It’s no secret that electric bicycles are growing in popularity. Not only do they have the same benefits as regular bikes but they accomplish far more. It’s a convenient option that is sure to please anyone who uses them.
If you’re ready to make the splurge, it can feel overwhelming to know which is the best electric bicycle to buy. Luckily, that’s what this guide is for. We’ll go over every step you should take to ensure you get the electric bicycle of your dreams.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
Think Of Your Needs
There are all types of electric bikes, designed for a variety of people and different purposes. It’s up to you to decide what features matter the most to you. Before you start looking at all of your options, consider your needs.
If comfort is your priority, you’ll want an e-bike with a step-through frame. If you’re big on hill-climbing, you’ll want a high torque hub motor or a middle motor system. Long-distance riders will need a battery of 400 watt-hours or more.
Knowing what your personal needs are will help you decide the features that matter most on your electric bike.
Find The Right Retailer
It’s important to remember that you’re buying into a bike shop as much as you’re buying into the product. The place you’re purchasing from should have the right feeling.
Is the staff knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly? The shop should have an obvious enthusiasm for electric bikes. Does their inventory seem promising?
Knowing that the retailer is committed to the electric bicycle movement means they’re willing to make the most of your e-bike years down the road. Be sure to check the quality of the bikes being sold as well. Are they brand names that you can research or more obscure options?
You don’t want to do business with a shop that just wants to make a quick buck.
Test A Variety Of Bikes
One of the most enjoyable parts of finding the right e-bike is a test ride. Trying an electrical bike lets you forget about all of the reviews and specs so you can focus on the most basic question: “do I enjoy riding this bike?”
If the answer is yes then you can begin to tackle the other important questions that pertain to your needs. See how the bike climbs hills or if it fits you appropriately.
Whether it’s a folding fat tire bike or a beach cruiser, be sure to test out all of your favorite options to help narrow down the choice.
Keep Expectations High
If you’re going to be spending money on a revolutionary form of transportation, keep your expectations high. Quality electric bikes are powerful, useful, reliable, and fun to use. The right electric bike can change your life for the best.
With that said, not all electric bikes are created equal. There are plenty of electric bikes available that are not the quality machine you should be looking for. You’ll need to demand the best to get the best.
The Motor Matters
There are different types of motor locations for electric bikes. There are mid-drive motors and hub drive motors.
Mid-drive motors are located on the bottom bracket, which is the part that attaches the crank arm to the bike frame. The pedal assist of mid-drive motors has a natural feel because the weight of the motor is centered on the bike. This keeps the bike comfortable and balanced.
Hub-drive motors are located inside the hub of the rear wheel. A hub-drive motor gives the rider the feeling of being pushed as it cycles. This type of motor is more complicated to change a flat on the wheel.
Trust Your Intuition
As you start to research the best electric bikes, you’ll find a lot of contradictory information. Opinions and choices are abundant, with few ways to certify what is reliable. The best thing you can do is trust your gut.
If something is too good to be true, it likely is. Even if you find an electric bike that seems perfect, if you’ve never heard of the brand and there’s no information on it, it’s better to go with another option.
Don’t Forget Comfort
Last but not least, you want the e-bike you buy to truly fit you. For an investment at this level, you want to make sure that the e-bike feels like it was made for you.
The most crucial element to getting a good fit is knowing which size bike frame you need, loosely based on your height. You also want to check an e-bike’s frame geometry to see how it fits your body measurements. Find a good bike shop to dial in your fit perfectly.
Choosing The Best Electric Bicycle
Not only are electric bikes good for your health, but they’re also great for the environment. When it comes to splurging on a new way to get around, it’s hard to know exactly what to look for. This guide should bring you one step closer to finding the best electric bicycle.
There’s no better time than right now to shop for an electric-powered bike. The market is flooded with bikes of all shapes and sizes. Major bike manufacturers are introducing their own e-bike lineups.
All that’s left is for you to decide which one is right for you.
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