Eight Top Tips for Buying an E-Bike

If you are thinking of buying an e-bike you might want to consider these things we are about to talk about. This is far from the ultimate buyer’s guide to purchasing an e-bike, but it will make most people think about the sort of e-bike they need and the costs that might be involved…

Consider Your Needs

Electric bikes are designed for different people and different purposes. It’s up to you to decide what is most important to you and what is not important at all, and then communicate that to the retailer. If comfort is key, then a step-through frame might be best. If hill-climbing is crucial, then a hub motor over 250 watts or a mid-mounted motor is what will work. If riding long distances is your cup of tea, then a large battery of over 400 watt hours is paramount. Understanding your personal needs will help you focus your attention toward the right bikes.

Details Matters

An e-bike is not all about saddles and wheels. You should look at the gears, battery, shifter, motor, brakes, and all its other subcomponents. These components may sometimes have varying models and/or brand names. Make sure all your e-bike’s components are quality.

Have Confidence in Your Intuition

It may seem like a jungle of contradictory information out there, and that is not far from the truth. There are many choices, lots of opinions, and not much in the way of trusted organizations that certify and review electric bikes in a systematic manner. What is a consumer to do? The best strategy is to put your trust in your intuition. If something is too good to be true, it probably is. If a bike is from a brand you’ve never heard of and can’t find information on, it is probably best to stay clear.

Quality Counts, but Service Counts Just As Much

Electric bikes are not toys, they are transportation. The quality of the bicycle itself, irrespective of the drive system, is extremely important. It is doubly important if you plan on riding it day-in and day-out. While bicycle component quality is fairly easy to judge by looking over the listing of parts…motors and batteries can be a little more difficult. When in doubt, research the motor and battery brands. But remember that the quality of the components won’t make a bit of difference if your electric bike is not setup and tuned correctly. Your local independent bike dealer is your best ally in maintaining the quality components you invested in.

Take a Long view

Being environmentally sustainable is more than just running on electricity: it’s about the way the bike was built, the quality of its construction, and the after-purchase service to keep it in good condition. You should expect that your bike should last from five to ten years at a minimum with regular service and that your battery should last from 600 to 800 full charge cycles.

You Get What You Pay For

The old adage works for electric bikes as it does for many other things in life. It is not cheap to build a good lithium-ion-based electric bike that is reliable and has quality components. For throttle-operated bikes or bikes with a cadence sensor, expect to pay at least £500. For e-bikes with a Torque sensor, expect to pay over £1500. The good news is that a quality e-bike can pay for itself very quickly

Ensure your Electric Bike is Taken Good Care of

For your e-bike to maintain its high quality it has to be taken good care of. Your retailer should be acquainted with sufficient information on how to care for your ride, for instance, what requires a service and when. Machines of high standards require the finest maintenance. It is therefore, important to organise with your dealer to enable you maximize your e-bike’s life.

The Warranty Matters

Buying an electric bike is a big investment, regardless of whether it is £500 or £6000. The warranty will allow you to rest assured that your investment was worth it. A two year warranty on parts, motor and battery is reasonable to expect from most electric bike manufacturers with product selling for over £1500

Buying an electronic bike that suits your needs is essential for your convenience, and also ensures you are getting the best value for your cash.