E-bike × Studded Tires in Hakodate, Hokkaido! A New Challenge on Snowy Roads

E-bike × Studded Tires in Hakodate, Hokkaido! A New Challenge on Snowy Roads

When you think of winter in Hokkaido, you imagine a breathtaking landscape covered in a blanket of snow. However, riding a bicycle on snow-covered roads is no easy feat. That’s why I decided to equip a BESV E-bike with studded tires and test its performance on the snowy roads of Hakodate! In this article, I’ll share my experience in detail and explore the potential of E-bikes in winter conditions.

---

What is a BESV E-bike? Unveiling Its Winter Capabilities

BESV is a brand that offers high-performance, stylish E-bikes (electric-assist bicycles). With the power of electric assistance, it allows for a comfortable ride, making it especially useful in cities like Hakodate, where steep slopes are common.

For this test, I installed studded tires on a BESV E-bike to see if it could provide a stable ride even on snow-covered roads. The combination of electric assist and studded tires had me eager to find out how it would perform.

---

The Power of Studded Tires: Achieving Stability on Snowy Roads

Studded tires are special tires embedded with tiny metal spikes (studs) on the surface. These studs enhance grip and prevent slipping on icy or snowy surfaces.

Regular bicycle tires struggle to maintain traction on snow, making cycling nearly impossible. However, by equipping an E-bike with studded tires, winter cycling becomes a feasible option. So, how did the test ride in Hakodate’s winter conditions turn out?

---

Testing the E-bike on Hakodate’s Snowy Roads! The Results?

In Hakodate’s winter, temperatures drop below freezing, and roads are often covered with packed snow or icy patches. This was the perfect setting to evaluate the E-bike’s performance.

① Smooth Start with Assist × Studded Tires

One of the first things that surprised me was how stable the bike felt at takeoff. Normally, starting on a snowy road would cause slipping, but the studded tires provided a firm grip, allowing for a smooth start. Combined with the E-bike’s assist function, I was able to glide effortlessly over the snow.

② Be Cautious on Turns!

Riding on straight paths was no problem, but turning required extra care. Although the studded tires improved grip, taking a turn too quickly still posed a risk of slipping. The key is to slow down and turn cautiously to maintain control.

③ Climbing Hills with Ease!

Hakodate is a city with many hills, but thanks to the E-bike’s assist function, I was able to ascend snowy slopes without any issues. The studded tires provided a firm grip on the snow, allowing me to climb hills that would be nearly impossible on a regular bicycle!

---

Conclusion: Can You Ride an E-bike in Winter? Absolutely!

From this test ride, I confirmed that E-bikes can handle snowy roads effectively when equipped with studded tires. Of course, caution is needed when turning or going too fast, but overall, winter cycling is a realistic possibility.

Moreover, the E-bike’s assist function helps reduce fatigue, even in cold weather, making for a more comfortable ride. As a new winter activity, “E-bike × Studded Tires” is definitely worth considering!

If you love cycling and want to try something new this winter, I highly recommend giving it a shot! 🚴‍♂️❄️