E-Bike Buying Guide for Beginners (2025 Edition)

When choosing an electric bike, it’s essential to find the right fit for your needs. This e-bike buying guide is designed especially for beginners ready to dive into the exciting world of electric cycling.

Electric bikes have increased in popularity as more riders appreciate the power boost provided by a motor. If you haven’t experienced one yet, it’s crucial to understand the basics first.

Before we dive in, check out my in-depth e-bike guides to dive even deeper into choosing your perfect ride!

• Electric bike motor guide for beginners
• E-Bike batteries: The beginner’s guide
• Electric bike kit guide
• Fundamental – Electric bike laws
• E-Bike anti-theft guide: Securing your investment
• E-Bike frame material overview: Steel, Aluminum or Carbon?
• Electric bike suspension guide: Full, single and none
• Electric bike tire: Buying guide for beginners
• E-bike maintenance
• Commuter electric bikes beginner’s guide
• E-mountain bike buyer’s guide

What Is An Electric Bike?

Simply put, an electric bicycle (or e-bike) has a battery-powered motor that assists when pedaling. Some models activate the motor as soon as the sensors are triggered, either by the pedaling force or the wheel rotation; others use a throttle.

A throttle (like a thumb-activated twist-and-go) can be helpful for riders with physical limitations. However, some purists feel it’s “cheating” — looking more like a motorcycle ride than a bike journey. No matter the preference, what’s important is staying within the local electric bike laws.

Most e-bikes cap motor assistance at around 15 mph (24 km/h). Beyond that, it’s all about your pedaling power!

The image below indicates the part of an electric bike:

E-Bike Categories

Pedelecs or class 1 e-bikes

E-bikes class 1, also called Pedelecs, are known as pedal assist (PAS), referring to bicycles that require pedaling to activate the assistance. The motor shuts off when:

• You stop pedaling,

• You engage the brakes, or

• You reach 15 mph (24 km/h).

You can often adjust the level of assistance on a handlebar console. Some e-bike console coding typically ranges from “no assistance” to five (5) PAS. In other instances, it ranges from Eco to Turbo, depending on the technology used (such as Boshc Smart Systems).

S-Pedelecs or class 2 e-bikes

E-bikes class 2, also known as S-Pedelecs, are a configuration that allows you to reach a top-assisted speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). This is very common in models with a thumb throttle or twist-and-go device.

Because of their speed, riders may need insurance, a driver’s license, and helmets — especially in countries like the UK.

Power-on-demand or class 3 e-bikes

Class 3 e-bikes are less common due to their high power (often 1000 watts or more). They are usually restricted to private property unless registered as motor vehicles.

Why Buy an E-Bike? Advantages of Electric Bikes

Electric bikes have the advantage of being suitable for all people, but more for middle-aged and elderly.

This is just a short list of positive aspects you will find:

Longer distances, less sweat

One of the greatest joys of e-biking is the ability to ride farther without exhausting yourself. With innovation in battery technology, some models offer up to 110 km per charge; big brands such as Bianchi and Orbea offer a battery extender to cover even more kilometers.

Who said that you cannot get fit?

Worried you won’t get exercise? Don’t be. You control how much motor assistance you use. Turn it off for a full workout or set it low to stay active without overexerting.

Cost-effective in the long run

Although the upfront cost of an e-bike can be high, long-term savings on fuel, car maintenance, and public transport make it a wise choice.

Very low greenhouse gas emissions

Aside from minimal emissions from battery charging, riding an e-bike significantly reduces your carbon footprint compared to driving a car.

Carrying more gear

With the right panniers or heavy-duty racks, you can transport camping equipment, fishing gear (excellent fishing information is available at McFly Fishers), or even groceries—something traditional bikes often struggle with.

Disadvantages of Electric Bikes

Unfortunately, good things also come with some disadvantages. Let’s see what the potential drawbacks are:

Overall cost

Top-quality Pedelecs can range from at least $1,500 to over $15,000 — comparable to buying an affordable car vs. a luxury vehicle.

