You can avoid saddle soreness by adjusting the saddle height and inclination correctly. What's more, a saddle adapted to your morphology is a great help. A pair of chamois shorts and regular changes of sitting position during the ride also increase comfort.
Essential electric bike settings for optimum comfort
An electric bike offers comfort, speed and convenience. But to really enjoy your ride, it's essential that your e-bike is properly adjusted. In this blog, we explain how to adjust your e-bike's handlebar height, saddle and screen for a safe, ergonomic riding posture.
1. Adjust the saddle for greater comfort
An incorrectly adjusted saddle causes knee pain, saddle soreness and reduces pedaling efficiency. Correct adjustment starts with the right saddle height.
Here's how to adjust the saddle on your electric bike:
- Place your heel on the pedal in the down position. Your leg should be slightly bent.
- When pedaling with the sole of the foot on the pedal, the knee should remain slightly bent.
- Also check the inclination of the saddle: a saddle that's too inclined forwards or backwards causes unnecessary discomfort.
- Make sure the saddle is horizontal or tilted slightly forward for optimum comfort.
2. Adjust handlebar height and position
Correct handlebar height prevents neck, shoulder and back pain. Whether you opt for an upright or sporty posture, adjustment is important.
Tips for adjusting the handlebars of your e-bike :
- Adjust the height of the handlebars to suit your seating position: Comfortable upright position: handlebars higher than the saddle, Sporty position: handlebars at the same height as the saddle or slightly lower.
- Make sure your wrists remain in a neutral position, with no outward rotation.
- Also pay attention to the distance from the handlebars. Your arms should be slightly bent without tension in the shoulders.
3. Electric bike display: ideal position for visibility and safety
Your electric bike's display is your control center for speed, battery status and assistance level. A poorly positioned display is distracting and forces you to look away unnecessarily.
Here's how to set up the screen correctly:
- The screen should be in your natural field of vision, without you having to turn your head.
- Adjust the viewing angle of the screen to avoid sun glare.
- Make sure the screen is securely fastened and does not vibrate while driving.
- For bikes fitted with a Bosch or Gazelle display, there are special brackets and adjustment options for optimum readability.
4. Additional tips for optimum comfort on your e-bike
- Combine a well-tuned saddle with a suspended seatpost for added comfort.
- For longer outings, a basket or pannier attached to the handlebars can be handy, but beware of the extra weight and balance.
- Does your e-bike have an under-seat battery? Check that it's securely fastened and doesn't affect your sitting position.
Conclusion: tuning your e-bike yourself is worth it
Whether you ride a city bike, a cargo bike or an MTB, proper adjustment of saddle, handlebars and screen makes all the difference between an uncomfortable ride and a serene one. Take the time to make these adjustments carefully, or have them done by a specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid sore buttocks when cycling?
Which bike saddles are best for saddle pain?
For shorter rides, wide saddles with gel padding are ideal, while for longer distances, a narrower, sportier saddle with good support is preferable. The important thing is that the saddle matches the width of your hamstrings for optimum pressure distribution.
How do I raise the handlebars on an electric bike?
If your e-bike has an adjustable stem, simply loosen the bolts, adjust the height and retighten. With a fixed stem, it's often still possible to use spacers or handlebar risers, but this usually requires the help of a bike shop.
Can I install another screen on my electric bike?
It is possible to replace or upgrade the screen on your electric bike, provided the new screen is compatible with the type of motor (such as Bosch or Gazelle). This often has to be done by an official dealer, as not all screens are interchangeable.