Alex Farlech https://erideguides.com/author/alex-farlech/ Everything you need to know on electric bikes and electric scooters Thu, 13 Aug 2020 22:07:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 https://www.erideguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Favicon.ico Alex Farlech https://erideguides.com/author/alex-farlech/ 32 32 How Far Can an Electric Bike Go On a Single Charge? https://www.erideguides.com/how-far-can-an-electric-bike-go-on-a-single-charge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-far-can-an-electric-bike-go-on-a-single-charge https://www.erideguides.com/how-far-can-an-electric-bike-go-on-a-single-charge/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:05:35 +0000 https://erideguides.com/?p=1708 Electric bikes are great for leisure and commuting alike. The benefits of a smaller carbon footprint, avoiding traffic and not having to...

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Electric bikes are great for leisure and commuting alike. The benefits of a smaller carbon footprint, avoiding traffic and not having to work as hard as a regular bike demands are all very attractive prospects.

One main concern for many people, however, is exactly how far you can get on a single charge.

After all, if you’re going to run out of battery before you reach your destination, what’s the point?

A variety of factors will determine how far any specific electric bike (e-bike) can travel on a single charge, but you can expect to get anywhere between 30 miles (~50km) and 90 miles (~145km). Some e-bikes boast a range even greater than this.

Determining Factors

It can be helpful to understand why certain e-bikes will have a greater range than others, and what these things will mean for your overall user experience.

There are a lot of things that can influence the exact range of any given e-bike, but the following are some of the major factors that you can keep an eye out for.

The Battery

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The first and most obvious thing that will impact how far the bike can travel is the battery. If you don’t have a background in electronics, a lot of the figures and terms can be pretty confusing to figure out.

The two main terms you will come across are volts, which will be represented by ‘V’ and amp-hours, which will be represented by ‘Ah.’

A fair bit of complicated math is involved in exactly how that correlates with battery life but generally speaking the higher those two figures are, the further you’ll get on a single charge.

Weight

Photo Credit: Unsplash / Vincent Ghilione

Another influential feature is the weight. How much the electric bike, cargo, and rider weigh combined will impact the overall maximum distance that you can travel.

Electric bikes tend to be a fair bit heavier than their non-electric counterparts, so it is important to pay attention to how much the e-bike you are purchasing weighs.

Depending on the type of e-bike you are looking at, you will encounter heavier and lighter models. For example, off-road e-bikes, or e-bikes designed to carry a decent amount of cargo will tend to be heavier than e-bikes designed for commuting.

Pedal Power or Throttle

Photo Credit: Flickr

If you’re looking at an e-bike that is either Class 1 or Class 3, you don’t need to worry about this section too much, as these bikes don’t come with a throttle. If you’re looking at a Class 2 e-bike however, this will be important.

It will reduce the overall range of the e-bike if you use the throttle for long periods of time. This is because it takes more power from the battery than when you are pedaling.

Many e-bikes also gain some battery charge from the energy of your pedaling, which does not happen when you’re only using the throttle.

Terrain

If you’ve ever had to pedal a regular bike up a steep hill you know just how painful it can be and just how much energy it takes to get to the top! The same principle applies to your electric bike.

If you’re going over rough terrain, or there are a lot of hills and obstacles in your way, that can reduce the overall range that your e-bike can attain.

On the other hand, if you have smooth city streets to ride on or plenty of downhill on your journey then your e-bike will likely get you quite far!

Environmental Conditions

Things like wind and weather can also impact how far you can get. A strong tailwind can help you, and a strong headwind will hold you back.

Temperature is also an important factor. Cold weather will make the battery drain faster than it would in a warmer environment.

Similarly, wet weather can impact your overall range. If your e-bike has to work harder to propel you over slippery surfaces or through puddles, that can reduce your range.

Other Factors

A variety of other factors also influence the total range of your e-bike. These include tire pressure, the type of tire, the age of the battery, and your average speed.

All of these factors and even more will have an impact one way or another on your total range. There is no concrete formula that will tell you exactly how far you’ll get on any given electric bike until you take it for a test run.

Most manufacturers and retailers will have a range listed on their website when you’re looking at an e-bike. This range is a good starting point to figure out how far you can get, though when you get the final product, it is a good idea to take it for a test run and see for yourself.

