Bike School: The Quick-Start Guide to Your Ride

So you built your bike, read the manual, and now you're ready to start your life as a full-fledged Rad rider!

We're stoked that you've done your homework, but how about a little extra credit? To make sure your first ride is as Rad as possible, our resident experts have put together this quick video tutorial.

Pro Tips:

If you're looking to lighten your load, especially when you’re walking your bike up a steep hill, each model is equipped with a walk mode, which will help move the bike alongside you.
Want to get more natural power out of pedaling? Try riding with your fork locked out. When you pedal, your suspension usually bounces with each pedal stroke. If you lock out the fork, the fork can't bob, thus eliminating that energy loss.
To keep your battery operating as efficiently as possible, you’re going to want to charge it for 12 hours -- no more, no less -- after your first, second, and third ride. This will balance the battery.

No matter what environment you're riding in, it’s important to remember to wipe down your bike after your ride. Make sure your bike is free of rain, snow, dirt, sand, or any debris. Focus on your electronic connections and make sure water or moisture gets wiped off.

Add an extra layer of bike security to your ride by registering your ebike on BikeIndex.org, a free, online tool that will notify you if law enforcement finds your stolen bike.
We recommend that you bring your bike to a certified, reputable local bike mechanic for a standard tune-up after putting 300 to 500 miles on it. After that, you’ll know how your bike should feel and will get a sense of when it may need some additional professional help.