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Electric bikes have become quite popular because of their exceptional convenience and thrill. The riders usually consider electric bikes as pushing themselves or the rather complex step by riding bikes with electric motors. But electric bikes are perfect for even those who like to ride themselves to their workplaces or offices every day. Also, if people want to take a long bike ride to rough terrain or any technical terrain, e-bikes are the best ones. No doubt electric bikes fit most people’s riding style and make your rides faster and farther than the normal bike.
As simple as it might look, choosing electric bikes is more complicated than selecting regular bicycles. One of the major reasons behind this difficulty is that it is complex to determine and analyze the features of electric bikes. Whether electric road bikes or mountain bikes, it isn’t easy to interpret their functionality features because everyone can not understand the electric language. Working on the logistics and deciding on an electric bike can be hectic for professional cyclists or bikers. This is why we are here to help you through the process of choosing the ideal quality bike that suits your riding style.
Types of Electric Bikes
There is not only one electric bicycle in the fast-paced technology world. The variety of electric bikes is beyond your imagination as they differ in various properties, including their motor type, battery capacity, charge cycles, torque sensor, and many other elements. So, it might be safe to say that you have to browse through a wide variety of bicycles which can be very confusing. We will start with the types of electric bikes so that you might know what type will fit better into your riding style, lifestyle, and comfort zone.
The type of e-bikes is also referred to as their class. Some common types of electronic bikes, including the electric mountain bike and the e-road bikes, are listed below;
The Pedal Assist E-Bike
The pedal-assist e-bike is an electric bike similar to a conventional motorcycle. It runs on the pedaling system except for it has a motor. Once you start pedaling the bike, the engine gets on, and your bike will no longer be like those regular bicycles. You will have to keep on pedaling; the motor will sense the pedaling and keep on running to aid the effort.
This type of electronic bike will permanently experience the perfect tailwind. Depending on different types of electric bike manufacturers, the pedal-assist e-bikes might have or not have a throttle body. With this bike, you will get a maximum speed of around 20 mph. Also, you don’t need a driver’s license to ride this bike, and also there is no age restriction.
Throttle Only E-Bike
This type of e-bike consists of a motor controlled by the throttle body. In the throttle-only e-bike, you don’t have to pedal continuously to keep the engine running. To accelerate and increase the traction, you can accelerate in the middle of the corner.
Even though too much pedaling is not necessary in the case of this bike, you must keep in mind that the lesser you pedal, the sooner your bike will run out of its battery juice. Like the pedal-assist e-bike, the throttle-only e-bike also has a maximum speed of 20 mph. Moreover, you don’t need to have a driver’s license to ride this bike. Also, there is no age limit to ride throttle, only an e-bike, which means this bike is perfect no matter how young or old you are.
Pedal Assist 28 MPH
This bike is the fastest legal bike, with a speed of 28 mph. Even though this bicycle gives you the speed and smoothness of a motorbike, it is still considered a bicycle and thus does not require a driver’s license to run. Also, being a lot faster, this bike is ideal for those who travel long distances regularly and is more fun and thrilling. There are different levels of pedal assist, and this is one of the most famous ones.
Unlike the e-bikes mentioned above, wearing a helmet while riding this bike is compulsory by law. Also, it has an age limit. The minimum age restriction is seventeen years old, and people younger than that cannot enjoy this pedal-assist e-bike. Therefore, it is ideal for heavier riders. It also might or might not have a throttle and, as mentioned earlier, provides a maximum speed of 28 mph.
Categories of Electric Bikes
We discussed earlier that choosing the perfect electric bike can be hectic. There is a wide range of types, categories, and other elements to consider. So, if you think that by going through the classes, you now know what electric bike you need, you are mistaken. The types are not the only things to study here; the e-bikes also fall into various categories depending upon multiple factors.
E-bike manufacturers know what features are ideal for what category of the e-bike. Therefore, if you decide on the type, it will become easier to go through the other factors to buy the ideal e-bike. The categories of e-bikes are listed below;
Comfort / Cruiser
This is the category of bike that fits all the casual and recreational riders. As the name tells us, comfort and control are critical factors in this type of e-bike. It has a super upright, comfortable sitting with an exceptionally comfy saddle. It is ideal for your little grocery runs and the purpose of regular exercise.
You will have options of two different frame styles in this category. One of them is the traditional diamond-shaped frame, while the other option that you will have is the ‘Step Through’ frame. The ‘Step Through’ structure is more convenient when stepping on and off the bike. This is ideal for the people who look for ease in everything as in this bike they will not have to lift their leg much.
