Ebike commuting offers many advantages. But since you often cover larger distances, particularly with the help of an electric motor, there are a few things to keep in mind. Just as remembering your ticket and your Kindle when travelling by train, there are some things you should never leave home without when commuting by ebike.
There are days where getting onto your bike to ride home can feel particularly difficult, especially if the weather is bad or you’ve had a long day at work. But think of the alternatives: traffic jams, delayed buses and trains or expensive taxi rides. Commuting by bike offers countless advantages in the long run – and from time to time it helps to remind yourself of what they are. Besides being an inexpensive and flexible way to travel, ebiking also helps clear your head and relieve the stress of the day on your way home.
Clever protection
Within 10 years, helmets have become part and parcel of skiing; you’ll hardly see a single skier on the slopes not wearing one. Some bicycle commuters, on the other hand, still resist wearing a helmet, although cycling in the city is anything but safe. Riding an ebike, you’ll quickly reach speeds that other road users underestimate. Even if you do everything by the rules yourself, something as small a careless pedestrian can become a risk. Therefore, the most important tip on this page is: buy a good helmet and wear it every time you get on your bike! It’s best to choose a model with a visor because, besides looking better, it shields your eyes from sun and rain. Our favourite is the Giro Fixture MIPS for € 79.99.
Price: € 79.99 (ohne MIPS € 59.99)
Info: giro.com
Under lock and key
Ebikes are expensive and should therefore always be adequately secured. Of course, even the best lock can be broken, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of theft none-the-less, better still if you can park your bike somewhere inside at your workplace. Most employers are likely to support you if you tell them about your environmentally friendly means of travelling. We’ve compiled a few tips on how to secure your ebike against theft on our website. For a lock, we recommend the ABUS BORDO 6000.
Price: € 84.95
Info: abus.com
Let there be light
If you frequently ride your bike on the road, proper lighting is a must. Since mid-2017, the outdated legal situation has improved significantly, the StVZO regulation now including battery powered lights as well as high and low beam. Compared to modern lights such as the Supernova M99 MINI PRO most bicycle lights look like candles, and many of the latest models include daytime running lights for better visibility.
Price: € 299.00
Info: supernova-lights.com
Everything but the kitchen sink
Admittedly, there are cooler looking solutions than a bicycle pannier on the rear rack, but regarding practicality, there are few solutions better than this proven method. Instead of getting your business shirt all sweaty beneath a backpack, a “back roller” shifts the load from your body to the ebike, where it’s hardly noticeable. Modern carrying systems allow you to attach the bag to the rack in seconds and provide a secure fit. Rear wheel bags are available in all shapes, sizes and materials – choose one to suit your requirements. Modern interpretations such as the Downtown2 by Ortlieb also function as a messenger bag with laptop compartment, showing that functionality and style aren’t mutually exclusive.
Price: € 129.99 – € 159.99
Info: ortlieb.com
The Emperor’s New Clothes
In a perfect world you only commute in mild weather and sunshine, but in reality, there’s an unexpected rain shower lurking behind every cloud. To prepare for the worst, we advise investing in proper rain gear. The extent of the weather-proofing depends on your dress code and the length of your commute. Some resort to Everest-capable mountaineering jackets, while others prefer using the plastic poncho from the last festival – neither is ideal. Fjällräven’s stylish Greenland Eco-Shell Jacket is a better option. Not only does it keep you dry, but it looks good too.
Price: € 499.95
Info: fjallraven.com
Fenders
Not a fan of mudguards? If you intend to use your ebike for commuting purposes, you’ll change your mind when you strut through the office with a strip of mud down your backside at the latest, which is much more embarrassing than a mudguard. Many commuter bikes come with mudguards as standard, but there are retrofittable solutions for eMTBs also, such as the Shockblade and X-Blade from SKS – on everyday commutes these things will literally save your ass. The advantage: The SKS mudguards can be attached and removed in a few easy steps so you can leave them at home for the weekend mountain bike ride.
Price: € 19.99 each
Info: sks-germany.com
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl, manufacturers
