Electric bicycle or e bicycle has become the fastest-growing segment in the bicycle industry. While basic pedal bicycle sales are either flat or dropping in every category, electric bicycles continue to see an upsurge in growth year after year. With their thrilling performance and ease of use, e bicycles are attracting more and more riders. If you want to buy your own electric bicycle but confused about where to start, then here are a few tips to buy an electric bicycle.
How to choose the best electric bikes
It is normal to get overwhelmed by looking at the increasing number of electric bicycles available in the market. Earlier, there was a time when there were just a few companies to select from. Now, there are thousands of companies that manufacture electric bicycles. Where to start?
When it comes to purchasing an electric bicycle, there are a few differentiators that will assist you to narrow down the field: price, style, and types of electric bikes. These factors will help you to select the right e-bike as per your specific requirements.
Tips to Buy an Electric Bicycle
One of the important tips to buy an electric bicycle is to start with the style of an e-bike, which can be divided into these categories:
Electric mountain bikes- Electric mountain bikes are one of the popular types of electric bikes meant for riding trails and heading off-road. But do not use them on the street. These bikes on the lower end of the price range can make a great choice. Such bikes are generally hard tails, which means they lack rear suspension. They come with a front suspension fork.
Electric cruiser bikes- Electric cruiser bikes are built for cruising. These electric bikes are all about style and comfort. They have plush and wide seats and high handlebars that can be swept back towards the driver. Generally, the pedals are mounted further forward, which allows the rider to rest both the feet flat on the ground.
Electric cargo bikes- Electric cargo bikes are the minivans in the world of e bicycles. They look sexy and are useful. These bikes are designed for hauling. For doing this, they use various methods. Front-loaders like Yuba Supermarche have huge front buckets and covered pods. They have some of the best hauling capability, but the added-stretched bikes can be cumbersome, mainly at slow speeds.
Electric fat bikes- Electric fat bikes are the most fun categories of e-bikes. They are great in off-road conditions with sand, loose soil, or snow. Their big tires, generally 4” or more, help electric fat bikes ride up and on any surface. You can ride these bikes on streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Most of them do not come with a suspension.
Electric road bikes-Electric road bikes are a broad category and include various kinds of bikes, ranging from hybrids to racing to leisure and even grit bikes. Most of them share several characteristics, including narrow tires, a forward-tilting geometry, narrow saddles, stress on lightweight design, and lack of suspension. If cycling is your hobby, then an electric road bike will be a perfect choice for you.
Once you decide which type of electric bike you want to purchase, the next thing to consider is the price.
Set a budget
Like choosing a car, while selecting an electric touring bike, it makes sense to start by fixing a budget. Basic models cost under 800 euros. These are not recommended for long-distance. They provide neither the same comfort not the same level of durability. Entry-level electric bicycles are generally heavier. Also, be cautious about the unknown brands with a non-existing or random after-sales service.
Think about your needs
Electric bikes are designed for different people with different purposes. It is up to you to decide which features are important. If for you, comfort is the most important thing, then a step-through frame will be the right choice.
If you go for hill climbing or a bike tour often, then a bike with a high torque hub motor or a middle motor system may be the right choice. If you ride long distances, then a battery of 400 watt-hours or more is most suitable. Understanding your personal needs will help you to choose what features matter the most in your electric bike.
Speed is restricted to 25 km/h
One of the important tips to buy an electric bicycle is on the performance side. The electric assistance is restricted to 20km/h for all e-bike models. The engine power can make a huge difference on the hills. To increase the speed, the rider must have a good pedal stroke, or choose a model known as “speed bike.” Speed e-bikes can go till 45 km/h and are thus, considered as motor vehicles, which then need helmet, registration, and insurance.
Choose your retailer smartly
Before buying an electric vehicle, you must first decide the place where you are going to purchase it. You should decide your place of purchase on three points.
These are commitment, quality, and vibe. The vibe is the feeling that you get when you enter the shop. Find out if the staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable?
Commitment is the store’s visible passion for electric road bikes. Do they have many electric bikes or just a few left out in the backyard of the shop? Knowing that the store is committed to the e-bicycle movement signifies they will be interested and want to help you make the most of your electric bike.
Ultimately, quality refers to the types of bikes that the shop is selling. Are they popular brand names about which you can research online or are the bikes manufactured by a local company?
Test ride
Perhaps the most significant and fun part of buying an electric bike is test ride. Trying an electric bike permits you to put aside the specifications, reviews, and research rather than just finding the answer to the most basic question: “Do I love this eBike?” If the answer is yes, then start asking a few other questions like, “can I do mountain bicycling?”,” does the electric mountain bike have the functionality and quality I like?”
Have high expectations
An electric bike is a revolutionary form of shipping. Quality electric bikes are reliable, useful, powerful, and fun to use. Buying an electric bike can be a life-changing event.
An important thing that you should know is all electric bikes are not manufactured in the same way. There are several electric bikes that are not modern and does not even have quality machine parts. As a customer, it is up to you to set your expectations high and buy the best.
Quality matters, but service is also important
Electric bikes are not toys, they are a mode of transportation. The quality of the bicycle, regardless of the drive system, is important, especially if you have a plan to ride it day in and day out. While the quality of the electric cycle component is easy to judge by looking at the parts, batteries and electric motors can be a bit difficult.
When you have doubts, research about the battery and motor brands. But, keep in mind that the quality of the components will not bring much of a difference if your electric bike or car is not fixed and tuned correctly.