Although commuter electric bikes were seen as a new-fangled technological invention of the modern world, the first electric bicycle for transporting was invented over 120 years ago.
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A bit of background
In 1895, Ogden Bolton Jr. was granted the first United States patent for a battery-powered bike, and there were several changes and updates in the years following.
These days, e-bikes are becoming an increasingly popular way of getting around.
Combining modern technology and innovative designs, the latest cycling tech is changing peoples’ journey to work and back around the world.
E-bicycles are often referred to as pedal-assisted bikes, which means that a battery powers a motor, subsequently assisting with the pedaling motion of the rider.
What is trending in 2024 for commuter electric bikes?
As you will see, many manufacturers are either upgrading their most successful models or launching an entirely new series.
This, of course, comes with the high price of buying the latest update.
As a result, many users would instead modify their standard bicycles.
Personally, I think this is not a bad move. There are so many electric bike kits that you can buy online.
Learn More: Electric Bike Kit 2024: Guide for Beginners
If you decide to go for a DIY electric bike project, it is advisable to buy the complete kit as this would ensure the battery specs match the motor requirements.
Most users buy the same brand reference as they already know what works for them. Anyway, if you want to save money and learn more about how electric bikes work, this is a great way to start.
What makes an e-cycle good for commuting?
This is, of course, the million-dollar question! In simple terms, they are fundamentally a standard, non-complex bike that has been fitted with a motor (rear, mid-drive and now at the front hub), a battery pack and a controller.
They are available in many different styles and designs. Another characteristic is that they typically have narrower tires and a slim-lined saddle.
What I love most about this e-bike category is that any element that powers it is well-designed (to make it look sleek), solid and lightweight (in most cases).
Lightweight would be between 11 to 17 kg tops.
A great example is the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0. Its weight is rated at 15kg, making it a great buy considering all the elements used to create the bike.
So, what you want to have for a good commuting is:
– Lightweight, no more than 20 kgs if possible.
– Tires that can provide good grip and are puncture resistant (30 to 40 Threts per inch (TPI).
– The battery is water proof.
– It has been fitted with a rear or front rack with a minimum capacity of 20kg carry weight.
– A brake sensor to cut off the motor assistance during an abrupt stop.
– Finally, a font and rear lights are included and powered by the battery.
Some people may want to have a front suspension system, but it really is not a deal breaker.
Other good or bad points
Like any other standard bicycle, they have various positive and negative aspects. Nonetheless, some limitations could be a deal-breaker for riders. Let’s look at what those aspects are:
The benefits
– They are fitted with hub (rear) or mid-drive motors.
– Since the electronics are minimalist, they require little maintenance.
– Overall weight is better than e-MTB.
– They come in at an accessible price range between $1500 and $25oo (depending on the brand).
– There are more options than any other categories available in the market.
– They can reach higher speeds when fitted with the right electric bike motor.
The limitations
– Usually, they don’t come with any suspension (you may need to pay extra for it).
– You can’t customize them much, meaning it is not a good idea to upgrade a single element (poor quality of some components). You may need to consider changing the whole system.
– Due to the low price of some models, you could experience many issues with the quality of the elements (see this model as an example).
– Tires may not be the best for all terrain types.
Should I Use My e-Bike to Go to Work?
It may sound like a silly question, but some factors might change your mind when deciding to ride it for work.
Access to showers
Not all workplaces have showers, and cycling to work could mean being smelly. If you don’t mind this, you will easily get to the office while still gaining the health benefits of riding.
Also, consider the storage space available at your office; you won’t be able to hang the e-bike due to its usual “high” weight when compared to standard bikes.
Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, they are well-suited for everyone, including older cyclists, individuals with poor mobility, or anyone who would appreciate the extra boost.
Bad weather
It has been noted that some low to medium-end models are fitted with water-resistant batteries, which could be a problem if riding during a heavy rainy day.
If you feel like something doesn’t look great after inspecting all the connections of the battery, then don’t ride it on a rainy day.
What do You Need to Know Before Buying One
These are the most essential points.
Weight and portability
As mentioned, the overall weight of an e-bike is also essential, particularly when considering that they are much heavier than traditional cycles.
Reduced weight is associated with motor and battery efficiency. However, with technology ever advancing, commuter bikes are getting lighter all the time.
Style and design
To some extent, style is a matter of personal preference, but the type of e-bike you choose will depend on the terrain you are cycling on the most.
As well as the traditional commuter e-bike, a hybrid design (front suspension addition) could also be ideal for a city commute.
Combining the agility and lightweight nature of road bikes with the increased stability and more comfortable seating of a mountain bike design, they are a popular choice.
Why is the design important?
There are two (2) types of frames only associated with electric commuter bikes and foldable ones:
– Low-step: as its name says, the top tube is low. Generally, this is the type of frame short people could benefit from.