Photo Credit: Visme

How to Find a Good E-bike

With all of those factors to consider, it can be daunting to even start looking at e-bikes. Luckily, there are a few easy tricks you can use to make sure it will be a good bike for you.

As stated above, the higher the figures listed on the battery, the further you’ll get on a single charge. Most e-bikes you’ll come across will be between 36 and 52 volts. The higher the voltage batteries tend to be on heavier duty e-bikes.

While weight can have an impact on the total range, most website estimates will have factored this in when measuring their range.

The main thing for you to focus on is how much cargo you intend to carry on the bike, along with yourself. If you plan to do grocery shopping and carry it home on your e-bike, for example, this will impact your total range.

If your e-bike comes with a throttle, it’s important to note that most range estimates will have been made based on pedal power. If you want to get further, favoring pedaling over the throttle will help.

Terrain and environment are largely out of your control, however, there are e-bikes designed specifically to tackle rougher terrain so if you are concerned that your local area will have a big impact on your range, one of these e-bikes might be best.

It is also a great idea to make sure that once you have your e-bike of choice, that you stay on top of basic maintenance and ensure that you’re riding on the recommended tire pressure for maximum range.

The higher the pressure, the further you’ll get, but this will give you a much rougher ride. If you don’t need to maximize range, slightly lower tire pressure can really give your joints a break.

We’re Here to Help!

We know that getting into the world of electric bikes can be a little daunting, so we are always available to help!

We have tons of great articles to answer some common questions and to give you some great advice on things you might not even have thought about.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered yet, feel free to get in touch or leave a comment and we will do our very best to help you out!

Feel free to share this article with any friends who might be interested in this great form of transport.

After all, the only thing more fun than getting out into some fresh air on your electric bike is doing it with a friend!

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Electric Bike Safety Gear for Fashionable Riders https://www.erideguides.com/fashionable-electric-bike-safety-gear/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fashionable-electric-bike-safety-gear https://www.erideguides.com/fashionable-electric-bike-safety-gear/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:00:43 +0000 https://erideguides.com/?p=1635 Electric bikes are a whole lot of fun, but it is important to keep in mind that, like any other bike, there...

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Electric bikes are a whole lot of fun, but it is important to keep in mind that, like any other bike, there are risks involved with riding them.

The last thing you want is to come off and end up with an egg on your head.

With that in mind, today we will be looking at some stylish safety gear to keep you looking your best while keeping yourself in one piece!

Helmets

The number one thing you need to keep safe is a helmet. If you’re anything like me, however, you probably find that most helmets you come across look pretty dorky on their best day.

Fear not!

I’ve compiled 5 helmets that will make you look great.

#5. Smith Signal MIPS Bike Helmet


This stylish piece of headwear will keep your skull intact when you’re out on the road, but will also turn plenty of heads for all the right reasons!

Not only is it lightweight and breathable, but it also comes fitted with an easy to use adjuster wheel to make sure the helmet fits tightly on your head!

This particular helmet comes in 6 different colors, so you can match it to your e-bike, backpack, or anything else!


#4. Generies Baseball Cap Style Bike Helmet

Hey, maybe you just don’t like the look of helmets all together? No biggie, this list has you covered too! What better way to disguise your helmet than making it look like a hat?

Not only will this keep your head safe, but it comes with all the benefits of wearing a regular hat as well! Do you face a grueling morning ride into the sun? Well, the brim of this helmet will do a great job of blocking the glare for you!

The black and chrome combo is a pretty nice look and it really makes this a stylish choice for anyone looking to avoid anything resembling a traditional helmet!


#3. Lazer Street Deluxe Helmet

This helmet takes a more traditional approach to its design, but that doesn’t mean they skimped on features and beauty. It includes a brim just like the last design, but unlike the last one, the brim on this helmet is removable which can be very useful if you’re riding in the evening.

It has plenty of vents for breathability too, so you won’t have to worry about your head overheating if you’re riding in hot summer weather!

It has a very nice dark wood finish, which really sets this helmet apart from those like it and adds an amazing style to it that will never go out of fashion!


