Senior E-Biker Podcast #4
The Senior E-biker Podcast: Episode 4
Rules of the Road
Hello and welcome to "The Senior E-biker Podcast." I'm your host, Scott, and if you believe that there are still plenty of miles to explore, and you have any interest at all in E-bikes, well I'm your huckleberry. This is the show for 55+ riders who may be new to the world of electric bikes, or maybe just a little e-bike curious.
Before I get started I want to thank everyone who's listened and subscribed - this is the fourth episode and I think I'm starting to build an audience so if you like the show, please tell your friends.
I ride one of my two E-bikes every single day. Today I did 10.81 miles and rode for more than 45 minutes. It was a blast. I start every day (unless I am in the hospital) with a ride. I've learned a thing or two about E-bikes and I plan to share some of that with you today.
So, on this episode, I want to get you feeling comfortable and confident for your own first ride. I'm going to share a couple of tips that might help you get rolling...
First, some basic riding skills that I found essential when I was new to my E-bike. Take it slow and steady.
Second, I'll go over the rules of the road that I follow to make sure I'm riding safely and courteously.
And if I have a little time at the end, I’ll share a few simple maintenance tips that I use to keep my own bike in top shape.
So, whether your e-bike is sitting in the garage waiting for you or you're still just thinking about getting one, I hope this episode is just what you need.
Alright, I want to talk about that first ride or two. I know it can feel a little intimidating, but I promise, it's easier than you think. My best advice is to start slow and find a safe, controlled environment. I used an empty school parking lot on a weekend. It was perfect. I was able to figure things out without worrying about traffic.
First, I had to get to know my machine. My E-bike has all the things a regular bike does—pedals, brakes, handlebars—but with three magic additions: the motor, the battery, and the controller on the handlebar. When I turn on the controller, the little screen lights up, and that’s where I control the level of "assist."
Now, there are two main types of E-bikes. Mine is a pedal-assist, which is the most common. It gives me a boost as I pedal. I think of it as having superpower in my legs. The higher the assist level—usually numbered 1 through 5—the bigger the boost. Some bikes also have a throttle, which is a little button or twist-grip that moves the bike without you pedaling. My bike has both.
For your very first time, my advice is to forget the throttle even exists. For the first few minutes, I left the power completely off. Then I added pedal assist one - then two - then so on.
Before I even got on, I checked two things. I made sure my helmet was snug and wasn't rocking back and forth on my head. Then I adjusted my seat height. I learned that when you're sitting on the saddle, you should be able to just touch the ground with the balls of your feet. This gave me a lot more stability and confidence.
Okay, so with the power still off, I just got on and off the bike a few times. I wanted to feel its weight, which was a bit heavier than my old bike. That was okay. Then, still with the power off, I pedaled a few feet and gently squeezed both brake levers to come to a stop. I did that two or three times until I could feel how the brakes engaged. I learned you should never just slam on one brake, especially the front one. Be smooth.
Now for the magic. I turned the power on and made sure I was in the lowest assist setting, "1". I took a deep breath, started to pedal first, and then the motor gently kicked in. The biggest mistake I made at first was being surprised by that little surge. I quickly learned that if I start pedaling first, I'm in control, and I can feel it engage smoothly.
I pedaled around the parking lot in a big, slow circle. I could feel that gentle push, and it was fantastic. I practiced looking ahead, not down at my feet, because I know the bike goes where I look. Another way of saying this is - always look where you want to go. (That big wall ahead? Don't look at it!)
As I got more comfortable, I tried shifting up to assist level "2" and felt a bit more power. The key for me was practicing starting and, most importantly, stopping. I must have come to ten or fifteen complete stops until it felt like second nature. I learned to anticipate my stops, brake gently, and use both brakes.
That’s my homework for you. Spend a good 20 to 30 minutes in an empty lot just getting the feel of it. Don't worry about speed. Just focus on being smooth. If I can do it, I know you can do it.
