Electric bikes are undoubtedly the future of transport. They provide a whole host of benefits while also being incredibly fun to ride. But, with so many options to choose from, new e-bike riders can become overwhelmed. In this article, we'll give you our top 5 guidelines for purchasing an electric bicycle.

The Basics of an Electric Bicycle

If you can ride a regular bike, you can ride an electric one. The motor and battery system amplifies your pedaling efforts, making riding up hills and into headwinds easy. You control how much assistance you get from the motor via a control panel on your handlebars. Simply select more assistance when needed, or choose a lower level to increase your heart rate for an excellent workout.

Our top 5 guidelines for purchasing an electric bicycle

1. Know the classes of electric bikes.

Before purchasing an electric bicycle, you need to know about the three different classes. This is because you don't want to get into trouble riding an e-bike that isn't in line with your local laws.

Class 1: These e-bikes, also known as "pedelec," and their motors only assist you when pedaling. They have a limited top speed of 20mph before the motor cuts out; you can ride faster, but you'll be doing all the work.

A Class 1 e-bike is a good option if you're a nervous rider or are new to electric bicycles. They are generally the most affordable and comply with most local e-bike laws.

Class 2: These electric bikes also assist you up to 20 mph. However, class 2 electric bikes have a throttle mode, so you can ride without pedaling like a scooter. You can ride Class 2 electric bikes in the same areas as Class 1 electric bikes because they have the same limited top speed. 

Class 3: Class 3 electric bicycles work the same way as those in Class 1 but have an assisted top speed of 28 mph. Commuters and more serious riders typically use these bikes. The extra performance allows you to keep up with traffic more easily, especially when riding uphill or carrying heavy loads. However, it's important to confirm if you can ride a Class 3 e-bike on your local bike paths or mountain bike trails before purchasing one.

 2. Choose the Right Electric Bicycle for You

Once you've established which class of electric bicycle you need, you must think about what you want to use it for. There's an electric bike for everyone, so you rarely have to compromise as long as you choose a bike that suits your needs. Here's a short rundown of the types of electric bikes available:

Commuter/City: These electric bicycles are ideal for urban environments. They are ideal for negotiating traffic, as well as being comfortable to ride. Consider looking at a commuter e-bike with a folding frame to make storage and carrying on to public transport easier. 

Fat Tire E-Bike: Electric bicycles with fat tires have significant benefits. The wider tires provide lots of grip in all weather conditions and make the ride quality plush. They are ideal for nervous riders and those who ride on a variety of surfaces, including mud, sand, and snow.

Electric Mountain Bikes: There are many levels of electric mountain bikes to suit your requirements, budget, and local terrain. Because of their power and ability to handle demanding rides, these bikes are more expensive.

Electric Cargo Bikes: For people carrying heavy loads, electric cargo bikes are ideal. You'll notice a wide range of designs, from shopping to making deliveries to even taking your kids to school. 

Electric Road Bikes: Electric road bikes give you an extra boost over a regular road bike. They are ideal for people living in hilly or mountainous areas who need a little more help. However, fitter and more experienced cyclists who ride long distances may be better off with a regular road bike, as they may want to ride further than the battery's range.

Electric Gravel Bikes: They sit between mountain and road bikes. They look like road bikes but have chunkier wheels and different frame geometry. As the name suggests, gravel bikes suit off-road routes but not technical mountain bike trails; however, they are incredibly versatile.

 

3. Battery and Range

More powerful electric bikes accelerate faster and have more torque, making riding uphill easier. However, these more powerful motors require more energy from the battery, which depletes them quicker, reducing range.

Determining how far you can ride on a single charge is difficult, as many factors affect range. For example, your battery won't last as long as if you ride in a flat area. Likewise, heavier riders will deplete the battery faster than lighter ones.

Your battery capacity also makes a difference in your range. This is indicated in Watt-hours (Wh). This figure shows how many hours it can endure 1 watt of power before it is entirely empty. 

The motor and battery combination significantly affect range, too. For example, suppose a 500-watt motor is powered by a 500 Wh battery. In that case, it will drain its power more quickly than a 250-watt motor with a 500 Wh battery. 

 

4. Look at the features available

When purchasing an electric bicycle, you should consider what each model offers in terms of technology and extras. Here are a few things to think about:

Lighting: Some electric bicycles come with lights or have them integrated into the frame. Higher-end e-bikes usually have bright LED lights; if not, you'll need to buy some if you plan on riding in low-light conditions.

Cargo Racks: A cargo rack adds a high level of versatility to an electric bicycle. Some e-bikes already have them, but others may have provisions to mount racks to suit your needs. 

The Controller: All electric bicycles have a controller and an LCD mounted to the handlebars. This enables you to select your preferred level of assistance and monitor crucial data, including battery life and speed. Therefore, ensure the LCD is easy to read and the controls are easy to use.

Smartphone Integration: Some electric bikes have additional functions thanks to your phone's connectivity. For example, the app may provide navigation, security, and location features.

5. Consider Your Budget

With the wide range of electric bikes available, you can expect to pay between $600 and $10,000. However, most decent e-bikes start around $1,500. You get what you pay for, as more expensive electric bicycles have higher-end components and designs.

Don't expect too much from cheaper electric bikes, as they have lower-quality components. This doesn't necessarily mean they are bad bikes; it's just that you need to be realistic about what they can do. On the other hand, you may not need a high-end and expensive electric bike to commute short distances.

Final Thoughts on Our Top 5 Guidelines for Purchasing an Electric Bicycle

An electric bicycle is an excellent investment as long as you buy one that meets your needs. Our top 5 guidelines for purchasing an electric bicycle will give you a good starting point to create a shortlist for your perfect ride.