Electric vehicles (EVs) have been a major success in recent years. These machines are quickly taking over conventional gas-powered vehicles due to their eco-friendly characteristics, easy top-up, and effortless maintenance. Contrary to gasoline or fuel engines, electric vehicles use electricity as their source of propulsion, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and promote sustainable transportation.
Among the variety of electric vehicles, electric bikes, or e-bikes, are the most exciting and accessible options for eco-conscious commuters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Their versatility, efficiency, cost savings, and easy daily commuting make them a stylish alternative to cars and public transport.
E-bikes are available in a variety of styles and types, each of which caters to the specific preferences and needs of customers. Whether you’re purchasing an e-bike for your daily commute or wish to explore the rugged mountain terrains, there’s an e-bike made just for you! However, before you proceed to purchase an e-bike, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll discuss some important considerations you should make when buying an e-bike to make sure you buy a model or type perfectly suited to your specific needs. So, let’s get started!
1. Make Sure the Range or Mileage Meets Your Daily Requirements
The range or mileage of an e-bike refers to the total distance it can travel on one charge. An e-bike’s range depends on its battery capacity as well as its engine’s efficiency. When you’re looking for an e-bike, make sure to go through the complete description and check out its battery capacity and range.
If you’ll be commuting on steep tracks or have to travel longer distances every day, we recommend choosing from long range e-bikes with a 36V or higher battery capacity. Moreover, look for batteries with a greater amp-hour (AH) that can charge quickly and provide more energy for ascending tracks. Some renowned brands like Heybike offer a variety of long-range e-bikes with a 36-48V battery that supports up to 20 amp-hours.
Bear in mind that other factors like the type of terrain, string headwinds, rider weight, pedal assist levels (rider input for motion), and tire pressure can also affect your e-bike’s range or mileage. Conduct some research on your own to figure out the battery requirements and check which models provide battery power that meets your daily commuting or recreational needs. Apart from the battery’s capacity, check if the battery is easily removable for convenient charging and maintenance.
2. Choose the Right Type of E-Bike
Just like any other vehicle, e-bikes come in a variety of types, each of which serves a unique purpose. While some people use it to indulge in mountain adventures, others need it to improve their accessibility. The primary purpose or use of your e-bike and your riding style will determine the type of e-bike you need. Here are some popular types of e-bikes and their primary use:
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- Commuter Bikes
As the name suggests, commuter bikes are built for simple transportation purposes. While there are countless models available on the market, they all have a lighter engine and imitate a road bike but with an extra bit of comfort and lower acceleration. Models may vary in tire thickness, frames, and handle types. Some commuter bikes are even foldable, so it’s easier for you to stow them on trucks, buses, or trains.
- Cruiser Bikes
If you’re looking for a commuter bike with added comfort, you should choose a cruiser bike. These bikes have comfortable upright seating with bigger tires and better shocks. They usually have a swooping handle to keep riders’ arms at a comfortable angle.
- Performance Road Bikes
Performance road bikes are lightweight models designed with an aerodynamic shape. These bikes are built for high-speed acceleration and can cover longer distances easily. Performance motorbikes can be used in racing and recreational riding on the streets.
- Mountain Bikes
If you’re dreaming of an adventurous ride up on the mountains with a pedal assist, mountain bikes will surely be your new hot favorite! Mountain bikes are meticulously designed to absorb shocks even at high speeds. They have heavy and sturdy frames, bigger and wider tires, and better suspensions to handle rugged terrains and sustain jerks. The engine helps a biker climb steep tracks more easily and allows amateurs to enjoy a mountain ride without exhausting them.
3. Check Out the Motor Type and Power
The motor is the most important component of an e-bike that influences your riding experience as a whole. When you go through the specifications, you’ll come across two types of motors in e-bikes: Mid-drive motors and hub motors.
Mid-drive motors offer better balance and torque distribution, which makes them highly suitable for steep roads, mountainous terrains, and off-road adventures. On the other hand, hub motors are best for daily commute e-bikes. This type of motor provides a quieter and more straight forward ride.
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In addition to the motor type, consider the motor power to decide how much assistance you will receive when pedaling. If you want to purchase a mountain or performance bike, check whether the bike has a mid-drive motor and consider its total motor power. But for your daily commute, you can easily go with less power and a quieter hub motor.
4. Consider Your Budget
In comparison to their initial launch in the late 1990s, e-bikes’ prices have come down a little. Having said that, each type of e-bike has a different price tag. The overall prices are determined by motor type, range, battery capacity, body type, and additional features. Your choice of e-bike and the amount you should be paying depends on your total budget and how often you may be using the bike.
5. Brand Reputation and Warranty
Whichever type of e-bike you’re purchasing, be sure to choose a well-known brand that has made its name in the industry and is known for quality and customer support. Look for various brands and model names, and do thorough research on each type of e-bike.
Go through customer reviews and ratings and check out comments on their social media profiles to get a gist of the brand’s reputation and the performance of specific models. In addition, check the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Wrapping Up
Replacing your conventional gasoline-powered vehicle with an e-bike is certainly a wise decision. However, to make your investments worthwhile, it’s essential to keep the above factors in mind when choosing the right type and model of your e-bike.
Compare various makes and models and choose an e-bike that perfectly matches your performance and utility needs. Before making a final choice, carefully read customer reviews and consult with friends or acquaintances who are already using e-bikes. Wish y