Time for My Rules for the Road
You've practiced in the parking lot and you're feeling good. Now, I want to talk about taking your E-bike out into the world. For me, being a safe and courteous rider is all about being predictable.
First, I had to learn where to ride. The rules for E-bikes can vary. Here in Las Cruces, and in many places, if your E-bike has a top speed of 20 miles per hour, you can ride it in bike lanes and on roads, just like a regular bicycle. Most communities where I live allow them on multi-use paths, but a few don't. I did a quick online search for my local E-bike laws, and I suggest you do the same. When I'm in doubt, I stick to the bike lane.
One thing I should mention is that if you live in the USA and you have a disability card for your car, carrying that with you on your bike will almost certainly drive your E-bike anywhere that is open to pedestrian or bike traffic. The ADA considers electric bikes mobility devices and you have the right to go most places if you have that card with you. Consult with an attorney to find out specifics for where you live, but here in Cruces where I live, I can ride my E-bike on a sidewalk (because of the card) and if I didn't have the disability card, even though regular bikes can ride on the sidewalk, E-bikes cannot. There are always lots of details to check but check them. It will keep you out of trouble.
Next, I always try to be visible. I just assume that I'm invisible to cars. To fix that, I wear bright clothing. I have a fluorescent yellow vest that I love. And I always, always use my lights, even during the day. I’ve found that a flashing headlight and taillight make me dramatically more visible to drivers.
Just like when I was driving my car, I signal my intentions. I use the standard hand signals:
For a left turn, I stick my left arm straight out.
For a right turn, I stick my right arm straight out and up.
And to stop or slow down, I hold my left arm out and down, with my palm facing back.
Many E-bikes have turn signals and brake lights but remember these are typically only visible to traffic behind you. If there are cars in front of you - hand signals are still advised.
This might be a good time to talk about how to share the road and paths. On a multi-use path, I know that pedestrians always have the right-of-way. And I think it’s courteous to yield to traditional cyclists, too. My golden rule is to control my speed. It's easy to go fast on my e-bike, but on a path crowded with dog walkers and kids, I know I need to be the responsible one. I slow right down to a walking pace when it's crowded. I stay to the right unless there's someone in my way.
When I need to pass someone—a walker or another cyclist—I give them a friendly warning well in advance. My bicycle bell is perfect for this. A gentle ding-ding and a friendly "On your left!" as I pass with plenty of room is the way I do it. It’s not a race. I've always had people smile, wave and say "good morning." Nobody has ever been startled or mad because I decided to be courteous.
And my personal golden rule of e-biking is this: I always try to make eye contact. When I'm at an intersection, I check my mirrors to see if anything is behind me and then I look ahead. I look at the drivers. A quick nod or a wave lets me know they've seen me. I feel that little moment of human connection is one of the most powerful safety tools I have.
If I ride predictably, stay visible, and act courteously, I find I'm a welcome addition to the roadways.
And while it's not necessarily fair or even required if you disagree - from my point of view, when I am out there on my E-bike I am an ambassador for all E-bikers. I try to remember that at all times and let courtesy be my default MO.
I just have a few minutes left, but I want to share how I keep my bike in tip-top shape. I'm no master mechanic, but I remember the "ABC Quick Check."
A is for Air. I learned that my tires are my suspension. I make sure they're properly inflated before every ride. I give them a firm squeeze. They should feel hard, like a ripe cantaloupe, not squishy like a tomato. I found that under-inflated tires are slow and can lead to flats. My local bike mechanic showed me how to use my compressor air pump correctly, and I'm sure yours would too.
B is for Brakes. I already talked about practicing with them. Before each ride, I give my brake levers a quick squeeze. They should feel firm, not mushy. I also look at the brake pads—the little rubber blocks that squeeze the wheel—to make sure there’s still plenty of rubber on them.