#2. Segway Ninebot Bike Helmet


Segway has been a staple of the electric transport world for almost 20 years now, so you can be sure that their helmet will benefit from that long legacy in the field!

Stylish, breathable, and almost futuristic looking in design, this helmet brings functionality and style together and marries them together perfectly. This helmet comes with moisture wicking fabric to quickly cool your head and keep you sweat-free!

Coming in matte black, you have the added bonus of not blinding everyone who is turning to marvel at your unparalleled style on the street!


#1. Salomon Brigade+ Audio

This one is a little different, as it was designed with snowboarders in mind. But don’t be deterred, because this piece of head protection is a great choice for those of us that love music just as much as our eBike!

This helmet comes with an inbuilt sound system so you can jam out on your morning commute or when you’re riding around town to relax.

It also has an adjustable vent so you can control airflow through the helmet to avoid all the nasty sweat that comes with a lot of helmets. It comes in either black or gunmetal grey to really add to the futuristic, techy aesthetic that it’s aiming for!

Gloves

Whether its the weather or falls that you’re worried about, gloves are some of the most important, and most overlooked pieces of unobtrusive safety gear.

When the temperatures drop, and it’s frigid outside, your hands will really feel the chill when you get up to speed. The same applies when it gets very hot, and the handles of your eBike feel like they’re on fire!

When you come off, your first instinct is to put your hands out to catch yourself, and the last thing you want is skinned hands and bruised knuckles when you have places to be!

This section will cover some stylish choices to protect you from falls, as well as unpleasant weather!


#5. Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Cycling Gloves

If you are in a relatively mild climate, then you might enjoy the added flexibility that these fingerless gloves offer. With comfortable, ergonomic gel padding you will be well protected without having to worry about an uncomfortable riding experience.

Another great bonus is that you’ll be able to interact with your devices when you’re stopped, without having to remove your gloves and put them back on before you go.

This has a further edge on gloves with touch screen sensitive fingers in that it is far more precise, and you can still use fingerprint biometric features.


#4. Dakine Covert Gloves

For people in a hotter climate, these gloves might be a good choice for you! These gloves are very lightweight and breathable, while at the same time offering full hand protection from falls or incredibly hot parts of your eBike!

One incredibly handy feature is the microfleece thumb panel to take care of any sweat on your brow, or the occasional runny nose.

These gloves come equipped with touch-sensitive thumbs and fingers so you can keep in touch with everyone on the go, even if you can’t use your fingerprints to unlock your phone like the previous pair!


#3. CoolChange Winter Bike Gloves

If you are in a cold climate, fear not, you are covered too! I mean, just look at these stylish gloves. They come in a few different colors, so don’t fret if red isn’t your favorite!

These gloves have plenty of gel padding to cushion your ride and your falls, and the thicker fabric will keep your fingers from freezing off in the cold winds.

These gloves also come with touch-sensitive fingers, so you won’t be forced to weather the cold when you want to check your phone during your commute!


#2. The Bird Glove v2


If leather is more your style, then this glove has you set. It’s made with soft but durable leather to ensure comfort and safety during your ride, while still looking great!
It has reinforced knuckle protection so if you do happen to come off, you’re not going to do any serious damage there. And if someone cut you off and caused the fall, the namesake and highlighted finger that gives this glove it’s namesake might come in handy!

Unfortunately, this glove is not touch-sensitive, so if you happen to get a call or text while you’re out on the road, you will have to remove the glove to take it.


#1. INBIKE Core Full Finger Gloves

These gloves are the epitome of what makes all the gloves on this list great. They’re gel-cushioned, breathable, and touch-sensitive, all wrapped up in a stylish package.

The palm has a slip-proof design, which comes in especially handy for eBikes that come with a twist throttle, and will help keep you speeding along in rain, hail, or shine!

The easy velcro seal makes putting these gloves on super easy which is always a plus, and the reflective logo will help keep you visible at night!


Other Safety Gear

There is plenty of other safety gear that you can use, though, for casual riders or commuters these items aren’t essential.

One great piece of safety equipment to invest in if you’re worried you’ll come off is a pair of knee pads. The knees are, aside from the hands, the part of your body most likely to be impacted.

