STACK #214 August 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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Image: David Marcu (Unsplash)

significant assistance in climbing inclines. Torque is measured in Newton-metres (Nm), so the higher the number, the more torque the e-bike has. Green means go When compared to the carbon footprint left by a car, an e-bike is a far greener mode of transport. An e-bike doesn’t use fossil fuels and releases zero harmful carbon emissions. Batteries are designed to last longer (according to Peter Bourke, general manager at BIA, you can get four to five years out of a new lithium battery), and owning an e-bike reduces the number of vehicles on our roads, easing traffic congestion. Charging batteries off-peak or using solar further helps offset your carbon footprint. Health benefits It’s a common but understandable misconception that riding an e-bike requires no effort. Even with pedal-assist engaged, riding an e-bike is still a good way of getting moderate intensity exercise. It helps with cardiovascular health and can reduce stress and improve mental health wellbeing. Do I need to be fit? One of the exciting aspects of e-cycling is you don’t need to have the fitness levels of Anna Meares to participate. It doesn’t matter where your fitness levels sit – enjoying the

consequently will weather, pardon the pun, a rain shower. Maintenance measures Like any machine with a moving part, e-bikes require regular maintenance to keep them running in tip-top condition. However, an e-bike check-up isn’t as fiscally challenging compared to a car. A yearly professional service can be augmented by home maintenance. Check the following regularly and you should have trouble-free riding. Clean the bike regularly. Avoid using a pressure cleaner. A bucket will do nicely. Never submerge the motor or battery in water, and keep the charging port closed. Dry thoroughly with an old towel. Clean the drive chain, especially if you’re taking the bike off-road. Once cleaned, ensure the drive chain is lubricated. Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressures. Regularly check the nuts and bolts on your e-bike to ensure they haven’t vibrated loose. E-bikes can be an expensive investment, so choose a suitably dry, well-ventilated storage location out of the weather. Boost your battery Lithium batteries are long lasting, light, compact, non-toxic, and recyclable. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended charger and give it a full charge when you bring it home for the first time to set the battery levels. Once the battery is fully charged, unplug the power source. Never charge your e-bike straight after a ride – allow at least 30 minutes to cool down. And try to avoid letting the battery go completely flat.

benefits of cycling with a bit of assistance is an excellent incentive to get moving. It’s probably why most of the staff here at STACK finds riding an e-bike so appealing. Water, water everywhere… It stands to reason that if you want to ride an e-bike, you’ll eventually be confronted with some of nature’s tears. So, are e-bikes waterproof? Well, yes, to a certain extent. If you’re talking about submerging the battery in a deep waterway or trying to cycle home in a tropical rainstorm, you will have issues. However, most e-bikes are splashproof and

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” – Former US President John F. Kennedy

48 AUGUST 2022

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