Electric bikes are an ideal way for riders to enjoy e-biking year-round, including summer when it can be very hot and humid. Here are some tips to help e-bike riders stay safe, cool, and comfortable all summer long so you can take advantage of the longer days and beautiful sunshine.
1. Ride During Cooler Hours
Riding your electric bike in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower, can make a big difference in comfort. Not only is the air cooler, but the sun is less intense. (These times often mean less road traffic, allowing for a more enjoyable ride too.)
Of course, the great thing about having an ebike is that the extra power at your disposal makes riding in heat and humidity far more enjoyable so this just means you will likely be out for longer!
If you are planning a longer ride another good strategy is to try to plan a shadier or more protected route home.Â
2. Wear Sun-Safe, Breathable Clothing
One of the top summer e-bike riding tips is to protect yourself from the sun while staying cool. Choose lightweight, UV-protective, moisture-wicking fabrics that help regulate your temperature and guard your skin against harmful UV rays.
The Electric Bikes Brisbane touring jersey has been designed with exactly this in mind (plus it has handy pockets at the back for carrying small extras such as a tube of sunscreen.)
A breathable, ventilated helmet is also essential plus we highly recommend the Da Brim helmet brim for additional protection.
The brim can be easily attached (and detached) onto your helmet to give you extra sun protection when you need it.Â
Another top tip is to wear polarized sunglasses. These will help protect your eyes and make it more comfortable in harsher light.
3. Stay Hydrated and Take Water
Hydration is crucial no matter what you are doing and it is just as important when riding an electric bike in summer heat. Always bring a water bottle or a hydration pack to sip on throughout your ride.
An insulated water bottle, like our EBB Podium bottle, is ideal for keeping water cool on hot days.Â
Most ebikes will have a mounting point for a water bottle cage, and some will even have two.
If you have a stepthrough frame or a cargo ebike mounting points can sometimes be limited.
Here is what we recommend you get if you want to mount a water bottle cage on a stepthrough ebike (or you want to carry an extra water bottle).Â
- Handlebar Water Bottle Cagemount plus
If you’re planning a longer journey, consider mapping out water refilling points along your route.
4. Plan Rest Stops in Shady Areas
Taking breaks in shaded spots will help you avoid overheating and give you a chance to recharge. Shady spots offer a cooler environment to rest and allow you to regain energy for the remainder of your ride.
Shady rest stops also have the added advantage of allowing your ebike battery to cool down too.Â
Mapping out tree-covered or shaded rest stops along your route is a simple but effective way to stay cool.Â
5. Monitor Battery and Tire Pressure
Summer heat can impact the performance of your electric bike, especially the battery and tires. Lithium-ion batteries can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so avoid leaving your e-bike sitting out exposed to sun for long periods.
Everything is cooler when you are moving. In our opinion riding on power when it is very hot and humid is one of life's unexpected little pleasures!
However there are some ebike systems that can overheat if you are constantly in the high power modes in extreme temperatures over long periods of time. Something to bear in mind is to ride in lower power modes in sections where you don't need it.Â
> Read more about Managing Batteries and the Heat
Heat can also cause tyre pressures to rise and this can impacting handling, therefore safety. Something to be mindful of while out riding.Â
With these summer electric bike riding tips, we hope you can make the most of sunny days while staying safe, hydrated, and comfortable. Whether you're commuting or adventuring, these strategies will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable e-bike ride.
Further ReadingÂ
Planning a long multi-day tour? Read Touring Tips from E-Biking Pros
Looking for inspiration on rides to do? See our EBike Rides and Tours page
