How to Pick the Best Electric Bike | KBO Bike

Cycling on an electric bike, often known as an e-bike, for the very first time may appear to be like finding a superpower. It is because pedal-assist e-bikes broaden your two-wheel options. You can keep up with stop-and-go traffic, haul kids or cargo more effortlessly, arrive at your destination less sweaty, or enjoy more speed on excursions that would have felt too far or too mountainous otherwise. E-bikes are in the same category categorized as regular bikes. The classification includes mountain and road bikes. It also encompasses special e-bikes such as urban, hybrid, cruiser, cargo, and fold-able cycles.

What exactly are electric bikes?

An electric bicycle (e-bike, e Bike, etc.) is a motorized bicycle having an electric motor built in to assist with propulsion. There are several sorts of e-bikes available across the world. They typically fall into the following primary categories: bikes that compensate the rider's pedal-power (i.e., pedelecs) and bikes that add a throttle, combining moped-style features. Both may still be pedaled by the rider, as they are not full motorbikes.

How to Select an Electric Bicycle

When you look at the vast number of electric bicycles available, it's easy to become overwhelmed. This guide tells you all you need to know about picking the best electric bike.

Understanding the Types of Electric Bikes

For regulatory purposes, electric bikes are classed based on their level of motor assistance. The sort of e-bike you require is a vital decision-making point:

Class 1: The motor only operates while you pedal. It ceases to help at a speed of 20 mph.

Class 2: Has both a pedal-assist mode with a peak speed of 20 mph and a throttle-powered mode.

Class 3: Is entirely pedal-assist (in contrast to class 1). However, the assist remains until you reach 28 mph.

A high percentage of first-time riders start with a Class 1 electric bike. Class 1 bikes are the cheapest option. In terms of regulation, the most commonly accepted. One may ride it on city streets as well as different bike lanes. This type of e-bike is becoming more common on traditional mountain bike routes. However, access is not universal, so always double-check beforehand.

Class 2 e-bikes are often allowed in the same places as class 1 e-bikes because both classifications of motor assistance have a top speed of 20 mph.

Class 3 e-bikes are more common amongst commuters and errand runners. They are more powerful and quicker than class 1 bikes (and cost more). The advantage of enhanced performance is that you can keep up with traffic more effectively. They are also able to climb higher and carry heavier loads. The disadvantage is that you will not be allowed to use your electric bike on most bike routes or mountain bike trail systems.

Examine the access regulations before choosing an e-bike class. All of the following access information is provided with the caveat that legislation, licensing, registration, age limitations, and land-management requirements are subject to change. Check with local cities and land management in the locations where you want to ride your electric bike.

Batteries, Riding Ranges, and Motors for E-Bikes

The power plant in each cargo bike receives a lot of attention from the manufacturer. The design trade off is between performance and riding range. A more powerful electric bike engine provides more speed to keep up with traffic and more torque to climb hills and transport cargo. A more powerful motor depletes the battery more quickly, lowering your riding range.

When evaluating prospective e-bikes, you'll notice vast riding-range specifications, such as 20-100 pedal-assisted miles. It is because so many factors influence riding range.

Of course, having a large battery helps: Watt hours (Wh) are the number of hours a battery can sustain 1 watt of electricity before expiring. As a result, motor power is also vital: A 500-watt motor coupled with a 500 Wh battery (a regular class 3 bike arrangement) consumes more power than a 250-watt motor coupled with a 500 Wh battery (a regular class 1 bike setup).

Time of Charge: Most batteries take about three to five hours to get fully charged from empty. Larger-capacity batteries take longer to charge. If you intend to commute by e-bike, you can purchase extra chargers (or bring your charger with you). Faster chargers are also available.

Battery Capacity: Some e-bikes allow bikers to utilize two batteries simultaneously. This additional power can lengthen your ride, and if one battery dies, you have a backup. You may also purchase an extra battery to have a fully charged battery with you. You can also replace your current one when it reaches the end of its useful life (typically several thousand charges).

