Heatwave: Our tips for electric cycling in the heat
More and more Europeans have taken up electric cycling in recent years, and it's not always easy to ride in the heat. Temperatures have been rising sharply across Europe recently, and June has seen unprecedented high temperatures. So if you've decided to go cycling this weekend, there are a few things you should know. Doctibike offers you its expertise so that you can ride your electric bike in the heat with complete peace of mind.
The essentials for enjoying your electric bike in summer
Un Vélo à Assistance Electrique est un vélo classique équipé d’un moteur (Avant, Arrière ou Pédalier), d’une batterie, d’un contrôleur, d’un display et de freins électriques.
Choose your schedule wisely
When it's hot, the time of day you decide to go cycling is very important. If you want to make the most of your ride, it's best to choose a later time. In fact, you are strongly advised not to expose yourself to the sun between 11am and 3pm in very hot weather, as these are the hottest hours of the day. Leave before 8am or in the evening just after sunset if you want to enjoy your outing, but be careful to remain visible to other road users!
Remember to hydrate regularly
When you're doing sport in the heat, it's vital to stay hydrated! The heat outside and cycling make you sweat more than ever, and your body loses water at an impressive rate. Above all, don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink! What's more, as well as keeping you hydrated, water will help you avoid aches and pains the next day. So if you want to enjoy your summer cycling outing, remember that water will be one of the main keys to success, if not a matter of survival!
Choose the right outfit
You guessed it: dress light! If you don't have your usual outfit, choose clothes that let your skin breathe: you need to let your body sweat and regulate itself. The best way to avoid overheating is to wear loose-fitting, light-coloured linen or light cotton clothing that won't trap the heat. Remember to apply sun cream regularly and don't forget to wear your helmet and sunglasses to avoid sunstroke.
The itinerary: a factor not to be overlooked
Ideal: shady areas where you can cool off! In hot weather, it's always nice to ride a few degrees cooler, so plan your rides in cool areas such as forests or shady parks.
Avoid being out in the sun for too long: you risk getting a heat stroke and even a few sunburns. High-traffic areas should also be avoided, as cars and air conditioning add to the heat, as does the air polluted by exhaust fumes.
So if you want to have a good time on your bike, plan your route carefully.
Stay safe
The watchword: listen to your body! Don't try to push yourself too hard, especially in hot weather. Go at your own pace and if you start to feel tired, slow down or simply take a break to recover and hydrate.
Adapt your effort to your abilities, but also to the high temperatures, and your ride will be all the more successful for it!
Our tips for looking after your electric bike in hot weather
Protect your battery from the sun
With very high summer temperatures, it's not a good idea to leave your electric bike battery in direct sunlight: it could get hot and be damaged. If the battery is exposed to the sun for too long, it could overheat, which could not only affect its performance, but also shorten its lifespan.
When you take a break or stop, don't leave your bike parked in direct sunlight, but try to find a shady spot away from high temperatures. Ideally, you should store your battery in a dry place at room temperature, between 5°C and 25°C.
Avoid recharging your battery when it is too hot
In very hot weather, your battery is not only exposed to the outside temperature, but also heats up during use. To avoid malfunctions during charging, it's best not to charge a battery immediately after using it during a heatwave. When you return from your outing, take the time to let it cool down to room temperature by leaving it out of direct sunlight, before plugging it in.
Get off to a smooth start
Whether it's for your daily commute or for your weekend ride in a heatwave: don't rush headlong into full power! It would be a shame to damage your electric bike battery by overestimating the assistance it could provide. This could lead to overheating and have an impact on the range and life of your battery.
As you can see, to get the most out of your electric bike in hot weather, it's best to follow these few tips, for the sake of both your health and that of your battery.
And if, despite all our advice, you notice a loss of autonomy or a malfunction in your battery, have your battery diagnosed by Doctibike. Our experts are there to support you in the event of a problem.
Have a great ride!
