New to the world of cargo eBikes? The idea of riding with passengers, and kids in particular, can feel daunting. Questions like, how will I balance? What if the kids wobble? Won’t I struggle to pedal with the weight? Are all completely normal. We’re here to reassure you that riding a Lug+Carrie eBike with passengers isn’t just easy, it’s really fun! Read on for our guide to safe eBike riding with kids.
Choose the right eBike
A big part of feeling safe and confident is riding the right eBike for you. We’ve curated a wide range of eBikes to suit different needs and riding abilities. If you’re just starting out or feeling nervous about riding, there are particular features to look for like small wheels and step over frames. We’re here to help you navigate these choices! Check out our blog about how to find the right eBike for a stable and easy ride and get in touch.
Test ride and practice
Before you get moving on your first adventure with precious cargo, take your eBike for a solo spin. Get a feel for the handling, braking, and electric assist. Once you’re comfortable, practice with the added weight of a child’s seat or panniers (even if empty at first). Then, when you and your child are ready, start with short, familiar routes in a low-traffic area. The more you practice, the more confident and stable you’ll become, making the experience fun for everyone. We highly recommend coming in for a test ride and bringing the kids so we can help everyone get comfortable.
Plan your route
A little planning goes a long way when eBike riding with kids. If you can, choose routes that are familiar, well-maintained, and have minimal traffic. Look for bike paths, quiet streets, or parks where you can ride without too many interruptions, or ride on the footpath if you need to. Knowing your route beforehand, or keeping your navigation out in front with a phone mount, will reduce stress and allow you to focus on the ride and your passengers. For extra tips: Check out our blog about how and what tools to use to plan your route.
Check the weather forecast
Weather can change quickly, and getting caught without the right gear if the temperature drops or the rain rolls in can make eBike riding with kids uncomfortable or even unsafe if the weather gets hairy. Sounds simple but we recommend you always check the forecast before you head out and load up your eBike appropriately. Warm and waterproof clothes in your panniers, or even popping on a rain shield like the Tern Rain Shield before you head out can work wonders. If extreme weather like torrential rain or hail is predicted, be aware of when it’s arriving and plan accordingly – whether that’s making sure you get to your destination before the storm clouds roll in, or choosing another mode of transport.
Prep your ebike – charge your battery, check your seat height and pump your tyres
Unless you have quads of steel, running out of battery power when you’re eBike riding with kids or cargo on board should be avoided! The weight of passengers and cargo will use more battery power so it’s always better to be over prepared and fully charge your eBike before setting off. You can check the estimated range of your battery on your screen by holding down the minus button and cycling through the options. Remember, the range will vary depending on the load and whether you’re riding on the flat or hilly terrain so always err on the side of caution.
The position of your saddle (seat) is another really important thing to check before you set off. A well-adjusted saddle will be more comfortable, reduce strain on your muscles and joints and help you conserve energy. To find the right seat height, pop your right foot on the right pedal and push it all the way to the bottom. When the pedal is in this position, the ball of your right foot should just touch the pedal and you should have a slight bend in your knee. If it’s too high or too low, make sure you adjust it before setting off. Check out this general guide from Tern which includes how to adjust your saddle to the right height.
Properly inflated tyres are super important for a safe and comfortable ride, especially when carrying extra weight. Under-inflated tyres can make steering more difficult, make riding harder, and make punctures more likely. We recommend pumping your tyres once a week to between 45-50 PSI and checking them before each ride. Check out our Lug+Carrie guide to breakdowns for more advice on how to prepare your eBike.
Choose your power mode
Your Lug+Carrie eBike comes with a Bosch motor and four power modes: Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo. These modes offer varying levels of electric assistance to suit different riding conditions and loads. Turbo is your go-to mode for pedal power, it’s the best choice when you’re carrying heavy cargo (like kids), riding steep hills, or you just need a little extra boost that day!
If you’re new to riding or feeling nervous, start in turbo and, once you get comfy, you can experiment with the different modes to find what feels good. If you want to up your exercise or just change your mind, you can always change modes while you’re riding too.
Check your load is safe and secure
Loading up too much, or not distributing or securing your little people or stuff properly could make your eBike wobbly and unsafe and could cause damage to your eBike too.
Each eBike and accessory has been thoroughly tested and your eBike will have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVM) which is the total load it can carry including you, any passengers, accessories and cargo. It’ll then have limits on what can be carried where. For example, the GVM of a Tern GSD is 200kg, 100kg of which can be carried on the rear rack. The rest needs to be distributed elsewhere on the eBike. Likewise accessories will have a limit, like the Thule Yepp Maxi seat for kids is max 22kg.
As well as following the weight guidelines, it’s really important to distribute the weight and secure it properly. This is as simple as putting equal weight in each of your panniers and using bungies and straps to secure bags. Also make sure your kids feet and hands are inside the eBike and they aren’t dangling anything off the eBike. After a few rides, checking all these things will become quick and easy and will make your ride easy and stress-free.
Spinners are winners (change down gears before you stop)
This is a pro tip for all eBike riders, especially if you’re loaded up! Need to get up those pesky hills or get going from a standstill? Click down to first gear, make sure you’re in turbo and cruise to the top. This makes it much easier to start pedalling again from a standstill, particularly with the added weight of kids and cargo. It allows you to “spin” your pedals easily, getting momentum without struggling or wobbling. Changing gears while under load (e.g. while carrying children uphill) can snap your chain or damage your hub, so make sure you change before you get to the hill or stop at the lights. You might also like to try out an eBike that has internal hub gears which can be changed up or down while you’re stationary.
Get your eBike serviced regularly
Just like any vehicle, your eBike needs regular maintenance – a well-maintained eBike is a safe eBike. Keep an eye out for the spanner on your screen. When it appears, give us a call to schedule a service. You should also keep an eye and an ear out for anything that doesn’t feel or hear right. Our technicians are experts in Tern and Riese & Muller eBikes. They’ll give it a thorough check and return it sparkly clean and running like a dream! Regular maintenance will extend the life of your eBike but, more importantly, ensures the safety of you and your precious cargo. For subscription customers, servicing and maintenance is included in your weekly subscription. If you own your eBike check out our servicing packages.
Put Lug+Carrie and Rider Rescue on speed dial!
If you’re out and about and find yourself in a pickle we’re here to help! All Lug+Carrie subscriptions include Rider Rescue. First call Rider Rescue for a pick up (including your eBike). Then call Lug+Carrie and we’ll come and fix your eBike.
If you own your eBike, you can subscribe to Rider Rescue through the Bicycle Network then give us a call to fix your Tern or Riese & Muller eBike. Check out our service packages and the Lug+Carrie guide to breakdowns.
Riding a Lug+Carrie eBike with kids and cargo is a fantastic way to explore and make memories. By choosing the right eBike, some practice and planning, you’ll be confidently and safely riding in no time. So, what are you waiting for?! Take a look at our wide range of eBikes and accessories available on a weekly subscription or to purchase new or refurbished and come in and try it out!