C is for Chain. My e-bike's motor puts extra force on the chain, so I try to keep it happy. A happy chain is a clean and lubricated chain. I don't do this every ride, but every few months. I take an old rag and just wipe the chain down to get the grit off. I learned you should never use WD-40! That's it. Most people over-lube their chain. High-quality E-bikes tend to come with systems that don't need as much chain maintenance as road racing bikes.
And one final tip from me about the most expensive part of your bike: the battery. To keep my battery healthy, I try not to let it run all the way down to zero - ever. After a long ride, I go ahead and charge it. But I don't leave it on the charger for days on end. Once it's full, I unplug it. When I store my bike for the winter, I bring the battery inside and keep it in a cool, dry place, not in the cold garage.
These simple checks take me less than a minute, but they keep my e-bike safe and reliable.
And that’s all the time I have for today! Let’s quickly recap my advice.
When you're starting out, find a safe, empty space. Get to know your bike with the power off first, then start in the lowest pedal-assist setting. I found that practicing my starts and stops until they felt smooth was the key.
When you hit the road, be visible, be predictable, and know your local rules. And please, remember my golden rule: make eye contact with drivers.
And finally, remember my ABCs: Air, Brakes, and Chain. A quick check before each ride goes a long way.
I hope hearing about my experience has given you the confidence to get out there and start your e-biking adventure. It's a wonderful way to stay active, explore your community, and just have fun.
That wrap's up today's episode of The Senior E-Biker Podcast. You can find show notes and a transcript of this episode on the show's website at https://senior-ebiker.transistor.fm. I'd love to hear about your E-biking experiences! My e-mail address is seniorebikerpodcast@gmail - share your story or ask me a question.
Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. That way you won't miss a single episode. And if you enjoyed today’s show, a review would be wonderful!
Also consider signing up for the free show newsletter. I'll have more in-depth reviews of bikes and bike accessories there along with extra tips and eventually - some contests. It's over at SUBSTACK and if you want direct access you can find it at https://substack.com/@ebikepodcasthost
I hope you'll join me again. New episodes drop the first and third Tuesday of every month. On the next episode, I hope to have a special guest - you'll just have to tune in to find out the topic! Take care and remember, it's never too late to roll.
Rules of the Road
Hello and welcome to "The Senior E-biker Podcast." I'm your host, Scott, and if you believe that there are still plenty of miles to explore, and you have any interest at all in E-bikes, well I'm your huckleberry. This is the show for 55+ riders who may be new to the world of electric bikes, or maybe just a little e-bike curious.
Before I get started I want to thank everyone who's listened and subscribed - this is the fourth episode and I think I'm starting to build an audience so if you like the show, please tell your friends.
I ride one of my two E-bikes every single day. Today I did 10.81 miles and rode for more than 45 minutes. It was a blast. I start every day (unless I am in the hospital) with a ride. I've learned a thing or two about E-bikes and I plan to share some of that with you today.
So, on this episode, I want to get you feeling comfortable and confident for your own first ride. I'm going to share a couple of tips that might help you get rolling...
First, some basic riding skills that I found essential when I was new to my E-bike. Take it slow and steady.
Second, I'll go over the rules of the road that I follow to make sure I'm riding safely and courteously.
And if I have a little time at the end, I’ll share a few simple maintenance tips that I use to keep my own bike in top shape.
So, whether your e-bike is sitting in the garage waiting for you or you're still just thinking about getting one, I hope this episode is just what you need.
Alright, I want to talk about that first ride or two. I know it can feel a little intimidating, but I promise, it's easier than you think. My best advice is to start slow and find a safe, controlled environment. I used an empty school parking lot on a weekend. It was perfect. I was able to figure things out without worrying about traffic.
First, I had to get to know my machine. My E-bike has all the things a regular bike does—pedals, brakes, handlebars—but with three magic additions: the motor, the battery, and the controller on the handlebar. When I turn on the controller, the little screen lights up, and that’s where I control the level of "assist."
Now, there are two main types of E-bikes. Mine is a pedal-assist, which is the most common. It gives me a boost as I pedal. I think of it as having superpower in my legs. The higher the assist level—usually numbered 1 through 5—the bigger the boost. Some bikes also have a throttle, which is a little button or twist-grip that moves the bike without you pedaling. My bike has both.