#1. ZENHOX Heavey Duty Knee Pads

Kneepads like these are great because they are super easy to put on and take off over the top of whatever pants you’re wearing, so you’re not stuck wandering around in bulky kneepads when you get to your destination.

Another item that may not jump to mind when you’re thinking of safety gear is sunglasses.

One of the best things you can do to avoid accidents, and thus keep yourself safe is to invest in a pair of sunglasses to ensure you can see where you’re going and what obstacles are ahead on a bright day!


#2. Black Cycling Sunglasses

Glasses like these cycling glasses by Hawkers will fit neatly underneath your helmet and keep you from being blinded by glare. They also offer wrap-around lenses to protect you from peripheral light as well!

With this list, you are now equipped to keep yourself safe and stylish no matter where your eBike takes you!

If you’re looking for exactly which electric bike to pair with these fashion choices or have any questions about eBikes, take a look around the site for all the information you might need!

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The 4 Best Electric Bikes for Cities https://www.erideguides.com/best-electric-bikes-for-cities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-electric-bikes-for-cities https://www.erideguides.com/best-electric-bikes-for-cities/#respond Thu, 02 Jul 2020 19:33:23 +0000 https://erideguides.com/?p=1538 Commuting in a city environment is always a nightmare. Whether it’s crowded public transport, gridlocked traffic, or costly Uber trips eating away...

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Commuting in a city environment is always a nightmare.

Whether it’s crowded public transport, gridlocked traffic, or costly Uber trips eating away at your bank account, it’s never easy getting from A to B when there are thousands of other people in your way.

But all is not lost! eBikes are the newest player on the block when it comes to travel, and there are some great benefits to them you might not have considered.

They combine all the best parts of riding a bike in the city and cut out a whole lot of sweat-inducing pedaling to sweeten the deal!

We have compiled a list of the 4 best electric bikes on the market to help you get around the urban jungle without all the headaches that usually come with commuting!

4. e-Joe – Epik SE

 


eJoe Bike

The eJoe Epik SE Electric Folding Bike is a great bike for city living. Its foldable design allows for easy storage in small apartments or in the workplace. Completely folded, it measures 35″ x 24″ x 17″ (89cm x 61cm x 43cm.)

The Epik SE boasts a very respectable 40-mile (64km) range and a 500-watt motor. In addition to this, it has a rear luggage rack which will help you transport cargo that won’t quite fit in a backpack.

The Epik SE comes in four different colors which will definitely help you stand out of the crowd!

Additionally, the Epik SE comes fitted with puncture-resistant tires, 5 levels of pedal assist, and a thumb throttle for when that hill seems just a bit too steep to be bothered with!

The front suspension is a little soft on this bike, so if you’re in a city with a lot of potholes, you might find there are a few uncomfortable bumps along the way if you don’t keep your eyes open, though it will keep you comfortable as long as you avoid any big holes.

The Epik SE is a little on the heavy side, weighing in at 50lbs (22kg) including the battery.

It does come with an in-built handle to help carry the load, but if you have a lot of stairs to contend with, this will definitely be a bit of a workout.

The battery is internal when the bike is in its riding position, but you are able to remove it once it has been folded to help distribute the weight.

Coming in at $1399, it’s in the moderately priced, and it will get you a long way on a single charge if you don’t mind lugging it around with you.

Pros:

  • Reasonably Priced
  • Good Range
  • Decent Luggage Options

Cons:

  • Bulkier than Average
  • Heavy
  • Soft Suspension

3. Brompton – E-bike M2L


Brompton

The Brompton Bicycle brand has been well established long before electric bikes were even conceived of. Their electric models emulate the same level of sophistication that their customers have come to expect from their products.

This bike has a max range of 20-45 Miles (30-70km).

By far the Brompton M2L is one of the smallest foldable eBikes on the market, measuring just 22.2” x 23” x 10.6″ (56.5cm x 58.5cm x 27cm).

It achieves this by having relatively small wheels, measuring at just 16″ (40cm), and by folding in 3 locations rather than just a single middle hinge.

It has rear suspension in the form of a compressible rubber section where the rear wheel folds but lacks any dedicated front suspension.

The handlebars do have a small amount of flexibility that helps to cushion minor bumps that you may come across, but any serious potholes or consistently rough road may cause a bit of discomfort in the hand and arms after prolonged use.

