1. Ride Prep - ABC's, Dress, and Area Riding Rules:
Whether you’re a new cyclist or a seasoned rider, it’s always a good idea to inspect your bike before a ride to make sure it's in good working order. Check your bike's ABCs (Air, Brakes, & Chain) before every ride.
Dress appropriately - for comfort and safety.
Flip flops aren't the best, and we always recommend a helmet. Clothing is important - loose pant legs can cause problems also and get caught in the chain. Was spandex invented by a biker? ... Maybe, although we do fine in jeans.
Examine your chain and all the gears. Keeping your chain lubricated and everything clean will ensure your bike shifts easier and the drivetrain (made up of the front chain rings, rear cassette, rear derailleur and chain) last longer and operate smoothly.
You will want to be familiar with the area rules and regulations on the routes you ride, so you are following the ebike requirements of the locale. For example, in some instances the local requirements may specify the need for mandatory equipment such as helmets, use of hand signals, where you can ride, whether throttle use is allowed, etc. If throttle use is not allowed, most ebikes have a throttle cable with connectors - you can simply unplug it for a bit.
2. Tires:
Ensure the tires and inner tubes are in good working condition without any visual damage and have the correct amount of air pressure. Realize if your bike has been sitting without use for a while, it is normal for tire pressure to drop, and you will need to air them back up to your preferred tire pressure. Tires without the correct amount of air pressure can reduce performance, increase tire
and component wear, and make riding your bike unsafe. Replace tires and inner tubes with punctures, cuts, or damage before you ride. We also recommend the Tannus Armour Liners - the most effective prevention for "goat head flats." Mr. Tuffy is also a liner we recommend and install, along with Gempler's Ultraseal liquid slime sealant. Flat tires on ebikes are your prime enemy, since you can quickly get a distance away from your service center (aka garage).
3. Check the front wheel mount and the tightness of the rear wheel axle nuts:
Most ebikes from Open Road Motosports use a quick release front wheel mounting mechanism, while the rear wheel is bolted on. These mechanisms may become loose or unsecured over time. The torque of all wheel mounting hardware should be inspected on a regular basis.
Both wheels need to be properly secured before operating your bike. Other bike bolts should also be examined and tightened frequently - such as your kickstand, handlebar mount, and levers, to mention a few.
4. Checking the Electrical System:
The electrical system on your ebike offers various levels of power assistance and lighting for different operating conditions and user preferences. You will want to familiarize yourself with your ebike’s electrical system and check to see that it is working correctly before every ride. The front and rear brake levers contain safety power cut-off switches, which disable the motor’s assistance when applied, and both levers should be checked for correct operation. The throttle should provide smooth acceleration when gradually applied. If the throttle, brake lever cut-off switches, pedal assistance, or lighting are functioning abnormally, intermittently, or not working, bring the bike in for service. There are frequently small Allen bolts that hold equipment on the handlebars, and check and tighten those so that they remain securely in place on the bars.
Ensure the battery is adequately charged and operating properly. The battery capacity bars on the LCD dashboard provide a reading on your charge level. Ensure the battery charger is unplugged from the outlet and battery, then stored in a safe location before you ride. The battery MUST be properly mounted and locked before use. Be careful with the battery keys and keep the spare in a safe
location.
5. Ensuring Brakes are Working Properly:
Ensure brakes are working correctly, all braking system components are free from damage, and properly secured. When you fully squeeze the brake levers, ensure neither the front nor rear brake levers touch the handlebar. Bring the bike to us or to a bike service center to have the brakes adjusted, if you find a problem. Ebike brake pads can make noise, just like cars, and can be serviced to eliminate the annoyance.
6. Quick Release Levers:
Quick release levers, in addition to your front axle, are frequently located on your ebike seat post. These provide convenience for different sized riders, since they allow the seat post to be quickly adjusted without tools. Since quick release levers can be loosened accidentally between or during rides, it is important that you regularly check to ensure these components are properly secured and closed. These seat posts that are easily raised and lowered have a mark to indicate the limit of the height on the seat post. Don't exceed this, or the post could bend or fail. The seat and seat post should be properly aligned, angled, and fitted.
7. Accessories, Straps, and Hardware:
Ensure all hardware is secured and all accessories are properly attached. It is a good practice to look over all items before each ride to avoid problems on the ride. Make sure your cell phone, if in a handlebar holder, is secure.
8. Wheels:
Your wheels should always spin straight and must be repaired or replaced if they wobble side to side or up and down when spinning. If your wheels become untrue or spokes loosen or are bent, which can happen with normal use, we recommend that a certified bike mechanic perform wheel tuning and truing operations on the bike. Do not attempt to true wheels or tighten spokes unless you have adequate knowledge, tools, and experience.
9. Suspension, Handlebar, Grips, and Seat Adjustments:
If so equipped, front and rear suspension forks on your ebike will affect the handling of the bike, so you must understand how they work before use. The suspension fork should be properly adjusted for your weight and terrain. Ensure the handlebar and handlebar stem are properly aligned for your size, and secured to their recommended torque values. Handlebar grips should not move easily on the handlebar end. Loose, worn, or damaged handlebar grips should be replaced before you ride.
10. Battery Charged, Secured, and Unplugged:
Ensure the battery is adequately charged and operating properly. The battery capacity bars on the LCD dashboard display provide a reading on your charge level. Ensure the battery charger is unplugged from the outlet and battery, then stored in a safe location before you ride. The battery MUST be locked onto the frame battery mount properly before use. Do not attempt to operate the electrical system if the battery is removed. Be careful with the battery keys and keep the spare in a safe
location.
Open Road offers popular brands and categories of moto bikes , including Vanderhall, Ebikes, Dirt Bikes, E-bikes, Electric Motorcycles, and used motorcycles for sale. Bintelli, Recon Powerbikes, Eunorau, BTN, UBCO, Delfast, Oset, Superbolt.
We are always adding to our popular lines, with sales and service available across a variety of brands.