HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF ELECTRIC BIKE FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE?
Electric bikes or e-bikes are battery-powered bicycles that offer paddle assistance. E-bikes throttle to make it easier for the rider to commute between long distances. They are becoming increasingly popular as more people opt for healthier and environmentally friendly lifestyles.
The e-bike industry has also grown a lot to cater to the specific needs of different people. This has resulted in a wide range of body types in e-bikes. So before buying an e-bike, you must first understand your specific needs and what kind of e-bikes actually suits your lifestyle.
In this article, we will help you choose what type of e-bike suits your lifestyle and discuss everything you need to know before buying your first e-bike.
Types of E-Bikes
E-bikes have evolved into various body types to cater to each person’s specific needs. Some offer a good luggage space while others offer foldability and portability. So understanding what’s the right type for you is very important. Here are some of the more prominent types of e-bikes.
1. Commuter Bikes
Commuter bikes are the most practical and safest bet when choosing an e-bike as they are designed to be more versatile. If your priority is to go from point A to point B comfortably, especially in an urban area then a commuter bike is the best option for you.
Commuter bikes offer a long-range travel distance with hangers or racks in the back to keep your small groceries or belongings. The commuter bike also comes with fenders that are crucial for keeping clean when riding through mud puddles or on a rainy day.
2. City bikes
City bikes are a more specialized version of commuter bikes and thus very similar. They are more focused on riding in the city and urban areas with comfort in mind. They usually have a more upright frame making them decent bikes for both commuting and casual riding.
They have all the utility of commuter bikes with usually a larger and more comfortable seat. Thus they are also a bit more expensive than the commuter bikes.
3. Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed to go long distances at high speeds. They are light and aerodynamic with tinner wheels. If you are an enthusiast and love the thrills of riding fast bikes on open roads then this is the one for you. But do keep in mind that road bikes don’t offer the utilities like extra luggage space of commuter bikes and are less comfortable.
They also have an expensive price tag starting from $2500 for the IGO Electric Aspire Camillien. So it’s a bad idea to use a road bike as your daily commuter.
4. Mountain Bikes
Mountain e-bikes have really powerful motors with high torque and great suspension systems. This makes them perfect for riding uphill with ease and going downhill at high speed on mountain terrains. They offer great balance and aerodynamics with a lightweight frame. These are designed especially for mountain biking enthusiasts and are very expensive ranging from $1700 to around $9000.
You should only get these if you are interested in mountain biking as they do not perform as well in urban environments. They also do not offer any luggage space. If you want a true mountain biking experience then you should go with the dual suspension system rather than the hardtail mountain bikes but it will cost you significantly more money.
5. Folding Bikes
If storage space is an issue for you then you should consider a folding e-bike. They are designed to fold right down the middle of the frame making them more compact and easier to carry in cars or even in public transport. But because of their design, they are not usually as powerful as other e-bikes.
In our experience, most of them are still bulky and wider when folded and still take up a lot of space. If your daily commute requires you to take the train or public transport then you should consider getting a folding e-bike as you can carry your bike with you when needed
6. Cargo Bikes
Cargo bikes are great car replacements as they offer a larger frame for more storage options when running your errands. They offer space to carry your groceries or even a child passenger. They offer a larger battery and more powerful motor to allow for more weight.
So if you want utility and storage options when doing your errands or even dropping off your child to school then you might consider the cargo e-bike.
Matching the Right Type of E-Bike for Your Lifestyle
As we’ve discussed earlier, there are many types of e-bikes, and choosing the right one that suits your lifestyle is very important. So here are some pointers that’ll help you find the e-bike that best suits your needs.
City Dwellers and Commuters
If you live in urban areas or cities and are planning to use your e-bike for mostly commuting purposes then you should consider commuters or city bikes. If space is an issue and you also use public transport in between your commute then you might want to consider a folding bike. These are best for students and office-goers in urban and city areas.
Outdoor Enthusiasts and Adventurers
If you love outdoor activities and are an adrenaline junky and the only purpose of your e-bike is to enjoy outdoor activities then you should either choose a mountain e-bike or a road e-bike.
Each is designed for a specific terrain as mentioned below. What you’ll choose will depend on your taste. You can also go for a gravel bike which is in between these two types with some tradeoffs.
Families and Parents
For families and parents, the cargo e-bike is the best option as it offers extra grocery space and an extra seat to take your child with you. Cargo e-bikes can be used as small minivans in a sense.
Business Owners and Couriers
If your work includes carrying packages and making deliveries then you should go with either a commuter or a cargo e-bike. Of course, it depends on the amount of storage space you need. These are a great economical alternative to cars when making deliveries.
Key Factors to Consider in the Purchase of an Electric Bike
Now you have a broader understanding of which type of e-bike would be better for you. But there are many brands and models within these types each having their own specifications. It can be very confusing for someone buying their first e-bike to understand what specifications he actually needs.
