Important Checklist for New Electric Bike Owners

April 5, 2023

_{Header photo credit: Tern Bicycles}

Are you about to buy a new e-bike? Here is everything I want you to do on your new eBike day.

New Electric Bike Guide to Get Started

First step: Print this checklist and bring it to the bike shop!

The first thing you should do is check your bike fit. Make sure your seat height feels good and that you can comfortably reach your handlebars and brakes.
Next, your shop should walk you through the entire bike with you, including how to shift, brake, and use the e-bike system, including your controller, locking and unlocking your battery, and charging that battery.
Make sure you test-ride the bike, even if you have ridden a different version. Does it fit and feel right while riding? Do you understand all the directions they gave you on braking, shifting, and the e-bike system?
Next up are your accessories and unique bike features. How do you use that fancy kickstand or front rack?
Review your warranty, and take notes on any actions you need to do
If it is a Bosch e-bike, ask for a “Bosch Diagnostics Report” – this report will show you info about your bike, the key number, and they should have programmed your phone number on the motor
Understand your service plan. What comes with the bike? If it is a 30-day tune-up see if you can schedule it now so you don’t forget and they aren’t scheduled out when you need it.
If possible, ask them to print and email you the receipt for the bike and all your accessories.

The first thing I want you to do when you get home is to email yourself the following things:
- Include a photo of the bike with all the accessories – ideally with you in the photo.
- Receipt
- Serial number, the key numbers for your bike battery and locks
- Any Warranty info
- Hit send on that email
Before you are done with the computer:
- Fill out any warranty info needed – for example – with Tern, you can double your warranty if you complete the Tern care registration within 30 days
- Do you have a home or renter’s insurance? Contact them now about adding it to your insurance plan.
- Is there a bike registry near you? In the US, I am a big fan of Bike Index and some cities allow you to register locally.
Find all your paperwork, and put your extra battery, lock keys, and owner’s manuals somewhere safe. I store mine in a ziplock bag with the bike info written on the outside.

This is the moment to set yourself up for biking success. We want to remove any friction from you by allowing you to hop on your new bike and ride!

Set up an area to store the bike:
- Put your floor pump in that area
  Keep your key riding accessories like a helmet or glasses there
If your storage area isn’t temperature-controlled, consider where you can bring your battery when it’s too cold or hot outside.
Lastly, where are you going to charge it? Ideally, inside. I’m a big fan of the kitchen counter. Find a place near there to store your charger.

Okay, you are ready. Happy new bike day🎉 Let me know your questions below!