How to choose an electric bike? A lot of people are interested in electric bikes but don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing the right one.
Electric bikes can be a great alternative to cars for short trips, but with so many different types and brands on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Josh Quigley has wrote this guide to help you choose the best electric bike for your needs. We’ll walk you through the different types of electric bikes, how they work, and what features to look for when shopping. Plus, we’ve included our top picks for each type of electric bike.
How an e-bike works?
There are two types of e-bikes: pedal assist and throttle on demand. Pedal assist e-bikes have a sensor to detect when you’re pedaling and provide power to the motor based on that cadence. Throttle on demand systems don’t have a sensor, so they provide power regardless of whether or not you’re pedaling.
The main advantage of pedal assist is that it feels more natural, since you’re still doing the majority of the work. The disadvantage is that it can be less efficient, since the motor is only providing power when you pedal.
Throttle on demand e-bikes are often more powerful, since the motor is constantly providing power. However, they can feel less natural to ride, since you’re not doing any of the work yourself.
How to choose an electric bicycle?
Three Classes of E-Bikes
In the US, there are three classes of electric bikes. Class 1 e-bikes have a motor that cuts off at 20 mph and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph. Class 2 e-bikes have a motor that cuts off at 20 mph and a maximum assisted speed of 32 mph. Class 3 e-bikes have no speed limit and a motor that cuts off at 28 mph.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are pedal assist only, while Class 3 e-bikes can be throttle on demand or pedal assist.
Class 1 e-bikes are the most popular, since they’re the most versatile. They can be used for commuting, running errands, and even light off-road riding. Class 2 e-bikes are less popular, since they’re not as versatile. They’re best suited for flat terrain and shouldn’t be used on trails or rough roads. Class 3 e-bikes are the least popular, since they’re designed for road use only and can’t be used on trails or off-road.
Tips for choosing an electric bike
Clarify your Needs
The first thing you should consider is what you need from your e-bike. Do you want a bike for commuting, or one for recreation? What kind of terrain do you plan on riding? How far do you need to go? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the field and find the best bike for you.
Set a Budget
Electric bikes can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Once you know how much you’re willing to spend, you can narrow your search to bikes that fit your price range.
Electric bicycle price ranges
Electric bicycles can range in price from $500 to over $5,000. The type of bike, the features you want, and the quality of the components will all affect the final price.
The least expensive e-bikes are typically going to be pedal assist only, with no throttle. These bikes will usually have lower quality components, and they’re not going to be as powerful or have as much range as more expensive bikes.
Mid-range e-bikes will usually have a throttle, and they may or may not have pedal assist. These bikes will have better quality components, and they’ll be more powerful and have more range than the less expensive bikes.
The most expensive e-bikes are going to be throttle only, with the highest quality components. These bikes will be the most powerful and have the longest range. They’re also going to be the heaviest and most expensive bikes.
Take the components into accounts
When you’re looking at e-bikes, pay attention to the quality of the components. Higher quality components will last longer and perform better than lower quality ones. If you can, try to test ride the bike before you buy it to see how it feels and make sure the components are up to your standards.
They should be easy to Assembly
Check if the electric bike is easy to assemble. If you are not mechanically inclined, it might be better to buy an e-bike that doesn’t require assembling.
Motor type
The type of motor you want will depend on how you plan to use your bike. If you want a bike for commuting, you’ll want a motor that’s powerful enough to get you up to speed, but not so powerful that it’s hard to control. If you’re looking for a recreation bike, you’ll want a motor that’s powerful enough for off-road riding, but not so powerful that it drains the battery too quickly.
The three main types of motors are hub motors, mid-drive motors, and friction drive motors. Hub motors are the most common, and they’re usually less expensive than mid-drive or friction drive motors. Mid-drive motors are more powerful and offer better hill climbing ability, but they’re also more expensive. Friction drive motors are the least common, and they’re best suited for off-road use.
Type of the Assist
The assist type is the amount of power the motor provides. There are three types of assist: full, medium, and low. Full assist means the motor will provide power up to the bike’s maximum speed. Medium assist means the motor will provide power up to half of the bike’s maximum speed. Low assist means the motor will provide power up to a quarter of the bike’s maximum speed.
The assist level you need will depend on how you plan to use your bike. If you want a bike for commuting, you’ll probably want full or medium assist. If you want a recreation bike, you might be fine with low assist.
Ideal Weight and Height
Check the weight and height limits of the bike. Most e-bikes have a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds (113 kg). If you’re close to this limit, you might want to look for a bike with a higher weight limit. Some e-bikes also have a maximum height limit. If you’re taller than the maximum height, you might not be able to ride the bike.
Waterproof
Some e-bikes are designed to be waterproof, while others are not. If you plan on riding in inclement weather, you’ll want a bike that’s designed to withstand the elements.
Battery Range and Power
The battery is one of the most important parts of an e-bike. You’ll want to pay attention to the battery’s range and power. The range is the distance the bike can travel on a single charge, and the power is the amount of assist the motor will provide.
If you want a bike for commuting, you’ll need a battery with a good range. If you only need to ride a few miles each day, you can get away with a smaller battery. If you want a recreation bike, you might be able to get by with a less powerful battery, but it will depend on how much riding you do.