Hybrid / Commuter
The commuter bike is explicitly designed to provide exceptional speed. So, if you are a speed freak and want to reach everywhere faster than normal, this hybrid/commuter e-bike is the best one for you. It provides you with an excellent speed without feeling that your heart will pop out. These bikes are quite speedy, with a rate of up to 28 mph, making your daily office rides and other long rides easier and more thrilling. With this bike, you can also travel faster than the car because it can easily slide through the roads with greater traffic and the narrow ones. Also, it doesn’t take a lot of parking space, making it easier to take it everywhere you go.
These e-bikes come equipped with many different elements to secure your belongings and enable you to carry them around easily. It features a rack that is excellent for carrying your laptop, bathroom supplies, clothes, or even some grocery items. In some models of these hybrid/commuter electric bikes, a lighting system is also present that is integrated into the bike’s electrical system. That helps a lot during rides at night and in dark places. And as long your bike’s system is on, this light will also remain on throughout.
Mountain / Off-road
As evident from its name, these are the e-mountain bikes that are different from regular cycles in their performance and functioning. They are explicitly designed for off-road driving and mountain biking purposes. It can take you through rougher trails and hilly terrains with a lot lesser effort than you might put in if you are riding a conventional bike. These bikes make the climbing process easier and the descending even more fun and controlled.
You can get more stability and control by positioning the battery and the motor lower and in the bike’s center. With this type of bike, you will experience a new level of thrill and fun that any other motorcycle cannot give you. Also, the non-electric bikes are not as good for mountain, and off-road biking as these are. You will not have to put in a lot of effort pedaling this bike while riding on a hill or a hilly area, saving you a lot of suffering and post-riding cramps and pain. Whether you want to compete in a mountain biking race, ride with your partner, or even just exercise, this e-bike is one of the best options in all cases.
Types of E-Bike Motors
No doubt the market is evolving rapidly, and one might get confused about the ideal products they want to choose. The e-bikes come with various motors, including the watt motor, mid-drive motors, powerful motors, etc. The type of motor in the bike determines how much energy you will be getting, and you will have to decide wisely depending upon your requirements. Various major brands and manufacturers have decided on two types of motors to provide the best performance. Therefore, while choosing an e-bike, look for the ones consisting of the engines discussed below;
Rear Hub Drive Motors
The hub motors are further divided into two types;
Direct Drive
This motor is excellent for high-speed flat commutes and is ideal for climbing most hills, just the not too steep ones. Also, it is perfect for exercising purposes along with transportation purposes. Moreover, you can have as much fun as you want with the bike with this type of motor.
Geared Hub
A bike with this motor is excellent for steep hills and can carry a significant amount of weight. It works well for commuting and exercise as well. It also enables you to have a lot of fun. Even if the battery runs out, this motor is known for pedaling efficiently, even in such cases.
Mid Drive / Center Drive Motors
These motors are known to be the ones that provide the highest range and the most efficient ones. They are perfect on hilly areas as well as commutes. They have exceptional speed that enables you to cover a long distance in a shorter period. The bike with this motor can also be used for exercise and enjoyment.
Things to Consider While Buying an Electric Bike
We have discussed a variety of electric bicycles in the market the types of motors they have. But still, there are a lot of other things that contribute to the ideal selection of electric bikes. Some of these things and factors are listed below;
Purpose
The first thing you need to consider is for what purpose you will be using the e-bike for and make the decision accordingly. Whether it is for the short grocery trip rides or mountain biking, bikes for each purpose are different, and you will have to choose to keep them in mind. Also, keep your lifestyle in mind as if you will have to regularly lift the bike or want to carry a certain load around.
When you have analyzed the purpose, you can choose an electric bicycle from any of the following categories;
- Electric road bikes
- Electric mountain bikes
- folding electric bikes
- Electric hybrid bikes
- E-cargo bikes
Power and Battery Size
There are different types of e-bikes with varying kinds of rechargeable lithium batteries. These batteries have different positions in the bikes, which play a great role in their functionality in certain trails and terrains. Some of the batteries are attached to the bike’s down tube, while they are attached to the top of the rear rack in some cases. The battery is even integrated into the downtube near the bottom bracket in some expensive models.
The battery energy and size you want completely depend on the range you wish for your e-bike and our budget. So, you can browse through the bike shop and see the electric power, e-bike batteries, motor power, and capacity battery that suits your budget and requirements.
