Welcome to our buyer's guide, lets begin. There is a lot going on in the E-Bikes industry. After today, you will be much more educated, and in a better position to make your pick. E Bikes Guide 101 covers many important factors.
Here is your course outline:
I. Advantages of E-Bikes
II. Uses of E-Bikes
III. Classes of E-Bikes
IV. Common E-Bike Styles
V. Range Factors
VI. Buyer's Guide
VII. Where to Buy
Advantages of E Bikes
E-Bikes are different than regular bicycles. They have an electric motor. They have a lithium battery. Some E-Bikes have hydraulic disc brakes. You can accelerate faster. An E-Bike can definitely take you further than you've ever gone before. E-Bikes today have current technology and are made of high quality parts and materials. Some manufacturers even have puncture resistant tires. These are vast improvements over standard bicycles. Vintage Electric Bikes is an excellent example of this.
Here are a few advantages to consider:
Longer Commutes
Perform Errands Farther Away
Longer Range in General
Haul Heavier Items
Easier to Use in Strong Wind
Your Body Uses Less Energy
Easier for Older Riders
Less Perspiration
Save Money on Gas
E-Bikes do have a disadvantage in that they weigh much more than a regular bicycle. Something to keep in my mind if you need to go up steps, or plan to transport your E-Bike in another vehicle. You or someone else will have to be able to lift it or carry it for a short distance. There are also foldable E-Bikes that enable better storage.
You may have to create some space in your shed, garage, or even in your apartment for your new E-Bike.
E-Bikes are available in 4 main styles: Commuter, Mountain, Road, and Cruiser.
E-Bikes are fun to ride and gaining in popularity. You have more options with an E-Bike. You could go on just another boring car ride, or you can go with the E-Bike alternative.
Consider an E-Bike for:
Tourism/Sightseeing
Fitness
Fun
Shopping
Visiting Friends
Creating Cool videos
Commuting
Dating Activity
Hauling Items
Traveling to Remote Areas
These are some of the uses for E-Bikes. There are more out there, and you can share your helpful E-Bike tips here. We'll pass on your helpful tips to future site visitors that read our E Bikes 101 Guide.
Wider tires will give you more control if you transition off-road.
Class 1 E-Bikes enable the motor to assist you only while you are pedaling. The assist helps you up to 20mph. These types of E-Bikes are allowed on most bike paths and trails.
In most places, a Class 1 E-Bike is legally considered the same a a regular bicycle, so neither a driver's license nor insurance is required.
The rule is: If it has a VIN, it must be registered and you need a driver's license.
Class 1 E-Bikes generate a motor assist only while the rider is pedaling.
Class 1 E-Bikes do not have a throttle.
Class 2 E-Bikes
Class 2 E-Bikes also provide a pedal assist up to 20mph, but Class 2 E-Bikes also have a throttle. The throttle can be a button or a twist-grip.
Class 2 E-Bikes can give you power - even without pedaling. A throttle is great to have- whether you use it or not. For most people, this is what you want: a throttle on your E-Bike.
Class 2 E-Bikes are more restricted in their usage than class 1 E-Bikes because of the presence of a throttle.
Class 3 E-Bikes
Class 3 E-Bikes offer the fastest pedal-assisted speeds - 28mph. You get a pedal assist from the electric motor until you reach 28mph. Class 3 E-Bikes may or may not have a throttle.
Class 2 (and even some Class 3) E-Bikes have a throttle, which means that you can ride without even pedaling.
Here are a few common E-Bike styles in the market. Consider where you live, and what type of terrain you will primarily be riding on. A good rule of thumb is if you plan to ride a lot, consider spending a little more money.
Commuter: A commuter E-Bike is great for commuting and running errands. Commuter bikes typically have large, narrow tires built for efficiency and an upright design for comfort. They also feature comfortable seats, but the seats usually aren't as wide as cruiser seats. Commuter bikes can go far on a single charge.
Road: Road E-Bikes are lightweight and designed for speed. They are similar to cruiser bikes in that they are for recreational riding on paved surfaces. The difference is they have narrow tires and drop handlebars to encourage fast riding.
Mountain: Mountain E-Bikes are built for extreme types who want to venture onto off-road trails, and have fun as they go up steep hills. They feature wide tires and flat handlebars to help riders handle difficult terrain and dirt trails.