– High-step: this is the typical high tube design seen in 80% of the bikes on the street. Frames usually are bigger in size than the low-step ones.
Can you test-drive it?
One of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make is skipping the test drive.
A test drive should be long enough for you to feel the motor’s power, the brakes’ efficiency, the comfort of the saddle and suspension quality, and finally, decide how it feels while riding.
Nowadays, many manufacturers offer the possibility to test drive whichever model you want. Of course, you will need to look after it and to come across as a serious buyer.
What Motor is Good for an e-Commuter Bike?
The answer to this question will depend on what your particular situation is. There are three (3) types of motors commonly used for e-bikes: direct drive (hub), geared hub, and mid-drive.
Manufacturers have identified that commuter e-bikes would be usually fitted with direct-drive and geared hub motors due to their common purpose.
Also, the motor would have 250 to 500 watts of power, which should be more than enough for commuting.
Each motor classification has specific points. In this case:
– If you frequently have to tackle hills, which require a lot of torque and motor resistance, then an e-bike with a geared hub motor will be the right one.
– Now, if you’re riding primarily flat areas (no hills) and like to have some good speed, a direct drive (hub) motor is what you need.
– Mid-drive motors are commonly seen on expensive models, but it doesn’t mean your e-bike is better. There are some motors that generate resistance when pedalling (like the direct drive ones), something you may not want.
Check our electric bike motor guide for beginners if you want to read further about mid-drive, direct-drive, and hub motors.
Read More: Electric Motor for Bicycles Guide for Beginners
How Far Can You Commute on an Electric Bicycle?
Like most gadgets these days, they also feature lithium batteries, with the size and quality determining how many miles or kilometers you can go per charge.
On average, an ideal capacity would be around 7.5-14 Ah and 20 miles. This is considered a minimum range expectation.
It is important to note that a battery offering a longer distance range per charge will be bigger and, therefore, heavier.
If you plan to travel only around 15 miles at a time, a 50-mile range would mean an unnecessarily larger motor and battery, adding weight that you don’t need.
It is also important to remember that power capacity, terrain, rider weight, weather, and other variables can impact performance.
The batteries are probably the biggest concern nowadays; as with any other battery-powered gadget, it will deteriorate over time and will eventually need replacing in the future.
Should I Go For High-End Brakes?
If you are frequently traveling on busy roads through rush hour traffic, good brakes are not only essential for cycling but can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation.
As with any other electric bike, these ones also come with either rim or disc brakes (mechanical or hydraulic).
Rim brakes are a more affordable option, often seen on entry-level bikes (cheap ones). On the other hand, mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes have more power and offer improved reliability and effectiveness in all weather.
You must decide if paying more for a better braking system is worth it for your needs.
Another point to look at is the disc rotors size. As a minimum, they should be 160mm. The biggest I’ve seen is 180mm, which is more than enough for commuting.
How Much Could a Commuter Electric Bike Cost?
With prices ranging from a few hundred dollars (like the Ecotric Dolphin Fat Tire) right up to thousands (top ones like the Scrambler Ducati e-bike), it is probably the most important determining factor when buying.
Cheap is not always the best option.
Often, affordable models are more likely to consist of no-name parts (huge mistake!!! as in warranty issues or available/compatible spare parts).
You can feel the quality of big-name manufacturers, such as Bosch, Shimano and Yamaha. Cheaper e-bikes tend to feel less smooth and jerking when accelerating and taking speed bumps.
Paying more money could translate into good quality, warranty, customer service and serviceability.
For a low-level model, you are looking at around $1000-$1500. Within this price range, it is still likely to require some replacements but should need a little other maintenance in the meantime.
The overall cost of riding is minimal, with reports indicating that charging the battery will cost under $10 each year for the average user.
The battery will need replacing every few years (or every 1000 cycles), but it is still much cheaper than running a second car or paying for public transport.
Maintenance is Critical
Care and maintenance are not that much different to a traditional bike. In regards to the power system, a little maintenance is required.
If you have any issues, you should always refer to the manufacturer or bike shop, always! It is advisable to select a model with an excellent warranty to be safe.
Attempting to open the motor, change parts, or modify any sensitive element could invalidate the warranty.
Also, it is recommended that you don’t let the battery go flat all the time; instead, charge it when it is below 50% and keep it topped up.
Full charging can take several hours, and it is a good habit to remove it if you are planning to store it for the long term.
Final Thoughts
While there will always be some cyclists out there who would argue that a power-assisted bike is cheating, that is fast becoming an outdated view.
It’s not like bike riding needs to be a competition all the time; there is no prize that you are working towards. Instead, we cycle because it’s fun and enjoyable, and having an extra power boost does not take that away.
Their price is more accessible than e-MTBs, and maintenance-wise, it will require less than a car for sure.
Allowing for power-assisted pedaling to travel further with minimal effort, considering a commuter electric bike is a great way to get from A to B without getting too hot and sweaty.
