Electric bike for beginners: Getting started with your first e-bike

E-bikes are no longer the sole domain of seniors and early-adopter tech enthusiasts. These days, you’ll find e-bikes for every style of riding and for riders of all experience levels. The great thing about e-bikes is that they can provide so many different experiences. Most people assume e-bikes make riding easier. And that can definitely be true. With motors that can double or even quadruple your own natural pedalling power, you can power up the steepest climbs with ease, arrive at work fresh (instead of sweaty), and take the sting out of long days in the saddle.  

But riding an e-bike doesn’t have to equal taking a vacation from getting a proper workout. On an e-bike, how hard or easy you pedal on each ride is entirely up to you. Flipping between motor-assist settings (accomplished with the simple push of a button) allows you to determine just how much work you want your legs to do and how much of the load you want the motor to carry.  

So, while some people love e-bikes because they simply want to get from one location to the next with a minimum of hassle and perspiration, plenty of high-performance riders love e-bikes because they find themselves capable of riding further and faster, while having more fun the entire time.  

The best thing about learning how to ride an electric bike as a beginner is that you control the pace. On good days, you'll rely more on your own power; on other days, you'll let the motor do the work. The key advantage is flexibility – spontaneously deciding whether you want to be push yourself or relax.  

An electric bike for beginners is your welcome guide to the world of electric cycling. It will forgive your mistakes, boost your confidence, and adapt as you grow. The motor doesn’t kick in abruptly but builds assistance so smoothly that you barely notice the power isn't just coming from your legs anymore. They have displays that show you all the essential information at a glance without overwhelming you, and frame geometry designed for comfort, so you sit comfortably and always maintain control. 

The best electric bike for beginners is the one that fits you and your needs. Here are the most important characteristics to look out for: 

• Low-step frame for easy mounting: A step-through frame is especially important for riding in the city where you often need to stop at traffic lights. 
• Moderate motor power (250 watts and 50–60 Newton metres): More power doesn't automatically mean more enjoyment. 50–60 Nm of torque is perfectly adequate for most riding situations, offering smooth acceleration and reliable hill-climbing without overwhelming new riders. 
• Intuitive user interface and display: The best displays for beginners are easy to understand at first glance and don’t overwhelm you with excessive amounts of information.  
• Comfortable, upright riding position: An upright position gives you better visibility in traffic and is easier on your back and neck. 
• As heavy as necessary, as light as possible: A good e-bike is heavy enough to remain stable but not so heavy that you can't carry it. Weight distribution should be balanced, with the centre of gravity sitting as low as possible. 
• Reliable parts: Proven drivetrains, powerful disc brakes, and durable tyres will keep your bike running longer.  

The best electric bike for beginners depends on how you intend to use it and your individual expectations. Every single Canyon model is designed to make starting out on an e-bike easy. 

Electric hybrid bikes are the perfect starting point for new riders - combining comfort, versatility, and a smooth pedal assist that makes every ride easier. Here are some of the best Canyon options to get you rolling with confidence. 

Pathlite:ON – your daily all-rounder 

With the Pathlite:ON, you can do almost everything: commute to work, explore forest paths on weekends, cycle to cafés with friends, or spontaneously take a trip to the beach. This e-bike glides quietly and efficiently on tarmac ,but gets to show its robust side on gravel paths. The tyres provide enough grip for light off-road action whilst remaining smooth enough for city riding. 

City E-Bikes for urban exploration 

The Citylite:ON with its classic design and practical equipment set-up is your reliable companion for the urban jungle. 

The Precede:ON goes one step further with its integrated lighting, hidden battery, and elegant lines. It's the optimal electric bicycle for those who value aesthetics but don’t want to sacrifice functionality. 

The Roadlite:ONfly combines the agility of a fitness bike with the smooth support of a lightweight e-drive. It’s perfect for active riders who want a fast, sleek, and effortless ride both in the city and beyond. 

The Commuter:ONfly is built for everyday mobility, blending smart integration with comfort and practicality. With its clean design and reliable electric assist, it makes urban commuting simple and stylish. 

Electric mountain bikes aren't just for professionals. They make MTB trails that were previously reserved for trained riders accessible to everyone. 

Hardtail vs full-suspension e-bike – which suits you? 

Hardtail e-MTBs allow you to experience everything the trail has to offer. You feel connected to the trail while learning to ride properly and with control. The Grand Canyon:ON is the perfect electric bike for beginners who want to experience an authentic mountain biking experience. 

Full-suspension e-MTBs absorb bumps and let you enjoy a relaxed ride, even on rough trails. Our Neuron:ON AL offers top power for the ambitious beginner. The Neuron:ONfly weighs less than 19 kilograms and almost feels like a mountain bike without a motor.Check out our buying guide specifically for E-MTBs if you want to know more about e-bikes with off-road capabilities.  