Range of the Bike
It is important to consider the range of the bike because it will decide how long you can travel before you run out of battery juice. The longer the range of your e-bike, the lesser you will have to charge your battery. Therefore, you have to analyze your activity whether you want an e-bike for regular grocery runs and office visits or you want to go on long riding trips. Then you will have to decide the range of your bike accordingly.
Various factors affect the range of the bike, including the rider’s weight, weather, and the type of terrain. You can always consult a professional to determine the range and analyze which one might be the best one for you.
Weight of the Bike
Weight is an important factor that affects the functionality and performance of the e-bike. So, it is important to determine the bike’s weight wisely and then make a decision. For example, road riders like to have a little lighter weighed bikes. Also, when using the e-bike for daily chores and school or office rides, you will have to look for a lightweight e-bike.
With the latest manufacturing technologies, most e-bikes are created lightweight to assist you during the rides and provide a more comfortable ride. Still, keep this factor in mind while choosing the perfect e-bike.
Tips for Buying an E-Bike
As discussed earlier, choosing the perfect e-bike can be a complicated task. It takes a lot of browsing through a bike shop and the internet to decide what type will fulfill your requirements. But before you decide on anything, you must go through all the features and qualities possessed by electric bikes to have a good understanding of the product and your needs. Here are some tips that you might need while deciding on the ideal e-bike.
Analyze your Needs and Requirements
The first thing you have to do before you step into the market to purchase is to analyze your needs and requirements. There are a variety of electric bikes in the market, and they are designed for different purposes and different people. It is completely up to you and your requirements what features you desire in your e-bike.
If you want a comfortable e-bike to drive to work every day or use for exercise, you will need a step-through e-bike. While if you are a mountain rider and want to get a bike for mountain riding, you will have to choose a bike with a middle motor and a high torque hub. If you like going on long rides on your e-bike, you will have to get a bike with an increased battery capacity of around 400 watt-hours. Therefore, you will have to analyze your requirements before making a decision or an official purchase.
Choose the Right Retailer
Another important tip that comes from the experts is that it is important to choose the retailer wisely. As important it is to choose the right bike, choosing the right retailer is equally important because that decides the durability and functionality of your bike. Do not trust unknown brands when making a decision. It would help if you looked for the quality and commitment of a certain retailer or could take suggestions from other people buying from that retailer.
When you enter the bike shop, look for the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff. Also, check if they are friendly enough, patiently listen to your confusion, and give you satisfactory answers. Analyze whether that retailer with all its workers is enthusiastic and passionate enough to help you throughout your electric bike journey. Also, check if the retailer is a reliable one or not. You can always check their reviews online and determine if it is worth it or not. You can always browse through various bike stores.
Necessarily take a Test Ride
Once you have analyzed your requirements and researched your part, all of it comes to a single question whether you love riding on this bike or not. To ensure that your most important question is answered, take a test ride before making a purchase. After taking a ride, you will have a clear view of whether you like this bike or not or does it have all the functionality features that might fulfill your requirements.
If one ride doesn’t give you a very clear view, you can always ask for another ride. The first ride is a little uncomfortable in most cases, but it gets better once you get used to it. So, do not hesitate to test drive a couple of times before booking the electric bicycle. Make sure to check if the electric bike fits your style of riding or not and whether it works smoothly on your type of terrain.
Prioritize Quality and Service
It is important to check the bicycle component quality while choosing a standard bicycle. Whether it is a mountain e-bike or folding e-bikes, they must have quality components to ensure greater durability and functionality. Also, quality components are necessary to ensure your security while riding. You will have to check for weight limits, battery size, maximum power output, entry frame, assistance mode, and other components and features.
Moreover, service is as important as the quality components. You must take your bike to a professional for proper tuning and service to ensure safer riding. Getting your bike tuned perfectly will enable you to maintain the quality of bike components.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the ideal electric bicycle can be a complicated process and will take a lot of your energy. You will have to browse through various types and go to different retailers to check which bike will fit your lifestyle and needs the best. You must be aware of your requirements before you set on your browsing journey to have a clear idea of what you want.
Also, set a budget so you can easily analyze through that price range and choose the ideal electric bike. Make sure to take suggestions from fellow riders so that they can help you with your buying process as well. No doubt, it can be a big investment, and also, your security will be at risk, so you can not compromise on any factor that contributes to the perfect purchase. Good luck with choosing your ideal e-bike!