Battery Installation: Batteries integrated into the frame save up space for bottle cages or a compact bike bag. External and removable batteries are simpler to charge and replace.

Location of the E-Bike Motor

The lower bracket houses the mid-drive motors (the place where the crank arms attach to the bike frame). Hub-drive motors are housed within the hub of the rear wheel (some are on the front wheel).

Mid-drive motors: For several reasons, many electric bikes use this configuration. The pedal assist responds easily, keeping the motor's weight centered and low, which aids in keeping the ride balanced and stable.

Hub-drive motors: Rear-wheel hub-drive motors direct pedal power directly to the rear wheel, creating the sensation of being pushed along. You should know that fixing a flat on a wheel with a hub drive can be more tricky than changing a flat on a regular (or mid-drive) bike. Front-hub drive motors behave similarly to four-wheel-drive cars; they also allow for the use of a regular bike drivetrain at the rear of the bike.

Other Important E-Bike Components and Features

Of course, your e-bike is more than just a motor and battery. More details to consider when comparing e-bikes are as follows:

Pedal-assist activation and pedal feel: The smoother and more responsive the pedal-assist feels, the more performance-oriented the bike. Ride a few e-bikes to find one that responds at the speed and intensity that works best for you.

The different levels of Pedal-assistance: Most motorcycles include three or four levels of Pedal-assistance, allowing you to conserve battery power (eco mode) or summon more speed and torque (in turbo or boost mode).

Integrated accessories: Many e-bikes now include a variety of integrated attachments, including:

Lighting: Commonly found on city and commuter bikes, this is a useful safety feature. The lighting systems differ, with higher-end motorcycles having more powerful lights.

Racks: These strong racks, which are commonly featured on cargo e-bikes, can support hefty loads. E-bikes may also accommodate a variety of independently available racks, albeit you should double-check that it will suit your bike model.

LCDs mounted on the handlebar: Because an e-bike has a lot going on, it is essential to have a handlebar-mounted bike computer that allows you to monitor battery life, pedal-assist mode, miles cycled, speed, and more.

Smartphone Integrations: High-end e-bike components can wirelessly connect to cell phones. GPS, service records, and extra screen capabilities may be available as apps. Some apps even allow you to unlock the inbuilt lock on your bike.

Built-in security: Some bikes come with rear-wheel locks attached to the frame, while others feature locks on the battery that may be keyed to match an electric bike lock supplied by a partner brand (bought separately).

Component quality: Different price tiers of e-bikes indicate similarly tiered component quality. Less expensive e-bikes are likely to lack high-end features such as smartphone connection, as well as value-priced components. Premium ebike brakes, tires, shifters, and drivetrains will be more durable and responsive, much as on a conventional bike.

Frames: Most e-bike frames are composed of aluminum; however, a wide variety of frame choices (from carbon fiber to steel) are becoming available. The most significant factors to total weight are the frame material and design, as well as the size of the motor and battery. E-bikes, which are generally heavier than ordinary bikes, overcome sluggishness with motor assistance. A lighter bike, on the other hand, will feel more agile. So, if you're to choose between two otherwise comparable bikes, the lighter model will almost certainly deliver a smoother ride.

Make Sure The E-Bike Fits Properly

Another fact that applies to both traditional bikes and e-bikes is that the greatest bike for you is one that suits you. Before you ride an e-bike out the door, make sure it feels like it was created for you—or, at the very least, that it can be changed to fit you with a few smart parts swaps.

The most important aspect of achieving a proper fit is understanding what size bike frame you need, which is generally dependent on your height. Aside from frame size, the geometry of an e-bike determines how it is designed to fit your specific body measurements.

Remember that a bike shop is the greatest place to get your body fit dialed in so that your knees, shoulders, back, feet, and hands are all perfectly aligned for the riding position you require. You can also go to a fit specialist for a complete bike fit, which can help you avoid chronic injury and function at your finest while you enjoy your ride.