To answer this question we have thought of a guide for you, in which we will explain the main characteristics of any E-vehicle to guide you to a purchase well thought out for your needs.
See also our buying advice on the home page of our website or click here.
Frame and Fit
No matter how much money you spend and how fancy the components on your bike are, it won’t feel good if the fit is not right. This is true both for e-bikes and non-electric bikes. Though, if possible, it’s always best if you come and try the bike in our shop.
If you want all the comfort you can get, choose an e-bike with a steel frame. If, on the other hand, you want a lightweight e-bike, you should look for a model with a carbon frame. An aluminium frame will give you the best of both worlds.
Motor and power
The location of the electric bike motor is pretty important as it affects how the bike rides and feels, as well as how it transfers power.
The two most common types of electric bike motors in terms of location are mid-drive (inside the bottom bracket) and hub-drive (inside the wheel hub) motors. Bicycle motors also differ in terms of power, measured in Watts (W).
Batteries
Modern electric bicycles use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries due to their low weight, high performance, and quick recharging. Battery technology is developing quickly, and in the past few years some manufacturers have managed to downsize their batteries so that they fit inside the frame itself, or clip into a cavity within the frame. Battery dimensions mainly depend on its use. The ability to remove a battery can also make charging easier and more convenient, and boost your e-bike’s security when parked up.
Speed of recharging should be also one of top considerations. When it comes to placement, e-bike batteries are usually mounted on the down tube or seat tube. However, they can also be integrated into the down tube on more expensive models, which is the most elegant solution. E-bike batteries are usually charged fully in a matter of hours from a standard wall plug, so you can easily recharge them wherever you are.
Note: Battery capacities drain over time and use, as well as in very cold conditions (although lithium-ion battery technology, on which the vast majority of e-bike batteries are based, is constantly improving to mitigate this). Look for batteries from reputable companies, and which carry a warranty.
The e-bike range refers to the number of miles you can ride with assistance before your battery is empty. Naturally, this is one of the biggest issues for most riders. Unfortunately, it is difficult to measure the range correctly as it depends on so many things, such as:
- Terrain
- Tires
- Weight
- Motor
- Pedal-assist level
- Throttle
- Riding style
- External conditions
The two factors that influence the range of an e-bike the most are the battery capacity and how you ride. Having a bigger battery means you’ll get more range out of it, but your riding style is very important as well.
E-bikes usually have 3-5 pedal-assist levels and/or a throttle to control the amount of assistance you receive. Staying in low PAS levels will maximize the range, whereas high PAS levels in combination with the throttle will drain the battery quickly.
Depending on how you ride, you can expect to get between 20–40 miles of assistance out of lower-capacity batteries. High-capacity batteries can last more than 100 miles on one charge, whereas dual-battery setups on long-range electric bikes can deliver up to 200 miles.
Component and features
Apart from what was mentioned above and the type of use of the product, the only other factor to consider is your personal taste.
Some of you prefer a simple electric vehicle easy to set-up that is easy to manage, in short, a means of transport without too many pretensions.
At the same time, there are many sport enthusiasts who are not limited to this but always want the best in terms of performance and efficiency.