7 Things Need to Know Before Buying an Electric Bike

March 17, 2019

What are electric bikes?

An electric bike or e-bike is a bike that is equipped with an electric motor that helps you pedal effortlessly. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery mounted on the bike.

To be classified as an e bike, the motor has to help you rather than propel you on its own. Hence, you have to pedal to get this assistance. How much power the motor delivers depends on how hard you pedal and which assist level/mode you have selected.

Electric bike systems have a number of modes to choose from that allow you to balance the power delivered by the pedals with range and battery life.

7 most important things need to know before buying an electric bike

1. Power Type:

Electric bicycles can be divided into class 1, class 2, class 3,

• Class 1 eBikes: have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph and are pedal-assist only. They do not have a throttle.
• Class 2 eBikes: throttle-assisted eBikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only eBikes with no throttle and a top assisted speed of 28 mph.

The motor's power is limited to 1 horsepower in all classes (750W).

Access and Classes

Class 1 eBikes are treated similarly to regular mountain or pavement bicycles in several jurisdictions, and are legally permitted to ride anywhere bicycles are permitted, including bike lanes, roads, multi-use trails, and bike-only paths. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has stated that Class 1 eBikes will be allowed in the city. While New York City's decision has nothing to do with electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) riding on singletrack trails, we believe that Class 1 pedal-assist eBikes should have the same rights and responsibilities as traditional bikes, and thus be permitted on non-motorized mountain bike trails, as is the case in Europe.

Throttle-assist class 2 e Bikes are frequently permitted in most places where a traditional bicycle is permitted, while some states and towns have imposed extra restrictions (e.g. New York City & Michigan State). Class 2 may not be ideal for single track mountainbike trails, as the throttle-actuation has been observed to cause more physical damage to trails. Multi-use OHV routes built for more rugged off-road vehicles may be better suited to Class 2. 

Class 3 e-Bikes are usually permitted on roadways and on-road bike lanes (also known as "curb to curb" infrastructure), but not on bike trails or multi-use paths. While a regular bicycle can reach a top speed of 20 mph, decision makers and agencies deem a Class 3 eBike's higher top-assisted speed to be too fast for most bike lanes and trails that are frequently shared with other trail users.

2. Motor Type

Electric bicycles can be categorized into hub motor and mid drive motor.

A hub drive motor, which is built into the front or rear wheel, most commonly seen on less expensive electrik bikes. Although the latter is more popular, some bike electrico motors in both wheels. A hub drive provides torque to the wheel directly, bypassing the gears on your bike.

A mid-drive motor, which is commonly seen on more expensive versions, is situated between your pedals. Your bike's front chainring (a sprocket that is part of the crankset) is directly driven by this sort of motor, so it is influenced by your gearing.

3. Top Range

Most electric bikes are powered by 36V / 48V, 7.5ah / 10ah / 15ah /24ah lithium-ion battery, you’ll see broad riding-range specs from 20-100 miles under pedal-assisted. Check your daily commuting range demands carefully and choose the right battery capacity electric bike that fit your needs. 

4. Bike frame type

it can be divided into step thru bike and step over bike

Step through electric bike are a cross between low-step and step-over frames, which we'll talk about later. step thru bike provides the most upright riding position, as well as the simplest mounting and dismounting, as riders just step through the curved frame.

The step-over frame, often known as the diamond or triangle frame, is the most prevalent bicycle frame. Because of its basic and sturdy construction, this frame hasn't changed much throughout the years.

Step-over frames can be found on city and road bikes, electric mountain bicycles, high-end racing bikes, and hybrid bikes, and they give riders more pedal power and a more balanced ride.

5. Capable terrains

it has city electric bike, electric mountain bikes, hybrid ebike, fat tires for beach cruiser, snow bike and hunting bikes etc. 

The city electric bike also called a road bike It's all about speed and performance. Their goal is to be the fastest bike on the track. Road bikes, on the other hand, give up comfort and versatility in exchange for speed. The passionate rider who primarily utilizes their bike for long rides, races, or frequent exercises will most likely use a road bike.

Electric mountain bikes are built for conquering tough climbs and steep descents. A hardtail can handle roots, berms (steeply banked turns), and sheer drop-offs of roughly one meter. Trail centers all around the country provide this type of riding.

A hybrid bike combines the features of a road cycle with a mountain bike. They combined the greatest features of both motorcycles to produce a bike for folks who desire the best of both worlds. The speed of a road bike combined with the comfort of a mountain bike creates a hybrid. The recreational rider, who mostly rides their bike for commuting, touring, or the odd workout, is likely to use a hybrid.

A fat tire cruiser bicycle, often known as a beach cruiser or (previously) motobike, is a bicycle with expressive style that typically features balloon tires, an upright seating posture, a single-speed gearbox, and simple steel construction. Because cruisers are highly stable and easy to ride, they are popular among casual bicyclists and tourists. Their ability to be altered with extras such as fenders, lights, and saddle bags is another prevalent feature. 

6. Tire Size

it has 16 inch, 20 inch, 22 inch, 24 inch, 26inch. 

Wheels for Electric Bicycles

Electric bicycle wheels come in a variety of sizes on the market today. You may get bikes with wheels ranging from 12 inches to 29 inches in diameter. The majority of electric bikes will have wheels with a diameter of 16", 20", or 26". Tower's electric cruiser bike has a 26-inch diameter wheel.

Electric Bike with a 14-Inch Wheel

Folding electric bikes usually have this size of electric bike wheel. Electric bikes of this type are lightweight and designed to fold up for easy transportation.

Electric Bike with a 20-Inch Wheel

20-inch wheels, like 16-inch wheels, are most typically seen on folding electric bikes.

Electric Bike with a 26-Inch Wheel

The most frequent wheel size found on an electric bicycle is 26 inches. Electric bikes with a 26-inch wheel are common on anything from mountain bikes to road bikes to beach cruisers.

Yes, the size of an e-wheel bike's has a significant impact on its performance. The size of a bike wheel affects how easy it is to begin going, how smoothly it rolls, and how smooth the ride is. To assist you in making the right selection for your specific scenario, we've outlined some of the primary advantages and downsides of each below.

7, Other Key E-bike Features and Components that concerns, like if the e-bikes come with a range of integrated accessories:

Handlebar-mounted LCD displays: An e-bike has a lot going on, so having a handlebar-mounted bike computer that allows you monitor battery life, pedal-assist mode, miles rode, speed, and more is useful.

Smartphone integration: High-end e-bike components can connect to cellphones wirelessly. GPS, service records, and more screen capabilities are all possible apps. Some apps even allow you to unlock the integrated lock on your bike. 

Lighting: a powerful lighting is very necessary for riding at dark, and a nice safety feature to have.

Racks: If you use your bike for groceries, a sturdy racks front will be much helpful, and a rear racks is a must if you have a passenger.

Inclusion, E-bikes allow you to get to your destination faster than a regular bike, The motor assistance allows you to arrive on time but a bit less sweaty than you would. It is worth getting an electric bike. For an investment as big as an e-bike, it’s important to make sure what ebike is your style, fits you well and meets all your needs.

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