When you’re looking at batteries, pay attention to the watt-hours (Wh). This is a measure of the battery’s capacity. The higher the watt-hours, the longer the battery will last.
You should also pay attention to the battery’s voltage. Most e-bike batteries are 36 volts (V), but some are 24V or 48V. A higher voltage battery will provide more power, but it will also drain faster.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure the battery is easy to remove and replace. Some batteries are designed to be locked into place, while others can be easily removed. If you plan on riding in rough conditions, it might be worth it to buy a bike with a removable battery so you can swap out a damaged battery for a new one.
Service and Maintenance
How do I choose an electric bike? E-bikes require more service and maintenance than traditional bikes. You’ll need to regularly check the battery, motor, brakes, and tires. You might also need to replace parts more often.
If you don’t feel comfortable performing basic maintenance on your bike, you might want to look for a model that comes with a warranty or buy from a brand that offers good customer support.
It’s also important to note that e-bikes can be expensive to repair. If something goes wrong with the motor or battery, you might need to replace the entire unit. This can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Make Sure that You Get a Good Fit on Your electric bike
Just like with a traditional bike, you’ll want to make sure you get a good fit on your e-bike. The right fit will make riding more comfortable and can help prevent injuries.
To get a good fit, you’ll need to adjust the saddle, handlebars, and pedals. You might also need to adjust the stem.
The saddle should be at a height that allows you to pedal without rocking your hips. The handlebars should be at a height that lets you ride with a straight back. The pedals should be at a height that lets you reach them without straining your knees.
You can usually find instructions for adjusting these elements in the owner’s manual. If you can’t find the manual, you can usually find instructions online.
Guide to choose the right size of an electric bike
The size of an electric bike is measured by the length of the frame. The frame is the metal tubing that makes up the main structure of the bike.
Electric bikes come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will be a good fit for you. If you’re too tall or too short for a bike, you might not be able to ride it.
If you’re buying an electric bike online, you can usually find the frame size in the product description. If you’re buying from a store, you can ask the salesperson for help choosing the right size.
When you’re test-riding a bike, pay attention to how comfortable it is. If the bike is too big or too small, you’ll probably be able to tell right away.
The best way to find the perfect fit is to go to a store and try out a few different bikes. This will give you a chance to see what feels comfortable and what doesn’t.
Once you’ve found a bike you like, be sure to adjust the saddle, handlebars, and pedals so you can ride in a comfortable position.
Next, we will walk you through some of the best electric bikes for adults.
What is the best electric bike for adults? Best electric bikes for all riders in 2022
Now that you know how to choose an electric bike, it’s time to start shopping. Here are some of the best electric bikes on the market in 2022:
- Specialized Turbo Levo Comp
- Bosch Active Line Plus
- Yamaha PW-X2
- Shimano STEPS E8000
- Brose Drive S Mag
- Mahle ebikemotion X35+ 250W
- Continental Cruise E-Bike System 8Fun motor
- Panasonic GX060536C Lithium-ion Battery
- Samsung SDI INR18650-30Q li-ion battery
- LG MJ1 18650 cell 3400mAh 3.6V
Caring for your e-bike equipment
The electric bike is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs. But, like any vehicle, an e-bike requires some maintenance and upkeep. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when caring for your e-bike:
Batteries: E-bikes use batteries to power the motor. Most e-bikes have lead-acid batteries, which need to be regularly charged. Lithium-ion batteries are also common, and these tend to last longer than lead-acid batteries. Be sure to read the owner’s manual to find out what type of battery your e-bike has and how often it needs to be charged.
Brakes: E-bikes have brakes just like traditional bikes. Be sure to check the brake pads and cables regularly to make sure they’re in good condition.
Tires: E-bikes tend to have wider tires than traditional bikes. This is because the motor adds weight to the bike, which can cause flat tires. Be sure to check the pressure in your tires regularly and keep an eye out for any cuts or punctures.
Chain: The chain on an e-bike needs to be lubricated just like the chain on a traditional bike. Be sure to check it regularly and wipe off any excess lubricant.
F.A.Q How to choose an electric bike?
What should I look for in a good electric bike?
When choosing an electric bike, you should look for one with a good motor and battery. You should also make sure the bike is the right size for you and that it has all the features you need.
How many watts is good for an electric bike?
For an electric bike, you should look for one with a motor that is at least 250 watts. However, more powerful motors will make it easier to ride up hills and go faster.
What is the difference between a 250 watt and 500 watt electric bike?
A 250 watt electric bike will have a lower top speed than a 500 watt electric bike. However, the 250 watt bike will be lighter and more energy-efficient.
What is a good size motor for an electric bike?
For an electric bike, you should look for a motor that is at least 250 watts. However, more powerful motors will make it easier to ride up hills and go faster.
Conclusion
Choosing the right electric bike for your needs can be overwhelming with all of the different brands, models and features available. However, by following our simple tips, you can find the perfect e-bike to fit your lifestyle and get you excited about biking again. We hope that this article has helped you narrow down your choices and inspired you to visit us on bigbuddybike.com to take a test ride on some of the best electric bikes available today. Thanks for reading!
