How to Choose an Electric Bike: Pedal Smarter, Not Harder?

Electric bikes are not only fun to use but, like electric scooters, they take the effort out of your commute. They allow you to ride long distances and with the wide range of e-bikes available today – in every shape and size – there’s certain to be one that’s suitable for you. 

If you’re looking for electric bikes for sale, don’t just get the first that appeals to you. Here is everything you need to know to choose the right one. 

Electric bicycles are special bicycles that come equipped with a motor and battery that together give riders an added boost while pedaling. Due to the fact that the motor is only turned on when the pedals are pushed, this is known as pedal assistance.

You can ride farther, faster, and over more hills thanks to the motor’s ability to steadily build speed and torque when it is turned on. Electric cycles frequently come with a variety of assistive modes that let you choose the level of support you want and the speed you want to travel at, up to a predetermined top speed. This makes it possible for you to get help when you require it, such as when you need to get to work on time or climb a steep incline.

If the battery runs out, don’t worry! Your ride will still work. These bicycles function just like regular ones in that you can pedal and change gears as usual, even if you ride long enough to drain the battery. This, however, won’t happen often as modern electric bike technology and strong batteries allow riders to travel up to 130 kilometers on a single charge. And with charging periods ranging from 2 to 5 hours, you’ll always have plenty of energy.

Let’s take a look at the aspects you should consider when looking for electric bikes for sale, so you can pick the best fit for your needs. 

Types of E-Bike

E-bikes have become increasingly popular in the last years and city models aren’t the only bikes with electrical assistance you can find today. There is now a variety of types available on the market, including:

Hybrid Electric Bike 

These models are adaptable and may be used on a variety of surfaces, including rougher bike paths and roadways. They are perfect for anyone looking for a flat-handlebar electric bicycle that can be used for anything from commuting to a country outing with the family.

Mountain Electric Bikes

They feature a strong motor that assists you in getting back up steep inclines and is ready to go again. They resemble regular mountain bicycles, but with a larger down tube that usually houses an integrated battery, although models with removable batteries are also available. 

Folding Electric Bikes

Folding e-models have specifically built motor systems to fit into smaller, lighter frames, and while they are often less powerful, they are a perfect choice for individuals who need to take their e-bicycle on public transportation, wish to store it under a desk at work, or neatly away at home.

Road

They resemble standard road models but are lighter and have drop handlebars for a more streamlined riding position. When they have integrated batteries, you can ride farther and feel like the elevations have been smoothened thanks to them.

Motor Types

Two types of e-cycles motors are available: those that are installed in the center part of the frame and those that are installed in the hub of one of the wheels. There is no apparent winner in terms of which is best; rather, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but they all do an excellent job.

With each pedal stroke, a centrally or frame-mounted motor may immediately measure how hard you’re pedaling. As a consequence, it can give a fixed amount of additional support depending on your effort and the selected aid level. The disadvantage is that they may need more maintenance than hub motor systems due to the additional stress exerted on the powertrain, particularly in high-powered variants.

Your pedal movement transfers your effort to a hub motor fitted to the back wheel, where sensors detect your input and give help. Because of their lightweight and sleek form, these motors are very popular on road models and elegant city e-bikes.

Integrating a rear hub motor into a bike can also be done at a lower cost since it does not require the central section of the frame to be developed around it in the same way that a frame-mounted motor requires. This frequently results in lower production costs and, as a result, greater value for the rider.

Furthermore, the rear structure of the frame is often the strongest, while the bulk of a rider’s weight presses down via the rear wheel, boosting traction, which can be beneficial in wetter weather.

Front hub motors are unique in that they are not ‘pushed’ into operation and must instead be ‘activated’ in order to provide their own help. As you pedal, it appears as though they are pulling the bike. This kind of engine is more frequently found on affordable electric bicycles.

Power Output

Watts are a popular unit of measurement for the power output of motors. The motor’s wattage increases with its power. 250-watt, 500-watt, and even 1,000-watt motors are available on the market. 

But, how many watts is a good e-bike? A commuter model’s motor should be 250 watts or less. This will enable you to get up to speed quickly and keep at a steady pace. You might need more power if you want to use your electric bike for off-roading or hill climbing. If necessary, a 500-watt motor will give you a boost and enable you to navigate more challenging terrain.

Range 

Manufacturer statements should be taken with a grain of salt because the range of an electric bicycle differs on how you ride it. Depending on the setting you have put it in, if you ride it constantly in its most powerful mode, the battery will run out much more quickly, and steep terrain may require the motor to provide more assistance frequently.

Some systems have complimentary software that might offer guidance on how to attain the greatest possible range. However, your battery’s capacity, the motor’s power output, and how you ride it ultimately determine your maximum range.