This model comes with some extras along with the bike to add to the utility, including a 1.5L pocket for storage in addition to simply holding the battery.

This is easily removable to distribute it’s already lightweight, weighing in at just 36lbs (17kg) including the battery, across two hands.

The M2L has a base model, as well as some extra add-ons that you can buy when you place your order, such as a fast charger and a 20L city bag to help you carry all your extras.

This bike is on the expensive side of the spectrum, coming in at around $3,200 and with the added expense of the extras to get the most out of it, this can be a significant drawback to those who are trying to save money.

Pros:

  • Reputable Brand
  • Lightweight
  • Very Small Folded

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • No Front Suspension
  • Extras add to Price

2. Rad Power Bikes – RadRunner 1


Rad Power Bikes

If you need an eBike that will replace any other form of transport you could possibly need, the RadRunner 1 is hard to go past.

The sheer amount of cargo that you can pack onto this thing makes it so much more versatile than any other eBike before it. It has a rear rack that can hold up to 120lbs (54kg) and even more storage can be added onto that!

It has big, beefy tires to keep you moving when you’re laden down with a whole lot of cargo.

The inclusion of a dual leg kickstand will ensure that the bike won’t topple over when you step off it even if you leave all your belongings on it, and adds stability when you are loading and unloading the bike.

This bike really is built to get you, and everything you need to carry, where you need to be. It has a 750W motor to keep you up to speed and on the move.

This bike is great for families as well, with the rear rack being suitable for a children’s seat, or even a second padded seat for an adult.

It has a range of 25-45 miles (40-72km) trending towards the lower end when it is fully loaded up. Given that it is so purpose-built for sturdiness and carrying capacity, this bike isn’t foldable and weighs a very heavy 65lbs (29kg) so it is definitely a factor to consider for those living in high rise structures.

Priced at $1,199, the RadRunner 1 is incredibly well priced but doesn’t skimp on quality in the slightest.

For those living in the city who have reservations over getting an eBike because they’re concerned they can’t carry as much as a car offers, this bike is definitely the solution!

Pros:

  • Great price
  • Huge cargo capacity
  • Great for families

Cons:

  • Doesn’t fold
  • Very Heavy
  • Low range when fully loaded

1. VanMoof – S3


VanMoof

The VanMoof S3 is one of the most sophisticated and modern electric bikes on the market. It’s a stylish bike with a whole load of features packed into it, with barely even a hint that it’s an electric bike at all to the casual observer!

This bike is so advanced that it even comes with an app so you can manage all the settings, such as the speeds at which gears change. It also sets the max assisted speed to the legal limit of the country you live in!

The S3 has a 500W motor and a ‘turbo’ feature to help you take off quickly. It also has the benefit of full-sized bike wheels, which make for a smoother ride on rougher roads.

The fully enclosed drivetrain will make sure that your chain stays where it’s supposed to be, no matter what.

The main draw of the VanMoof S3 is the incredible security features. The S3 comes fitted with a magnetic rear wheel lock as well as an alarm and tracking system, all controlled through your phone!

Even better, if you do have your bike stolen VanMoof will send someone to collect it on your behalf.

It weighs 41lbs (19kg) so it’s definitely on the heavy side and even more so if you splash out on the extras, such as a front and rear bag which can carry an additional 55lbs (25kg) of cargo along with you.

It boasts four gears, though the gear switch is automatic without a manual override.

With a max range of a huge 37-93 miles (60-150km) you will definitely be able to get where you’re going and back on a single charge!

At $1,998, it’s a bit of an investment but it is built to last, so it is something that you’ll be able to keep for a very long time.

Pros:

  • Amazing theft prevention
  • Huge Range
  • Full-sized wheels

Cons:

  • Heavy 
  • No manual shift
  • Doesn’t fold

Hopefully, these suggestions help you on your journey to finding the perfect electric bike for you! There are so many great products on the market and even more on the horizon as the technology advances.

There has never been a better time to start looking at electric bikes as an alternative form of transport.

There is plenty to learn about eBikes, so make sure to have a look around the site and learn a thing or two about these great vehicles before you rush off to make your first purchase!

