E-BIKING IN THE SUMMER – 10 TIPS FOR BIKING IN HOT WEATHER
Summer is here, and with it the scorching heat. But high temperatures do not have to mean you have to go without your beloved e-bike. Quite the contrary: With our ten tips for biking in hot temperatures, you’ll have lots of fun cycling even in tropical weather.
SUMMER, SUN, SUNSHINE
The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and it’s finally summer! And let’s be honest: As beautiful as spring and fall may be, on the whole, the months of May to August are the best time of year to enjoy outdoor activities. But a bike ride can quickly become unpleasant, especially in high summer when it is really hot. This is especially true if you are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. But there is a remedy: We have collected ten tips below to help you have more fun on your e-bike in the summer.
1. COVER YOUR HEAD
A helmet is the basic requirement for e-bikes. But underneath your head protection you can also protect yourself from strong sunrays with a head covering. Whether it’s a cycling cap or a bandanna – the professional cyclists are setting an example. Not only because it prevents the sun from shining so strongly on your face, but also because it protects your head from heating up. Ideally, your head covering should be water-permeable and breathable, so that you do not sweat so quickly, even when exerted. And if you ever get too warm, you can always rinse your head covering with cold water. This is particularly refreshing – for example, when your tour is near a mountain stream.
2. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES
Even if it’s tempting to get on your bike in a t-shirt and shorts in the blazing sun, the best choice for a pleasant bike ride is breathable functional clothing. When it is hot, your clothes should be as loose as possible and made of lightweight material so that they do not stick to your skin and you do not sweat even more, especially during physical exertion. On hot days, it is best to wear short cycling pants and sleeveless jersey. Make sure your clothes are also UV-resistant to protect you from the sun.
Functional underwear is particularly important when riding e-bikes in the summer, as it transports sweat away from the body and thus ensures a pleasant body climate. In addition, when choosing clothes, you should pay attention to colors that do not heat up so quickly. Black or dark clothes absorb the sun’s rays and heat your body faster. Colorful and light clothing, on the other hand, reflects the sun’s rays and keeps you cool for longer. In case of extremely high temperatures, it may even be advisable to opt for long-sleeved clothing. Because the less skin you expose to the blazing sun, the better!
3. DO NOT FORGOT SUNSCREEN
If you want to protect your skin from the sun when it comes to clothing, do not forget to put on a high-quality sunscreen. Whether on the face or on the whole body: A high sun protection factor is a must! It is also advisable to apply sunscreen regularly during your tour – especially if you are sweating a lot.
4. TAKE ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF BAGGAGE WITH YOU
It is generally easier for e-bikers to cycle than cyclists, as baggage is literally less of a burden because of the motor assistance. But even if it feels like you do not have to carry much around on a pedelec, make sure you travel as light as possible in extreme temperatures. The more weight you carry around with you, the more strenuous the tour – and the more strenuous the tour, the faster you will sweat. So it’s best to pack only the essentials in your pockets and get rid of unnecessary ballast.
5. THINK AHEAD WHEN PLANNING A TOUR
When it’s hot outside, it is particularly important that you think ahead when you plan your e-bike tour. Ideally, you should choose a route through the woods, as cycling in the shade can be much more enjoyable than on the open road. It is also advisable to plan your tour so that you spend as little time as possible in the blazing sun. Even if motor assistance reduces effort on e-bikes, things can quickly become unpleasant on hot days.
6. LESS IS MORE
When it comes to route planning in the summer, do not push yourself to the limit when it comes to route length. Because even if your e-bike moves faster than a classic bike, you shouldn’t ride the longest route in extreme temperatures and push the limits. It’s better to plan shorter tours and get on your bike for several days in a row instead of going on a long tour in the heat of direct sunlight.
Please note: With e-bikes in particular, it is important to check carefully whether the battery is fully charged before starting a tour. An uncharged battery in the middle of a tour in the summer heat can quickly become a nasty surprise.
7. CHOOSE THE TIMES OF DAY WISELY
If you are not planning to go on a tour lasting several hours, it is best to choose a start time in the early morning or late afternoon. The sun is not quite as strong at these times and the temperatures are more pleasant. In addition, the bike paths are usually less crowded in the morning and evening hours, so you do not have to fight with crowds.
8. DRINK UP
The most important thing about e-biking in the summer is to drink enough. The more you sweat, the faster you lose important minerals and liquids – and this can have a negative impact on your body. Make sure you drink enough before and during each tour and take regular breaks along the way to recharge your batteries. A good rule of thumb is: at least half a liter per hour. When it’s particularly hot, you can also use special sports drinks that provide your body with important minerals and nutrients.
9. TAKE BREAKS ON THE ROAD
As already mentioned, it is important to take regular breaks on your tour. This is the only way to strengthen yourself and make sure you drink enough liquids. It’s best to keep looking for shady spots where you can rest and relax. Benches or cafés are ideal places where you can cool off and recharge your batteries.
10. IT'S NOT ABOUT SPEED
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy e-biking to the full. But even if it is tempting to ride your e-bike as quickly as possible, do not pay too much attention to speed in extreme temperatures. Instead, enjoy the tour and ride at a leisurely pace – then cycling in the blazing hot temperatures is all the more fun!
Are you planning a longer summer tour on your e-bike? In the following blog post, you will find more tips on how to increase your range.
26.07.2022