"How do I choose an electric bike?" – a question that can be heard more and more often today from people of all ages and walks of life. Practical, convenient, and fun to ride, e-cycles are more popular than ever. They come in every size and shape, so you’re sure to find your ideal option.
This comprehensive buyer's guide will help you make an informed choice of your first 2-wheeled bike with pedal assist that not only matches your individuality but also meets your needs. You will learn about motor types, batteries, frame sizes, suspension, additional features (display, controls, accessories, etc.), and other crucial things to consider when choosing an electric bike.
Determine Your Primary Use
Want to make your daily commute to work easier or embrace a healthier lifestyle? Or perhaps you are willing to ditch public transport, get a boost riding through the hilly areas, or carry more cargo without sweat? Whatever your necessities, an electric bicycle is a great solution. Since choosing an electric bike based on the use is crucial, you should determine your primary needs beforehand to make sure you pick the best model possible. The most popular e-bike use cases include:
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Daily commuting
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Adventurous off-road riding
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Urban riding
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Cargo hauling
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Health improvement
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Recreational use
Motor Type and Power
This is the first thing to consider when learning how to choose the right electric bike. As the heart of an e-cycle, a motor influences its overall performance under various conditions. Therefore, understanding its types can help you choose electric bike that meets your riding expectations.
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Hub motors: integrated into either the rear or front wheel hub to propel the bicycle forward by spinning the wheel directly. The front motors are a top choice for daily urban riding as they perform well on flat terrain, while the rear ones are more effective for off-road riding and handling steep hills since they feel more stable and easier to control.
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Mid-drive motors: located at the bottom bracket area of a bicycle or its crank to deliver power right to the chain and mimic the natural cycling experience. Mid-drive motors also work in conjunction with the bike’s gears, supporting up to 5 levels of pedal assist, and offer better handling on hilly terrain due to even weight distribution.
Power output can range between 250 watt and 2,000 watt. The larger the motor, the more speed and acceleration it provides, although there are stricter laws around high-output bicycles. It’s recommended to opt for a 350-750 watt motor, as such bikes can reach speeds of up to 15.5 mph and tackle challenging terrain easily.
Battery Life and Range
Battery performance is another vital factor to keep in mind when thinking about how to choose the best electric bike around. The most common e-cycle batteries on today’s market are Lithium-ion with a capacity from 7Ah to 30 Ah, which allows for trips of 35-200 miles. Keep in mind that factors like rider weight, pedal assistance, battery health, speed, and difficulty of terrain affect the calculations. Some e-bikes, like Lagom from Ferla, also support Dual Battery so that you can travel two times larger distances without recharging.
In addition, you should also pay attention to the battery manufacturer and choose the most reliable brands (Samsung, Panasonic, or LG) to make sure that all the safety standards are met. Plus, check if there’s a fast charging feature – this will save you a lot of time in the long run.
Comfort and Fit
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Frame size and style: accurate measurements are key to choosing an electric bike that fits you well. Here’s what you should check in advance: top tube length, reach, stack, saddle height, seat tube length, bike height and length, and wheelbase. Besides, determine if the frame style meets your needs – it may be foldable, diamond-shaped, longtail, etc.
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Suspension and ride quality: if you do not want your bones to rattle at every pothole and stone on your way, consider purchasing an e-bike with a well-designed suspension system for better shock-absorbing capabilities. You may choose from coil, air, spring, and hydraulic suspension based on your riding style and needs.
Additional Features
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Display and controls: make sure the display is convenient and features all the functionality needed for efficient e-bike control, such as switching pedal assist levels, flipping through various settings, and showing the battery life, trip odometer, max and average speed, etc. Top-quality e-bicycles, including the Lagom mentioned above, come with a waterproof LCD display with a password-protected power-on option, a USB charging port, and an ambient light sensor.
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Accessories: although accessories aren’t the primary factor to take into account when selecting an electric bike, these little things affect the comfort of your ride. Therefore, identify if the fenders are wide enough and if the front and rear lights are integrated. Plus, look at the saddle, handlebars, tires, and other details that can enhance your riding experience.
Budget Considerations
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking about how to choose an electric bike is the budget you have to set aside for its purchase. Always remember about the price and quality relationship – better builds cost more but last longer, allowing you to save on further bike repairs.
Prices vary greatly, depending on the type of motor, frame material, battery quality, and the additional features a bike offers:
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Entry-level: these bikes start around $600-$1,000 and feature hub motors, smaller battery capacities, and basic components. They may be suitable for short daily commutes but inconvenient for long-distance rides.
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Mid-level: with a price between $1,000 and $2,000, these e-cycles boast higher build quality, larger battery capacities, and mid-drive motors. The option is perfect for recreational riders and regular commuters unless they want to travel 150+ miles daily.
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High-end: these premium electric bikes cost more than $2,000 and provide the most enjoyable riding experience due to their powerful motors, high-capacity batteries, and top-tier components. They can handle everything, from long-distance touring to steep terrains, which makes them the best choice for any cycling enthusiast.
Test Riding and Reviews
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Importance of test riding: testing an e-cycle before purchase helps you make sure that your needs and preferences are met. If you have such an opportunity, rent the bicycle for a full day to try it on different terrains, evaluate battery longevity, and determine how comfortable it is. Thus, you will get a clear understanding of its capabilities.
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How to select an electric bike with the help of reviews and ratings: check expert ratings and user reviews of an e-bicycle, focusing on its build quality, performance under different conditions, and ease of use. Besides, look for user complaints to learn about recurring issues that may spoil your riding experience.
Read Also: Benefits of Electric Bikes
Conclusion
Summing up the key points on how to pick an electric bike, you should pay attention to its motor type and power, battery performance, comfortability, control capabilities, and value for money. Ultimately, the best model will be the one that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. After all, it’s your journey and your experience. Just make sure you enjoy the ride.