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E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular because they make riding easier and more enjoyable for a wide range of people. They’re an affordable way to get around and a fun way to exercise. It’s no wonder they’ve gained so much popularity lately.
If you’re looking for the best electric bike for your needs and budget, you’re in luck. There are plenty of expert recommendations available to help you make an informed decision. These recommendations take into account things like electric range, performance, and unique features of any particular electric bike.
From folding bikes to commuting or cruising bikes, there are a variety of e-bike options available these days, just like with regular bicycles. Below are some things to consider when purchasing a new electric bike.
This post was written in collaboration with electric bike specialists, Addmotor.
How Do I Choose an Electric Bike?
To find the perfect e-bike for you, take your time and choose a model that fits your body and will meet your needs in the long run. If you live in a hilly area, you may want to look for a bike with more gears to save energy, both for yourself and the battery. Before riding your e-bike, be sure to check local laws to ensure you’re riding where it’s allowed.
With so many e-bike options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, you can simplify the process by considering style, power consumption, and pricing. By focusing on these key factors, you can filter out the noise and find the perfect e-bike for your needs.
Keep reading to learn more about how to find and choose the right e-bike for you, as well as the important factors to consider.
12 Key E-Bike Considerations
When it comes to buying an electric bike, there are 12 key things you need to consider, which may seem like a lot. But don’t worry, we’ve broken it down for you in simple terms:
1) Class
There are three classes of electric bikes. The bike’s top speed and whether or not it has a throttle determines its class.
| CLASS 1 | CLASS 2 | CLASS 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal Assist | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Throttle | No | Yes | No |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph | 20 mph | 28 mph |
Class 1: At 20 mph, the motor stops assisting and only engages when you pedal.
Class 2: Has a throttle-only mode and a pedal-assist option that can travel up to 20 mph.
Class 3: This category is similar to class 1, except that it only has pedal assistance that lasts up to 28 mph.
2) Type Of Electric Bike
According to their general design and appropriateness for various terrains, electric bikes are divided into distinct categories. Most electric bikes fall into one of the four categories listed below:
Commuter e-bikes: These bicycles are made for commuting through cities. Although they can’t go off-road, they are lightweight and simple to use. They are the best option considering your budget is low.
Mountain e-bikes: These vehicles are made to handle difficult terrain. They have better suspension and are considerably more adaptable. They are heavier and frequently more expensive, which is a drawback.
Cruiser e-bikes: Both off-road and urban cyclists can use cruiser ebikes. Although they are often lighter than mountain bikes, they can nevertheless handle tough terrain.
Folding e-bikes: Electric motorcycles that fold up easily for transport on trains or into apartments.
Cargo e-bikes: Electric bikes that feature a long integrated rear rack for hauling kids or carrying cargo.
3) Motor
There are two different kinds of motors for electric bikes: mid-drive and hub.
- A mid-drive motor is in the middle of the bike between the pedals.
- A hub motor is in the middle of one of the wheels.
The least expensive choice is a hub bike. Although not as effective as mid-drive motors, they are the best option for long trips on flat roads.
Mid-drive bikes cost more, but they also have more power. The motor’s location improves torque while also improving the bike’s overall balance. It is wise to invest additional money to buy a mid-drive e-bike if you want to go up hills frequently.
The power output of an electric bike motor can range from 250 to 1000 watts. The most common bikes are 750 watts since they are both reasonably priced and have more than enough power for flat terrain and minor slopes. They also enable you to extend the battery’s range.
A greater wattage like the Addmotor Herotan M-65X with 750W power will offer better acceleration and additional support while riding up steep slopes if you’re willing.
4) Battery & Range
The battery of an electric bike is an essential part. The riding range you can go at frequently depends on the battery capacity of your e-bike. So choosing between riding uphill or on a smooth road surface would be helpful. Selecting an electric bike with a large battery range would be beneficial. It establishes your e-bike’s watt capacity for each hour of riding.
Additionally, you may use it to estimate how long your electric bike can travel before the battery runs out. In this situation, you’ll need to obtain a replacement battery, which could be risky on a lonely road.
Make sure the battery you choose doesn’t take long to fully charge, especially if you live somewhere with a weak power source. Consequently, a decent battery ought to charge completely in five hours or less.
