How to Ride an E-Bike Properly

On bike or e-bike get on: Here’s to you get properly on your bike and ride off with confidence 

Many people learn to ride a bike when they're children. But that doesn't mean everyone is safe while riding or getting on a bike . Whether it’s a traditional bike or e-bike, the right mountingmakes the difference between a confident start and a wobbly balancing act. 

Especially those who are getting back on getting back on a bike or are getting a new (and perhaps heavier) e-bike will quickly realize: Getting on safely getting on and riding off takes some practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly mount your e-bike or bike, dismount safely, and which frame shape makes it easier for you. 

How do you get on a bike the right way? Two common methods 

There isn't just one right way to get back on the bike to get on, but there are techniques that are safer and more elegant than others. Here are the two most tried-and-true methods: 

Method 1: Climb over and push off (recommended) 

This technique is recommended by both cycling coaches and traffic safety officers. It offers the best control over the bike: 

1. Move the pedal to the starting position: Turn the pedal on the uphill side to the “2 o’clock position”—that is, forward and up. This gives you maximum leverage and momentum on your first pedal stroke. 
2. How to mount the bike: Stand with one leg over the frame in front of the saddle. Hold the handlebars evenly with both hands and apply the front brake lightly—this will keep the bike from rolling away. 
3. Put your foot on the pedal, start pedaling: Place one foot on the pedal at the 2 o'clock position and push down firmly. With this first push, you set the bike in motion and lift yourself onto the saddle at the same time. 
4. Put your second foot down: As soon as the other pedal reaches the top, place your second foot on it—and ride. 

Why this method? You’re standing firmly over the bike before you start riding. The bike can’t tip over because your weight is distributed evenly. And you’re off and riding right away, instead of unsteadily balancing while standing still. 

Method 2: Lateral Swing 

Many people are familiar with this classic design from their childhood or from low-step frames: 

1. Stand to the side of your bike (usually on the left). 
2. Hold the handlebars with both hands without tilting them, and lean the bike slightly toward you. 
3. Place your left foot on the left pedal and push off the ground with your right foot. 
4. As you start rolling, swing your right leg over the frame in front of the saddle, place your foot on the right pedal, and sit down. 

This method works well for bikes with a low step-through frame. However, with high-frame bikes or heavy e-bikes, it can become unstable because you briefly put all your weight on one side of the bike and shift your weight as you mount it. 

Find out which e-bike is right for you. 

Learning to Get on a Bicycle: Practical Exercises for Beginners and Those Getting Back into Cycling 

Anyone who hasn't ridden a bike in a while or is trying out a new bike or e-bike can take the get back on in just a few practice sessions: 

Adjusting the Saddle Height Correctly 

The most common beginner’s mistake: The saddle is adjusted incorrectly. To practice, set the saddle low enough so that when you’re sitting, the balls of both feet touch the ground, but not the entire sole of your foot. Later, adjust it to the optimal riding height—your leg should be almost fully extended when the pedal is at the bottom of its stroke. A saddle that’s too low will sap your strength over time and can even cause knee problems. If you’re unsure, ask for advice at a bike shop. 

Dry runs without driving 

Get on and off your bike ten times in a row without riding off. It sounds simple, but it trains exactly the movements you need to perform automatically in traffic. As you do this, make a conscious effort to position the pedal at the 2 o'clock position. It will quickly become second nature. 

Use Supports and Assistive Devices 

Start by practicing next to a wall or a fence. A curb or a low step can also serve as a stepping aid. Especially when climbing onto a heavy e-bike weighing 20 to 30 kilograms, this makes things much easier. 

Shift down before coming to a stop 

Many people forget this: Shift into a lower gear well before you come to a stop. That way, you’ll encounter less resistance when you start moving again and get back on the road more smoothly. With derailleur gears, you can only do this while pedaling. So remember to do it a few meters beforehand. 

How to Get on a Bike the Right Way: Avoiding Common Mistakes 

When Climbing onto a bike , there are a few pitfalls that are easy to avoid: 

• Pedal in the lowest position: If your foot is on a pedal that’s all the way down, you have no leverage to start pedaling. You’ll have to push off the ground with your other foot just to get any momentum—and you’ll easily lose your balance in the process. So always move the pedal to the 2 o’clock position before getting on the bike. This way, you can use the downward stroke to get going powerfully and steadily. 

• Sitting on the saddle while stationary: Many people try to sit down on the saddle first and then start riding. The problem is that you don’t have any momentum, you have to start pedaling from a standstill, and you wobble. It’s better to start riding while standing and only sit down once you’re already moving. 

• Both feet on the ground, saddle too low: If you can rest both feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bike, the saddle is definitely too low. This may feel safer, but it wastes energy and puts strain on your knees. 

• Brake not applied: If the brake isn't applied, the bike can roll away as you get on—especially downhill or on slippery surfaces. Always apply the front brake before getting on and release it as soon as you start pedaling. 

• Wrong Gear: If you try to start off in a high gear, you’ll need a lot of strength for that first pedal stroke and will either pick up speed slowly or oversteer the handlebars. If you shift to a lower gear before coming to a complete stop, the next start will be effortless. 

• Handlebar turned too sharply: If the handlebars are turned to the side when you get on the bike, the bike will tilt in the direction the handlebars are pointing. Keep the handlebars as straight as possible when getting on—this ensures stability. 

