The Ultimate Electric Bike Buyer’s Guide - How to choose the right eBike?
Electric bikes (eBikes) are becoming increasingly popular as a way to get around town, commute to work, or just enjoy a leisurely ride. But with so many different eBikes on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
This guide will help you choose the right eBike by discussing some of the most important factors to consider, such as your budget, riding style, and needs. We'll also provide a few tips on how to find the best deal on an eBike. So whether you're a first-time eBike buyer or you're looking to upgrade your current eBike, read on for everything you need to know about choosing the perfect eBike for you.
Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing an eBike:
- Budget: eBikes can range in price and it may be important for you to know generally the price range/tier of bike you are looking for. Keep in mind, a slightly higher initial investment in a higher-quality bike will actually help you save in the long run.
- Riding style: eBikes are available in a variety of styles, including mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, and folding bikes. Consider how you plan to use your eBike and choose a style that's right for you.
- Needs: Do you need an eBike with a lot of power for long rides, or are you looking for something more basic for short trips? Consider your needs and choose an eBike that has the features you need.
Once you've considered these factors, you can start shopping for your dream eBike. There are a few different places to buy eBikes, including online retailers, local bike shops, and even some department stores. Keep in mind, a local bike shop is the best way to ensure you are getting a high-quality bike from a reputable brand while also getting personalized assistance to help you find the right bike and get the most out of it. When shopping for an eBike, be sure to compare prices and features from different brands. You can also read reviews from other eBike owners to get their feedback on different models.
With a little research, you can find the perfect eBike for your riding style, needs and budget! Let’s take a deeper look into each of these factors:
BUDGET:
Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting your budget for an eBike:
The type of eBike you want. eBikes are available in a variety of styles, including mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, cargo bikes and folding bikes. The type of eBike you or the goals you want to achieve may affect the price range of available eBike options.
The features you need. Some eBikes come with more features than others. Consider which features are important to you and factor that into your budget. For example, if you intend to do off-road riding, a suspension fork and/or rear shock may be a “must have” feature on your bike.
The brand. Some brands of eBikes are more expensive than others, however, many foreign/direct to consumer eBike brands severely sacrifice quality & safety for price. Do some research to find a brand that offers a good balance of quality and price. We’re personally fans of the value/price of eBike options from brands like Trek, Electra and Aventon.
RIDING STYLE:
The next step to choosing the right eBike is to determine your preferred riding style. What do you plan to use your eBike for? Will you be using it for commuting, running errands or ripping on your local mountain bike trails? Once you know how you plan to use your eBike, you can start to narrow down your options even more.
eBikes are available in a variety of styles, including:
Commuter eBikes are designed for getting around town or commuting to work. They are typically lightweight and have a comfortable riding position. We highly recommend the Electra Townie Go! or Trek FX+ as great commuter eBike options.
Recreational eBikes are designed for fun and exploring. They are typically more powerful and have a more aggressive riding position. A couple of recreational eBikes that we love are the Aventon Aventure and Trek Dual-Sport+.
Mountain eBikes are designed for riding off-road. They have powerful motors and suspension systems that can handle rough terrain. As far as electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) go, the Trek Rail lineup or the Trek Fuel EXe are hard to beat!
Folding eBikes are designed for portability. They can be folded up and carried easily, making them a good option for people who live in apartments or don't have a lot of storage space. We’ recommend the Aventon Sinch for anyone wanting a small and compact folding eBike option!
Cargo eBikes are designed for ultimate convenience. They typically include a large area up front or in back to haul kids, groceries or really anything. An example of an excellent cargo eBike is the Trek Fetch+ eBikes.
NEEDS:
Once you know your riding style, you can start to choose the right eBike for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Power: If you plan to use your eBike for commuting or running errands, you'll need an eBike with enough power to help you get around. If you plan to use your eBike for recreation, you'll need an eBike with more power so you can go faster and farther.
Range: The range of an eBike is determined by the size of the battery. If you plan to use your eBike for long rides, you'll need an eBike with a long-range battery.
Weight: eBikes can be heavy, so if you plan to carry your eBike up stairs or store it in a small space, you'll need an eBike that is lightweight.
Once you’ve considered these three factors, you’re equipped to find your dream eBike. That said, it can still be intimidating to search through the seemingly endless option online. That’s where we come in. Mad Dog Cycles is your go-to source for eBikes, accessories and services!
Our expert team and curated selection of eBikes (of all styles and prices ranges), can help make the process of finding the perfect eBike an easy (and fun) one! Please reach out to our team at 801-222-9577 or stop by the shop for a free sales consultation. We not only promise to help you find the right eBike, but we’ll also be there to help make sure you get the most out of your new bike for years to come!