Are you considering purchasing an e-bike? Here are 8 tips for buying an e-bike for you to stay ahead of the curve and choose an electric bike for yourself.
An electrically assisted bicycle or an electric bike is not only good for the environment, but it’s good for you as well. It is different from an electric scooter. They are faster, more convenient, and are a huge relief if you suffer from physical ailments such as knee pain, asthma, or other injuries that prevent you from using a traditional bicycle. They are also great for people who intend on commuting long distances.
Reflect on Its Intended Use
Once you’ve decided to purchase an electric bike, think about why you want one. What purpose will it help you achieve? For instance, if you want something compact and portable that can fit in your car, an electric folding bike is better suited to your needs.
If you think about the intended usage and functionality of the e-bike beforehand, it will be a good investment. You can then select the right model depending upon your needs, location, and budget.
Take Your Location Into Account
The budget you can allocate for your e-bike would largely depend on your location. If you live in a sloppy region, for example, you may need to shell out more than those who live on plain land due to differences in speed models.
If you are looking to drive your e-bike to the farmer’s market in a flat area or pedaling on the cycle track, you can make do with a single or even a three-speed model. However, residents of hilly terrains will have to spend more on a wider range of speed and gearing.
Try Before You Buy
Just because everyone is buying a particular model doesn’t mean you have to get it. What might work out for your colleague for his weekend casual ride within the city may not be effective for you.
Instead, go to your local store and take good old-fashioned test rides before you finalize. This also allows you to check how comfortable the bike is for you and pay attention to factors like hand position and posture.
Pick the Right Battery
E-bikes run primarily on batteries, which affect the range or the distance they can cover. There are mainly three types of batteries:
- Lead-Acid Batteries: These are the most inexpensive batteries of the three types but are on the heavier side and are also prone to damage due to climate changes.
- Nickel-Cadmium Batteries: These batteries are comparatively less heavy but can run into memory-related issues.
- Lithium Batteries: These are the most favorable ones and deliver better performance compared to the other two. However, lithium batteries are also the most expensive out of the three.
All three batteries offer differing power, autonomy, and range, so you must choose one that suits you and your e-bike model the best. You should also choose a battery that can be recharged easily.
Look Into the Motor
The motor is perhaps the main segment of your e-bike. An electric bike motor is mainly of two types – mid-drive motor and hub motor. Mid-drive motors are less expensive but offer better performance as they deliver more range and power. This is one of the most important tips for buying an e-bike.
Earlier, motors were fixed along with the front wheel as it was less expensive and simpler to install them that way. Notwithstanding, as e-bike manufacturers searched for better execution, they chose to utilize a pedal-based engine which made it more like riding a bike. There are even variations nowadays that use sensors to help measure speed, turns, and pressure.
All things considered, if you need ideal execution from your e-bicycle, pick one with its engine along with the pedal.
Check the Warranty
It goes without saying that quality goes a long way. Make sure that you buy your e-bike from a reputable brand with a warranty period of at least a year or two. It will give you peace of mind knowing that the components of your e-bike will be replaced or fixed for a minimal cost – or even free of charge.
Consider Insuring Your E-Bike
An electric bike can be a long-term and somewhat expensive investment, which is why insurance is a good idea. E-bikes are prone to theft, especially if you’re residing in the city, and theft insurance will be helpful.
You might also want to consider other kinds of insurance, such as liability and personal injury insurance. Discuss your options with your dealer and choose what works best for you.
Don’t Underestimate Security and Maintenance
Make sure to store your e-bike indoors or in the safety of a secure place inside your house. If you intend on keeping the bike parked outside, consider getting a high-quality lock. You can also check whether it is possible to install GPS tracking so that you can recover your electric bike in the event of a theft.
Prevention is better than cure, even in the case of electric bikes. An e-bike is prone to occasional damage and, like all other electronic devices, may need annual maintenance and servicing to function smoothly. However, it’s not too complex as your electric bike’s maintenance will more or less be similar to that of other bicycles.
In Closing about tips for buying an e-bike
If you’re not very knowledgeable about electric trikes or bikes, these tips for buying an e-bike will help you pick an e-bicycle that meets your precise needs. You might take a while to get acclimatized to your new e-bike, but don’t worry – wear your helmet and keep moving forward!
