When choosing an electric bike, it is essential to know what would fit best for your needs. This e-bike buying guide has been developed for beginners.
Electric bikes have grown in popularity in recent years as riders appreciate the power boost provided by a motor.
If you haven’t yet experienced it, it is essential to know the basics before stepping into it. This guide will provide an overview of the most critical aspects of this industry.
Before we jump into this guide, these are other guides I recommend having a look at:
- Electric bike motor guide for beginners
- E-Bike batteries: The beginner’s guide
- Electric bike kit 2024 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
Table of Contents
What Is An E-Bike?
In simple words, an e-bicycle has a battery-powered motor that significantly assists the rider when pedaling.
For some models, the motor is switched on when the wheel does its first spin and then gets the boost needed.
Watch the XDS E-Cruz review to understand the above concept.
In some other cases, the motor is activated using a throttle, even from a full stop (this is not legal in many countries), like in the Super 73 S2 fat tire series.
The thumb throttle, or twist-and-go, feature is greatly appreciated by people with physical limitations. Nevertheless, some other users believe that this is a way of “cheating” since you could look like riding a motorcycle.
No matter what activates the electric motor, what matters is having the assistance you need as long as it is within your local electric bike laws.
I recommend reading our Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bike laws guide.
Most e-cycles come with a speed limit of 15mph (24 km/h), beyond which the motor will idle and will not provide any assistance; however, you can go faster by just doing normal pedaling.
E-Bike Classes Explained
Most reviews use pedal assist (PAS) and throttle to describe e-bike classifications and their type. If you are new to this industry, these terms may be confusing.
Pedelecs or class 1 e-bike
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 is activated when the rider pedals, offering a power boost to make cycling easier. The rider determines the cycling speed by how fast or slow to pedal.
The motor automatically turns off when:
- you stop pedaling,
- when you engage the brakes or,
- when you reach the speed limit of 15 mph (24 km/h).
A pedal-assisted feature also gives you control over how much assistance you want.
They come with a console on the handlebars that lets you adjust the level of assistance, typically from “no assistance” to five (5) PAS. In some other instances, it is from eco to turbo.
This is variable depending on the motor model and controller complexity.
The top speed of the Pedelecs motor has been set as a safety measure.
S-Pedelecs or class 2 e-bike
E-bike class 2, known as S-Pedelecs, is a configuration that will let you 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.
Read our throttle e-bike guide to find out more about this classification.
Riders must observe greater caution when using S-Pedelecs because the higher the speed limit, the greater the danger it poses to riders and other road users.
To ride them, you will probably need insurance, a driver’s license, and a helmet (check your local regulations), such as in the United Kindom.
Aside from that, it must also be in excellent condition with a working braking system and with front and rear lighting.
Due to the high speed achieved, cyclists must ride on the assigned roads, not the pedestrian paths.
Power-on-demand or Class 3 e-bike
The last classification is for models fitted with motors that can provide a higher power output of around 1000 watts and more. In this case, these models are called Power-on-demand or class 3 electric bikes.
It is not expected to see these types of versions as the legislation does not allow their use in public spaces. This makes it hard to commercialize but not impossible to find.
You can always buy a class 3 electric bike, like the ones manufactured by Delfast Bikes, and ride it on private property without the consequences of being fined.
If you want to use them in public spaces, you must register and have a license.
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
The power boost provided only works to the advantage of any cyclist because they can ride longer distances without getting as tired or sweaty.
They are more fun because of the ease of cycling, which translates to more hours in the outdoors for most people.
With everyday technology improvements, models can now achieve around 150 km per single battery charge. This is an excellent advantage as you will not need to charge the battery daily.
Read the Orbea Gain D40 e-bike Review to see how covering long distances is possible.
Who said that you cannot get fit?
The good news is that electric bikes will still allow you to keep fit by pedaling while taking a break using the motor.
There is a big myth regarding this topic. As mentioned before, the level of assistance will be set by you.
Remember, you can have zero assistance if you want to.
The increased interest in and use of electric bikes to move around means you can have a healthier lifestyle.
Cost-effective in the long run
The initial cost of an electric bike is much higher than standard bikes, but in the long run, they tend to be cost-effective if compared to how far you can travel, avoiding the use of cars, and on many occasions, the use of public transport.
Very low greenhouse emissions
The only gas expelled from using an e-bike is the CO2 coming from your mouth. In addition, there will be a contribution to greenhouse emissions when charging the battery. However, this is very minimal when compared to fossil fuels.
Using electric bikes instead of cars would go a long way in controlling environmental pollution to the air.
Carrying more gear
Using a conventional bicycle could limit the stuff you can carry.
It could probably not get you too far to your final destination (such as hidden lakes or places to enjoy some fishing time (find excellent fishing information at McFly Fishers).
This can be solved by buying the right electric bike, which, of course, has to have the appropriate carrying attachments such as panniers and high-rated carry-weight racks to include what you need.
Disadvantages of Electric Bikes
Unfortunately, good things also come with some disadvantages. Let’s see what are the flip sides:
E-bike cost
The best electric bikes in the market are, unfortunately, expensive. Based on what I’ve reviewed, prices can range from $1,500 (low-end models) to over $20,000 (famous brands such as Yamaha and Lamborghini).
This is like comparing any affordable vehicle against high-performance cars, like Audi or Tesla, which also manufacture e-bikes!!! Wow tempting.
In addition to the overall cost of buying a new e-bike, there will be high costs for replacing aged batteries and other worn-out components, such as a drive train system.
Potential pollution
Electric bikes may contribute to environmental pollution in their own way.
How the batteries are manufactured and disposed of, as well as the source of energy used to power the bikes, has the potential to contribute to environmental pollution.
Always contact the battery manufacturer to dispose of hazardous wastes correctly. There are now programs where you can return it to the manufacturer for recycling.
E-bike battery life
The battery used, typically Li-Ion chemistry, might be inconvenient when it does not last as long as desired.
Read my guide: E-Bike Batteries – The Beginner’s Guide
Lithium batteries can go up to 100 miles (150 km) before needing to be charged and have 1000 cycles before being replaced.
The battery life will depend on the size, chemistry, maintenance, and care.
Stricter regulations
As explained before, 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 good top speed and torque while not paying rego?
The high likelihood of an accident has motivated local governments to adjust their regulations and the use of motorized bicycles.
Unfortunately, due to city constraints and potential political involvement, you must accept and comply if you want more power and, therefore, less effort.
E-Bike Buying Guide Wrap Up
Electric bikes provide a highly efficient way to ride for everyday commutes and adventurous experiences like mountain biking.
They continue to grow in popularity, from budget to expensive, as more people embrace the easier and more fun way of cycling.
E-bikes are superior to standard bikes as riders can move around quickly and stay healthy through cycling.
Many factors will be important when deciding which electric bike to buy. Knowing all these aspects will help you invest in the best electric bike to fulfill your needs.
Consider buying not as a whole element but as the quality provided by each component. This will most likely offer a comfortable riding experience.
The last thing to mention in this e-bike buying guide is to get to know your local regulations. There is no point in buying a high-quality and powerful e-bike if you are going to pay fines.
Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