So here are some of the main factors explained so you can make a better decision when choosing your first e-bike
Determine Your Needs
The first and most important factor to consider when buying your e-bike is understanding what your top priority is. If you are planning on using your bike for strictly commute purposes then you should go for a commuter or a city bike.
If you want grocery spaces then you should go with a cargo bike. If you want to do outdoor activities then stick with road bikes or mountain bikes.
Know Your State E-Bike Laws First
E-bikes are in the gray zone between a motorized vehicle and a bicycle. So different countries have different rules and regulations concerning the type of e-bikes. Some countries need the bike to be licensed depending on the top speed.
For example in the US, e-bikes are separated into 3 classes depending on the paddle assist and throttle options. While class 1 and 2 does not require you to wear a helmet, class 3 requires you to wear a helmet when you are out with your e-bike.
These rules will affect the model of the e-bike you choose depending on what the law is in your area. The rules and regulations in North America may differ from other regions in terms of e-bikes. Make sure you check your area’s laws and regulations regarding electric bikes before buying one.
Consider Your Budget
Budget is another very important key factor. Depending on the type of bike, the price range varies greatly. For example, you need to set a higher budget if you want to go for a road or mountain bike.
If you still want to do outdoor activities but are on a tight budget then you might want to switch to a hardtail mountain e-bike or a gravel bike.
Battery Life and Capacity
The battery is the most important and expensive component of your e-bike. The common options you’ll find when looking for e-bikes are 250W, 350W, 500W, and 750W batteries.
What you’ll choose will depend on how much pedal assistance you want to use. Keep in mind higher wattage does not mean a higher battery life span. Your battery life depends on how much pedal assistance you are using, how inclined the hill you are climbing, and your weight.
Upgrades and Aftermarket Parts
If you want to upgrade your bike then remember that on some bikes customizations are easy while on others it is very hard. Some companies use generic parts from reputable companies like Bafang or Tektro. you can easily find pieces for these parts online if you’re in need of a replacement. Other brands use their own components that can’t be worked on or replaced.
For example, some bikes use their own battery and their motor only accepts batteries from their brand. Meaning if that battery were to die then you’ll need to replace that battery with the same one which is both harder to find and also more expensive.
Other e-bikes accept just about any battery making it easier to upgrade to a more powerful battery and also cheaper to replace.
Weight and Portability
If you have to carry your bike often then weight and portability are something you should consider. Foldable e-bikes offer great portability. If you are planning on outdoor activity then weight will also be a big factor when choosing your bike.
Lesser weight will give you more freedom when riding a road bike or a mountain bike.
Throttle Options
Not all e-bikes come with a throttle. Throttles can be either a thumb throttle or a full twist throttle like a motorcycle. This makes it easier to speed up without using your paddle.
Throttles are not legal in every country so check the regulations in your area before getting an e-bike with a throttle.
III. Building Balance and Coordination Skills
After finding a suitable place for your kid to practice cycling, you need to make a step-by-step follow-up for building balance.
Here are some tips that you can follow and help your kids to get the proper balance and coordination skills –
1. Learn Balance
a. First, you tell them to straddle the bike keeping both feet on the ground.
b. Always encourage them to keep their body straight and centered.
c. Tell them to lift one of their feet a little bit and find the balance of it. They will not get it at the beginning, so give them a bit of time.
d. While doing it with one foot, tell them to do it with both feet and try to go a short distance. This will take some time but gradually they will learn the balancing skills.
2. Coordination
a. After they learn to keep their balance properly, they need to coordinate their riding with steering/handlebars.
b. While they are learning turning coordination, you can grab the bike from behind and let them feel it steering the way they want.
c. After some time, you can release the back and let them coordinate by themselves.
d. It may take a little bit of time, but proper practice will help them control the steering properly
Frame Material and Design
Frame material will determine how reliable and how much the bike will weigh. Typically you would want an alloy frame for your usual commuting. If you are into outdoor activities and you have the budget then go for a carbon fiber frame as these will reduce your bike weight by a lot.
Breaks and Suspensions
Breaks are very crucial and in our very own experience can be the determining factor between a close call and a fatal accident. As a rule of thumb the more powerful your motor is, the better your braking system should be. Hydraulic disc brakes offer a very good braking performance.
Suspension is also very important when it comes to comfortability. If you are planning to get a mountain bike then the braking and suspension system should be top of the class and if your budget allows it, you should go with a dual suspension system.
For regular use, only the front suspension is ok with great bumping and precise braking.
Motor Facts
● Motor Power: Motor power is typically expressed in wattage and torque, for example, 250 watts or 750 Watts. A higher-wattage motor will generally drain your battery quickly but will give you more force. A higher torque is necessary when riding uphills, especially on mountain bikes.
Lower wattage and lower torque will give you the best battery life but you will be having much less pedal assist and vise-versa. What you will choose will depend on the type of terrain you will be riding on.
