Bicycle brakes - what should you look out for with e-bikes?

Many people often do not pay enough attention to the bicycle brakes on an e-bike. This is a fatal mistake, because they are more responsible for our safety on the road than any other component of an e-bike.

Most buyers pay particular attention to powerful motors and a long range. But these details should not be the deciding factors when making a purchase. Dealers often advertise high-quality brakes. But do you really know exactly what's behind them? It is important and advisable to look into the topic of brakes on electric bikes in advance before buying any model.

What are the most common braking systems on electric bikes?

Because most e-bikes on the market are relatively new models, outdated braking systems such as drum or band brakes are rarely used. A large proportion of the bikes available today have disc or rim brakes, which can be further divided into hydraulic and mechanical models.

In recent years, disc brakes, once considered to be of inferior quality, have developed significantly and are now in no way inferior to the hydraulic version. For professional use, such as on racing bikes or mountain bikes, hydraulic brakes are still the better solution.

However, this does not mean that mechanical brakes have no use - they are particularly suitable for leisurely city trips and only occasional longer journeys.

In addition, there are of course electric bikes with a coaster brake, which is particularly common on city bikes, e-folding bikes, pedelecs or e-folding bikes.

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How do mechanical disc brakes work on Pedelecs?

On a Pedelec, the mechanical brake is normally activated by a cable pull - a technology that has been used on bicycles for many decades and has proven itself.

However, the disadvantages are particularly noticeable with fast and heavy e-bikes: braking requires a little more effort and the braking distance is slightly longer than with hydraulic brakes, which requires a little more attention in traffic.

In addition, as the brake pads wear out, the brakes must be readjusted at regular intervals. Otherwise, the brake lever travel will become longer over time. Nevertheless, mechanical brakes also have many advantages. The technology is so simple that even laypeople can understand how it works straight away and can usually carry out minor repairs without any problems and without outside help.

How do hydraulic brakes work on electric bikes?

Hydraulic brakes, on the other hand, work with the help of brake fluid. In terms of their operating principle, they are very similar to classic car and motorcycle brakes - and this was already the case several years ago when they were first installed.

An important advantage of hydraulic brakes: You only need to use a small amount of force to achieve an immediate, intensive braking effect. This ensures a high level of safety for road traffic. Nevertheless, some inexperienced e-bikers initially have problems with the correct operation of hydraulic brakes.

However, you usually get used to the strong braking effect after a short time of driving and can adjust your driving behavior accordingly. The hydraulic brake also offers excellent control of the braking effect. One disadvantage is that repairing defective hydraulic brakes often requires special tools and specialist knowledge.

Disc brakes or rim brakes - which is the better choice?

For city, trekking and e-mountain bikes, you should opt for mechanical disc brakes if possible - even experts recommend this. They have stronger braking power than other options, require less maintenance and are easier to use.

Rim brakes, on the other hand, often have the problem that their braking power is closely linked to the weather. When it rains, you have to expect a long braking distance. This can seriously affect safety and make accidents more likely.

You should also use common sense when buying and pay attention if a bike with supposedly good brakes is noticeably cheap. As we all know, quality is anything but cheap. Instead of paying attention to the price, you should pay particular attention to whether your e-bike is safe, whether the brakes are not very worn and will last a long time - and of course, whether you can ride it comfortably.

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Braking correctly with an e-bike or e-folding bike: tips for use

Riding an e-folding bike, e-folding bike or a classic e-bike is only really fun when you have a good grip on your electric bike and know how to control it. Of course, that sounds simple at first.

But there are always certain situations in everyday life in which control is extremely important. Because if heavy braking is absolutely necessary due to an oncoming car or another impending danger and you then react too hesitantly, an accident is almost impossible to avoid.

The opposite can also lead to an accident. If you react too intensely out of shock or simply lack of experience, the bike may slide to the side or, in the worst case, you may fall forward over the handlebars.

Therefore, after buying an e-bike, you should always take enough time to familiarize yourself with the properties of the brakes installed and to test them thoroughly on quiet, flat terrain. If you start out as an inexperienced e-biker in the big city, city traffic can quickly overwhelm or unsettle you.

Don’t be afraid of the front brake on your Pedelec or E-folding bike

Quite a few e-bikes today have mechanical disc brakes, which provide excellent braking power. However, it is important for bikers to always use the front brake, even if this often causes uncertainty at first.

If you use them correctly, you will definitely benefit from better braking on your Pedelec than with the rear wheel brake. The result: the braking distance is shorter and you come to a stop more quickly.

The reason for this is that the body weight shifts forward during braking. Therefore, it is best to apply the front brake gently and with increasing force.

A delicate touch is particularly important here. But that is something you develop over time - and with practice. If the wheel breaks away when braking, you must immediately reduce the brake pressure so that it stabilizes again.

If you have to unexpectedly avoid an obstacle, it is best to use the rear and front brakes at the same time to achieve an even and safe braking effect.

Important after purchase: New brake pads must first be run in on the e-bike

If your bicycle brakes are making unusual noises, it is best to have your e-folding bike or e-bike checked by your nearest specialist dealer. If your bicycle brakes are making noise, this is often due to worn-out brake pads or a glazed brake.

The latter refers to a glass-like layer that reduces friction. If the specialist dealer attaches new pads to the bicycle brakes, it is recommended that you break them in first before heading straight into the busy city center again.

Depending on the brake pad and the braking system, manufacturers recommend different procedures. However, it is always important to have bicycle brakes checked at regular intervals by an experienced dealer.

Another thing to remember is that after buying an e-bike, you should give yourself enough time to get used to your new companion. If you keep "braking too hard" on flat stretches because you either brake too hard or too hesitantly, you still need a lot of practice. Challenging terrain that requires a lot of attention should be avoided until you feel completely safe on the bike.

It is a good sign when you know automatically - like when you shift gears in a car - when and how hard you need to brake.

Conclusion: The braking system on e-bikes should not be left to chance

The large selection of different e-bikes on the market often makes it difficult to find the right model straight away. Nevertheless, it is important to familiarize yourself with the features first. This is especially true for the braking systems. You shouldn't cut corners here. Because a high-quality and powerful brake can even save you from a serious accident in an emergency.

What are disc brakes?

Braking is done via a cable. It takes more force to operate these brakes. You also have to adjust them regularly.

What are hydraulic brakes?

Hydraulic brakes use brake fluid. This means that less force is required to stop the vehicle. However, repairs require special tools and specialist knowledge.

How do you brake correctly?

Take enough time to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your brakes and test them on quiet, flat terrain.