When purchasing your first electric bike, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by specs, features, and industry jargon. Even if you narrow your selection to a handful of the best electric bikes, there’s a lot to consider beyond price and brand.
To ensure your new electric vehicle meets or exceeds your needs and expectations, here are the five most important factors to consider when purchasing your first electric bike.
1. Speed and power
How fast do you plan to sail and how much do you plan to sell?
There are three kinds of electric bicycles. Class 1 models (best for first-time e-bike owners) offers a motor-assisted top speed of 20 mph and requires the rider to pedal for the motor to remain engaged. These bikes are among the most affordable of the three classes and you can ride them almost anywhere you would use a regular bike, without restrictions.
Class 2 models They are similar to class 1 with one exception: pedaling is not necessary for the motor to power the bicycle. However, the electrically assisted top speed remains 20 mph. And while there are some localized restrictions in this class, they are generally allowed in most places where Class 1 e-bikes are found.
class 3 electric bikes They are best for hardcore commuters, couriers, and anyone who needs to move quickly in an urban environment, offering a motor-assisted top speed of 28 mph. Most cities allow Class 3 e-bikes on streets, but often not on sidewalks or shared-use paths. Likewise, most mountain bike trails restrict this class.
Beyond class classification, engine power also matters. And the higher the engine power, generally speaking, the more vigorous the engine will be. For example, a 750W motor will accelerate faster than a 500W motor.
2. range
E-bikes come with an advertised range, but how accurate are those numbers? The answer is, not much. Do you know that your smartphone’s battery never seems to last as long as advertised, nor does that of your laptop or tablet? The same goes for electric bikes.
E-bike battery range ratings are based on the most ideal circumstances and often do not take into account real-world factors, such as deceleration at stop signs and traffic lights or gradients. So take these ratings with a grain of salt. And, if in doubt, opt for the electric bike with the greatest autonomy that you can afford.
The capacity of an electric bike battery is measured in watt-hours, with a higher number indicating greater capacity. For example, a 750 Wh battery will allow you to travel further with electronic assistance than a 500 Wh battery, assuming both are paired with the same motor and driver.
Some e-bikes have interchangeable batteries, allowing riders to carry a backup, while others have the battery built-in. The first can be useful for long-distance trips. However, this style of electric bike is more susceptible to battery theft.
Finally, it is worth thinking about the battery charging time. Higher-end models typically charge faster, some in as little as two hours. So if you’re running out of power, assuming you’ve brought the charger, you can easily pop in somewhere for a coffee or pint and a quick charge.
3. Weight and frame type
One downside to higher capacity e-bike batteries is that they tend to be quite heavy, so if you run out of power you may find it difficult to manually power yourself on the way home, especially if there are hills on the route.
Excluding high-end carbon fiber models, most modern electric bikes weigh between 30 and 75 pounds or more. Lighter models usually have aluminum frames, while heavier ones are usually steel. The advantage of the latter is that steel frames tend to absorb shock better than aluminum ones, allowing for a more comfortable ride.
4. Style and design
Like traditional bicycles, electric bicycles come in a huge variety of styles to suit all tastes. Therefore, it is important to ask yourself, “What riding position am I most comfortable in and what terrain do I plan to navigate?”
For a more casual, upright ride, consider an e-bike with a step-through frame, like the Radpower RadRunner 3. For a more aggressive riding experience, stick with an e-bike with a standard frame, like the Ride1Up Roadster V2.
For urban environments, urban-style electric bikes tend to be the lightest and most maneuverable. However, if your trip involves other forms of transportation, a folding electric bike may be more suitable for you.
For a combination of pavement and gravel/dirt, a hybrid e-bike with wide tires is a great option. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate go-anywhere electric bike, opt for a model with fat tires. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for the thrill of the ride, a cruiser-style electric bike may be your option.
5. Reliability
Lastly, you want your shiny new vehicle to last a long time, so it’s important to buy from a reputable brand with a positive customer history. This is especially true when it comes time for warranty maintenance or if you need to replace parts.
However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid affordable e-bike models – here are the six best budget e-bikes available right now, all tested and approved by our TG e-bike experts; Just be sure to research the brands of your choice before purchasing. And when in doubt, ask the folks at your local bike shop for recommendations.
By the way, it is not uncommon for the electric bike, battery and motor to have separate warranties. And often the battery will need to be replaced before the other major components (excluding tires, brake pads, etc.). The best electric bikes offer at least one year of warranty on the battery, if not two or three.
Buying your first electric bike: other considerations
Other factors to consider when purchasing your first electric bike include the quality and style of the components (including brakes, tires, handlebars, etc.), any built-in accessories (such as lights, mirrors, or a rack), and the ease of maintenance of your first electric bicycle. lifetime. But these are topics for another explainer.
Until then, good luck on your e-bike journey and happy riding. I’ll see you out there.
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