For your very first time, my advice is to forget the throttle even exists. For the first few minutes, I left the power completely off. Then I added pedal assist one - then two - then so on.
Before I even got on, I checked two things. I made sure my helmet was snug and wasn't rocking back and forth on my head. Then I adjusted my seat height. I learned that when you're sitting on the saddle, you should be able to just touch the ground with the balls of your feet. This gave me a lot more stability and confidence.
Okay, so with the power still off, I just got on and off the bike a few times. I wanted to feel its weight, which was a bit heavier than my old bike. That was okay. Then, still with the power off, I pedaled a few feet and gently squeezed both brake levers to come to a stop. I did that two or three times until I could feel how the brakes engaged. I learned you should never just slam on one brake, especially the front one. Be smooth.
Now for the magic. I turned the power on and made sure I was in the lowest assist setting, "1". I took a deep breath, started to pedal first, and then the motor gently kicked in. The biggest mistake I made at first was being surprised by that little surge. I quickly learned that if I start pedaling first, I'm in control, and I can feel it engage smoothly.
I pedaled around the parking lot in a big, slow circle. I could feel that gentle push, and it was fantastic. I practiced looking ahead, not down at my feet, because I know the bike goes where I look. Another way of saying this is - always look where you want to go. (That big wall ahead? Don't look at it!)
As I got more comfortable, I tried shifting up to assist level "2" and felt a bit more power. The key for me was practicing starting and, most importantly, stopping. I must have come to ten or fifteen complete stops until it felt like second nature. I learned to anticipate my stops, brake gently, and use both brakes.
That’s my homework for you. Spend a good 20 to 30 minutes in an empty lot just getting the feel of it. Don't worry about speed. Just focus on being smooth. If I can do it, I know you can do it.
Time for My Rules for the Road
You've practiced in the parking lot and you're feeling good. Now, I want to talk about taking your E-bike out into the world. For me, being a safe and courteous rider is all about being predictable.
First, I had to learn where to ride. The rules for E-bikes can vary. Here in Las Cruces, and in many places, if your E-bike has a top speed of 20 miles per hour, you can ride it in bike lanes and on roads, just like a regular bicycle. Most communities where I live allow them on multi-use paths, but a few don't. I did a quick online search for my local E-bike laws, and I suggest you do the same. When I'm in doubt, I stick to the bike lane.
One thing I should mention is that if you live in the USA and you have a disability card for your car, carrying that with you on your bike will almost certainly drive your E-bike anywhere that is open to pedestrian or bike traffic. The ADA considers electric bikes mobility devices and you have the right to go most places if you have that card with you. Consult with an attorney to find out specifics for where you live, but here in Cruces where I live, I can ride my E-bike on a sidewalk (because of the card) and if I didn't have the disability card, even though regular bikes can ride on the sidewalk, E-bikes cannot. There are always lots of details to check but check them. It will keep you out of trouble.
Next, I always try to be visible. I just assume that I'm invisible to cars. To fix that, I wear bright clothing. I have a fluorescent yellow vest that I love. And I always, always use my lights, even during the day. I’ve found that a flashing headlight and taillight make me dramatically more visible to drivers.
Just like when I was driving my car, I signal my intentions. I use the standard hand signals:
For a left turn, I stick my left arm straight out.
For a right turn, I stick my right arm straight out and up.
And to stop or slow down, I hold my left arm out and down, with my palm facing back.
Many E-bikes have turn signals and brake lights but remember these are typically only visible to traffic behind you. If there are cars in front of you - hand signals are still advised.
This might be a good time to talk about how to share the road and paths. On a multi-use path, I know that pedestrians always have the right-of-way. And I think it’s courteous to yield to traditional cyclists, too. My golden rule is to control my speed. It's easy to go fast on my e-bike, but on a path crowded with dog walkers and kids, I know I need to be the responsible one. I slow right down to a walking pace when it's crowded. I stay to the right unless there's someone in my way.
