What to look for when choosing an electric bike

Electric bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular mode of urban transport. But, since these are fairly new machines, most people have a rather vague idea about them. To remedy the situation, we decided to talk about the key points that you should pay attention to when choosing an electric bike.

Purpose of purchase

To begin with, you should determine exactly how and why you will use the bike. For example, if you plan to ride short distances and transport your bike in public transport, it makes sense to look for a folding model, or something lightweight, up to 20 kilograms.

If you intend to make the electric bike your main mode of transport, you should choose something more reliable. There are models on the market that are more like a small electric motorcycle with pedals. For example, German Unimoke can officially carry up to 150 kilograms of cargo, and unofficially — much more.

German Unimoke electric bikes look like light motorcycles with pedals

If you need speed, you should look for something with a powerful engine. For example, S-Pedelec electric bikes have a 250-watt motor and can go up to 45 kilometers per hour.

Having decided on the purpose of the purchase, it will be much easier for you to choose a specific model. But still it is worth paying attention to some details.

Engine location

The main question is where the engine will be located. There are only three options — inside the front wheel, inside the rear wheel, or on the frame in the center of the bike. Each of the options has its own disadvantages and advantages.

• Front wheel motor: minimal effort for installation or removal, which means ease of repair and maintenance. It is also the cheapest option. The main drawback is the center of gravity shifted forward and, accordingly, the driving dynamics, which you will have to get used to.
• Frame engine: low center of gravity for increased ride stability and high mounting security. The main drawback is the need for a mechanical transmission to the wheel. Usually a chain is used for this, and this is the weak link of the whole structure.
• Rear wheel motor: Direct mechanical transmission of engine rotation to the wheel and a good rear center of gravity. Alas, this option is the most difficult to maintain.

It cannot be said that any of these options is unambiguously better than the other two. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Therefore, when buying an electric bike, it is definitely recommended to personally test several different models.

Gear shift

An e-bike needs a gearshift system. As with conventional bicycles, there are only two main types of derailleurs — external and internal derailleurs.

However, the choice of system should depend on how you plan to use the bike. If you intend to drive mainly in the city or on flat country roads, a conventional cassette or planetary hub with three to seven speeds will suffice. If you plan to ride hills and off-road, it is better to have more gears. For this, a classic switch with stars is suitable.

Battery

Comparing the capacity of e-bike batteries is meaningless, since each model has a unique consumption. This means that sometimes a bike with a smaller battery can go a longer distance. In general, the more the bike goes on a single charge, the better.

You should also pay attention to the physical location of the battery. All electric bikes are divided into two large groups.

Bicycles with a built-in battery look more elegant and neat. If the battery is built into the frame, then outwardly the electric bike does not differ at all from the usual one. But this solution has serious drawbacks. You have to constantly think about how and where to charge your car. The built-in battery cannot be removed and taken to the office or home. If you plan to store the bike in a garage without electricity, then this option is definitely not suitable for you.

Bicycles with a removable battery are much more practical. You can take the battery with you and charge it anywhere with access to electricity. You can also carry a spare battery with you on long trips.

Other systems

In general, an e-bike is still a bicycle, so the criteria for choosing these machines are largely the same. But there is something to pay closer attention to. First, it is the braking system. Since the e-bike moves at a higher speed, the brakes must also be more reliable.

Secondly, it is strongly recommended to have active lighting on the e-bike. At a minimum, a headlight and a rear position signal for driving at night.