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How Much Does an Electric Bike Cost? https://www.erideguides.com/how-much-does-an-electric-bike-cost/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-much-does-an-electric-bike-cost https://www.erideguides.com/how-much-does-an-electric-bike-cost/#respond Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:39:55 +0000 https://erideguides.com/?p=1553 When you’re first looking at electric bikes, it can be hard to know whether the price you’re looking at is fair. Depending...

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When you’re first looking at electric bikes, it can be hard to know whether the price you’re looking at is fair.

Depending on where you look, you’re likely to see wildly different price tags ranging from $500 to well over $10,000!

How can you tell whether you’re getting a good deal?

There are a variety of features and aspects to consider when making your purchase, but a general rule of thumb is that an electric bike between $1,000 and $3,000 will give you a good balance between performance, quality, and price.

That being said, there is a lot of variety between different types of electric bikes and their intended purposes. There are specialty eBikes for a whole variety of tasks and activities, and the specific demands of each of those activities can impact the final price.

Before I purchased my first electric bike, I was at a loss for what I needed and how that should reflect in the price, but you can reap the rewards of my trial and error!

Below are some of the most important things to consider before you buy your first eBike.

And more importantly, how much those things will impact the final price!

The first thing you’ll need to know is the difference between the three classes of electric bikes.

Class One:

Class one electric bikes have no throttle and only offer pedal-assisted power. The max speed of these bikes is 20mph (32kph). These bikes are typically regulated the same as non powered bikes.

Class Two:

Class two electric bikes have both pedal-assisted power and throttle, with a max speed of 20mph (32kph) just like the class one electric bikes. In most places, these bikes are also treated the same as regular bikes.

Class Three:

Class three electric bikes are only equipped with pedal-assisted power but have a greater max speed of 28mph (45kph).

These bikes have varying legislation governing how they are treated, with some places treating them the same as motorbikes. It is important to find out about local legislation before purchasing a bike of this kind to avoid fines.

So, once you’ve decided on the class of eBike you’re going to purchase, it’s worth taking a look at some other features that can have a big impact on price and quality.

Folding or Non-Folding

Electric bikes come in a huge amount of different shapes and sizes. The main decision you’ll want to make before you pick out a specific body type is whether you want a foldable eBike or a non-foldable model.

Folding eBikes

The main draw for folding eBikes is the ability to keep it stored out of the way. It’s a great path to explore for people living in apartments, or if you’re planning on taking it to work with you.

The compactibility of these models also makes it much more viable to take with you on public transport or even in the back of your car if you want to take it for a leisure ride far from home.

These benefits don’t come without their downsides of course. Foldable bikes tend to have much smaller wheels than their non-foldable counterparts, which can make a bumpy road quite a bit less comfortable than it would be otherwise.

The impact that smaller wheels have on speed is less severe than it would be on a standard bike thanks to the electric motor, but if you plan to use pedal power to get above the speed cap that electric bikes have, you will have a tougher time on a foldable bike than you otherwise might.

Non-Folding eBikes

Much like a regular non-folding bike, there is plenty to recommend a non-folding eBike. If you want to take your eBike on trails, you’ll definitely want to invest in a non-folding model. The increase in stability that the rigid frame and larger wheels afford are indispensable when you’re riding on anything other than paved roads or manicured grass!

Another feature that these models have over the folding variety is their ability to carry cargo. The lack of hinges and locking mechanisms mean that non-foldable eBikes can carry more weight along with the rider without risking something coming loose.

The obvious downside to non-foldable eBikes is their size. It is a lot easier to store an electric bike when you can fold it up and stick it in a corner. If you’re living in a small place, or you need to take it inside with you to keep it safe at work, things might get a little crowded with the addition of a larger model.

What Else to Consider?

There are so many other little bits and pieces that you could worry about when you’re buying your bike that it could stop you from buying it altogether.

Luckily, you really don’t need to focus on most of it. Once you’ve picked out what class and general body type you’re happy with, there are only a couple of other things to think about.

Range:

Knowing how far you’re going to get on a single charge will save you a whole lot of sweat and leg pain. Once the power cuts out of your eBike, it’s still ridable but the added weight of all those electronics can definitely be felt when you’re doing all the work!

