# How to ride an electric bike: assist levels and gears

Source: https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-an-electric-bike
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Pedal and Volt

**In short:** Switch on the battery and display, choose a low assist level and start pedalling in a low gear. The motor helps while you pedal and stops assisting at 15.5 mph on a UK-legal e-bike. Raise the assist level for hills or headwinds, change gear as you would on a normal bike, and drop back to a lower level on the flat to save battery.

An e-bike rides much like an ordinary bike, but the motor changes a few habits. It can surge when you start pedalling, it adds weight when you are wheeling it, and the way you use gears and assist levels affects both how it feels and how far you get on a charge. This guide covers the basics for new riders: switching on, setting off, choosing assist levels, using gears, braking, and what to expect at the legal assist limit. Controls vary between brands, so read your manual alongside it.

## How an e-bike works in one minute

A sensor detects that you are pedalling, either by measuring cadence (whether the cranks are turning) or torque (how hard you push). The controller then sends power from the battery to the motor, in proportion to the assist level you choose. Stop pedalling or pull a brake lever and the motor stops helping.

On a UK-legal electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), the motor is rated at no more than 250 W continuous and stops assisting at 15.5 mph (25 km/h). You can ride faster under your own power. Our [torque vs cadence sensor guide](https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/blog/torque-sensor-vs-cadence-sensor) explains how each sensor feels.

## Step by step: your first ride

Practise somewhere quiet, such as an empty car park or a quiet road, before riding in traffic.

1. Check the tyres are firm and both brakes work before switching on.
2. Turn on the battery (if it has a switch) and the display.
3. Select the lowest assist level.
4. Make sure you are in a low gear, then put one pedal at about two o'clock.
5. Cover the brakes and push off; expect a gentle push from the motor.
6. Ride a few laps, try braking, and try each assist level in turn.
7. Practise slow turns and stopping, since the extra weight changes how the bike feels.

## Choosing assist levels

Most bikes have three to five assist levels, often called names such as Eco, Tour and Turbo, or numbered. Low levels give gentle help and the most range. High levels give strong help and use the battery much faster.

| Assist level | Good for | Battery use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Low (Eco or 1) | Flat roads, tailwinds, saving range | Lowest |
| Medium (Tour or 2 to 3) | Mixed commuting, gentle hills | Moderate |
| High (Turbo or top level) | Steep hills, heavy loads, strong headwinds | Highest |
| Walk-assist | Pushing the bike up ramps, at up to 6 km/h | Very low |

When to use each assist level

## Using gears on an e-bike

Gears matter even with a motor. Change down to a low gear before you stop, so you set off easily. On hills, use a lower gear and keep pedalling at a steady rhythm rather than pushing hard in a high gear. This is easier on the motor, the chain and the battery.

On a mid-drive bike, ease off the pedals for a moment as you change gear. This reduces strain on the chain and cassette. Hub motor bikes are less sensitive, but smooth changes still help.

## Braking, weight and the 15.5 mph limit

An e-bike is heavier than a normal bike and you will often ride at a steadier, higher average speed, so leave more room to stop, especially in the wet. Many e-bikes have brake sensors that cut the motor as soon as you pull a lever.

When you reach about 15.5 mph, the motor fades out. This is normal and required by UK law, as explained on [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules). Our [UK e-bike law explainer](https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/blog/uk-ebike-law-explained) covers the rules, including the minimum rider age of 14.

## Getting more range from each charge

Range depends on how hard the motor works. Use the lowest comfortable assist level, set off in a low gear, keep tyres at the pressure on the sidewall and keep the chain clean. In cold weather, keep the battery indoors until you ride.

Our [range explainer](https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/blog/ebike-range-explained) goes into each factor. If you regularly run low, our [long range e-bike guide](https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/best/best-long-range-electric-bikes) covers bikes with bigger batteries, and our [battery charging guide](https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/blog/how-to-charge-an-ebike-battery) covers safe charging at home.

Note: Lithium battery safety: charge only with the charger supplied for your battery, do not leave it charging unattended or overnight while you sleep, charge away from escape routes such as hallways, and stop using any battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking, very hot or smells odd. See the London Fire Brigade guidance on lithium batteries.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do you have to pedal an electric bike?** On a UK-legal EAPC, yes. The motor only assists while you pedal, except for walk-assist up to 6 km/h.

**Can you ride an e-bike with the battery off?** Yes. It pedals like a normal, heavier bike. Use a low gear.

**What assist level should a beginner use?** Start on the lowest level until you are used to how the bike responds, then raise it for hills.

**Is an e-bike hard to ride for beginners?** Most people adapt quickly. Practise starting, stopping and turning somewhere quiet first.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/best/best-electric-hybrid-bikes
- https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/best/best-long-range-electric-bikes
- https://pedalandvolt.co.uk/best/best-ebike-locks

## Sources

- [GOV.UK: Riding an electric bike](https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules)
- [London Fire Brigade: lithium battery safety](https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/lithium-batteries/)