By Marnie Kunz

I tried riding an electric bike for the first time in Brooklyn after wanting to do it for a long time. As a longtime Citi Bike fan and sporadic bike commuter, I wished I had an e-bike when I saw them zooming by me up hills in NYC. The effortless riding looked especially appealing on hot days when I was toiling away and pedaling manually to get up hills.

Biking in NYC can also be an adrenaline rush, and an ebike seemed like an even bigger thrill. But locating a Citi Bike ebike is a challenging feat in Brooklyn. Finally, one day, I found a Citi Bike ebike and took the plunge. Here’s how it went and my tips for riding electric bikes on city streets.

My Experience Riding an Electric Bike for the First Time

Once I found an ebike for rent, I was excited to try riding an electric bike for the first time. I also had a little trepidation about the speed as I’d heard the electric bikes could go fast quickly with just a touch of the pedal. And, of course, the ebike I found in Park Slope, Brooklyn, was near a busy intersection with construction, and one lane of traffic closed, making me even more nervous.

But traffic aside, riding an electric bike for the first time was so much fun! I was at first hesitant to pedal much as I started my ride in a congested area and was learning how the bike felt and worked. But once I made it to a side street and started sailing uphill toward Prospect Park, I was sold. The ebikes really shine going up hills, making a normally toilsome uphill ride smooth sailing.

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Once I got to Prospect Park and turned onto the bike lane running along Prospect Park West, I was pedaling gleefully and gliding along with ease. Riding an electric bike for the first time was a rush, and I’d definitely do it again.

There were, however, a few hiccups along the way. First, for Citi Bike ebikes in NYC specifically, finding an electric bike can be challenging. The Citi Bike app will show you docked ebikes that are theoretically available, but sometimes - up to half the time - they’re not working or need to be charged, so you may go to a station only to find the available bike is not in service.

The only other challenge I had with riding an electric bike for the first time was that the ebikes are significantly heavier than regular bikes. This makes them safer for going at faster speeds, but it’s also a chunky bike to lug around if you need to walk it on the sidewalk at points or move it around in traffic. This would not stop me from riding one as you get used to the heaviness, but it’s something to be aware of.

As I mentioned, one of the highlights of riding an ebike is gliding up hills with ease. You can even accelerate going up hills by pedaling. Overall, the ebike is a great way to commute or do a longer ride, provided you take safety precautions like wearing a helmet and being alert and signaling when riding in traffic. Also, riding an ebike is a great way to get in a cross training workout and give your body a break from the impact of running.

Also, riding an electric bike is so much fun! It’s a thrilling way to see your city and travel farther than you’d be able to on a regular bike.

Tips for Riding an Ebike

If you’re riding an electric bike for the first time, here are some tips to help you enjoy a safe ride:

Check your ebike.

Make sure your ebike is charged and in good condition to ride. Check to make sure the tires are fully inflated.

Dress for biking.

Wear comfortable clothes that won’t get caught on your ebike. Sneakers, jeans, or leggings are usually good for biking. Also, put on your helmet.

Adjust your seat height.

You must adjust your seat height if you’re renting an ebike like I did. Ensure the seat is a good height so you’re comfortable and can put your feet on the ground when sitting on the bike.

Know where you’re going.

Have your ebike route planned so you know where you’re going. Google Maps has a bike route option, making navigating on a bike much easier. Check out your area’s bike routes to know the best streets or paths to take.

Practice using the pedal assist.

Electric bikes have a pedal assist feature that gives you an extra electric power boost when you pedal. This is what makes them so easy to ride and saves you energy. Try pedaling slowly and sparingly until you’re used to the pedal-assist feature and know how much speed you get per pedal push.

Obey traffic rules and stick to bike lanes as much as possible.

For safety, follow your local traffic rules and ride in bike lanes as much as possible. When you’re turning, signal with your left arm straight out before making a left turn. For right turns, you can signal by sticking your right arm straight out or putting your left arm out and bending at the elbow so your hand is straight up. Also, if you’re riding an ebike at night, wear reflective gear to stay visible.

Enjoy your ride!

Have fun, and enjoy riding an electric bike for the first time! This will probably be the beginning of a whole new chapter of biking in your life. Try to make the most of it!

Finally, Thoughts: To Ebike or Not to Ebike?

Riding an ebike is a thrilling experience and a practical way to get around. I would definitely ride an electric bike again, and I recommend trying it if you get the chance. Make sure you wear a helmet and stick to bike lanes when you’re starting for safety. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll probably be sailing around on an ebike exploring all over the city.

As for me, I’ll definitely be taking more ebike rides if I can find available Citi Bikes.

Happy ebiking to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, a dog lover and Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet.

I Tried Riding an Electric Bike for the First Time + Tips