HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC BIKE? A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC BIKE? A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

by Tiffany T.

August 24, 2020

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have gained more attention over the last few years due to their easy-to-use features and eco-friendly nature. Whether you want a mountain e-bike, road e-bike, commuter bike, pedelec, or just a cruiser, this guide will help you get started.

Electric bikes are equipped with a convenient rechargeable electric battery which helps the rider go farther or steeper with ease.

Today, several companies produce these electric bikes, and with all of the models available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right bike to meet your budget and with your desired features.

Our detailed guide will assist you in finding the best e-bicycle. But first, let’s break down the various types of electric bikes on the market based on their style and features.

Electric mountain bikes

Mountain e-bicycles offer comfortable and smooth rides on hilly and rough terrain. If you are on a tighter budget, you can choose a hardtail mountain bike, which, while it doesn’t have a rear suspension, it is still efficient for off-road biking.

If you can spend little more, then go for a full-suspension mountain bike featuring both a rear and a front suspension fork. These are suitable for technical terrains like downhill mountain biking. They have built-in features to safely survive high jumps of around 10 ft. Companies like Nakto and Ecotric are producing mountain e-bikes.

Our Choices:

Electric Cruiser Ebike or City commuter bikes

This broad category includes several types of e-bicycles, such as hybrids, racing, and gravel bikes. They have standard features of thinner tires, a forward-inclining structure, thinner saddles, and no rear or front suspensions. They are suitable for commuting and on-road excursions as they are lightweight and have efficient pedalling.

Our Choices:

Electric cruiser bikes

If your idea of a bike ride is cruising along the beach, then electric cruiser bikes are for you. They feature convenient upright seating, a wide saddle, and bigger handlebars. The fatter tires of cruiser bikes (around 3″) are perfect for riding on soft and unsteady terrain like sand, mud, and snow. 

 

Electric cargo bikes

This type of e-bicycle serves to carry more weight than just the rider, and have varying cargo capacities. While maintaining the typical e-bike size, some cargo e-bikes have a frame that can be opened on either side of the back wheel into a shape that acts as a weight-bearing platform. One such cargo bike, the Tern GSD, can carry around 400 pounds when optimized.

Electric folding bikes

Nothing can beat the ease of a bike that can be folded to fit under your desk or onto the train without compromising commuting comfort. Some folding e-bicycles can be transformed to the size of a suitcase with a few clicks at the specific folding points. Folding e-bikes are also useful for your road trips. Just fold it up in your trunk, and it’s ready to go when you are.

While usually heavier than regular e-bikes of the same size, its portability evens out this possible drawback.

Our Choice:

Electric fat bikes

These e-bicycles, also called cruisers, are so named because they feature big, wide 4″ tires to absorb bumps and potholes efficiently. They are perfect for riding on loose soil like deep sand, mud, and snow.

Riders of fat e-bikes often say it feels like cycling on balloons.

Our Choices:

 

Other speciality e-bikes

The e-bikes included in this category are designed to serve various special purposes, like e-tricycles, that are good for riders with disabilities. Another specialty bike is an electric tandem bicycle – great for couples – with two seats and two pairs of pedals.

 

 

Price ranges for electric bikes

Once you’ve decided on the type of e-bike you want, your next step is to look at prices to ensure you keep to your budget.

So, let's have a look at some prices ranging from ultra-affordable to ultra-premium!

  • Ultra-economical electric bicycles

The price range of this category is from $300 to $500. One such company, a Chinese company named Xiaomi, is manufacturing e-bicycles within this price range. No doubt they are cheap, but on the flip side their quality may be compromised.

  • Economical electric bicycles

The price range of this category is from $500 to $1000. Nakto, Ecotric, and Addmotor are producing e-bicycles in this range without much compromise on the quality. E-bikes in this price range are the most popular choices and with proper care and maintenance, they can be used for a long time.  

  • Mid-range electric bicycles

The price range of this category is from $1000 to $2500. The e-bikes in this range will have higher quality bike components and more features for rider comfort. 

  • Premium electric bicycles

The price range of this category is from $2500 to $5000. Some prominent names in this category are Priority Embark, Trek Super Commuter, Raleigh Redux, Yamaha Wabash, and Cero One. All feature superior quality bike components and high-end features.

  • Ultra-premium electric bicycles

This category's price range is from $5000 to $10,000 and will feature exceptionally high-quality bike components. An e-bike named the Stromer ST5 is one of the most expensive yet quickest and most advanced pedelecs on the market.

 

And that's all. Now you’re ready to buy your ideal electric bike with ElectricZip.com. Good luck with your e-bike journey!

ElectricZip Reviews: https://electriczip.com/pages/reviews

How helpful was this guide for you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below!

CONTACT US

Call or Text:  (888) 779 1177
Monday to Friday
10:00am - 5:00pm PST
Email (24/7): hello@electriczip.com

 

Leave a comment

* Required fields

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.

To top