Frequently asked questions

You do not need a high level of fitness to ride an ebike. Pedal assistance reduces effort, particularly on hills, but you still pedal and longer rides can be tiring. Choose a route that suits your comfort level, set a manageable pace and take breaks when needed.

Assist levels let you adjust the effort: higher assist makes pedalling easier and lower assist asks more of you. A shorter, flatter ride can be a good place to start.

Read the full guide: Do I need to be fit to ride an ebike?

An ebike is easier to ride than a regular bike, but you still pedal and control it. Pedal assistance makes hills and distance feel easier. Explore More By Bike partners give you a short briefing before you start. Take the first few minutes slowly, start with medium assist and adjust it as you become comfortable.

The effort depends on the route, your speed and the assist level. Pace yourself on longer rides and take short breaks if needed.

Read the full guide: Is riding an ebike difficult?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and closed toe shoes that give you stable footing. You do not need specialist cycling clothing. Secure loose fabric, such as long scarves or wide leg trousers, so it cannot catch in moving parts.

Dress for the forecast and remember that wind may feel cooler while riding. Use sunscreen on exposed skin and consider a light layer. Sunglasses can improve eye comfort, and padded shorts may help on a longer ride.

Read the full guide: What should I wear on an ebike ride?

Bring at least one water bottle, a fully charged phone for navigation and contact, and sun protection. Carry your things in a small secure bag rather than in your hands. Bring extra water for a longer ride.

For a longer outing, a light snack, spare layer or small towel may be useful. Keep what you carry light and practical.

Read the full guide: What should I bring on an ebike ride?

Match the hire period to the route and the stops you want to make. A 1–2 hour hire suits a short introduction with few stops. A 3–4 hour hire gives you more time to explore at a comfortable pace, while 5–7 hours allows for a longer ride with breaks, food and sightseeing.

Review our route suggestions before booking and allow time for breaks and photos. A short hire can feel rushed if you want to stop along the way.

Read the full guide: How long should I hire an ebike for?

Many ebikes can cover around 40–80 km on a full charge, but your actual range depends on the bike and battery, assist setting, hills, wind, speed and riding style. Higher assist and hilly terrain use charge more quickly.

Ask the hire provider about the expected range of your particular ebike, check your route distance and leave a margin rather than planning to use the full estimated range.

Read the full guide: How far can I ride on an ebike?

Reduce the assist level, especially on flatter sections, and keep an eye on the battery level. Hills, strong wind and riding continuously at high speed can use more charge, so check the route distance and allow a margin on hilly rides.

If the battery runs out, the ebike can still be pedalled without motor assistance, though it will feel heavier. Use an easier gear and reduce your pace.

Read the full guide: What happens if the battery runs low during my ride?

Yes. You must wear an approved helmet when riding an ebike in Australia. Adjust the straps so the helmet sits securely on your head before you start.

Explore More By Bike operators provide helmets with ebike hire. You do not need to bring your own, but ask your operator before the ride if you prefer to use it.

Read the full guide: Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an ebike?

Watch for vehicles entering from driveways and side streets, doors opening on parked cars, and pedestrians stepping out near shops and crossings. Gravel, sand and leafs reduce grip; road markings and metal covers can be slippery when wet. Low light at dawn and dusk makes you harder to see and can cause others to misjudge your speed.

Slow down near driveways and side streets, keep a safe distance from parked cars and leave space to react. Ask your hire operator about local riding conditions and rules before setting off.

Read the full guide: What common hazards should I watch for when riding an ebike?

In places where traffic keeps left, riding to the left helps other riders, pedestrians and drivers anticipate your position, except when overtaking or avoiding hazards. Stay out of the gutter, move right early when avoiding obstacles and signal clearly before changing position.

Read the full guide: Why should I keep left when riding an ebike?

Leave a clear buffer around your ebike so you have time to brake, avoid an obstacle and remain visible. Avoid riding close to kerbs, cars and pedestrians. Keep at least 1 m from parked cars where possible.

Leave more space as your speed increases, and allow extra room to stop smoothly.

Read the full guide: How much space should I leave when riding an ebike?

Use an easier gear for starting and climbing, and change gear early rather than under heavy pedalling load. Match the gear to the terrain so your pedalling feels smooth and you can keep control at low speeds and intersections.

Motor assistance does not replace the gears. Using both appropriately can make starts smoother and reduce strain on the chain and motor.

Read the full guide: How should I use the gears on an ebike?

Shift to an easier gear while you are slowing down so you are ready to pedal away smoothly. Stopping in a high gear can make the next start harder to balance and cause abrupt acceleration or wobbling on an ebike.

Allow enough room to slow down, shift before the bike stops and combine gearing with light braking.

Read the full guide: Why should I change down before stopping?

Light rain does not automatically prevent an ebike ride, but wet surfaces can reduce grip and increase braking distance. Ride more slowly, brake earlier and take extra care when turning. Avoid deep water and large puddles, and follow the hire provider’s instructions.

Check the forecast before riding and bring a light rain jacket if conditions are uncertain. If heavy rain is expected, consider adjusting your plans.

Read the full guide: What happens if it rains during my ebike ride?

Contact the hire operator first using the details in your booking confirmation. The operator is responsible for service and immediate support during the ride. Follow the operator’s instructions carefully, particularly for a safety issue.

Explore More By Bike can help with communication if needed, while the operator handles the service and final resolution.

Read the full guide: What happens if something goes wrong during my ride?

You can cancel 24 hours or more before your ride for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours and no shows are not refunded. You can request a change of date or time, subject to availability.

Use your booking confirmation to cancel or request a change as early as possible. Contact the operator if you are running late.

Read the full guide: Can I cancel or change my ebike booking?