The real advantages of an electric bike or e-bike include their climbing efficiency, taking a bite out of wind resistance, and the ability to expand your range of travel. Before purchasing an e-bike, it is important to know how far you want to go and what type of terrain you will be riding it on.
For those who have experienced a medical issue or sports injury, an e-bike can breathe new life into your desire to stay active while having fun. With a little assist, you may again want to re-connect with your cycling buddies or add that #NextBikeAdventure to your list. Plus, if you are planning on commuting to work by bike, you will arrive feeling fresh.
Now that you have a reason to consider an electric bike, it’s time to choose the right one! With thousands of electric bike models on the market, there are several things to consider. The last item on our list here at HaveFunBiking is to test ride the e-bike you are looking to buy. Consider visiting several bike shops to compare.
First when buying an electric bike know your style of riding
With all the e-bikes on the market today, design options vary to fit different people and their preference of use. It’s up to you to decide what is most important. With so many models to choose from, first, you should figure out where you’re going to be riding your e-bike.
Geared to accommodate different activities (cargo-hauling; relaxed cruising; trail riding; mountain biking; child transportation; road biking; fat bike riding; touring; and urban commuting), compile a list of questions. The first one, ask yourself before entering a store, what will be my preferred bicycling activity with a new electric bike?
The electric bike drive
There are two mains types of e-bikes. The most common is what has come to be called the “pedal assist.” This system monitors the rider’s pedaling and automatically adds a certain amount of motor assistance – usually depending upon rate, force, and speed.
In most places, the motor’s output is regulated and limited to no more than 750 watts and the maximum speed up to 20 mph or 32 km/h. When you reach this speed, the motor automatically disengages. A few models in this category also offer the twist-n-go option. A switch on the handlebar, like a throttle on a motorbike, is used by the rider to trigger assistance from the motor.
The second drive train system is set for high-performance electric bikes that can easily achieve speeds much faster. Riders with these faster drive train systems need to have a special driver’s license, plates, and insurance. The regulations differ in every state and country, so it’s important to ask your local bike shop for details.
The e-bike motor and its location
There are two main types of motors and where they are located. The hub motor assist is located in one of the wheels and is the most common. Hub motors, which place the electric motor in the center of a bicycle wheel, are the most common. This e-bike power source tends to be quieter but often doesn’t handle hills, as well as a crank assist center mount system.
Rear motor system for an electric bike
Located over the center mount in the crank and pedal area, the crank motor assist is at the bottom of the frame, transferring the motor’s power to the rear wheel via the bicycle’s chain. That means the electronic controls can include a sensor that detects how hard you’re pedaling and can measure the assistance accordingly. Typically, crank-assisted bikes have become much more common over the last couple of years and have a reputation for doing well on steep hills.
Center motor system for an electric bike
Both have several unique advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right motor for you will largely depend on your requirements and which advantages seem more useful to your needs. Generally, it would be best if you were looking for a brand with a good reputation, such as Bosch, Brose, Panasonic, Shimano, and Yamaha.
Battery storage
One of the most expensive components of your new e-bike is the battery. Most of the price involved these days in buying a ready-to-go e-bike is the bike’s lithium-ion battery pack size. These batteries are everywhere, so it’s no surprise to find them powering e-bikes.
More expensive e-bikes have higher-tech batteries that are lighter, charge quickly, and last longer. Batteries degrade over time, holding less charge as they age. The quality of the battery makes a difference, so look for a reputable named battery manufacturer. Then make sure the warranty covers the battery for at least two years.
Conservatively lithium-ion batteries are typically said to last for 1,000 full charge cycles. That’s about three years of weekday commuting. They survive longer with careful use, so you should get at least 2,000 half-charge cycles. In practice, several years’ battery life is quite easily achievable depending on how often you charge and store the battery.
The distance an electric bike can travel
The distance an e-bike will go on one charge of the battery is called range. It’s probably the most important specification. If your commute involves a big hill, for example, you don’t want to run out of juice halfway up. Without power, an e-bike is just a heavy bike.
The range depends on the battery capacity, the speed, weight, profile of the commuting tour, the assistance level you choose, and the percentage of given pedaling power. If you’re only going to do six to ten miles of daily commuting, you don’t need a battery and motor set for a 50 to 70-mile range. However, it would be best if you bought a bike with a higher range than you necessarily need because the range will drop as the battery ages and loses capacity.
Costs is another factor
Good e-bikes are not cheap, as I mentioned above. You can pick up a basic model, but how long will you be happy with it? An average bike with a quality frame, functional brakes, suspension, and other components is expensive. Now, when buying an e-bike, you have to add the cost of the motor and battery. The battery’s cost, with a reputable warranty, along with can cost $500 to $1,000, so don’t be surprised by the higher price; a better bike lasts much longer.
Test ride before you make a final commitment.
Perhaps the most important (and fun) part of buying an electric bike is test riding it. Trying an electric bike allows you to put aside skeptics, reviews, and research and answer the most basic question: Do you love this bike?
The E-bike Challenge will combine cycling tourism and cycling sports into the venue to give you all the facts.
If so, then ask a few other questions: Does it climb hills in the way I need it? Does the bike fit me in the way I would like it too? And, does it have the quality and functionality I would like?
