You’ve seen bikes in your area. They look so much fun! You want one! But ebikes have many different specifications and price points. Here’s what I can consider, instead.
Can I build my own bike?
Most affordable bikes now come direct to the consumer—meaning they’re pre-tuned or lightly assembled out of the box. As Peter Flax recently commented on Cycling these bikes don’t get nearly the testing or testing that bikes from a major manufacturer get. Unless you don’t ride a lot or do a lot of miles, or you have experience fixing your bike, I recommend working with an established manufacturer with a dealer network. And I don’t recommend a smart ebike. As we can see with VanMoof’s recent implosion, you may have a hard time fixing your smart ebike if the company folds.
Why do some bikes cost more?
They have high quality components. Batteries and motors from high-end brands like Bosch and Shimano are usually more powerful and cover more distance, with a range of 90 or 120 miles, compared to the 15-20 mile range you’ll see on affordable bikes. However, this may not matter if you have a short commute.
Where do you live?
If you live on a flat surface, you are probably fine with a 250-watt motor, which is the European speed limit. However, if you live near hills or tow a lot, you might want to consider a 500-watt or 750-watt motor and a few extras, like hydraulic disc brakes, to help keep you from skidding in traffic.
I’m also looking at a mid-drive motor instead of a hub-drive motor. Mid-drive motors are located in the center of your bike and feel natural. The hub drive is on your rear axle and moves your center of gravity back, which takes some getting used to. It can cost you when going up hills.
Follow some basic safety tips.
Not sure where to start? The bicycle advocacy group PeopleForBikes recently released its safety education program, E-Bike Smart, which they created in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycle Colorado. Don’t leave your bike battery charging overnight, and don’t let your kids ride your bike unsupervised. An 80-pound child should not be riding a 65-pound bike, even if the engine makes it possible for him to do so.
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