For new riders curious about off-road adventures, electric gravel bikes offer stability, comfort, and an extra boost for longer rides. With smooth assistance and all-surface capability, it’s the perfect way to start your next adventure. 

The Grizl:ONfly – for the adventurous 

With an e-gravel bike, you're well-equipped for both the road and more challenging terrain. The Grizl:ONfly combines the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the versatility of a mountain bike. The electric motor gives you the range you need for grand adventures. You could start on tarmac, turn onto a forest path, ride across a meadow, and end up at a remote lake – all without worrying about whether you're fit enough for the next step. 

Think road cycling is only for professionals and ambitious hobbyists? Think again. The Endurace:ONfly makes the beauty of road cycling accessible to everyone. It'll ensure that you can keep pace with a group full of very fast riders and can help you manage that Alpine tour that seemed impossible before. 

E-bike regulations vary by region, but most countries have clear rules about what constitutes a legal e-bike. Understanding these classifications helps beginners choose the right bike and know where to ride it legally. 

In many countries such as the UK and EU, e-bikes that assist up to 25 km/h and 250-watt motor power are classified as regular bicycles. You don't need a licence, insurance, or licence plate, and you can use cycle paths and transport children in trailers.  

Why is 25 km/h perfect for e-bike beginners? 

• You feel safe and in control 
• The speed is sufficient  
• You can ride anywhere bicycles are allowed 
• The battery range is ideal

Speed pedelecs are classified as mopeds in many countries, meaning you need a licence, insurance, helmet, and a licence plate. Cycle paths are off-limits. For beginners, they're too complex and legally restrictive.  

These e-bikes have a twist or thumb throttle, similar to a motorbike or e-scooter, which may only accelerate up to 20 km/h. They're classified as motor vehicles and are not practical for normal use as a beginner. 

Our tip: Stick with classic pedelecs. They offer all the advantages you want from an e-bike and give you maximum flexibility – you can ride on bike paths, cycle lanes, and roads just like a regular bicycle, without any registration or licensing requirements 

Pedelecs transform pedalling from a tedious necessity into the key to your riding enjoyment. You set the rhythm, and the motor follows your cadence. The more force you apply, the more it works with you.

E-bike motors have multiple assistance levels – usually three, sometimes more. The setting you pick controls how much the motor helps when you pedal. Low settings give gentle assistance; high settings provide maximum power. 

For example, this is how the various power settings function on many Bosch-equipped e-bikes.  

• Eco mode: With only 60% assistance, Eco is the most economical mode, but it still offers you the maximum range. It's perfect for relaxed rides on flat terrain or when you want to mostly use your own power while riding. 
• Tour mode: With 140% assistance, Tour mode offers balanced support for most situations. It's the ideal balance between range and comfort. 
• Sport mode: 240% assistance provides strong propulsion for more athletic rides or hilly terrain. It ensures that you’ll make good progress without overexerting yourself. 
• Turbo mode: With up to 400% assistance, Turbo offers maximum power for steep climbs or when you're in a hurry. The battery will drain faster, but you’ll overcome any obstacle effortlessly. 

Note: We're using Bosch gradations here. Other manufacturers may use different assistance modes and designations, but the principle is similar. Find more information about drive systems in our guide to e-bike drives. 

Torque sensors help translate your actions to the motor. They measure whether you're pedalling and how hard, and the motor uses this information to adjust its assistance. Pedal gently, and the motor assists gently. Give it full power, and it gives full power too. 

All Canyon e-bikes use high-quality torque sensors. This delivers: 

• A natural riding feel without a delay 
• Exactly the right amount of power from the motor 
• Smooth cooperation between you and the motor 
• Efficient battery usage because the motor only works when needed

Walk assist – your invisible assistant: The motor pushes the bike for you up to 6 km/h. This is perfect for steep garage ramps or when you need to push a heavy e-bike. 

Intuitive displays – relevant information without unnecessary distractions: Modern e-bike displays show you all the important information at a glance: 

• Battery level as a percentage and estimated range 
• Current assistance level 
• Current speed  
• Daily kilometres ridden

Yes, you can ride an e-bike without using the motor, but it's noticeably heavier and slower than a regular bicycle.

An e-bike's range depends on many factors: 

• Battery capacity: 400 Wh is generally the minimum, but batteries up to 900 Wh and dual battery systems also exist 
• Your weight: more weight = less range 
• Terrain: hills will reduce battery; flat terrain has less impact 
• Weather: headwinds and cold weather reduce battery range 
• Tyre pressure: low pressure wastes energy 
• Riding style: steady riding is more efficient than frequent acceleration and braking 

Learn more in our e-bike range guide. 

Pedelecs assist your pedalling up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. You can go faster, but then it's purely muscle power. Our guide to e-bike speed can tell you more. 

