Switching from weekend leisure rides to daily work commutes using my 750w rear hub fat tire ebike was a game-changer. Back in 2016, I initially bought it for recreational fun, but soon realized its potential for my 6.5-mile commute, which, by car, was a longer 8.5 miles and included a 400-foot elevation change. I used to alternate between two Rover ebikes, racking up approximately 4000 miles on each before the lockdown period. Rain or shine, summer heat or winter cold, my ebike consistently got me to work in about 30 minutes. My old 700-40C commuter pedal bike, on the other hand, would take at least 45 minutes, often stretching to over an hour depending on weather conditions. The ebike not only made my commute significantly easier but also boosted my weekly and yearly mileage tenfold, simply because riding became so much more enjoyable. The ebike’s ability to handle extreme weather meant I could commute year-round, conditions that would have sidelined me on a traditional bike. Facing a strong headwind? Just bumping up the Pedal Assist System (PAS) to level 4 allowed me to maintain speed, and the 20 mph pace provided welcome cooling in scorching 95-110 degree Fahrenheit temperatures.
Work commuting, however, was a different beast compared to weekend jaunts, requiring several key adjustments and upgrades. Firstly, adjusting my work schedule to avoid rush hour traffic in both directions proved invaluable, saving time and stress from dealing with inattentive drivers. Secondly, I invested in specialized gear for all weather conditions: UV protective riding clothes for heat, thermal gear for cold, rain gear, windproof layers, MTB riding shoes, and padded shorts for comfort. A dedicated commuter backpack became essential for carrying work clothes, lunch, and electronics. Realizing the need for more power, I purchased an extra battery charger to keep at work, as the stock 11.4Ah battery had its limits. To enhance practicality, I added a rear rack and a rack bag with fold-out panniers to carry essential tools, flat tire repair kit, flashlight, spare inner tube, gloves, pump, and extra weather gear.
Further upgrades to my Rover ebike included larger pedals, improved brakes for enhanced stopping power, a 400mm suspension seat post for added comfort on rough roads, tire changes for better commuting performance, a more comfortable seat, and raised handlebars for a more upright riding posture. Visibility was also paramount, leading to the addition of auxiliary lights – front and rear helmet lights, a brighter rear light, and a separate battery-powered front light with a daytime blinking mode for safety. To become more self-sufficient and knowledgeable, I immersed myself in online resources, watching countless YouTube videos and joining ebike forums to learn about routine maintenance, upgrades, and emergency field repairs. Despite all preparations, there were a few instances where extreme weather like lightning or heavy snow/rain, or mechanical issues beyond my roadside repair capabilities, necessitated a call to my wife for a pickup. These experiences, however, were part of the learning curve and further solidified the importance of preparedness for daily ebike commuting.
