The electric bike has a different vibe, right? The smoothness, efficiency, and clean experience are the reasons for its uprising popularity. You can ride an electric bike or e-bike just like traditional bicycles. But the question is, can electric bikes ride in the sand? Can the motor cut through the beach or desert sand? This is generally a common question among people living near a beach.
You can ride on an electric bike in the sand. Yes, but you must adjust wheel breadth to ride on the bike. There are more things you should know about riding electric bikes in the sand. This article will guide you through all the required information.
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Can Sand Damage Your Bike?
The first thing that you should know is your bike’s compatibility with the beach sand. If you are going to ride the bike in the sand without knowing the capabilities of your bike, you are actually risking a lot.
Have you ever used sandpaper? The word has “sand” in it, and isn’t good for good surfaces. And, this is exactly the risk that you are taking if you are riding the bike in the sand. The first damage will occur with chains. Electric bicycles are equipped with hard and stable chains.
As you are using battery power to ride the bike, the chain has to be smooth enough to match the torque of the electric motor. While riding the bike in sand or beaches, there is an immense risk of getting the chain filled with sand. And, this will result in bad.
You need to lubricate the chain for a smooth run. When sand enters into the chain, it damages the smoothness.
The next damage may occur to the battery set. Electric bikes are equipped with high-power batteries. And, when you are riding the bike, a portion of sand keeps spreading here and there. If it enters directly into the battery, there can be serious consequences. Not only you’ll need to stop right away, but also the battery may not function properly in the future.
If you’re camping near the beach, be sure to take a powerful electric bike with you that is ready for camping. No worries, that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be priced insane. You can find promising electric bikes under 700 Bucks that do just fine. However, do not forget to take cleaning tools, just to be safe.
Wears and tears are normal for bike tires. Dry and thick sand increase the rate of wearing and tearing for tires. But, can you resist the joy of riding an e-bike in the sand? Of course not and we’re here to help you out. The right process to ride will save your bike as well as increase your enjoyment.
Can Electric Bikes Ride In The Sand?
Electric bikes can ride in the sand if their components are adjusted accordingly. So, the answer is yes. You can ride your favorite electric bike in the sand by adding “fat tire”. It is available to purchase from the market. In many electric bikes, you will get fat tires by default.
They are thick and hold more air than typical tires. Its pressure is the most perfect one for riding on the sandy surface.
If the sandy surface is a beach, then it will have water too. Therefore, you have to adjust both the width and pressure of tires accordingly. It provides a stable and smooth riding experience. The chain of the electric bike should be covered to save it from getting damaged by sand.
Riding the electric bike on beaches or sandy surfaces will also need a full battery charge. Don’t forget to charge it to get the best result during the ride.
If you have a plan to stop near the wave, keep your bike far from the water. Electric bikes are prone to water as the battery may get wet, though sand or water has no effect on the tires. Besides, the sand will not get away easily. When you keep the bike away from water, you are actually helping it from getting dirty.
Once you are all set with the fat tire, tire pressure, and recharged battery, you can ride the electric bike in the sand.
How Do You Clean Sand Off An Electric Bike?
After you complete the ride in the sand on your electric bike, the real caretaking part begins. The electric bike includes some mechanical parts. Sand may damage or create a disturbance. It will need a proper wiping-out process for smooth bike ride.
- The best cleaning process is to use an air compressor. This is highly recommended for wiping out all the dry sands without getting any parts damaged or scratched. However, you may not have access to an air compressor and it is completely fine.
- You have the option to choose a manual process to clean the sand off an electric bike is using brushes, sponges, and clean cloth. First, clean all the spokes of the tire with a brush. You can also use the cloth though it will require putting extra effort. Second, clean the battery area with a dry sponge. Wipeout every granule of sand. After sponging the battery section, clean it with the brush.
- The chain is the most difficult part to clean because of the grease and lubricating oil. A rag can be the solution to solve the issue. Clean every portion of the chain with a rag. Apply a used nail brush for removing sand particles. Once you are done, apply the lubricating oil. This improves the overall impression from cleaning.
- Recheck again for any sand on the bike. Remove it properly and your bike will get ready in no time.
Bottom Line
A ride on the beach is all you need to remove all the anxiety. Efforts with paddling the bike may hamper the enjoyment and relaxation. Take your electric bike to the beach and make a run. If anyone asks “Can electric bikes ride in the sand?” you already know the answer. The breeze will make you feel alive again when you know how to make the bike run on the beach without getting jammed. Recommend to use fat tire bikes and clean the bike after the ride. Have a good ride!
