Top Five Tips for City Ebike Commuting

What if we told you that there’s a way to make your commute…fun? 

Enter the ebike. Instead of sitting in traffic, you can spend your commute getting fresh air, exercising, and zipping past the gridlock with a smile on your face. 

However, like any new routine, there’s a bit of a learning curve. We’ve put together our top five tips for putting together an ebike commute that’s enjoyable, safe, and reliable. 

1. Find a Route You Look Forward to Riding

Not all bike routes are created equal! Before blindly following where Google Maps tells you to go, take a look at Strava heatmaps and dedicated bike trails. You may find a route that is slightly longer, but feels much safer or is more scenic.

Take some time to test ride your route before heading to work as well. That way you can make adjustments and explore alternatives before it really matters. 

2. Carry a Flat Kit and Basic Tools

Even the most durable tires can fall victim to broken glass or an errant nail on the road. That’s why it’s so important to carry an ebike flat kit, and practice using it so that you feel confident making the fix on the fly.

Items to Include in Your Flat Kit: 

• Spare tube 

• Tire levers 

• Bike pump

• Tube patch 

• Tire plug for tubeless set ups 

• Multitool

3. Create a Battery Charging Routine

Just like how you charge your phone every day, you’ll want to get into the routine of charging your ebike regularly. While Monarc ebikes come with two batteries and a range up to 120 miles, it’s still a good idea to have a charging schedule so you’re never left stranded after forgetting to charge them for a week or two. 

Top Tips: 

• By limiting your charge to 80% during charge cycles, you can triple your battery lifespan

• Bring your charger to work if needed

• Know your range

• Account for cold weather depleting batteries faster 

• Charge your bike lights at the same time as you charge your battery 

4. Dress for the Weather

Most beginner commuters overdress. If you want to minimize the sweat factor on your way to work, dress in layers and pick materials that are known for wicking away moisture. If you live somewhere where the weather is always changing, pick up some quality rain and cold weather cycling gear (jackets, gloves, hats, boots, fenders) to keep you riding year round. 

5. Lock It Like You Mean It

If you’re going to invest in a quality ebike, it’s equally important to invest in a quality lock and security system. In addition to a standard U-lock, consider additional safety measures like an  ebike alarm system, chain lock, and/or tracking device hidden on your bike. Be sure to record your bike’s serial number in case you ever need to report it as missing. 

With a dialed-in route, gear you can rely on, and a bit of experience under your belt, taking your ebike to work will become second nature. You might even find yourself wondering why you ever drove in the first place.