Fall brings the beauty of changing leaves and relief from the summer heat. For some, the change of seasons may be a reason to not get on their bikes this year. In fact, fall may be the perfect time to hit the road.
You may have noticed that your usual riding routes through the city are quieter and emptier. With some top tips for riding an electric bike this fall, enjoy our guide to riding this fall!
1. Check the weather forecast
The weather can change quickly this time of year, and with frequent rain, we can get caught in showers. To protect yourself from getting cold or wet, plan ahead, check the forecast and carry appropriate clothing with you. For example, carry a waterproof jacket or vest that can be stuffed into a sweatshirt pocket. Wearing layers will also allow you to be flexible as the weather warms up and your body temperature rises.
2. Stay visible
In the fall, daylight hours decrease. As night falls, it becomes even more important to make sure you are visible. Mounting a few lights on your frame and wearing some high-visibility clothing or items with reflective inserts can provide you with greater safety at dusk.
Checking sunrise and sunset times before making your riding plans can reduce the risk of riding home in the dark.
3. Make sure your e-bike runs smoothly
It is recommended to perform a comprehensive maintenance on your e-bike before a long trip or depending on the frequency of use.
Riding on wet and dirty roads can easily splash dust, which is likely to have a bad effect on the chain. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the chain frequently to keep the bike clean. Another particularly important part of the bicycle is the brakes, which need to be checked more frequently to prevent more serious wear and tear caused by mud, water, sand, etc.
Taking good care of your beloved bicycle is the best way to reduce mechanical failures when riding in the autumn.
4. Avoid fallen leaves
Leaves look beautiful, but once they fall to the ground, they are dangerous to cyclists because they may hide garbage, stones, horse chestnut seeds, etc., which can cause tires to be punctured.
Wet leaves are also almost as slippery as ice. They become dangerous in the autumn because trees drop most of their leaves during this season. Although modern e-bike tires have a good grip on the road, you should avoid those fallen leaves as much as possible for safety reasons no matter what the situation.
Fall is a great time to go biking, and you can experience a beautiful ride on your commuter bike, enjoying the mild temperatures and warm tones. There’s nothing better than cool air on your face and gorgeous colors!