Cruiser: Cruiser E-Bikes are best for casual riders who want comfort as they cruise down neighborhood streets. They are designed mostly for flat terrains like bike paths and paved roads. Cruisers have wide tires and usually feature a suspension system to reduce shock in the front fork and the seat. The handlebars are situated higher to provide a more straight up ride that's more comfortable for your back.
Choose your E-Bike style first. Then find one that fits your body.
Range of E Bikes
How far can I expect to ride on a single battery charge? The short answer is 40 miles plus for most E-Bike models. If you pay more you can expect a range of 75-100 miles. If you need even more range, you can always purchase another battery and bring it along with you.
The range for a single battery charge can vary greatly depending on conditions such as:
Tire Pressure and Tread Profile
Wind Resistance
Combined Weight of the Rider and Cargo
Terrain and Elevation Changes
Outdoor Temperature
Road or Trail Surface
Life of the Battery
Maintenance of the E-Bike
If you buy a quality E-Bike, the only major replacement that you will need to make in five years is the battery.
Front Hub Motors: These type of motors are located in the front wheel - and actually pull your E-Bike like a car that has front-wheel drive. When you pedal, you power the rear wheel too.
Rear Hub Motors: These are positioned in the rear wheel and give you a familiar push feeling. They have the advantage of traction - a lot of weight sits on top of the rear wheel.
Mid-Drive Motors: The mid-drive motor is found in the lower center or pedal area of the E-Bike, very much like a motorcycle, and creating a low center of gravity. This makes them easier to ride and easier to carry.
The motors are generally small but powerful units, nicely woven into the design of the E-Bike. You will see specs such as 250W, 350W, 500W and higher. A normal sized person riding on relatively flat areas will be fine with a 250W motor. A larger person riding up hills frequently, will require a 350W or 500W motor. Mountain E-Bikes will always have the strongest motors.
E Bike Batteries
When you are shopping and comparing E-Bikes, you will see both Ah and Wh provided as units for batteries.
Amp Hours: (Ah) is the amount of current a battery can discharge over one hour. The standard E-Bike battery capacity is between 8 and 15 Ah. Think of amp hour as the gas tank, affecting the riding range of each full charge.
Watt-hours: (Wh) are the units of measurement for the total amount of battery energy. Wh specs range from 288Wh to 672Wh. Think of watts as the engine size, affecting the engine's maximum power output.
Voltage in electric bike batteries is either 36v, 48v, 52v, or 72v. Higher voltage means a stronger battery. Think of volts as horsepower, affecting speed and acceleration.
As with computer or automobile specs, the higher the numbers, the greater the power and range in general.
A standard 36-volt battery can go up to 20 mph and cover 50 miles on a single charge.
E Bike Buyer's Guide
E-Bikes usually start at $800 in price and generally run up to $4,000. There are many models and manufacturers in the US market. A good rule of thumb is if you plan to ride a lot, consider spending a little more money. Price and quality overall are perhaps the most important things to keep in mind while shopping.
Factors to Consider When Buying an E-Bike:
Maximum Range (On a single charge)
Price
Weight or Payload Capacity
Battery (How many volts and either - Ah or Wh)
Throttle
Weight (of the bike)
Comfortable Seat
What Accessories Are Included
What Accessories Are Optional
Height
Motor - 250W 350W 500W
Intended Terrain
Digital Display - Ease of Use
Digital Display - Shows Battery Life
Alternative Financing Options
App/Phone Connectivity
Manufacturer's Warranty Length
Pedal Assist (How Many Levels)
Where To Buy
We examined these manufacturers and determined that their quality level is high, as you will see from the specifications of the batteries, brakes, motors, and gears. (All important parts of the bike.) Each of the companies ship from the US, offer popular styles, and provide a money back guarantee.
SenadaBikes.com - SenadaBikes.com has 5 mountain E-Bikes, 2 nice folding e-bikes, and 2 step-thru styles. Great looking E-Bikes and outstanding quality.
Magicyclebike.com - Magicyclebike covers everyone - they sell a long range step-thru E-Bike, a commuter, a pro cruiser, and a folding step-thru E-Bike. Very high level of quality. All the specifications are higher than the standard E-Bike, yet priced right.
Longer Commutes