5) Controller
The controller is one of the most important pieces of hardware on an e-bike, but many people are slow to recognize it. The controller changes the Direct current to Alternating Current for the motor to spin and move. Therefore, the controller can lower the voltage of an electric bike, which will lower the speed. The controller typically interprets a 48V battery as 24V. This means that it won’t operate at the same rate as anticipated, although the electric bike’s current rises as the motor and voltage fall.
The majority of manufacturers include a maximum controller level in their electric bikes. It indicates that a controller can only infer a finite set of voltages from the battery pack. Consequently, you need to be aware that an electric bike with a big amp and a little motor can lead to overheating. Verify that these elements align with the objectives you have for using an electric bike.
6) Sensor
Because it improves their safety, many users like electric bikes with brake sensors. The main purpose of a brake sensor is to provide a proper motor response to the brake lever. Therefore, this needs to be installed in every commuter’s electric bike. The brake sensor is also necessary if you utilize a hub motor system to regenerate the electricity needed for operation.
When the brake sensor is positioned correctly, you can provide a gentle braking force with your electric brake. You can select between the Cadence and Torque brake lever systems in the interim. The next most prevalent sensor type, cadence, activates the motor when you pedal to provide a boost when required, like when climbing a hill. The most typical, torque sensors, employ a motor to continuously alter the power based on how arduously you’re pedaling.
Choose torque if you want a more responsive and effective ride. Cadence is your best option if you want something more reasonably priced yet allows you to reach high speeds with little effort.
7) Throttle
The physical link between the rider and the e-bike is the throttle. Thumb, half-twist, and full-twist throttles are the three primary throttles (although not all e-bikes have a throttle). Of course, there are benefits and drawbacks to each type of e-bike throttle, and each will affect how you ride.
Long periods of thumb throttle or full twist throttle might quickly result in sore wrists. Half-twist throttle is safer than full-twist throttle since it stops this from happening.
8) Weight
Traditional bikes are lighter than electric bikes. Electric bikes normally weigh between 30kg to 50kg due to the additional weight of the motor, battery, suspension fork, fat tires (although lightweight electric bikes are also available). When choosing a new bike, keep in mind that you may have to carry it upstairs or onto a train daily.
The trade-off between weight and power is unfortunate. Purchasing a lightweight bike might not be practical if you desire a powerful bike.
9) Wattage
For people who weigh more than 220lbs (100 kg), power requirements soon increase. A 750w ebike should be adequate in a flat location, though acceleration will be somewhat slower. A 1,000-watt ebike would be the bare minimum in a hilly location.
Heavy riders climbing steep hills may even need to push past a 20A controller to a 25A or 30A paired with a 48V battery to get 1250-1500 watts of power, depending on their unique weight and the terrain. Overheating problems may start to surface after your electric bike’s power exceeds 1,000W, especially during very long uphill rides.
10) Brand
Brands with their own factories are hard to come by, and brands without factories can’t guarantee after-sales because they don’t have the qualified production team you need for high-quality products and first-rate after-sales service.
Therefore, selecting a trustworthy e-bike brand (like AddMotor, for example) is very important – especially if you want to maintain your electric bike for many years.
11) Accessories
Some e-bikes come with a basic set of features, while others come pre-built with things like fenders, panniers and racks – all of which can be useful accessories for commuting.
Consider what you’ll be using your e-bike for an what features you want it to include.
Which E-Bike to Buy? [RECOMMENDATION]
The best bike for you is one that suits you, and this is true for both conventional bikes and e-bikes. Before you ride an ebike out the door, it’s crucial to make sure it feels like it was created for you or can at least be adjusted to fit you with a few clever parts swaps.
M-65X Cruiser E-Bike
If you are looking for en ebike that meets the needs of adventure, commuting, and recreational riding needs at a reasonable price, Addmotor recommends the M-65X Cruiser Ebike, a class 2 cruiser ebike. The general overview of the specifications of the bike is given below:
48V*20AH: UL certified battery pack with samsung cells to supports up to 100+ miles riding range (PAS1)
750W POWERFUL MOTOR: Brushless rear-mounted hub motor
FULL SUSPENSION: Coming with both front suspension fork and rear shock. The rear shock improves the bike’s traction, control and rider comfort.
20″ X 4.0″ TIRES: Fat tires makes all terrain accessible.
EYE-CATCHING COLOR SCHEME: 4 cool and classical color schemes are available
LONG BANANA SEAT: soft padded seat capable of accommodating two riders.