Climb onto an e-bike: What’s different? 

The basic technique for climbing is, when bicycle and e-bikes . Still, there are a few things you should know: 

• Heavier weight: A typical e-bike weighs between 20 and 30 kilograms—a regular bike often weighs only 10 to 15 kilograms. The bike reacts more sluggishly when it tips over. So hold it especially firmly when getting on and use your body weight to stabilize it. 

• Motor Assistance When Starting Off: As soon as you start pedaling, the assistance kicks in. This might take you by surprise the first time. Start on the lowest setting until you get the hang of it. 

• Use the start-up assist: Many e-bikes have a push assist feature (up to 6 km/h). This can help when starting off on an incline, so you don’t have to exert as much effort for that first pedal stroke. 

• Low-step models available: There’s a huge selection of low-step models, especially when it comes to e-bikes. If you have trouble getting on a bike, an e-bike with a low step-through frame is the best solution. 

Discover more tips and advice on how to ride an e-bike properly . 

Low-step bicycle Trapezoidal frame: easy Easy to mount 

If you have trouble swinging your leg over a high frame, a trapeze frame or wave frame . These frame designs feature a significantly lowered top tube—some models (known as low-step frames) have almost no top tube at all. 

Which frame makes it easier to get on the bike? 

Low-step bikes are no longer just for seniors or reserved for women’s bikes. More and more people are consciously choosing comfort when getting on and off the bike —whether on a classic bicycle or an e-bike. 

In our blog post, you can learn more about which e-bike is right for you. 

From the right onto the bike —why is it always from the left, anyway? 

Traditionally, you mount a bicycle from the left side. There’s a practical reason for this: the chain, derailleur, and sprockets are located on the right side. By mounting from the left, you avoid accidental contact with the oily chain and stains on your pants. 

Basically, that's ascending onto the bike from the right is generally not a problem and can even have advantages: 

• Use your stronger leg: Some people have a stronger left leg. In that case, it feels more natural to stay on the left and board on the right. 

• Flexibility in Everyday Life: If your bike is parked against a wall or a curb, you can’t always get on from the left. If you can get on from both sides, you’ll be more flexible. 

• Traffic Safety: When standing by the road, you should ideally stand on the sidewalk side—and that’s not always the left side. 

Tip: Practice getting on and off on bike from both sides. At first, the unfamiliar side will feel strange, but after a few tries, it’ll become second nature. 

How do you get off a bike? How to get off safely in 3 steps 

Getting off your bike is often underestimated—yet this is where many falls while standing occur. Here’s how to safely get off your bike or e-bike: 

1. Slow down and shift to a lower gear: Brake slowly and smoothly. Shift into a low gear while doing so—that way, you’ll be ready to go again as soon as you start up next time.
2. Slide forward from the saddle: Shift your weight forward and stand up over the frame. Keep one foot on the pedal; let the other hang freely. 
3. Put your foot down and swing your leg: Place your free foot on the ground while swinging the other leg over the frame to the other side. Keep the brake engaged so the bike doesn't roll away. 

Special Considerations When Getting Off an E-Bike 

When getting off your e-bike, make sure the motor assistance doesn’t kick in unexpectedly while you’re still halfway on the bike. It’s best to switch to a low assistance level or turn the motor off completely before you stop. E-bikes respond even to light pedal pressure—and an unexpected surge of power while getting off can be dangerous. 

In addition, e-bikes are significantly heavier than traditional bicycles because of their motor and battery. Hold the bike firmly when getting off so it doesn't tip over. 

In our blog post, you'll learn more about e-bike weight. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting on a Bike 

How to Get on a Bicycle the Right Way? 

The safest method: Stand in front of the saddle, straddling the frame; move one pedal to the 2 o'clock position (top front), and apply the front brake. Push down hard on the pedal; with that first push, set the bike in motion and lift yourself onto the saddle at the same time. Place your other foot on the pedal as soon as it reaches the top. 

Can you also from the right get on bike? 

Yes, that's no problem at all. Traditionally, you mount from the left to avoid coming into contact with the chain and rear derailleur. But if you feel safer mounting from the right or if the situation calls for it, there's no reason not to. Ideally, you should be able to mount from both sides. 

What is the best frame for climbing with ease? 

A wave frame or low-step-through frame makes it easier to get on the bike. That way, you don't have to swing your leg over a high top tube. A trapezoidal frame offers a good balance between stability and ease of mounting. Classic diamond frames require the most flexibility when mounting, because you have to swing your leg over the back of the saddle. 

How do you get off a bikewithout falling? 

Slowly apply the brakes and shift into a low gear. Slide forward off the saddle so that you’re standing over the frame. Put one foot on the ground and swing the leg in front of the saddle over the frame. Important: Keep the brakes applied so the bike doesn’t roll away. 

Is that ascension on an e-bike more difficult than getting on a regular bike? 

The technology is essentially the same. However, e-bikes weigh significantly more, which is why you need to use your body weight to stabilize the bike especially well when getting on. Also, start at a low assistance level, because the motor kicks in even with light pedal pressure. E-bikes with a low step-through frame make it easier to get on. 

Why is the pedal position important when getting on the bike ? 

When the pedal is in the 2 o'clock position (top front), you have maximum leverage on your first push. You'll pick up speed faster and need to exert less force. If the pedal is at the bottom, you'll have to push it up first—and lose valuable seconds during which you're off-balance.