Battery environmental impact

Although cleaner than cars, battery production and disposal still contribute to pollution. Always recycle old batteries through approved programs.

E-bike battery life

The battery used, typically Li-Ion chemistry, might be inconvenient when it does not last as long as desired.

Lithium batteries can last up to 68 miles (110 km) before needing to be charged, and they can last 1000 cycles before being replaced.

Stricter regulations

E-bikes can pose a risk to other cyclists and pedestrians. Let’s not lie; is it not nice to have a motor that can give speed over 60 km/h while not paying rego?

The high likelihood of an accident has motivated local governments to adjust their regulations.

Unfortunately, due to city constraints and potential political involvement, you must accept and comply if you want more speed.

Maintenance complexity

Electric bicycles require more technical knowledge to repair or maintain their parts than standard bikes. And it is not getting easier; improvements in technology provide smoother rides but also make repairs more complex and time-consuming.

What to Look at When Choosing an Electric Bike?

Don’t be fooled by the look of an electric bicycle. This is a common mistake. The following points will briefly explain what to look at and help you make a solid decision.

Riding purposes

For commuting, focus on e-bikes that:

• Have tires with low rolling resistance
• Come with all the necessary elements for commuting purposes, such as lights, racks, and mudguards

For mountain biking experiences:

• Have a motor that provides 85Nm torque at least
• The controller can offer an e-MTB setting to customise your riding needs
• The motor is mid-drive

Understand Motor Type and Power

Hub-drive vs. mid-drive motors. Do you want more torque or more speed? Mid-drive motors generally provide more torque and are typically found in e-MTB and touring e-bikes. If you care about speed, then a hub-drive could be the alternative.

Please refer to the list at the start of this guide to read the ultimate edition of my e-bike motor beginner’s guide.

Check battery capacity and range

As explained in my electric bike battery guide for beginners, the battery range will depend on the terrain and the PAS used.

Please consider the battery brand and the watt-hours (it will define the range). Even though I don’t think it is a deal breaker, choosing an electric bike Battery with a Management System (BMS) technology would save you money in the future.

Explore technology and innovative features

Every year, there is innovation in the technology used. This is the constant focus of manufacturers.

Overall, I believe it is excellent to have e-bikes that can enhance the riders’ experience. However, the drawback is that more complex tech leads to a maintenance price increase.

Would you prefer state-of-the-art e-bike technology with all the gadgets or a simpler, easier-to-operate alternative?

Warranty coverage

Why warranty on motor and battery is crucial? These two elements are the heart and brain of the bike. Please consider:

• Ask your dealer what the warranty is for the motor and battery (mainly)
• Fact-check that the dealer’s information is correct
• Is the warranty offered by the dealer or directly by the motor/battery brand?

Take your time to read and understand the warranty terms and conditions

Test Ride and check the dealer’s reputation

Why do test rides matter? This is a crucial step when buying an electric bike to get a feel for the bike before purchasing.

Buying online vs. local shops. Everything is accessible online; however, you can ask all the questions about the bike when purchasing directly from a dealer, and assess their service quality.

State and local electric bike laws

This is a topic most of us don’t check, and unfortunately, a small number of dealers would not be entirely transparent when selling their products.

If you are unsure about the laws governing your area:

• Check the requirements with your council or the government’s roads department and,
• Ask the bike shop what the motor speed cutoff point and peak watts-hour are.

E-Bike Buying Guide Wrap Up

Electric bikes offer an unbeatable combination of convenience, health benefits, and eco-friendliness.

This is my final encouragement: take your time, research carefully, and go for the one that truly fits your lifestyle.

When choosing an electric bike, always consider your needs, research your options carefully, and understand local regulations.
With the proper preparation, your first (or next) e-bike will be the perfect adventure partner.