A good electric bike for beginners costs between €1,500 and €3,500. That's a substantial investment, but you get a lot in return: freedom, health, environmental protection, and enjoyment. When buying an e-bike, think long-term. A well-maintained e-bike can last over 10 years. When you calculate the costs over the years, it's cheaper than using public transport and certainly cheaper than a car. 

At Canyon, you get the best technology at a fair price. Through direct sales, you save on dealer margins and get more value for your money.  

An e-bike on its own is already great, but a well-equipped e-bike is better. The right accessories make your rides safer, more comfortable, and more practical. 

• Helmet: At 25 km/h, crashes can have serious consequences. A good cycling helmet is the most important investment that you will make after the e-bike itself. When buying, look for good ventilation and an adjustment system for a secure, comfortable fit. 
• Lighting: Modern LED lighting is bright, durable, and energy efficient. Many e-bikes have integrated lighting powered by the main battery.  
• Lock: E-bikes attract thieves. A good bike lock is essential; two locks are even better.

• Padded gloves: Longer e-bike rides can take a toll on your hands. Padded bike gloves distribute pressure more evenly and help to prevent numbness. 
• Comfortable saddle: A standard saddle doesn't suit everyone. Make sure you find a bike saddle that fits you, especially for long tours. 
• Ergonomic grips: As with saddles, the perfect fit for one person can be uncomfortable for another. The right ergonomic grips will reduce pressure points and improve control.

• Mudguards: Keep the spray away in wet weather conditions. Many Canyon e-bikes already have integrated or retrofittable mudguards to help you stay as dry as possible. 
• Luggage rack and bags: A sturdy luggage rack with waterproof bags gives your e-bike some serious cargo capacity. 
• Bottle cages: On longer e-bike tours, you need your water bottle at hand to stay hydrated.

Your first e-bike rides will be super exciting – sometimes wobbly, but always full of potential. With the right approach, you'll master how to ride an electric bike and quickly become a safe and confident rider. 

The perfect place for first rides: Find a quiet, safe place without any traffic. An empty car park, a cycle path without gradients, or a quiet side street are ideal. 

Do a function check on your e-bike beforehand: 

• Is the battery fully charged? 
• Is the tyre pressure correct? (the optimal pressure is listed on the tyre sidewall) 
• Are the brakes working? 
• Is the saddle properly adjusted? 
• Do you have your helmet on? 

Start without motor assistance: This gives you a feel for the e-bike's weight and balance. 

Try Eco mode: Pedal gently and feel how the motor engages. It should feel natural and harmonious. 

Test different modes: Try each assistance level in sequence and notice how the assistance changes. 

Practice starting and stopping: Practice gentle pedalling and controlled stopping several times to get comfortable.  

Practice cornering and riding uphill: E-bikes are heavier than regular bicycles, so it's important to get used to different riding situations. Brake before corners and shift to a higher assistance level early on hills. 

Learn battery management: Start your rides with a full battery and learn to estimate battery range realistically. The display will give you some important indicators, but in practice the range is often different.

E-bike maintenance is easier than you think. With just a few basic steps, you'll keep your e-bike in top condition and significantly extend its lifespan. 

• Safety check before every ride: Check your e-bike's tyre pressure, test the brakes, check the battery level, and examine the chain and lighting.  
• Cleaning done right: Wash your e-bike with lukewarm water and bicycle shampoo. Avoid directly spraying water at bearing pivots, the motor, or electrical switches and displays. Get more tips in our e-bike cleaning guide. 
• Chain care is very important: First clean the chain, then apply bicycle chain lubricant and wipe off the excess. 
• Treat the battery gently: Your battery charge should be between 20% and 80%. Store the battery indoors at stable temperatures and 60% charge if you won’t be using your e-bike for extended periods. Consult our e-bike battery care guide for more tips. 
• Check brakes regularly: Your brakes must be reliable. Replace the brake pads before they’re worn. 
• Perform software updates: Keep your display firmware current and check motor-specific apps regularly for updates. 
• Annual inspection: Consult a bicycle workshop if your e-bike is making unusual noises, you’re experiencing significant range decreases, or other issues arise. Canyon has a network of service partners who will be happy to help you out. 

For more advice, read our tips for seasonal e-bike preparation and winter e-bike use. 

Learning how to ride an electric bike isn't rocket science. Canyon e-bikes are specifically developed to make it easy for beginners to get started. Whether you’re commuting, going on weekend tours, or taking on sporting challenges – with an e-bike, you're sure to cycle more and expand your horizons. 

Get more guidance in our comprehensive e-bike buying guide or use our bike comparison tool to find the perfect model for you. 

And remember - whatever e-bike you choose, enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Ride often, ride free, and keep it fun - that’s what e-biking is all about.