When I need to pass someone—a walker or another cyclist—I give them a friendly warning well in advance. My bicycle bell is perfect for this. A gentle ding-ding and a friendly "On your left!" as I pass with plenty of room is the way I do it. It’s not a race. I've always had people smile, wave and say "good morning." Nobody has ever been startled or mad because I decided to be courteous.
And my personal golden rule of e-biking is this: I always try to make eye contact. When I'm at an intersection, I check my mirrors to see if anything is behind me and then I look ahead. I look at the drivers. A quick nod or a wave lets me know they've seen me. I feel that little moment of human connection is one of the most powerful safety tools I have.
If I ride predictably, stay visible, and act courteously, I find I'm a welcome addition to the roadways.
And while it's not necessarily fair or even required if you disagree - from my point of view, when I am out there on my E-bike I am an ambassador for all E-bikers. I try to remember that at all times and let courtesy be my default MO.
I just have a few minutes left, but I want to share how I keep my bike in tip-top shape. I'm no master mechanic, but I remember the "ABC Quick Check."
A is for Air. I learned that my tires are my suspension. I make sure they're properly inflated before every ride. I give them a firm squeeze. They should feel hard, like a ripe cantaloupe, not squishy like a tomato. I found that under-inflated tires are slow and can lead to flats. My local bike mechanic showed me how to use my compressor air pump correctly, and I'm sure yours would too.
B is for Brakes. I already talked about practicing with them. Before each ride, I give my brake levers a quick squeeze. They should feel firm, not mushy. I also look at the brake pads—the little rubber blocks that squeeze the wheel—to make sure there’s still plenty of rubber on them.
C is for Chain. My e-bike's motor puts extra force on the chain, so I try to keep it happy. A happy chain is a clean and lubricated chain. I don't do this every ride, but every few months. I take an old rag and just wipe the chain down to get the grit off. I learned you should never use WD-40! That's it. Most people over-lube their chain. High-quality E-bikes tend to come with systems that don't need as much chain maintenance as road racing bikes.
And one final tip from me about the most expensive part of your bike: the battery. To keep my battery healthy, I try not to let it run all the way down to zero - ever. After a long ride, I go ahead and charge it. But I don't leave it on the charger for days on end. Once it's full, I unplug it. When I store my bike for the winter, I bring the battery inside and keep it in a cool, dry place, not in the cold garage.
These simple checks take me less than a minute, but they keep my e-bike safe and reliable.
And that’s all the time I have for today! Let’s quickly recap my advice.
When you're starting out, find a safe, empty space. Get to know your bike with the power off first, then start in the lowest pedal-assist setting. I found that practicing my starts and stops until they felt smooth was the key.
When you hit the road, be visible, be predictable, and know your local rules. And please, remember my golden rule: make eye contact with drivers.
And finally, remember my ABCs: Air, Brakes, and Chain. A quick check before each ride goes a long way.
I hope hearing about my experience has given you the confidence to get out there and start your e-biking adventure. It's a wonderful way to stay active, explore your community, and just have fun.
That wrap's up today's episode of The Senior E-Biker Podcast. You can find show notes and a transcript of this episode on the show's website at https://senior-ebiker.transistor.fm. I'd love to hear about your E-biking experiences! My e-mail address is seniorebikerpodcast@gmail - share your story or ask me a question.
Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. That way you won't miss a single episode. And if you enjoyed today’s show, a review would be wonderful!
Also consider signing up for the free show newsletter. I'll have more in-depth reviews of bikes and bike accessories there along with extra tips and eventually - some contests. It's over at SUBSTACK and if you want direct access you can find it at https://substack.com/@ebikepodcasthost
I hope you'll join me again. New episodes drop the first and third Tuesday of every month. On the next episode, I hope to have a special guest - you'll just have to tune in to find out the topic! Take care and remember, it's never too late to roll.