People are tempted to put it on maximum assist all the time, but it's NOT the way to get the most out of a pedal-assist bike! The handling at low speeds is usually jumpy, and you won't get nearly as much range and battery life as you want.


I treat my e-assist levels the same way I would a front derailleur, "shifting" to more power assist at points where I would shift into a smaller (easier) chainring, if that makes sense.


I spend most of my riding time in the second assist level on my Bosch Performance Line CX motor; ECO is the lowest assist, with 50% boost of rider input (just enough to offset the weight of the bike, I find. I use this on days when I myself feel good enough to ride almost unassisted); TOUR gives 120% of rider input, which makes it feel like I am riding a bike half the weight and with a tailwind; SPORT and TURBO give 190% and 300% respectively. I only use Turbo on the last part of a hill, or if I suddenly find myself facing a 60 km/hr head wind (chinooks are fun).


I have the advantage of coming to e-biking with a LOT of conventional cycling experience, though.