Riding Within Your Ability: Off-Road, in Wet Weather, and on Hilly Terrain

To have a safe and fun ride, it's important to take weather and terrain conditions into consideration when riding a bike. 

Click on a heading below to read more about riding a Rad Power Bikes ebike in certain conditions.

Off-Road Riding

Off-road riding requires paying close attention to avoid potential hazards, and specific skills to stay safe.

Riding on extreme terrain is not recommended and in some cases can void your warranty.

If you choose to do off-road riding:

1. Check local rules and regulations to confirm that off-road ebike riding is allowed.
2. Wear appropriate safety gear.
3. Do not ride alone in remote areas.

Tips for riding on off-road terrain:

1. Keep the bike moving at a decent pace when demanding high power output from the motor.
2. Avoid demanding high levels of power assistance when the bike is travelling at very low speeds, has stalled, or is stopped, to avoid strain on the motor, especially in extreme and adverse conditions.  

Engaging in extreme riding is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Rad Power Bikes does not recommend or permit extreme riding, and extreme riding can cause damage, serious injury, and/or death. 

Hot, Cold, Rainy, or Icy Weather: Riding and Bike Storage

Ebikes by Rad Power Bikes are designed in rainy Seattle, Washington, and they perform well in wet conditions. The electrical components including the display, motor, battery pack, and throttle are all designed to operate well while riding in rainy conditions.

Ebikes are not meant for use in large puddles, streams, or very heavy rain. Never immerse or submerge the bike in water or liquid as the electrical system may be damaged.

Ebikes by Rad Power Bikes should not be used in temperatures lower than -4 °F (-20 °C) or extremely high temperatures.

If using your ebike in extremely high temperatures is unavoidable, take care to not park your ebike in direct sunlight. Keeping your ebike protected from heat and direct sunlight will help keep your bike in great shape so you can keep riding Rad.

When Riding in Rainy or Icy Conditions

• Be aware. Take extra care when operating the bike in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Road hazards may be difficult to see when wet; proceed with caution.
• Take it slow. Decrease riding speed, avoid riding on wet metal, ice, leaves, or other particularly slippery surfaces, and brake earlier since it will take longer to slow down than when conditions are dry.
• Be seen. Wear reflective clothing and use approved safety lights to be more visible.
• Dry the bike. Park the bike in a dry location after riding to allow the components to dry. Never flip the bike over when wet; the bike's components are all water resistant and designed for water to drain off the components from top to bottom. 

Click HERE to read a post on The Scenic Route about riding in winter weather, or click HERE with tips for winter riding.

After Riding in Wet Weather

Riding in wet conditions will require a more regular maintenance schedule to ensure your bike does not become rusty, corroded, and to ensure all systems are always working safely. Always dry off your bike and store it properly between uses to prevent corrosion.

After using a bike in cold weather, store it in a dry location, above freezing temperatures. If that is not possible then the battery must be moved inside for storing and charging. The most important thing is to charge the battery at room temperature, between 50 °F to 77 °F (10 °C to 25 °C).

Check out our Three Quick Tips to Prevent Ebike Corrosion post on The Scenic Route, or our article HERE for bike cleaning tips, to keep your bike in great condition after a ride.

 Wet, snowy, or icy weather impairs traction and visibility for the cyclist and vehicles sharing the road. The stopping power of the brakes, traction of tires, and grip of the rider's feet on the pedals are all lessened in wet weather. If your feet slip off the pedals, tires lose traction, or the brakes cannot stop you appropriately, it could lead to a fall, serious injury, or even death. Ride in wet weather only if necessary, and maintain control of the bike at all times.

Riding on Hilly Terrain

Ebike performance on hills depends on factors including the weight of rider, steepness of the hill, cargo load on the bike, and more.

Riding with cargo

Hills that are normally easy to climb and descend without cargo can become challenging and dangerous once cargo is loaded onto the bike. 

A rider’s hill climbing ability, steering, and braking are all impacted when cargo is loaded on the bike. Get used to controlling the bike with a cargo load in a flat and open area before riding on roads or hills.

Riding on Steep Hills

Always pedal when climbing hilly terrain to avoid straining the motor.

A rider should keep the bike moving at a reasonable and steady pace when using high levels of power assistance. Demanding high power output when the bike is moving at slow speeds may strain the motor. Pedaling in a low level of pedal assist (levels 1, 2, or 3) or riding with the twist throttle only partially applied can help keep the bike moving without high power demand, which will increase the longevity of the bike's motor. Plan your route to avoid very steep hills (over 15% grade) if possible.

Hills with a 15% or Greater Grade

Never ride up hills which exceed a 15% grade with the motor fully engaged.

If you need to ride up hills steeper than a 15% grade, it is important to set the bike to a lower level of pedal assist (levels 1, 2, or 3) and to maintain a reasonable speed above a walking pace. For hills that exceed your ability to climb as a cyclist, you can engage "walk mode."

Walk Mode

Use walk mode to help propel the bike forward at a walking pace.

Walk mode allows the motor to move the bike at a relatively slow, constant speed so that a person can walk next to the bike with their hands on the handlebar, without having to push the full weight of the bike.

Walk mode should only be used while dismounted from the bike and with both hands on the handlebar. Always keep at least one hand on a brake lever to allow quick cutoff of the motor assistance if necessary and to maintain control of the bike.

For more information on engaging walk mode, please see the LCD Display Features and Operations or Motor Operation articles in the Help Center. 

Carrying Cargo

Carrying cargo involves additional risks, which require special attention and care to mitigate and manage. To learn more about riding with cargo, click HERE.

 Rad Power Bikes discourages riding in conditions that exceed your or your bike’s ability. We also recommend consulting a local, reputable, and certified bike mechanic to inspect and tune your bike before engaging in any off-road or wet weather riding.