Electric bikes have become a popular choice for many people. Every e-bike manufacturer is trying as much as possible to design e-bike products with enhanced features. However, with the different types of e-bike styles and brands on the market, it is not easy to choose an e-bike that suits your needs. In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose an e-bike correctly.
1.What is an e-bike
E-bike is a kind of bicycle equipped with electric power system. It is based on the traditional bicycle, adding key components such as motor, battery and controller. The motor provides extra power assistance for riding, making it easier and less stressful for the rider to climb hills, ride against the wind, or ride long distances. The battery, on the other hand, is the energy source of the e-bike, providing electrical support for the motor. The controller coordinates the work between the motor and the battery, adjusting the motor’s output according to the rider’s needs and road conditions. Compared to ordinary bicycles, e-bikes retain the basic fun and exercise of cycling, while expanding the range and applicability of cycling with the help of electric assistance. Whether for commuting to work, shopping or leisure, e-bikes can meet the needs of different scenarios.
2. Why you want an e-bike
When choosing an e-bike, consider what you want it to do. There are e-bikes to suit everyone’s needs, such as commuter e-bikes, mountain e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, hybrid e-bikes and road e-bikes. Therefore, it is vital to carefully consider what you want from your e-bike. Do you want to use it for commuting, deliveries or off-road adventures?
3. E-bike Categories
(1) City Commuter E-bikes
Urban commuter e-bikes are mainly designed for urban road riding. They usually have lightweight and flexible frames for easy manoeuvring in urban traffic. Tyres are generally narrower to reduce rolling resistance and increase riding speed. Equipped with a basic electric power assist system, they are capable of meeting the needs of starting, climbing and accelerating in urban commuting. The exterior design is simple and fashionable, and some also have luggage racks or storage baskets to make it easy to carry items such as briefcases and shopping bags.
(2) Mountain e-bikes
Mountain e-bikes are built for off-road cycling enthusiasts. The frame structure is sturdy and can withstand the impact of complex terrain. The tyres are wide and have good grip, which is suitable for driving in the mountains, muddy roads, gravel roads and other harsh conditions. Its electric power assist system usually has a high torque output to provide strong power when climbing hills. The shock absorbing system is also more excellent, and the front fork and rear shock absorber can be adjusted according to different road conditions to ensure riding comfort and manoeuvrability.
(3) Folding E-bike
The biggest feature of folding e-bikes is that they are easy to carry and store. They can be easily folded into smaller sizes and are suitable to be placed in the boot of a car, the corner of an office or a small space at home. The frame has a special folding design that allows for quick folding while maintaining strength. Although smaller in size, they still have the basic functions of an e-bike, such as electric power assist and braking system, making them ideal for short-distance travelling and public transport interchange for urban residents.
(4) Cargo E-bike
If you need to carry goods or pick up children frequently, cargo e-bike is a good choice. It has a large cargo space, which can be a front cargo basket, a rear rack or a specially designed cargo compartment. The frame structure is reinforced to carry heavier loads. The power of the motor and battery is also relatively large to ensure that they can still travel properly under loaded conditions. This type of e-bike plays an important role in express delivery, commercial transport, as well as daily household use.
4. E-bike functions need to be considered
(1) Motor power and performance
Motor power is an important indicator of the amount of power in an e-bike. Generally speaking, the higher the motor power, the more powerful the e-bike is, and the climbing ability and top speed will increase accordingly. For urban commuter e-bikes, a motor power of 250 – 500 watts is usually sufficient; whereas mountain e-bikes may require higher power motors, such as 500 – 1000 watts or even higher, to cope with steep slopes and complex terrains. In addition, pay attention to the torque output of the motor. The higher the torque, the better the power performance at starting and climbing hills.
(2) Battery capacity and range
Capacité de la batterie determines the range of an e-bike. The common unit of battery capacity is Ampere-hour (Ah). In general, the larger the battery capacity, the longer the range. However, it should be noted that the range is also affected by factors such as the rider’s weight, road conditions, riding mode (electric or power assisted) and weather. If you often need to ride long distances or in places without charging facilities, it is recommended to choose an e-bike with a larger battery capacity. It is also important to know the charging time and the number of times the battery has been charged for life, so that you can reasonably arrange the use and maintenance.
(3) Brake system
A good braking system is an important guarantee of riding safety. E-bikes commonly used brake system has two kinds of disc brake and V brake. Disc brakes have good braking effect and fast heat dissipation, which are suitable for high-speed riding and braking needs under complicated road conditions; V brakes are relatively lightweight and low-priced, which are suitable for some urban commuting e-bikes. Regardless of which brake system you choose, make sure that the brake is sensitive and reliable, and that the brake handle feels comfortable and can be easily adjusted.
(4) Shifting System
The speed change system allows the rider to adjust the resistance and speed of riding according to different road conditions and riding needs. There are internal and external gearshift systems for e-bikes. Internal gearing systems are compact and simple to maintain, and are suitable for urban riding; external gearing systems have more gears and can provide a wider range of gears, and are suitable for mountain riding and other scenarios with higher gearing requirements. When choosing a shifting system, consider its smoothness, accuracy and durability.
(5) Frame material and design
The frame material directly affects the weight, strength and price of the e-bike. Common frame materials include aluminium alloy, carbon fiber and steel. The aluminium alloy frame is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, high strength, is currently more widely used materials; carbon fiber frame is more lightweight, strong, but expensive; steel frame is relatively low price, strength is good, but the weight is large and easy to rust. In terms of frame design, it is important to consider whether the geometry of the frame is ergonomic, whether it is comfortable to ride, and whether the size of the frame is suitable for your height and weight.
(6) Comfort Accessories
In order to improve the riding comfort, you can also pay attention to some comfort accessories of the e-bike. For example, whether the material and shape of the seat are comfortable and have good shock absorption effect; whether the grip of the handlebar is comfortable and whether it can be adjusted to height and angle; whether it is equipped with shock-absorbing forks or rear shock absorbers, and how the adjustment of the shock-absorbing system works, etc. In addition, some e-bikes are also equipped with shock absorbers. In addition, some e-bikes will be equipped with lights, bells, mudguards and other practical accessories, which can also be considered according to your needs.
5. Final thoughts on how to choose an e-bike
You need to choose an e-bike that meets your needs. Whilst someone may recommend a particular bike, it is important that you check out its features, design and price to determine if it is right for you and what you want to do with it.
Why not check out the Bodywel website? Here you will see a wide range of electric bikes from which you are sure to choose an electric bike that suits your needs.Bodywel electric bikes are stylishly designed, well made and reasonably priced, making Bodywel the best place to start when choosing an electric bike.
