Buying your first electric bike can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down.
With so many different price points, brands, and styles, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing your first eBike. Rather than focusing on all the bells and whistles, it's important to bring it back to the basics. Here are the essential factors to review before making your initial eBike purchase.
Frame Style
Without a doubt, the most important factor when considering which eBike is right for you is determining how you plan to use it. Different frame styles are better suited for different kinds of riders. For example, you want to be able to easily bring your bike anywhere, then consider a folding model. If you love to go off-roading, then a fat tire model will be sure to create a smooth ride, regardless of any gravel or grass. If you want a reliable ride for simple commutes, then look for a bike with a good battery and range.
Battery Quality & Safety
As always, prioritizing your safety is key – especially when on an electric bike. That being said, it’s important to check that the eBike you purchase is in accordance with UL certifications. This guarantees that your ride has been inspected to avoid fire hazards and electric shock. Ebikes with UL-2271 certification are checked for battery pack safety, while eBikes with UL-2849 certification are checked for the entire system’s safety, including the motor, charger, as well as the battery.
Additionally, make sure that the battery has enough range to fit your needs. Long-range bikes are ideal for riders who have a relatively long commute, or for those who plan to go on winding, weekend adventures. However, if you intend to trek only a few miles a day, then a long-range bike may be unnecessary.
Motor Torque & Power
Wattage measures the overall power of the eBike’s motor. An eBike with a higher wattage motor is not necessarily better than an eBike with a lower wattage motor — it all depends on how you want to ride. Typically, eBikes are available with 350W, 500W, or 750W motors. The higher the wattage, the more assistance and power you will get on your journey.
The location of the motor also changes the feel of the ride. A mid-drive motor is located between the pedals, causing the ride to feel more natural. A hub motor can be located in the rear or the front of the bike, and it feels more like a steady push or pull. These motors are typically cheaper than mid-drive motors, making them more ideal for beginners.
Components
Determine if there are any high-quality features that are necessary for your ride. Though mechanical brakes work perfectly well, premium hydraulic brakes offer more stopping control. If the eBike contains a suspension system, it will absorb the shock that the rider feels when passing over rough terrain, making the experience feel much smoother. A torque sensor is another feature to take into account — especially if you want to move fast or frequently ride uphill. A torque sensor adjusts the motor’s power output based on how hard you pedal, which helps take some of the pressure off the rider.
While some eBikes have incredibly high speeds, most commuters do not need to spend the extra cash on this particular feature. High speeds drain the battery faster, and while eBike speed limits vary between cities and states, anything above 28 MPH is typically not street legal in the United States. On top of that, extra add-ons, such as Bluetooth or integrated apps, usually just increase the price without much return on investment. Similarly, while free accessories are nice, it’s more important to focus on the bike’s quality rather than its additional amenities.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
So you’ve decided which frame-style will fit you best, and you’ve found a UL-certified eBike with components that suit your needs. What now? Well, that’s up to you. Whether you want to explore off-road trails or simply need reliable transportation for work, your eBike will be with you wherever you roam. Make the most of it — your next adventure awaits!
