Electric bikes make everything a little easier, whether that’s commuting to work or loading up on the week’s groceries. But with Summer in full swing, you might have your heart set on something a little more fun than the day-to-day for your next ride. If you’re looking to maximize your time outside, here are a few Rad tips.
Save Money on Gas (Then Spend It on Something Fun)
Opting to travel by ebike rather than car is a great way to pack a little more fresh air into your day, but it can also add up to more money in your pocket.
On average, the price of petrol per litre in Europe is approximately €1.50 based on May 2021 averages - of course, this differs for each country. With travel picking up in the Summer months, that’s likely to rise.
Keep track of the money you save and put it towards some of those little expenses that pop up when you’re out there on the bike path, like a quick visit to your favorite ice cream shop, maybe?
Beyond just saving money, you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint. Plug in the number of kilometers you’ll be traveling into our emissions calculator to see what kind of impact you’re having on this Rad planet.
Practice Summer Safety
There’s no better way to celebrate a sunny day than jumping onto an ebike and hitting a trail. While the urge to get out and get going may feel overwhelming, just remember to take some time to pack two important items: sunscreen and plenty of water.
According to dermatologists, you should go with sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher and take a break to reapply it at least every two hours. And don't skimp on it either. Most adults need about 1 full ounce of sunscreen to effectively cover themselves but tend to use significantly less. Pay special attention to the parts of your body that will be directly exposed to the sun for the duration of your ride, like the back of your neck and the top of your hands.
Make sure to drink water before you head out, and then bring enough with you to enjoy a hydration break during and after your ride — even on those cool-weather days.
Dehydration is no joke. It can lead to serious issues, like heat stroke or exhaustion, especially in hot weather. In humid conditions, your sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly, which makes it harder for your body to cool down.
Hydrating helps you perform better too. A refreshing sip from your water bottle makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your entire body, giving you the opportunity to ease up on the PAS and pedal a whole lot more.
And don't forget that your four-legged passengers also get thirsty! Make sure they stay hydrated at your final destination with our foldable, lightweight pet water bowl.
Load Up for Adventure
The right trip needs the right gear. It’s a lot easier to lug around a backpack when you have 250 watts of power helping you out, but with the weather warming up, do you really want to have your back covered in sweat once you arrive?
Choose from a wide range of storage accessories that can help you ditch the backpack and keep your ride stress (and sweat!) free.
If you’re planning a picnic, pack cold things on the bottom of whatever carrying case you ultimately go with. Then put the picnic blanket on top. This will help insulate your snacks and drinks, plus you’ll be able to whip out the blanket and lay it on the grass before unpacking anything else.
If you really want to step up your picnic game, we have insulated bags available -- a tried and true favorite among food delivery drivers looking to keep items hot and fresh between stops.
Bring Those Little Friends Along
Just because they can’t reach the pedals (or can’t legally operate an electric bike themselves), that doesn’t mean that you need to leave the kids with the babysitter.
A Thule Yepp Maxi Child Seat is perfect for a child 9 months to 6 years old and up to 18 kg. It’s compatible with all of our bikes released after 2018 that include a built-in rear rack.
For the kids who’ve hit a recent growth spurt, the RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike can be equipped with deckpads for more comfortable seating, and deckhands or a caboose to give them extra peace of mind. Running boards and retractable passenger pegs are also available to give them a place to rest their feet.
But what about smaller, furrier passengers? We’ve got them covered, thanks to our pet collection. If you’re taking the pup for a spin, try our pet basket liner.
Be a Summer Hero!
If you’re going for a group ride with friends who rely on traditional bikes to get around, don’t be shy about what your bike can do.
They may struggle to carry along a picnic basket or a cooler filled with their favorite beverages, but you know your ebike will make that task a breeze -- especially since you’ll have a cargo carrying capacity that can outshine most ordinary bikes.
Be a good friend and offer to lend a hand. They might even be impressed enough to join you in the Rad Community.
Explore New Routes
Have you signed up to Strava yet? There’s still time! The community and social benefits of riding Rad is incredible! And, if you’re hoping to meet new people, or stay connected to your current group of Rad Riders, then Strava is the place to be.
Join our Club on Strava where our community of Rad Riders can interact, track routes, share progress, engage with peers, and stick to your goals for 2021.
Ready to Ride Rad? The RadMini and RadMission are in stock and ready to ship. Have your eye on another model? We have a wide array of ebikes. Find your perfect ride with our ebike picker.