Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular these days, as people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on transportation costs. But a lot of people are wondering if it’s possible to use electric bikes manually, without the assistance of the electric motor. In this blog post, we will answer that question and give you some tips on how to use your electric bike in manual mode.

Riding an Electric Bike without the Motor

So, can electric bikes be used manually? The answer is yes! Electric bikes can be ridden without the assistance of the motor, but it will take some effort on your part. If you happen to run out of juice on your electric bike, don’t worry, as you’ll still be able to make it home (or wherever you may be going).

Is it more difficult to ride an electric bike manually than a normal bike?

While it is totally possible to ride an e-bike manually (i.e. without the battery/motor), it will be more difficult than riding a normal bike, since electric bikes tend to be quite a bit heavier due to the extra equipment.

How much does an e-bike they weigh?

The weight of an electric bike depends on a lot of different factors, including the quality of the parts used, the size of the battery, the size of the bike itself and more.

Generally speaking, e-bikes can weigh 40+ pounds, whereas a standard bike weighs around 25 pounds. That’s, on average, an extra 15 pounds you would need to move around. Keep in mind that many electric bikes also come with other built-in accessories that normal bikes don’t typically come with, such as built-in front and rear lights.

For more info about bike weights, check out our article Bicycle Weights: How much bikes weigh with 10 examples

How much does an electric bike battery weigh?

E-bike batteries really range in weight. Depending on the one you get, you can expect an e-bike battery to weigh anywhere from 7 to 20 pounds. That’s a significant amount of extra weight to carry around when riding manually, so before heading on a long trip with it, make sure you ride it around your neighborhood or somewhere close by to get used to the weight.

Tips for riding your electric bike in manual mode

Whether you have to ride your electric bike without a motor by necessity (such as running out of battery power), or whether it’s by choice, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Use a lower gear when riding uphill. This will help you conserve energy and make it easier to pedal.
  2. Don’t be afraid to use the brakes. When riding in manual mode, you can still use the brakes to slow down or stop. Just be sure to use the right brake for the situation.
  3. If your battery is running low and you’ve still got a ways to go, perhaps turn it off for a little while and conserve it for when you’re tired and may need the boost more.
  4. Remove the battery. If you can, it’s best to remove the battery when you’re using your e-bike without power assist, so you shed some of the unnecessary weight. This will make it easier to ride. Important Note: Keep in mind that without a battery, your built-in functions such as lights won’t work, so plan ahead!

How far can you go with an e-bike on a single charge?

When purchasing an e-bike, make sure you take a look at the range for that specific bike & battery. Depending on the one you get, your range on a single charge can vary significantly. There are some bikes that will allow you to go around 35 miles (like this one), while others can go as much as 60 miles (like this one).

Conclusion

There you have it! It is entirely possible to ride an electric bike manually, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make your ride as enjoyable as possible. Keep in mind that generally speaking an e-bike will be heavier than a standard bike, so if you can shed some of that extra weight by removing the battery when you don’t need it, it will make your ride more enjoyable! Happy riding!