How do I choose an electric bike?

Welcome to the topic “How do I choose an electric bike.”

Want to feel the unique thrill of riding an electric bike?
Now is your chance! Electric bikes are ideal to use around town, and if you are
planning to buy one for yourself and this sounds like something that would interest
you, we are there for you. 

Our goal with this guide is simple – help you find your
perfect eBike by providing all the necessary information you need when shopping
for your next ride. 

So let’s get started! Before buying an electric bike, check out
these things to make the right decision.

Define your needs precisely

There are varieties of e-bikes on the market today, with
different prices ranges and as high as up to $3,000! You will encounter various
models with varying power levels; some are fixed, some are foldable, and some
have fixed batteries, whereas some come with a removable battery…

We will advise you to start by describing your needs and
expectations. Ask these questions:

• How
  often will you use it?
• What
  will be the distance?
• Your
  height and weight?
• Will
  you be using it with baggage?
• Will
  you be transporting kids?
• Do
  you plan to carry it in the vehicle’s trunk or on public transport?

The classes of electric bikes

Based on their assistance, Electric bikes have three
classes. Understanding the eBike classes is a vital part of the bike selection
stage. Have a look:

Class 1 eBikes

Class1 eBikes are completely pedal-assisted. The bike runs
only when you start pedaling, and it will stop when you reach 20mph. Class 1
eBikes are the most common and simple to use. Plus, these bikes are the most
affordable on the market.

Furthermore, Class 1 eBikes are widely acceptable eBikes in
terms of the regulatory perspective. Like traditional bikes, you can use them
almost everywhere, such as bike lanes, multi-use trails, busy roads, and
bike-only paths. For beginners, class 1 eBikes are perfect to start their
biking journey.

Class 2 eBikes

Class 2 eBikes are throttle-powered with a maximum speed of
around 20mph. But remember that these bikes have much stricter rules and
guidelines. Hence they are not as common as class 1 electric bikes.

Class 3 eBikes

Like Class 1 eBikes, Class 3 eBikes are also pedal-assist.
However, they are more convenient than their counterparts. The bike supports a
lot of users, and you can effortlessly reach up to 28mph. Class 3 eBikes are
much faster, efficient, and powerful, but all these features come at a cost,
and these are much expensive.

If you always carry baggage with you, opt for a class 3
eBike as they are easy to handle on all terrains and with heavy loads.

That’s why you will mostly see class 3 eBikes with errand
runners and daily commuters. But you need t to know that Class 3 eBikes are
permitted to ride on roads and on-road bike lanes, but you can use them for
most bike paths, mountain trails, and multi-use paths.

Hence it is advised to check the local regulations and rules
of your preferred eBike before finalizing any.

Motors, Sensors, And Everything In Between

Generally speaking, e-bikes have battery-powered
“assistance” when you pedal them, or they have a throttle. Pushing the pedals
involves a small motor to deliver a boost that allows you to cruise up hills
and rough terrain without much effort. A throttle also does the same without
any pedaling.

The common eBike motor types that you will come across are
mid-drive motors; the motor is placed in the bike’s center between the pedals.
Second are the hub-drive motors, positioned in the middle of the front or back
wheel.

Both these motor types have some pros and cons. Hub drives
are serving us for decades, and they are affordable and highly versatile.
They’re excellent for users looking for a reliable e-bike for long and for flat
commuting.

Conversely, mid-drive motors have compact dimensions, and
they are lightweight. The torque is enhanced than hub drives, and no problem in
using them for hilly areas and rough terrains. The centered position provides a
more balanced ride, and replacing a tire is effortless as well.

Batteries

Having a large battery is always helpful. Battery capacities
are presented in watt-hours (Wh), which shows the total number of hours that
the battery can withstand on 1 watt of power before dying. Similarly, motor
power is also a vital consideration.

A 500-watt motor, when used with a 500 Wh battery, consumes
power much faster compared to a 200-watt motor with a 500 Wh battery.

Some other things to note regarding eBike batteries are:

Battery charge time: Most batteries need three
to five hours to get completely charged. Large batteries take more time than
smaller ones. You can buy or carry extra chargers if you plan to go the further
distance on your eBike. Or you can use faster charges.

Number of batteries: You can install two
batteries in some e-bikes to extend the length of your ride. This also comes in
handy if one battery drains out. The number of batteries mainly depends on your
journey or distance and how much you use your eBike.

Battery mounting setup: Batteries on eBikes are
integrated into the frame. Almost all bikes have a clear space for batteries
near bottle cages. However, external batteries are easier to change and charge.

Other Vital E-bike Features To Look out for:

Your e-bike is more than the motor and battery. So, below
are some features to look out for when comparing different e-bikes:

Smooth Pedal feels:

Look for the bike that feels smoother and responsive while
pedaling. You will have to test ride a few to find the bike that suits you the
most in terms of speed and intensity.

Pedal-assist levels:

Most eBikes have three or four assist levels which allow you
to preserve battery power and summon more speed and movement.

Lighting: 

Lighting primarily is a decorative feature, but it is also a
handy safety feature, especially for city and commuter bikes. In terms of
lightning, things vary drastically, and in high-end eBikes, you will find more
powerful lighting.

Racks: 

Racks are usually found on cargo e-bikes to support heavy
loads. Here we will advise you to keep your needs in mind and if you are buying
a rack separately, choose the one that fits your bike model.

LCD displays On Handlebar:

With all the technology in an e-bike, it’s useful to have an
LCD display on a handlebar. It shows you the battery life and tells you when
pedal assist mode is activated, along with other key details such as how many
miles or kilometers were ridden and what speed was reached.

Smartphone integration:

You can connect premium eBikes wirelessly with your
smartphones and use various apps. With these apps, you can use GPS, service
records, and screen capabilities, while some applications even unlock or lock
your bike.

Component quality:

EBikes quality varies as per their price tags. Overall the
component’s quality is decent, but the actual difference comes in features and
add-ons. Less expensive e-bikes will not have premium functions like mobile
phone integration or premium tires.

Frames: 

Mostly, e-bike frames feature heavy-duty aluminum; however,
you will see other materials like carbon fiber and steel. Remember that the
frame’s material, motor’s size, and battery impact the eBikes weight.

Generally, eBikes are heavier than the regular ones but
overcome this sluggishness through their motor assist. But a lightweight eBike
is a treat to ride and feels more nimble. So, we will recommend going for a
lighter model as it allows for better handling and a much better ride.

Pick The Retailer Carefully

When shopping for an electric bike for a retail shop, these
three things matter the most: the store’s vibe, commitment to quality products,
and customer service. You must judge these three points so that you can make an
informed decision about where you want your money going.

The first thing is, what kind of feeling do they give off?
Is the staff friendly, or does it feel like no one really wants your business
here?

The second point is how much knowledge they provide to you
when you ask questions or concerns regarding a product and its usage/care &
maintenance.

Buying an eBike online from the manufacturer’s website or
any online store is another option. Look for feedbacks and reviews from people
who have used it to avoid various issues that can occur if you purchase one
without knowing anything about its quality or effectiveness beforehand.

Conclusion

When trying to choose an E-bike, it is important to know
what you need the bike for so that you can make a more defined choice.

You should ask yourself things like: How often will I use
this? What kind of terrain do I plan on riding on? Will there be any hills or
obstacles along my route where extra power would be beneficial? By knowing
these critical facts about your intended usage and making sure the electric
bike has those functions, choosing the eBike will become much easier.

 

Have any questions regarding the topic How do I choose an electric bike? Feel Free to comment below.

Also Read: ELECTRIC BIKES PROS AND CONS