5 Easy Ways to Adjust Your Ebike for a More Comfortable Ride | Rad Power Bikes
Skip to next element
Save up to $600! Shop Deals
Find a Local Bike Shop and Take a Test Ride.

5 Easy Ways to Adjust Your Ebike for a More Comfortable Ride

A woman rides a RadExpand 5 Plus on a sunny downtown street while similing.

If you’re riding an ebike, studies show that you’re probably spending more time in the saddle and going for longer rides than traditional cyclists. 

And naturally, when you’re racking up those extra miles, you’re going to want to be as comfortable as possible. 

The good news is that Rad Power Bikes’ engineers are obsessed with comfort, and spend countless hours dialing in the ride feel and making sure the ergonomics feel juuuuuust right.

The result is a ride so smooth, it’s sometimes hard to put into words. (Honestly, we recommend taking a test ride to really get an idea for it.)

The even better news? You can take an already comfortable ebike, and then quickly adjust it for a customized, tailor-made fit.

Here’s how:

1. Get the Seat Height Just Right

A man rides a RadRunner Max on a dirt trail.

If your seat is too high, you might find yourself fully straightening your legs to reach the pedals. That can cause your hips to rock from side to side, which leads to discomfort over time.

To hit the sweet spot, adjust your seat so you're able to place the ball of your foot on the pedal at its lowest point, with a slight bend in your knee. You don’t want your leg fully extended.

It might feel a little counterintuitive, especially if you're used to pushing hard on the pedals to climb hills. But with pedal assist (and a throttle when you need it), you can still tackle steep inclines without giving up long-term comfort.

Pro tip: If you're new to riding or want extra stability at stoplights, lowering the seat can help you keep one or both feet on the ground without getting out of your seat.

You can adjust the height using the seatpost quick release lever. Slide the seatpost in or out of the seat tube to match your leg length and comfort level. Just make sure not to extend it beyond the minimum insertion mark etched into the post.

Once you think you’ve found the right height, close the lever tightly, check that there’s enough tension to support your weight, and give it a test ride. It might take a little trial and error, but the payoff is worth it.

For more detailed instructions, check out our full setup guide. And as always, refer to your ebike’s user manual for model-specific info.

2. Get a Handle on Your Handlebars 

A close-up of the RadKick's handlebars outdoor on a college campus.

Handlebar position plays a big role in overall comfort, especially on longer rides. Most riders feel comfortable when the grips and brake levers are roughly parallel to the ground, though some prefer a slight downward tilt depending on their posture.

No matter your setup, what matters most is that you can steer confidently and reach your brake levers easily whenever you need to.

To adjust your handlebars:

  1. Loosen the stem faceplate bolts just enough to rotate the handlebar.

  2. Find a position that feels natural while keeping the handlebar centered.

  3. Re-tighten the bolts gradually in an “X” pattern to keep the pressure even.

Once you’ve got the angle right, check that your display and remote are still easy to see and use. You might need to adjust those too, so just loosen the clamp bolts slightly, tilt them into view, then tighten everything back into place.

And before you ride, make sure you can turn the handlebars fully left and right without pulling on any cables. Smooth steering and full cable slack are key.

Check out our full setup guide for more. And as always, refer to your ebike’s user manual for model-specific info.

3. Fine-Tune Your Suspension Fork

A man and woman ride Radster Trail ebikes on a rural trail.

If your ebike has a suspension fork, you’ve got another way to dial in your ride feel. Whether you’re carrying cargo, riding over rough terrain, or just want a smoother cruise, a few quick adjustments can help you find the setup that works best for you.

Most Rad models with suspension come equipped with two key controls on top of the fork:

Preload adjustment (left side when sitting on the bike): Lets you choose how soft or firm the suspension feels.

Lockout (right side when sitting on the bike): Lets you “lock” the fork for a more rigid feel — ideal for smooth pavement or when you want max pedaling efficiency.

Looking for a softer, more cushioned ride? Turn the preload dial to allow for more suspension travel. Want a firmer feel or better climbing performance? Lock the fork or increase the preload to reduce movement in the suspension.

If you’re not sure where to start, try a few different settings on your usual route and see what feels best.

Check out this video for more detailed instructions (It's an oldie but a goodie!)

 

 


4. VIP Seating, Anyone?

A father and daughter ride a RadWagon 5 on a suburban street. The mother follows along on a RadRunner.

Okay, real talk: if you haven’t been on a bike in a while, or you're using a brand-new seat, your butt might feel a little sore after the first few rides. That’s totally normal. It doesn’t take long for your body (and booty) to adjust to the new setup. We promise.

While the seats that come standard with your Rad bike are built to keep you feeling good for miles, there are simple ways to upgrade your ride. Try the Comfort Saddle if you're a more active rider, or the Enhanced Comfort Saddle if you’re all about relaxed cruising.

And if you’ve got a guest along for the ride, you can make their experience smoother too. Check out our passenger-friendly accessories.

5. Choose the Right Ebike for You

 

A smiling woman rides a RadExpand down a downtown street.

The easiest way to feel comfortable? Make sure you’re paired with the right ebike for you — one that fits your height and matches the way you like to ride.

Rad bikes are designed to be versatile, and yes, your trusty commuter can handle the occasional detour off the beaten path. But if you’re regularly heading into rougher terrain, for example, it makes sense to choose a model built with that in mind.

There are a few ways to make sure you’re getting the right ebike for you. 

Take a Test Ride: The absolute best way to get acquainted with our ebikes is to try one for yourself. With over 500 local bike shops nationwide, plus nine RadRetail stores, it’s never been more convenient to take a free test ride.

Try our Ebike Quiz: Answer a few questions, and you’ll get an expert recommendation based on your height, needs, and must-do activities.

And if you feel stuck with an ebike you picked up from a less-than-Rad brand, or want to upgrade your current ebike, you can bring it to an authorized trade-in location for instant store credit toward your next Rad ride. (All without having to meet with sketchy strangers on the internet. Neat, right?)

 

Share on:

Login

Incorrect email or password.

Reset your password

We will send you an email to reset your password

We have sent you an email with instructions to reset your password.

Select up to 3 models
Selected
Start comparison