Most manufacturers will have a range listed on their websites, and you can expect to get anywhere from 20 miles (32km) up to around 40 miles (64km).

Once you have your bike, it’s always a good idea to give it a full charge and then go see for yourself how far you can get. There are plenty of factors that can impact the range of the product you receive and you don’t want to overestimate how far you’ll get!

Intended Purpose:

Having a good idea of what you want to do with your electric bike will inform a lot of the decisions you make about the final product you purchase.

If you plan to go offroad, you’ll likely want a big wheel eBike with good suspension.

If you’re planning to use it as your main commuting vehicle, it might be wise to go for a model with disk brakes and high-quality lights to avoid accidents.

If you want to carry a lot of goods with you, it is a good idea to look at bikes with racks and bag slots to make certain you don’t have to leave anything behind.

Generally speaking the details sort themselves out once you’re clear on how you intend to use the eBike. Once you’ve sorted that out, the marketing buzzwords and extra fluff that companies try to sell you won’t seem so daunting!

How Will These Factors Affect the Total Cost of Your eBike?

Naturally, these wide varieties of differences will impact the total cost of your eBike. The table below will cover the main varieties of eBike and their adjusted value.

Type Purpose Cost Why?
Standard General riding activities $1,000 – $3,000
Quality batteries, motors, and engineering without a whole bunch of unnecessary bells and whistles fall into this price range
Folding Easy Storage and Portability $1,500 – $3,500
The extra folding mechanics can be hard to get right and spending a little more for this feature to ensure quality is wise
Cargo Carrying a lot of stuff $1,800 – $8,000
Making sure that your eBike is strong enough to not just hold, but propel large amounts of cargo means that the price point is a bit higher than regular eBikes.
Off-Road Mountain trails and other rough terrains $2,000 – $5,000
Electric parts add a lot of extra weight to a bike, and propelling that over uneven ground in a speedy manner is a tall order. You’ll have to spend a little more for these features.

Cost After Purchasing

Like any mode of transport, there will likely be some additional costs after you purchase your new eBike.

The only upfront costs will be any extras you decide to pick up to add to the utility of your new set of wheels.

Optional Extras:

These are the fun aftermarket expenses that can really add to your experience.

The first thing you’ll want to get your hands on is a helmet. Okay, this one isn’t all that fun. Speaking from experience, however, I can attest that coming off a bike moving at 20mph (32kmh) and landing square on your head is a whole lot less fun!

After that, you might want to look at getting some storage if it doesn’t already come with enough. A backpack is a great way to go with this, but there are also plenty of bags made specifically for bikes and eBikes.

A repair kit and tire pump are also some less exciting investments to make, but when you’re on your way home from a long day at work and you ride over a shard of broken glass, a quick patch and pump up will potentially save your evening!

A water bottle holder will also go a long way to increasing your user experience if the bike isn’t already fitted with one. They’re pretty cheap, and the relief you get from that first mouthful of water when you come to a stop is priceless.

Repairs and Maintainance:

These are a little less fun, but essential to keeping your eBike in good condition.

Getting your eBike serviced regularly will keep it running at peak efficiency and will generally keep it going for a whole lot longer. It is recommended to get it serviced approximately every six months when you’re actively riding it, or around every 500 miles (800kms).

This will likely cost somewhere around $150 for a basic service, and it will help flag any major problems that might be creeping up without your notice, like battery wear and tear, or rust.

Of course, there is basic repairs such as changing tires and tubes, though it is worth noting that depending on the way your eBike is configured, this may require some extra tools. Depending on your tire type, this can cost anywhere between $20 and $60.

Finally, there is likely the biggest repair cost, which is replacing the battery. The battery should last for a long time, but if at any time it does fail, it will cost between $500 and $800 to replace. The battery should last for 3 to 5 years, however, and can last even longer with proper care.

Overall, in a ten-year span, including maintenance, battery replacements, and an annual tire and tube replacement you will be looking at an additional $3,000 – $5,000 in repairs and maintenance.

As time goes on, eBikes will only continue to advance and become more mainstream. Their significantly lower cost to run and maintain than traditional motor vehicles are a major draw, and armed with this knowledge you stand to spend as little as you need to for a quality product.

Take a look around the site to find more great tips and recommendations!

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