Questions to Ask Yourself When Shopping for an Electric Bike
Thinking of getting an electric bike for daily use? Together with electric scooters, electric bikes have become one of the preferred transportation solutions today because of the many benefits that they offer.
- The electric bike is compact and can navigate through traffic with ease
- It provides an avenue for increasing your level of physical activity for the day to improve your health
- The foldable electric bike can be easily carried anywhere and easily stored, saving on space and handling
- Due to the bike being electric in nature, it does not emit harmful gases that damage the environment
If you are comfortable using an electric bike and you are ready to free yourself from the hassles and inconveniences of daily driving and commute, then this might be the best time to look for the right foldable electric bike for you. To help you find the right one, consider some questions you need to ask and answer to help you decide.
Guide to Finding the Right Electric Bike
In the previous post, we talked about the different questions to ask when shopping for an electric scooter. We’ll do the same in this post for electric bikes, and we hope the questions below will help you find the right e-bike for you.
What will be your primary use for the electric bike?
This is the first thing to ask yourself. Will you use it for commuting to and from work during the weekdays, for recreational purposes, or for weekend off-road adventures, perhaps? The answer will influence the type and features you need to look for in the bike. Get the right ones to ensure that the bike will meet your specific needs.
What type of terrain will you be riding on?
Are you riding mostly on flat surfaces in the city, hills during your weekend rides, or rough trails on your off-road adventures? Or, is it going to be a mix of all three? The answer will affect the type of motor power and electric bike features that you'll need. For instance, rugged roads will require a tougher and higher quality suspension system to ensure that you won’t feel all the road bumps and irregularities, both to ensure your safety and comfort.
What is the range you need?
Apart from the type of terrains you will be riding on, also consider how far you'll typically ride on a single-charge battery in your bike. Different electric bikes will have different battery capacity and motor efficiency, and these will determine the range that your bike can go. Check the average distance you travel and find a bike that can cover that distance in a single battery charge.
Should you get a pedal-assist (pedelec) or a throttle-controlled bike?
Pedal-assist electric bikes are powered by pedaling, so you will need to exert more effort to keep them running. On the other hand, throttle-controlled bikes can be powered with or without pedaling. If you are after more movement and more exercise, then a pedal-assist bike may be a good fit for you. However, if comfort and ease are your priority, then perhaps go for a throttle-controlled electric bike.
What bike size and frame style do you need?
One of the first things to ensure when getting a new electric bike is the size. Make sure that it fits your height and size—too big and it will be tougher to handle, too small and you will be uncomfortable trying to fit in it. If you have mobility concerns, you can also go for a bike with a step-through frame. This is a bike design where the tube running straight from the handle bar to the seat is removed for easier mounting.
What kind of motor do you need?
There are different motor locations in an electric bike, depending on the model and design. The motor can be located in the front, rear, or mid-drive. Each location has its advantages in terms of handling, balance, and power delivery. For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of each, you can check THIS.
What features are important to you?
An electric bike will have a wide array of features. You will have its suspension system (front, full, middle, rear, or none), the tire width (for stability or agility), integrated lights, racks, fenders, and other accessories that may help improve safety and functionality. Depending on how you plan to use the bike, check the features that are important to you and choose a bike that will have those features, or at least a provision for adding those features later on.
How important is weight and portability to you?
Electric bikes can be heavy due to the motor and battery. However, depending on the built and design, it is possible to find lighter options for easier handling and transport. What’s even better is the fact that you can now find a foldable electric bike that is lighter, more compact, and easier to handle. A foldable electric bike can be carried in the trunk of your car, and you can easily store it inside the house or office when not in use.
What are the legal requirements in your area concerning the use of an electric bike?
Some regions have regulations regarding the speed and power of electric bikes. Check your local laws to make sure that the bike you get will comply with the laws and that you will have no problem driving it.
What is your budget?
Different electric bikes are offered are different prices. Determine how much you're willing to spend, and then identify your desired features in a bike. Once you have those, find an electric bike that will meet those two needs.
Asking yourself the right questions when shopping for an electric bike will help you find the right one to ensure that all your riding needs will be met. And to start off your shopping, feel free to check our catalog of ergonomic equipment. We have an electric bike that is high in quality and offered at a reasonable price.
About Us
MotionGrey is a Canadian standing desk company that specializes in ergonomic furniture. We supply and install only the best quality standing desks and ergonomic chairs in the country. We offer free shipping within Canada and the US.
What made you switch to standing desks? Our products are designed with wellness as the focal point. From our electric standing desks to our office and gaming chairs, we deliver best value by putting your health, safety, and comfort as top priority. Boost your creativity and level up work performance. We want you to create great outcomes so we’re providing you only the best tools to make them possible.
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