● Motor Type: Motors are usually of two types. They can be either placed in the bottom bracket, called the mid-drive motor or they can be placed on either of the two wheels called the hub-drive motors. Generally speaking, the mid-drive motors are better as they offer a more natural riding feel and good balance. They also work with your drive-train system for more efficient power usage. But they do put a strain on your chains and quite often you might find a broken chain link.
On the other hand, a hub-drive motor offers a more push or pull feel depending on which wheel it’s placed on, and replacing a flat tire is much more difficult on a hub-drive motor.
Tires and Wheel Size
Tire and wheel size is especially important for mountain bikes and road bikes. Typically for usual commuting, we suggest a 27.5” wheel size. Mountain bikes generally have bigger wheel sizes whereas folding bikes will have 16’’-20’’ wheel sizes. Road bikes commonly tend to have 29’’(700C) wheels for racing.
Larger wheel size is generally better and more comfortable in bumpy terrains. The braking quality is also determined greatly by the tire quality.
Speed and Range
The speed and range of the e-bike depend on the motor power and battery capacity. Generally riding at a higher speed will reduce the range. Using less paddle assist will increase the range. The range also is influenced by the cargo weight, tire pressure, and also the terrain.
Often the range is claimed by Voltage or Amp Hour or Watt Hours. It can be difficult to compare between these so here’s a simple equation you can use to determine your battery life.
Voltage = Amp Hours * Watt Hours
With this, you can determine any battery’s life span. If you know any two measures among these three, for example, voltage and watt-hour, then you can easily figure out the amp hours by using simple equations.
Price and Value for Money
Electric bikes can cost from $1,500 all the way to $15,000 depending on the type and brand. It can be very easy to overspend when buying an e-bike. So it is very important to keep in mind what you will be doing with the bike when browsing.
If you’re not planning on going mountain biking then you shouldn’t waste extra money on an expensive suspension kit.
A simple way to correctly spend your money is to ask yourself some questions.
1. Is there a cheaper option?
2. What extra features are you getting if you choose a more expensive bike over a cheaper bike?
3. How often will you be using those extra features and are they worth the extra money?
Answering these three questions will make it easier for you to avoid overspending and get a good value for money out of your purchase.
Additional Factors to Consider
There are some additional, but important factors you also should consider before getting an e-bike.
● Rider Size and Comfort: What size frame you get will depend on your height. A disproportionately sized frame will feel uncomfortable. So check your height and recommended frame size before buying. Generally, for a height of 6 feet, you’d want a frame height of 19-21 inches.
● Maintenance and repairs: Make sure your local bike repair shops accept e-bike repairs as many local bike repair shops have rules like “no e-bikes”. Also, some bikes are easier to work on than others. For example, a hub motor makes changing flat tires more complicated than a mid-drive motor. An enclosed battery system is harder to work on than an outer-fitted battery system.
● Brand recognition and customer review: In the case of e-bikes, brands matter a lot as you’ll find bikes from generic brands are fitted with low-quality components and are prone to breaking down or underperforming. Check for customer reviews or discuss with an expert before deciding on a model. Some reliable brands in the e-bike industry are Cannondale, Aventon, Trek, etc.
● Warranty and customer service: Not all e-bike companies offer warranties or after-purchase services. This can be an issue if you have no repair shops near you that work on electric bikes.
So make sure you understand their after-sale service system and prepare to pay extra if you want a warranty with your e-bike.
● Battery Quality: Battery quality is very important as it is a very expensive component of your e-bike. You’ll want high-quality battery cells. Avoid off-brand batteries as they have a tendency to die quickly. Panasonic, Samsung, or LG batteries are usually very hardy and reliable
● Test Rides and Comparison Shopping: You’ll want to test-ride your bike before making a purchase. Not all frame types are for everyone. You might find a bike that looks really nice but be disappointed after riding it and realizing it is actually very uncomfortable. When test-riding pay attention to the handlebar and saddle and if the style suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some additionally asked questions about choosing e-bikes.
1. What wattage is usually good for an e-bike?
It generally depends on the weight the e-bike will carry. Generally, 250W is enough for an average rider.
2. What is an e-hybrid bike?
An e-hybrid bike is a combination of an e-mountain bike and an e-road bike.
3. What is the usual mileage for a 500W battery in e-bikes?
A 500W battery usually lasts between 30 to 50 miles. But it can differ greatly depending on different scenarios.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed there are many types of e-bikes, have their own purposes and advantages-disadvantages.
If you read this guide thoroughly then you should already have an idea of what kind of electric bike best suits you and your needs. Don’t get carried away with gimmicky marketing and flashy features. After all, a great feature does nothing to improve your experience if you have no use for it.
Finally, we’d encourage everyone buying their first e-bike to explore and do their own research. Visit your local e-bike community, visit Facebook e-bike enthusiast groups, and get advice from experts. These will help you find your perfect e-bike