8 Tips for Making the Most of Your Road Trip: One of the best parts about having an electric bike is that it makes for an easier, less demanding biking trip. Gone are the days when cycling through mountains or tricky paths were reserved for only the most adventurous. Today, you can easily transport your electric bicycle with your car or RV to your favorite biking destination and enjoy an eventful cycling vacation.
This article discusses how to transport your e-bike on a road trip, how to keep it protected, conserving battery life, and other valuable tips that will help you have the smoothest, most stress-free cycling trip.
Consider Alternative Charging Options
Even when you think there is a good chance you will find a charging station at your trip’s destination, it is still important to have a viable alternative for charging.
Solar panels are a great option as they allow you to keep your bike charged throughout the trip simply by harvesting the sun’s energy. They come in different shapes and sizes, so if you are looking to get a few panels, you might want to do a bit of research to determine which will work best for you.
You could also consider using a generator to charge your cargo bike. If you are traveling by RV, chances are, your vehicle has a generator. If the wattage of your generator is sufficient for charging your bike, this could be a good way to occasionally give your e-bike some juice.
Use a Bike Rack
Bike Racks are the best way to carry your bike on the outside of your car or RV. If you don’t have enough space inside your four-wheeler for the electric bike, or you need the space for something else, It can be quite handy to just attach the bike to the back of the car.
There are a number of available options, so you can pick whichever bike rack works best for your e-bike and your four-wheeler. When picking a bike rack, remember to make sure that it can support your e-bike’s weight and can be easily set up for mounting your bike.
Use a Pannier Bag
Pannier bags are an organized way of carrying cargo with your bike and they can prove really useful, especially if our cycling trip also involves camping. You can also use the pannier bag to carry a few essentials like water, your first-aid kit, your bike repair kit and your spare battery.
You can get a waterproof pannier bag if you need to carry sensitive items around.
Conserve the Battery Power as You Go
If you are going to be cycling long miles on your trip, it is vital to conserve the battery power of your bike as much as you can.
Batteries tend to last longer when the tires and pumped and the brakes are installed properly, so make sure to check for those.
Remove the battery when not in use. This helps to protect the battery and helps it last longer.
The heavier a bike is, the more work the motor has to do to propel it forward, so if you are looking to conserve battery life, it’s best to travel light. You can also assist the motor by employing a good pedaling technique.
Avoiding overcharging the battery and minimizing your use of Boost or Turbo modes are also effective ways of making your battery last longer.
Travel with a Bike Repair Kit and a First-Aid Kit
Availability of first-aid should be of utmost priority if you are traveling long distance to a remote area. Although e-bikes don’t generally pose a huge risk to your health, accidents still occur sometimes, and it is better to be safe than sorry.
During the course of the trip, you may also need to fix a few minor issues with your e-bike. This can easily be done with a pre-prepared bike repair kit containing all the essentials like an adjustable wrench, a mini pump, extra cables, and duct tape.
Carry an Extra Battery
A fully charged extra battery can really be a lifesaver especially if your cycling destination is a remote area.
Some bikes come with a dual battery system which conveniently allows you to alternate between batteries. If you end up using the spare battery, charge it again, so it is available for future use. Always make sure to keep the battery somewhere safe, dry and easily accessible.
Integrate Lights onto Your E-Bike Before You Begin Your Trip
Sometimes, it is easy to get carried away when riding on your electric bike and forget to cycle back in time before night sets in. Many e-bikers who find themselves in this position end up having to use light from their phone when riding back. As they will tell you, this is not a pleasant experience. It can be dangerous for you, your bike and your phone.
Thankfully, you can easily avoid being in this situation by installing front and rear headlights on your bike before beginning your trip. That way, if you’re ever stuck in a situation where you have to ride in near pitch-blackness, you can trust your headlights to illuminate the path.
Safe-Guard Your E-Bike with an E-Bike Lock
As the number of e-bike users have skyrocketed this past decade, so has the number of bike thieves. When going on a cycling trip, you need to have a way of properly securing your bike so that even when parked in a public space, no one but you can ride it.
There are different kinds of e-bike locks with different levels of security and methods of use. There are also some e-bike locks that are more suitable for certain types of e-bikes than others. It is important to keep all these in mind when shopping for a bike lock.
If your trip involves camping or staying outdoors for an extended period of time, it can be helpful to get a waterproof bike lock.
Conclusion
Biking trips are an exciting way to explore new destinations and revitalize your mind. They, however, require a decent amount of planning and organization. The tips listed here will help you maximize your time on the trip, allowing you to focus on having fun and gathering new experiences. On your next e-biking trip, keep them in mind to enjoy a relaxing, hitch-free biking experience.