Electric bikes have been soaring in popularity over recent years. Not only are they great for getting up hills, but e-bikes can also improve fitness, are nature-friendly, and are perfect for all age groups and demographics.
If you’re thinking of joining the craze and buying an e-bike, here are things you need to consider first.
Purpose
To start with, you need to establish where and when you’ll be using your electric bike. For instance, if you live in a bustling city, you may have to regularly lift your e-bike up and down stairs which can be a hassle. On the other hand, if you live somewhere remote, you may wish to take your e-bike off-road.
You may use your electric bike to haul heavier goods such as grocery shopping or take longer trips. Establishing your needs will make sure you get good value out of your e-bike. After all, you don’t want to buy an electric bike to find it spends more time in the garage collecting dust rather than being used!
Price
Electric bikes are no longer a luxury product. In fact, the price has been coming down in recent years. If you’re after an entry-level e-bike, you can get a hybrid model for roughly $1,000. Although this may sound steep, the long-term benefits of using an electric bike far outweigh any negatives.
You will also need to factor in insurance when purchasing an e-bike. If you buy an aventon electric bike, Velosurance provides aventon bikes insurance. This will cover you for theft, personal accidents, malicious damage, and third-party liability. Your aventon bikes insurance can be tailored to your needs too.
Battery
Each electric bike uses a different version of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. This is the same technology used in electric vehicles. The great benefit of this is they can be quickly changed and have a lower overall weight. In most e-bikes, the battery is fitted to the down tube, which can be accessed easily and removed. In some cases, the battery is fitted on the top of the rear rack.
The more expensive e-bikes have the battery integrated into the downtube. This is situated near the bottom bracket. While this looks cleaner and more appealing, expect to shell out more cash. Regarding battery size, the rule of thumb is to look for the best quality and size your budget can accommodate. The capacity is measured in Watt-hours. This is crucial when determining the range of your e-bike.
Weight
The weight of your e-bike is another key factor to take into consideration. If you plan to ride on the road in a group, you are best to buy a lighter-weight electric bike. There aren’t many truly light e-bikes around. However, there is normally a sacrifice of range and power for those that are. Full-sized e-bikes usually weigh between 50 and 60 pounds (22-25kg). This includes the weight of the motor and battery.
If weight is an issue, you may wish to buy a smaller style of electric bike, like a folding bike. This model will be useful if you want to take your electric bike onto public transit. For parents who want to haul their kids or bikers that want to carry heavy goods, you may benefit from purchasing an electric cargo bike.
Range
It’s unlikely your battery will run flat if you begin your journey fully charged. However, the ‘range’ of your electric bike will be important when charging your model. The longer the range is, the less you will need to charge the battery. How far your e-bike will go on a single battery charge will depend on the range. Some factors include how regular you stop and start, temperature, tire pressure, and how hard you pedal.
Whatever you do, be mindful of what manufacturers quote you regarding range values. For most electric bikes, a single charge can see you pedal between 22 and 50 miles. In some instances, you can go even further! Some e-bikes can last for 80+ miles on a single charge. However, expect a higher price tag attached.
Comfort
If you’re heading on a long-distance bike trip, you want to get from A to B with no problems. Comfort plays a key role in this. This is because if you don’t feel comfortable and confident on your e-bike, it’s hardly going to get used! There are several aspects to consider regarding comfort, such as how upright the riding style is. Mountain and traditional road bikes have the rider learning forward often. Many bikers find an upright riding style more comfortable.
The only way to determine your riding style is to try out the e-bike first. Minor changes in bike geometry can make an enormous difference to how the bike feels when you’re riding it. Other ways to make your electric bike more comfortable include adjusting the handlebars and choosing the correct saddle type and height. All of which will keep you riding and prevent back pain and discomfort.
Whether you use your e-bike to get to and from work, perform errands, or go on long-distance bike trips, the factors above will help you find a model right for your needs.
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