Safe braking on tours | Bosch eBike Systems

Proper braking is key to greater safety on your trekking tour. Learn how to shorten your braking distance, avoid typical mistakes, and react confidently in every situation.

Two people ride eBikes down a winding road. Guardrails line the road as it curves past a rocky cliff. Bright sunlight creates shimmering reflections in the scene, evoking a sense of adventure and freedom.

Use both brakes simultaneously.
Apply the brakes carefully, depending on the surface.
Practice your braking technique regularly in a safe place.
Check brake function and settings regularly and before longer tours.

An eBike is usually heavier than a classic bicycle due to its design, which means that its braking distance is longer. A reliable braking technique is crucial for your safety and riding enjoyment, especially on trekking tours when riding over surfaces with varying grip while carrying additional luggage. It helps you stay in control in every situation.

Two people, a woman in the foreground and a man further back, are riding their eBikes along a gravel path. Both wear helmets, and their bikes are packed with bags for a bike tour. The scene unfolds on a sunny day in a hilly, dry landscape.

Many eBike riders predominantly use their rear brake out of habit and end up wasting most of the braking power. Always use both brakes simultaneously to shorten the braking distance.

Gravel, damp paths or roots: Brake early with measured pressure on surfaces with varying grip. This way you always have control and prevent yourself from slipping and losing traction.

A person rides an eBike along an unpaved path. From a first-person perspective, you see the handlebars and the display.

Build up the braking pressure gradually so you have control even on changing surfaces and can fully enjoy your tour.

Two people are enjoying an eBike ride on a bike path along the river. The cityscape, featuring a modern bridge in the background, emphasizes how leisure blends with urban mobility.

Ride with foresight

Anyone who rides with foresight will brake more calmly. Keep an eye on the route, maintain a sufficient distance and anticipate bends or gradients so that you can enjoy every tour more relaxed.

Close-up of a bicycle disc brake. The brake is mounted on a black bicycle fork, and the background is out of focus with brown and green tones.

Bosch eBike ABS

The Bosch eBike ABS can prevent the front wheel from locking up during heavy braking to help to keep your eBike more stable. This is a valuable safety benefit, especially on longer tours.

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Two people on loaded eBikes ride along a gravel path. The woman in the foreground smiles as she rides through a dry, hilly landscape.

When the forearm, wrist, and extended fingers form a straight line, this indicates that the brake lever angle is correct. Always keep one or two fingers on the brake levers to be ready to brake at any time.

Aerial view of two people enjoying a trekking tour on their eBikes through a sprawling, sunny vineyard.

Avoid prolonged dragging of the brakes. Use intermittent braking: Brake hard, release briefly, brake again. This prevents fading and protects the material – especially on loaded eBikes.

An eBiker rides her eBike through a puddle.

Practice braking with a full load in a safe place to get a feel for it. Additional weight increases the braking distance and affects handling.

Close-up of a brake on the handlebars of an eBike.

Have your brakes and brake pads checked regularly by an eBike specialist so you can continue to ride reliably over any terrain.

Two women pause during an eBike ride in a sunny vineyard landscape and enjoy the expansive view.

Braking more safely, even when loaded

Tools, change of clothes, food: The weight all adds up. Heavy loads affect your braking behaviour. Adapt your riding style to your cargo and practice riding with luggage.

How often should I change the brake pads?

The frequency with which your brake pads should be changed depends on your riding style, the road conditions, and the weather. Pads should be checked by a specialist at the latest when braking power decreases or grinding noises start to develop.

How should I react if my wheel locks up when braking?

Release the brake for a brief moment to allow the tyre to regain grip, then immediately resume gentle braking. An ABS system performs this exact process automatically and much faster than you could perform it manually.

Is it advisable to brake while cornering?

If possible, avoid braking when cornering. It's best to reduce your speed beforehand. If you need to brake on a bend, do so very gently and with your upper body upright.

Why is the front brake so important?

The dynamic weight shift during braking presses the front wheel more firmly onto the road, which allows it to transfer much more braking force than the rear wheel. The rear brake primarily serves to stabilise your eBike.