or you're heading on a longer ride, a few extra steps will go a long way toward a great day out.
1. Check the motor & battery
Unlike a dropped chain that can simply be slipped back onto the chainring, having a drive system on a bike adds more complexity to your ride. To be certain your child's e-bike is ready for the big adventure, we suggest checking everything works on the bike a few days before your ride. This way, you will have time to get the e-bike serviced if needed. Here's what to do:
- The motor: Get your child to take their e-bike out for a test ride. Encourage them to switch between the support modes to see if they all work. Does the pedal-assist have a consistent and regular feel? If the motor feels intermittent, it could be because of the contact points. These can be cleaned with a dry cloth in the event that moisture or dirt has found its way into the electrical connections.
- The battery: Check the battery status and charge it up fully at least one day ahead of the ride. If your child has a spare battery, charge that up too. While you're at it, check how the battery is mounted. Is it sitting securely in the frame/holder?
Dust and dirt can also collect in the battery connector. To clean the connector, remove the battery from the holder and wipe it carefully with a clean, dry cloth.
Even if your e-bike is taking an extended break, your battery still needs a bit of love. Try to keep it charged to at least 50 % and give it a boost every few months. A quick top-up every three months helps avoid a total battery nap (aka a full discharge).
- Cables: Fix any loose electric cables using cable ties so that they won't go rogue during the ride and catch on obstacles, like roots or tree branches.
2. Choose a kid-suitable e-bike route
Like any analogue bike ride with kids, your e-bike route requires some specific child-friendly elements to win over the fun-seeking attendees.
It's highly likely that you, your child and their e-bike will ride further and climb higher than usual. So when it comes to planning your route, you need to consider both your kid's ability and battery life.
- A suitable route: The main elements of any bike ride tailored to your child involve excitement, variety, and nothing that's excessively steep. If you can add in a flow trail, adventure playground, plus rest and snack breaks, then your child will definitely have fun on their e-bike ride.
- Knowing the range: The range of your child's e-bike battery is dependent on multiple factors, including your child's weight, their riding style, how they use it (i.e. modes used), amount of climbing, and the outside temperature.
Before any longer rides, you and your child should take the time to get a feel for the pedal-assist system. Learning how and when to use it can help you plan your rides smartly – saving battery life, extending the range, and getting the most out of every e-bike ride.
- Charging stations en route: Do your research before the ride. A range of practical apps (ideally with off-line capabilities in case you've got no signal), websites and maps exist to give you an overview of where to find the nearest charging station (and yes, it could be at the cafe at the top of the mountain).
Top tip: bring your own adapter/power pack so that plug socket-compatibility will be guaranteed.
- Spare battery: If you want to be doubly sure or are unable to plot a route around charging stations, it could be worth taking a spare battery. When carrying this in a riding backpack, make sure the weight of the spare battery is as close to the body as possible so that the rider's balance and stability aren't affected.
With more experience, you and your child can progress to longer, more adventurous routes.
Even with the assistance of the motor, time remains a decisive element on any ride with kids.
The e-bike might get your child around quicker (and fresher), but you still need to factor in some flexibility. Loosely allocate time for adventure and other spontaneous stops to ensure that the ride has enough variety.
After all, your e-bike rides with children aren't about how far you ride or how high you climb, instead focus on the experience and quality time spent together.
3. Get to know your e-bike
Take a moment with your child to get to know the e-bike before heading straight out on an adventure. If it's your child's first ever e-bike ride (or they haven't touched their e-bike for a few months), give them opportunity to 'ride' into the experience.
Encourage your child to test the different pedal-assist modes and get used to riding with the power. They should also get a feel for the brakes as braking distance changes with speed and the added weight of an e-bike.
4. Transporting your e-bike
Are you planning a >>holiday with bikes or reliant on a car to reach the start of a route? If so, the safest way to transport your e-bikes is inside the car boot. However, given space limitations, this is not always a realistic option, which is why car-mounted bike racks exist.
- When purchasing a bike rack, check it is compatible to bear the heavier weight of e-bikes.
- In both wet and sunny conditions, you should protect your e-bike's electronic parts by removing the battery and, if possible, the display from the bars before driving.
Hopping on a train to ride in a new area is another way to get kids excited. Do your research beforehand to make sure that bikes are permitted on your chosen route. You may need to make a special reservation for your bicycles.
5. Bike locks for e-bikes
We recommend taking a high-quality bike lock to keep your child's e-bike safe while you're taking a break. It will add an extra kilo or two to your load, but the peace of mind? Totally worth it. We also suggest that your child remove their battery at all times when off the bike – even if the bike isn't charging.
Wondering what gear, equipment, and handy tips you'll need for a fun bike ride with kids? We've pulled together all the essentials >>here, so you can head out feeling confident.
And if you're still looking for the right gear for your e-bike ride, our shop has you covered with essential accessories and useful bundles.
