From our 'Powering Ahead with EBikes: Foundation Skills" programme. A series of instructional videos for beginners to help them get the most of their electric bike. Note: We use Bosch Smart System-powered ebikes as our demonstrators.
Hill Climbing Techniques on Your Bosch E-Bike
One of the reasons we buy an electric bike is to make climbing hills easier.
With a pedal-assist ebike (like the Kalkhoff Entice 3.B in this video), and particularly with a quality mid-drive system like the Bosch Performance Line (Smart System) which this bike runs on, there are some techniques that will help make climbing easier and help you get the best out of having an e-bike.
- Be prepared for the climb
When hills get steeper and bigger you will get better results if you are prepared.
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- Start with the right seat height
- Adjust your power mode to higher assist
- Adjust your gears
- While doing the climb
Here are a couple of tips that will help the motor do its best for you plus keep you balanced on the bike:
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- Aim for a cadence of 70+ (rpm or speed that you spin the pedals)
- If you have to change down to easier gears, remember to just ease off your power to shift down carefully
- If steep, move your weight further to the front of your saddle to put more weight on your front wheel to keep it planted on the road
Some of these are just good practice climbing techniques, applicable for any bike, and some will help you maximise the motor assistance.
It takes a bit of practice but once you get the hang of these techniques you will love climbing, even the steep ones.
Remember, if it doesn't work for you and you run out of oomph, you can use the walk assist function to help you walk your bike to where you are comfortable to start riding again.
Happy riding!
For more videos and user guides:
- See our How-To Guides
Looking To Buy an Electric Bike?
If you are still to choose your electric bike and you consider yourself a beginner, see our guide on what to look for in a beginner's e-bike plus our team's top picks.
Otherwise, see our full range including specials:
- See All E-Bikes
