A Beginner's Guide to Buying an Electric Bike

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying an Electric Bike

In recent years, electric bikes or e-bikes have been gaining popularity as newer models are released. They’re actually excellent for tours, exercise, or even on your daily travels as they give you that extra push you need on rides that might have seemed too far or too hilly. But what exactly are the points to consider before buying an electric-assisted bike, and how to choose the right one? Well, here’s an e-bike buyer's guide that should help you in your search.

1. Consider Your Needs

Electric bikes are designed differently and are therefore built for different people for their own intended purposes. It’s now up to you to decide what features are most important. If you prioritize comfort, then a step-through frame may be best for you. If you want more assistance while climbing steep roads, then a middle motor system or high torque hub motor may be best. On the other hand, if you like to bike long distances, get an e-bike with a pretty long battery life of at least 400 watt-hours or more. Whatever your needs are, use that as a guide when choosing what e-bike to purchase.

2. Weight Still Matters

As various e-bikes have different builds and materials, the weight of the bike could also vary. While weight seems secondary on a bike that runs with an engine, it’s still quite important for anyone considering using it in the city. There will always be areas where you might need to lift the whole thing and carry it over a stairway or an overpass. For those scenarios, a lightweight electric bike would be your best bet.

On the other hand, a heavier biker could also mean you get more in terms of performance since it will have more power and require less pedaling. Just remember, the average weight of an electric bike is between 17-25 kg, so consider that before choosing any bike models.

3. Engine Performance

In many countries, the power of e-bike motors is heavily regulated. They usually have a limit of 250 W with a maximum speed of 20 mph. Anything more than that and the bike will be considered a moped, which would require insurance as such. However, some bikes are actually capable of reaching higher speeds but will still have to adhere to road limitations.

Some of the newer models also have their motor integrated into the crankset called a mid-drive model. Still, there are also quite a few e-bike models with their motors integrated into the rear or front wheel. The mid-drive solution is now the preferred model since they are considered more stable and enduring, giving you a far more leisurely ride.

4. Choosing the Kind of Electric Assistance

You need to remember that not all bicycles with electric assistance work the same way. Some models constantly solicit the engine and make any physical effort unnecessary. Others, on the other hand, use what’s called “progressive assistance,” which means it requires a certain amount of force before the motor starts, and the speed depends on how hard you pedal. The former allows almost effortless riding while the latter still retains the fun of riding a bike.

Conclusion

If you’re trying to decide on what’s the best electric bike to choose, this simple guide should be able to point you in the right direction. Again, all of these criteria will ultimately rely on your preferences and needs when riding a bike.

Espin is redefining urban mobility with our top-of-the-line electric bikes. Our products are designed for absolute comfort and ease of use whenever you take our bikes out for a ride. If you’re looking for the best performance electric bike in the market, Espin is the place to go. Contact us today to order.