There are many factors to consider when purchasing an electric bike. Learn more below.

Do you fancy buying an electric bike?

If yes, you would know that there are a plethora of options available. Going through the technical jargon and the specifications is not feasible for an average consumer. Moreover, making a hasty decision can lead to the purchase of a substandard electric bike. Amidst all of this, the question which arises is, what to consider when buying an electric bike?

The answer will help you choose the perfect electric bike without having to go through hundreds of options or technical specifications. Today, I will share with you five factors that you should consider when buying an electric bike.

1. Type:

Did you know that e-bikes or electric bikes can be of various types?

Primarily, you can divide electric bikes based on their suitability for the urban ride or the mountainous terrain. There are hybrid ones available as well. Bikes for mountainous terrain differ from other models in their construction and the thickness of their tires. They have fat tires and that’s why they are commonly known as fat bikes. It is up to you to decide which one you prefer over the other. It all depends on how you are going to use them. It should be your first distinction when looking for an electric bike.

2. Range:

You can make a big mistake if you don’t take a look at the range of the electric bike on a single charge when buying one. Generally speaking, the range upwards of 15 mph is good for auto mode. Of course, in the pedal-assisted mode, the range can be even higher.

Although many electric bikes can handle a small incline, the problem is that their range reduces drastically in that case. Therefore, you have to look at the range of the ebike battery and then make the buying decision. The greater the range, the better it is.

3. Speed:

Electric bikes are known for their comfortable speed. They are neither too fast nor too slow. However, it is a good idea to check the speed before buying one.

The question is, what should be the ideal speed?

The answer is, it should be around 15 mph to 30 mph on the maximum side. When it is in that range, you can save time and you can also ride at a comfortable speed. If the bike you plan to buy has a maximum speed of less than this, it might be a good idea to avoid it. If you are looking to go fast, consider buying a 1000 watt e-bike, which can go over 30 mph.

4. Weight Carrying Capacity:

Imagine, you have bought an electric bike with decent speed and range, but you find out that it is not compatible with your weight. In that case, it will be practically useless. You will be wearing down the bike pretty fast if you continue to use it. That is why checking the weight-carrying capacity is a must.

You might be thinking, what should be the weight-carrying capacity of such a bike?

It all depends on whether you’re buying electric bikes for kids or adults.

If you are buying for kids, the weight-carrying capacity should be around 100 lbs. Similarly, if you’re buying one for adults, the load-carrying capacity should be about 150 to 200 lbs. Buying an electric bike would only make sense if it has that much of a weight-carrying capacity.

5. Operating mode:

Electric bikes can have multiple operating modes:

• Auto mode:

The auto-assisted mode is when the bike is entirely running on the power of the battery. You don’t need to pedal the bike at all.

• Pedal-assisted mode:

In the pedal-assisted mode, the battery would be used to partially propel the bike forward while the rest of the power would be provided through manual pedaling. This operating mode is used to complement your effort, so you can get some exercise without working too hard.  

• Manual mode:
  

The manual mode, as the name implies, relies entirely on your pedaling to propel the bike forward.

Not all electric bikes consist of all three modes. It is up to you to decide whether you want to buy one with all three modes or you can settle for the one with just the auto mode. 

Nevertheless, you have to choose an electric bike. So, instead of going through the hassle of comparing thousands of e-bike options out there in the market, it is better to narrow down your efforts by taking into account the five useful parameters mentioned in this article. Once you do so, choosing the right electric bike would be easier than ever.